Photo Framing On A Budget
When putting your home together, a few well-placed framed photos or prints can go a long way in adding some character to each room. The only problem is that if you’ve already invested big in large statement pieces or other furniture, it can be hard to see where the money’s going to come from.
Fear not. Although you may have chosen to spend elsewhere, it’s possible to have both personal pictures and professional artwork framed even if you’ve got a limited budget. Here’s how.
Picture Frames: What You Need To Consider
Firstly, it will come as no surprise that certain picture frames cost more than others. That much is obvious, even to the most inexperienced photo framer. Yet it’s an awareness of what you need to do to bring costs down that will allow you to stay clearly within your budget. Let’s explore your options.
Type of frame. First off, photo frames can be made from many different materials, including wood, polystyrene and aluminium. And the material that you choose will affect the price you pay – it really is that simple. In most instances, you should expect to spend more on a thick ornate picture frame moulding than you would on a basic metal design. Another thing worth noting here is that frames that are a little pricier will typically last longer and offer better protection than ultra-cheap options, so you really have to weigh it up.
Optional extras. Whilst accessories like mount boards and hooks can enhance both your picture and its frame, such things aren’t always necessary. If you wish to display your piece as is, you won’t need to worry about a mount. The same applies to hanging equipment, especially if you want your picture to sit on a sideboard.
Printing your picture. What are you planning to frame? If it’s a picture that needs printing, then you should also factor this cost into your budget. There may be companies that provide a joint price for printing and framing, so it could be worth shopping around for such a service. If you don’t, you may end up spending more in the long run. It really is a balancing act.
Talking to the experts. Sometimes, it’s easier just to go directly to the source. But it’s this sort of convenience that can hike up your costs. So for all the time (and money) you spend talking to professional framers, it may be beneficial to do all the basics yourself. This means getting the tape measure out and taking your photo’s measurements first-hand. Doing this will allow you to find out what size of frame and mount is best for you, before inputting these dimensions into an online designer tool such as ours. You can find out how to measure your pictures accurately by reading our many how-to guides. Simple!
Which Picture Frame Is Right For You?
Now you’ve got more of an idea of where to save money, you can start thinking about which sort of frame you’d like to purchase. Choosing a suitable picture frame is something of an art form and there are many beautiful options out there that can make this selection process extremely difficult. Allow us to help.
Metal or wood? Once again, the first thing you should consider is the material from which your frame is made. Our metal and wooden options are both extremely affordable, so your decision should be made based on the type of picture you want to frame.
Wooden picture frames are best suited to artwork and more vintage-style photos, whereas metal designs, such as those made from aluminium, may fit better with abstract, more modern pieces.
Complement/contrast. A useful tip when framing is to select a prominent colour from your piece and choose a frame that matches it. This will provide a sense of continuity and accentuate the colours featured within the photo. By contrast, opting for a frame that is completely different from your picture will have an extremely striking effect and make it stand out on your wall. Choosing something that complements your existing décor is another foolproof way of integrating a picture into a room.
Does size matter? In terms of cost, yes. Larger frames will invariably set you back more than smaller ones, no matter where you choose to shop. So if you’re on a budget but still wish to fill a lot of wall space, what you could do is go for a gallery wall. This means putting several smaller frames together to create an eye-catching display that’s guaranteed to turn heads. If your chosen framing specialist offers discounts for bulk buys, as we do, then this may be the best option for you.
Online Framing Experts
If you’re looking to frame your photos without breaking the bank, then you’ve come to the right place. Picture Frames Express specialises in the creation of high-quality, made-to-measure frames for photos, pictures, posters and so much more.
To find your perfect match, browse our selection of picture frames or use our online designer tool today.
