This is a problem we always seem to struggle with...finding a way to display artwork without paying huge amounts of money for framing. Since the type of framing we choose usually depends on the artwork, we're always having to come up with new solutions to the problem. Along the way, we've found a few cheap frames that we keep coming back to. (Add your recommendations in the comments below.)
Image (Left to Right, Top to Bottom):
• Ribba and Fjallsta Frames from IKEA (No. 1-5)
• Poster Hanger by Jorgen Moller (No. 6)
• Gallery Portrait Wall Frames from World Market (No. 7-8)
• Album Frame from CB2 (No. 9)
• MCS Format Frame from Walgreens (No. 10)
Sources for Cheap Frames:
Cost Plus World Market
We've found some good standard frames here in the $25-$50 range. Many of them also come with pre-cut mats.
IKEA
The Ribba Frame is a cheap classic - simple, unadorned, available in a variety of colors and sizes (including sometimes hard-to-find square shapes). Ribbas range from $4.99 to $24.99.
Poster Hanger by Jorgen Moller
This is a great solution for a collection of posters, although it doesn't protect the artwork under glass. We like the look for small-scale pieces, but when you go big the artwork can resemble a hanging slideshow screen. $14.95 - $39.95, available online and in several stores, including Chiasso in Chicago.
CB2
Their record album frames ($14.95) are a good size for groupings. The square shape works well for framing fabric or patterned papers.
Format Frames
Those thin black plastic frames with the pop-out glass from Walgreens are surprisingly good for framing black and white photos. They're simple, unobtrusive, and if you use a thin mat with them, they look a lot more expensive than they cost. These are the cheapest of the bunch, with most sizes under $10.
Pearl Fine Art Supplies
Not everything here is cheap, but Pearl has a great selection of styles and sizes, and among the more expensive frames you can find some good bargains. If you need to frame an irregularly sized artwork, you can save a little money by having a custom mat made to fit your artwork, then pop your custom mat into a readymade frame. Readymade frames aren't listed online - visit the store to see them.
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I find Target is also a regular go to source for simple and decent quality frames.
view Shasta's profile
I have bought some great artsy frames from National Wholesale Liquidators. Check them out at www.nwl.com
They also have large poster frames as well. no more than 29.99
view Teia's profile
American Frame is cheap for custom frames, they can also do high quality big prints of your pictures. http://www.americanframe.com/
view coyotejed's profile
Marshall's & TJMaxx
view Sleek's profile
Ebay! I just bought 4 8x10 Target frames for $20 (inc. shipping).
view apointe's profile
About 5 or 6 years ago, I used to work for the framing department in Michael's craft stores. We had what we called "Oops frames"... custom-sized frames that got "rejected" once they were inspected because they were either the wrong size (oops) or had one too many scratches and scrapes (double oops). While they didn't publicize that they sold these frames at DEEPLY discounted prices (anywhere between $5.00 and $20.00, depending on the size), all you had to do was go to the dept. and ask. Again, this was back when I worked there, but it never hurts to ask!
view ph0enixinflight's profile
Muji (coming soon to a city near you)
also has plain black, wood, and acrylic frames
large art supply places often have those top and bottom clip/slide rods for large posters
(think classroom maps, decades ago)
view guido's profile
Artists Frame Works has an outlet in the basement of Jayson Home & Garden on Clybourn, where you can get their "oops" frames - many of which are very unique. The frames themselves (no glass or mat) are pretty cheap, if you want to procure those elements yourself, or the staff there will also cut mat/provide glass for much less than you'd pay for a custom frame (although I think more than most readymade frames).
If $30 for a 8x10 fits the definition of cheap, I like Pottery Barn's basic frames, too.
view nwu's profile
When on sale, I think Pottery Barn's frames are a good buy... decent quality and sometimes includes a nice double mat.
view SMM's profile
I've done really well buying frames at thrift stores (especially Goodwill, which always has tons of framed art which is always dirt cheap). I just keep the measurements of what I need in my wallet (along with a tape measurer), and when I'm out thrifting, see if any frames will work (disregarding the artwork). Normally, I get them a bit bigger and then order a custom made mat.
Doing that I've framed even large pieces for under $30.
view Birdy's profile
Aaron Brothers prices are quite reasonable. As a bonus ,they have a "Buy One, Get One for a Penny" sales periodically.
view ahart's profile
I've had the best luck with frames at Century 21.
view hejiranyc's profile
I'll buy poster frames larger than my poster and custom cut the mat, saves a ton of money and looks very professional. I also hit up the aaron bros buy one, get one for a penny sales.
view fancyd's profile
My favorite frames sources are Ross Dress for Less and garage sales!
view SFGail's profile
I second Aaron Brothers. I always stock up on the simple shadow box frames when they go on sale.
view RichardinLA's profile
Birdy's got the answer....
a thrift store will always have a frame or 5 worth saving. I have not bought a frame from a shop in ages (exception: some original "I'm all grown up now" artwork I bought that required museum quality matting and truly custom sized framing) otherwise get some help with the matting and you're in business.
view Patrickinchicago's profile
The dollar store near me sometimes has decent frames beleive it or not.
view designR's profile
Target's dollar bin has great frames too.
view Sleek's profile
JoAnn Fabric has cheap frames... especially when they're on sale at 50% off (seems like it's every other week) or with a coupon from the Sunday paper ads.
view Benjy's profile
AmericanFrame.com, hands down my favorite source, as I've been saying on AT for over 3 years.
view Lori's profile
I just got some great frames for a client from IKEA. Problem now is that I need to get photos printed in 12" squares to put in them. Any suggestions on where to get that size?
view anne's profile
anne - print and cut on your own... that's what I would do. Otherwise you're paying more for customized printing!
If you're set at getting it printed at the right size, most print shops can handle printing of non standard sizes. Ask for samples.
view olya's profile
Jerry's Artarama has a few physical stores and an online store (http://www.jerrysartarama.com/). They sell art supplies, including LOTS of frames, at discount; the quality is really good to great depending on the price range.
Another source is Tuesday Morning (http://www.tuesdaymorning.com), which "offers first quality, famous maker closeout gifts on an event basis at 50% to 80% off regular retail prices." In other words, they periodically close for days at a time to restock, and when they open, you can get some great stuff. They have glass, metal, silver, crystal, and many woods, in nearly any style you can think of and almost all are recognizable brands.
view wwyoud's profile