Art is a perfect way to inject personality and life into your New York home. Through prints, illustrations, paintings, or photographs you can add color, texture, and even a personal story to your apartment, creating arrangements that make you happy every time you see them. One problem: the custom framing process can get very expensive. While the custom route is worth it in certain situations (especially when it comes to valuable or antique pieces), it simply isn’t practical if you’re looking to frame a lot of art. Luckily, there are great affordable framing options out there that look just as good as custom and won’t break the bank. Here are a few ideas:
Framebridge
Framebridge is an online service that allows you to create a custom frame and mat that will perfectly fit your piece. You have the option to choose among various frame types, like classic wood, gold bamboo, rustic white, and more. To get started, you either mail your art to Framebridge in a prepaid envelope, or upload an image for them to frame (you can even have your Instagram pictures framed!). Next, Framebridge carefully measures your piece and frames it for you. It arrives ready to hang, with free shipping, and the hardware is included.
Framed and Matted
With Framed and Matted, the process is simple: On their website, you enter the dimensions of your art and indicate whether you’d like a mat. You can even upload a picture of your art in order to virtually see it in each frame option before purchasing. Once you’ve settled on your frame, they send it to you and you mount the art yourself (a simple process). The hardware is included and you’re ready to hang. They have black, white, wood, gold, and silver frame options.
Simply Framed
Simply Framed, like Framebridge, is a mail-in service. They send you a tube or mailer, you send them your art, and it arrives back at your doorstep framed and ready to hang. The frame options at Simply Framed are simple (as the name suggests), but chic and never boring. You can get a classic look here that will never go out of style.
Etsy
Etsy is another option if you’re looking for a custom frame. There are many sellers that will be able to craft a piece to your measurements. Another option on Etsy is to look for vintage or antique frames, which can lend a worldly, patina-ed look to your art.
Retailers
Retailers such as West Elm, Pottery Barn, and CB2 carry affordable frames that are perfectly gorgeous. Many have extra-wide mats — a chic, modern look that lends extra gravitas to your art. If your piece is a standard size like 8×10 or 11×14, these retailers are affordable framing options, as the frames will be significantly less expensive than custom.
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