Non-standard sized artwork frames

December 13, 2005 8:00 AM

I need to buy several frames for non-standard sized artwork (30x26, 10x12). I would like to get them online. Where should I go?

I don't care if they are pre-assembled or not. I don't want to mat them and am not too concerned with archival quality, I just want to get them on the walls.

posted by blackkar to Shopping (10 answers total)

Check out framesbymail.com.
posted by EiderDuck at 8:35 AM on December 13, 2005

I've been looking for something exactly like this.
posted by bshort at 8:46 AM on December 13, 2005

Best answer: I used American Frame. They've got a large selection and are customizable. More importantly, they were inexpensive and quick.

Mine didn't come preassembled.
posted by poq at 8:52 AM on December 13, 2005

Second on American Frame. I've been using them for at least 20 years. If you buy wood frames, they come assembled up to a certain size (which I don't remember, but it's listed on the site). Metal frames are unassembled, but they're really easy to put together with a screwdriver.
posted by jlkr at 9:19 AM on December 13, 2005

The only problem with American Frame is the shipping. I've been trying for months to figure out how to frame a big 44 x 32" print--American Frame charges nearly $80 in shipping for the frame.
posted by josh at 10:01 AM on December 13, 2005

Best answer: Thirded on American Frame, and judging by your profile, blackkar, don't worry about shipping. They are conveniently located in Maumee, OH [suburban Toledo (get off at the i-275/US23 exit #6-Dussell Road--turn left toward Toledo, go about 1/2 mile. Turn left on the street that runs between the BP station and the Panera, follow it around to the right and bingo!)] and about 40-45 minutes from where you live.

My wife is an artist/photographer and every show in the last five or so years the frames have been from American. They have been excellent at customer satisfaction also.
posted by beelzbubba at 12:53 PM on December 13, 2005

www.metroframe.com--aluminum and wood.
posted by availablelight at 1:07 PM on December 13, 2005

Josh- really no way to get around the shipping, since it's an oversize charge from their shipper. The only way to get around that would be to use a metal frame. If you really want a wood frame, try a local framing place (many craft stores (Michaels, JoAnn ETC, Hobby Lobby, etc) have framing centers) and order from them. It may cost as much or more than ordering from AF and paying the shipping, though.
posted by jlkr at 5:45 PM on December 13, 2005

Response by poster: So, it looks like I'll be driving down next week to pick them up. Thanks for your help - I bookmarked all of the sites for future projects.

Josh: Maybe you could buy the frame online (unassembled) and the glass/acrylic locally. This should save the oversized fee.
posted by blackkar at 11:59 AM on December 15, 2005

I took the advice on American Frame and I am now fourth'ing it. I'm in NYC where frame shops think anyone buying a frame is a millionaire because they must be framing expensive art. From American Frame I got a 17"x17" frame with the backing foam board and the clear plastic ("glass"). It was cheaper with tax and shipping than when I bought the same size frame kit at Pearl Paint (not online) with no foam or plastic! It comes in great packaging, easy to put together, prices are good, shipping was quick. I'll definitely be using them again.
posted by unformatt at 6:59 PM on December 6, 2006