FRAMING ON A BUDGET
Have you ever set out to frame an art print, only to find that the frames are actually more expensive than the artwork itself?
If so, you are not alone! This is actually a very common issue. Here you will find a few tips and tricks to find a frame without breaking the bank.
1. Don’t frame your print!
That’s right! Seems like it’s too simple of a solution but the truth is, you don’t actually have to frame an art print at all. Who invented the rules for framing artwork anyways? If it’s too expensive to frame, just find a nice shelf space that you can set the print upright on and enjoy! Not only does going sans-frame help you save money, but it also saves you the time and hassle of hanging and leveling a framed work of art.
Take a look at how Studio McGee styled this artwork without a frame in their Park City Canyons Remodel.
Tips if you choose to go sans-frame:
Avoid removing the print from protective packaging if you can.
Do not use pins in any way shape or form (prints and sharp objects don’t mix, unless your goal is to devalue your print).
Definitely do not use tape or any kind of sticky adhesive directly on the art print to hang it on the wall.
These are big no-nos if you want your print to last and keep it damage-free! Remember, you bought a high quality fine art print, not a poster. Treat it with a little love and respect and you’ll be able to enjoy its beauty for many years to come.
2. Shop At The Big Department Stores
It is hard to beat the prices large department stores like Walmart, Homesense and Ikea can offer. If you are looking for a new product without a hefty price tag, this is where you will get the most bang for your buck. You can also get further discounts by keeping an eye on the flyers and shopping for clearance items at these stores.
In a future blog post we will break down and compare frame quality and variety from a few of our favorite affordable bulk supplier stores here at Coastal Ink Studios.
3. Shop in the clearance section
Who doesn’t love a bargain? If you are worried about the quality of some of the frames from the stores we listed in point # 2, you might want to consider shopping in the sales section at your favorite upscale brand stores instead. Personally, I love good quality products and don’t mind spending a little bit extra if the construction and materials are better quality. While you might need to wait for a good sale, if you want to buy a brand new frame for your new art print, you can often find a great deal in the clearance sections.
Artist Tip: Another great way to score some savings on your frame is to check if there are floor models available in-store for a solid discount.
4. Buy Second Hand
If you are willing to be a little more adventurous, you should consider buying a used frame from your local thrift store! Not only is this an eco-friendly choice, but it’s also an awesome opportunity to find something that is truly unique and a work of art unto itself.
Note: This is a great way to do a gallery wall with mis-matched frames. Check out this eclectic gallery wall styling from streetfleastyle for inspiration.
Eclectic gallery wall from streetfleastyle
Feeling extra creative? Consider taking things a step further and do a little DIY paint job on your vintage thrifted frame to make it look new and modern! I love this tutorial by Bree Larson from Rain and Pine. She made these old, ornate, thrifted frames look modern and fresh with a simple application of white chalk paint.
Bree Larson from Rain and Pain with White Chalk Frames
More white chalk frames from Rain and Pine
Tips when buying frames from a thrift store:
Don’t just shop in the blank frames section, but also take a look to see if there are any already framed works of art too. Chances are you might find something that is one-of-a-kind and you can simply remove the artwork that is in the frame. (My fiance’s brother and his wife did this with several frames from Value Village and saved a bundle while creating some unique displays that they sprinkled throughout their wedding decor.)
Make sure you take a measuring tape with you and know the size of frame that you are looking for so you don’t end up with a frame that is the wrong size. The sizes may not always be listed on the frame if you are buying it used.
5. Build It Yourself
If you are blessed with handiness (or know someone who is) then building a frame from scratch is one of the coolest approaches you can take, with limitless customization options. Lucky for us, we live in the amazing 21st Century and there is a how-to video for everything these days! Time to hit up Youtube! Not only is this option budget friendly, but you also have the complete freedom to create exactly whatever you can imagine. Plus you get the flexibility to opt for plexiglass instead of regular glass, which is a much more durable alternative.
In all seriousness, building a frame yourself can be especially economical if you are trying to frame anything 16x20 inches or larger. Unsurprisingly, the bigger the print you have, the harder it can be to find an affordable frame! You just need to buy the materials and account for your time. Make sure to be aware that depending on the materials you use and how confident you are with your building skills, it might actually end up costing you more time than you are willing to spend for something that is ready-made, but it’s hard to put a price on the being able to tell the story of how you made the frame yourself when you are showing your new art print to your friends.
Artist Tip: When selecting matting (or any materials that are touching the print for that matter) make sure you are always using acid-free everything. This prevents yellowing and aging of the print and materials over time and will keep your print looking as fresh as the day you ordered it from the Coastal Ink Studios shop!
6. Avoid Custom Framing
While custom framing can be incredibly beautiful, chances are if you are on a tight budget, it’s not going to be a good option for you. With so many other choices out there, you should not ever feel like you have to get something custom framed.
Sometimes artwork can come in odd sizes which makes it difficult to find a ready-made frame. This is why at Coastal Ink Studios, you will only find the more common sizes used for all of our prints. If you do find yourself with a print that is an odd size, you can consider purchasing a ready-made frame with matting that is smaller than the print. There’s always a way to make ready-made frames work.
If you are in a situation where you feel you have no other options, you can definitely consider a custom frame but remember, it will come with a high cost. That being said, if you can afford custom framing and you are wanting something that is completely tailored to you, I highly recommend researching local frame shops. Professional frame shops charge what they charge for a reason; they are experts and they are going to do a fantastic job, and you’ll be supporting another kind of local artist at the same time.
There you have it! There are tons of creative ways to be able to find a frame that can fit your budget. There is no excuse for *not* displaying your beautiful artworks. So what are you waiting for? Lets get framing!
P.S. I love to see people’s creative solutions to framing their artwork, so if you’ve used the tips from today’s post to frame your art, or you have an awesome suggestion that I missed then definitely leave it in the comments section down below for all to admire!
With Love,
Kristi