Good Framing Resources from MUG

We blogged this last year, but post it again as it is a great resource for Art Month.

Over at MUG, Charlie has a really good list with recommendations for 21 inexpensive framers, some of which can also handle "conservation framing."

Since you want a store that's local, there are shops on this list that cover a good deal of Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. There are listings for mail order frames as well.

(reposted from 2006-01-09 - Regina)

Comments (23)

Of COURSE I see this when I'm about to pick up my two pieces, which I thought were way too expensive! Oh well, now I know!

Anybody know of any good (or, even, just decent) framers in the Jackson Heights, Queens area? Oh for a few more services around here...

Thanks,
Jenna

great blog!

I used one of the framers on the list - General Art at 180 Varick and was thrilled with the results. There was no high-pressure up-sell, I felt like I was getting good advice and the price was great!

Definitely recommended!

YAAAAAAYYYYYYYY.

thanks! I was just about to post a question asking for a good, inexpensive framer in manhattan.

BTW, does anyone know anything about this website? They also do frames by mail order.

http://www.pictureframes.com/scripts/WebObjects/PictureFrames.woa/wa/Home

New Tenant, Organizedhome.com (click on my name for link) has been talking about this, and pictureframes.com was well spoken of, as was framesusa.com. OH is having a "Get it framed NOW!" challenge.

Is there any recommendation for inexpensive framing in DC? Not DIY?

Hi Jean

I went to that link and looks like a cool site, but I could not find the challenge you mentioned or any reference to pictureframes.com

Hey, Jenna.

I'm in Jackson Heights, too, and I think the services are coming, just slowly. In any event, there's a glass/mirror store that I think also does framing on Northern Blvd.

Asked husband to let me know the name and I'll post it when I get it.

I'm a big fan of framesbymail.com. I got the same exact frame I had previously paid big bucks for for 1/3 of the cost. The only difference being a plexy front instead of glass, and a bit of effort in the DIY bit (gotta keep everything smudge and dust free!).

For anything with standard matting I think mail order is the way to go.

Sorry, click on this iteration. Page two mentions pictureframes.com and page one mentions frameusa.com (as opposed to framesusa.com, which is different altogether).

Sorry, Jenna. Think husband was wrong, and the place he went only does glass.

Capital Glass
84-19 Northern Blvd, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 505-5500

I'm sure there must be a framing shop in Forest Hills, Long Island City and/or Sunnyside.

We also need a hang-out type coffee shop and a florist (or at least, a place to buy nice deli flowers)!

I moved from dc, jean, and the framing art club in arlington at columbia and glebe is really good and unbelievably cheap. They giive discounts for volume as well.

i would like to comment on one of the framers recommended on the list: Top Art at West 72nd street. i used to go to them for a long time but their service has deteriorated and I had not been happy with them. they very badly screwed up a job i brought them last spring which cost me loss of income (a piece i was supposed to sell). i don't use them any more -- i would not recommend them. yes they are cheaper than other stores -- but you are getting cheap service too.

My boyfriend and I brought a very large print to New Yorker Picture Frame in Gramercy after reading MUG's list. We wanted to float the print inside a black wooden frame and it was going to cost over $500! I've never gone to a framer before (always framed my photos myself), so I'm not sure if this is normal, but it was too expensive for us. We decided to just mat it and get a cheaper coated frame instead, and it cost $340. Does anyone know if these prices are standard?

Natalie--
Those prices seem pretty standard, unfortunately.
There are ways to save money, but NEVER try to do it by making what you frame "un-conservation."

My favorite framer in the city is Steven Amedee Custom framing in TriBeCa. He did a piece for me recently in a plexi box with frosted sides and exposed screws and it is STAGGERINGLY beautiful. He also has an amazing range of welded frames. Not cheap, but totally worth the splurge.

I have to recommend the online store americanframe.com. I have purchased at least 12 frames from them over the past year, and they are terrific! Custom frames, tons of styles to choose from, free mat with purchase, CHEAP, and great service.

FOr important pieces...most of the interior decor trade goes to J. Pocker & Son on Lexington Avenue & 63rd Street. They also have a showroom in the D&D Building.

I have been a very satisfied customer of metroframes.com for more than ten years. Back when I used to work for the major art museum in Chicago, our paper conservators turned to them above all else when they framed for private clients. You can't get much better quality in basic gallery-style frames for the relatively inexpensive price (and they have an assemble-it-yourself option if you're really strapped for cash). Just as good--the customer service is superb.

(and one more museum tip--nothing looks or feels as good as an 8-ply rag mat on really special pieces)

I've found one more framing resource - http://www.arttoframes.com - not a bad one but it looks like guys need more time to tune it up ;)

Sometimes if you call the online framing service they can do glass depending on how large the piece is you want framed. Shipping large glass can be a big problem. I've called www.pictureframes.com for custom work before.

I've had great experiences with www.mtsframes.com in Clifton, NJ. If you order 3 or more frames of the same size they give you wholesale prices. ask for Eve if you call.