When some people want to frame something, they grab a ready-made frame from a big-box store. Others shop online to get slightly more framing choices. In both cases, options are pretty limited—you usually end up with a frame that doesn’t quite fit and a boring standard mat that doesn’t do your piece any justice. But for savvy shoppers who care about design, custom framing is the only way to go! The best-kept secret about custom framing is that it includes a free design consultation with a framing expert. With a design consultation, you’ll explore a range of hand-picked options that complement what you’re framing and your decor style. The result? A stunning bespoke frame crafted just for you that truly elevates your piece.
How to get started
Before your consultation, look at what you’d like to frame. Why is this piece special? Is there anything you’d like to highlight? Do you have a design direction in mind? Think about your answers beforehand so you can share them with the designer when you arrive. If the finished piece will be displayed in your home, it’s also helpful to snap a few pictures of where you’ll place it. Not sure where you want to hang it? Having some photos of your decor style to show the framer is still helpful.
Enjoying your free design consultation at FastFrame is easy—simply visit your local store to get started. You can also contact us ahead of time if you have any questions or limited availability.
Getting to know you
When you come in, our framers will dive right in with some questions. We’ll want to know the significance of your piece and why you want to frame it. Be sure to share if it has value (whether sentimental or financial) since that can affect framing choices. We’ll also want to know your decor style—this is where those pictures come in handy! If the custom frame will be a gift, share what you know about the recipient’s decor style. Lastly, tell us about any vision you have for framing the piece so we can tailor your suggestions accordingly.
Exploring your options
There’s simply no substitution for experiencing premium framing materials in person. Our expert designers will hand-pick the best options based on what works best for your piece and your style. We’ll start with mats, exploring options that complement the undertones in your piece or a feature you want to highlight. We may suggest multiple mats to make more of a statement or, occasionally, no mat for an ultra-minimalist look. Next, we’ll move on to frames, choosing a selection from our wide assortment of materials, colors, sizes, and styles. Lastly, we’ll look at the best glazing choices for your piece, including anti-reflective and UV-protective options.
We can also talk you through special techniques and treatments, such as float mounting (great for adding depth and highlighting unique edges), fillets (smaller pieces of moulding that add an extra layer of decoration within the frame), and conservation-grade framing (for valuable pieces that require additional protection).
Handcrafting your custom frame
After you and your framer have decided on the perfect framing options, you can head home, and we’ll start handcrafting your frame! The artisans at FastFrame have years of experience creating custom frames for everything from art and jerseys to needlepoints and memorabilia. No matter what you’re framing, you can depend on our professionals to create the perfect bespoke display. Each one of our custom frames is beautifully constructed and built to last, so you can enjoy your new display for decades to come. In fact, we’re so confident in our artistry that each custom frame comes with a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee.
Enjoying your finished piece
Once your piece is finished, all that’s left is to come pick it up! We work hard to create a balanced composition that perfectly displays your special piece, and we want you to be absolutely blown away when you see it. Each component, from frame style and mat width to mounting technique and glazing choice, should work together to create a true work of art. But if your finished piece isn’t quite what you envisioned, we’ll make it right. Our industry-leading True Love Guarantee® means that we’ll redesign your piece within 30 days of the sale, in the same price range—at no additional charge. We’ll do what it takes to ensure you love your new custom frame.
Visit us
We’d love to handcraft your next custom frame! Visit your local FastFrame store to get started. Do you want to be extra prepared for your design consultation? Read How to Custom Frame Your Artwork Like a Pro for more professional framing tips.
