Standard Picture Frames or Custom-Made Picture Frames?

Many picture frames are available in standardized sizes such as 30 x 40 cm, 40 x 50 cm or 50 x 70 cm. However, if you have a picture in a special format—for example an older print or a professional photo print from a specialist lab—that cannot be harmoniously integrated into a standard frame even with a Passepartout, a custom-made frame is recommended. This creates balanced proportions and a cohesive overall artwork that showcases your subject to best effect.

In principle, however, we recommend that our customers work with standard formats whenever possible, so that they can take advantage of the wide range of standard picture frames. This recommendation is based both on the more attractive prices and on the easier handling of standard picture frames.

Advantages of Standard Picture Frames

Standard frames are produced by our suppliers in large quantities. This series production significantly reduces manufacturing costs, which is directly reflected in a more attractive sales price. Anyone who can present a subject in a common format therefore benefits from a particularly cost-effective solution. Using Passepartouts often makes it possible to adapt an existing picture format to standard picture frame sizes. However, there are also some cases where even a Passepartout cannot achieve fully satisfactory proportions and you have to resort to custom picture frame dimensions.

Another advantage is ease of use. Most standard frames are fitted with backing boards that can be opened and closed again using practical turn buttons. This makes it quick and easy to change the contents of the frame. Especially for applications where pictures, posters or information are replaced regularly, this design offers a significant increase in convenience.

Despite the limited choice of formats, standard frames offer a wide variety of options thanks to different wood and aluminium profiles and a large range of colours. Some models are also available not only with standard float glass, but also with acrylic glass, anti-reflective glass and high-quality museum glass.

Available Formats for Standard Picture Frames

Custom Picture Frames

Custom wood and aluminium picture frames offer maximum design freedom for anyone who values high-quality, long-term framing. Unlike standard frames, you do not have to adhere to predefined formats, but can tailor your picture frame precisely to your subject, your Passepartout, your space and your personal preferences. Especially for artworks, photographs, collectibles or keepsakes, a custom-made frame allows the perfect coordination of frame profile, glazing and outer dimensions. The result is a bespoke overall framing that not only presents the picture optimally, but also sustainably enhances its impact and value.

On our website, you can obtain custom picture frames both from our own production and from our long-standing partner, Nielsen. The various systems differ, among other things, in terms of the available frame profiles and glazing options. While we offer our custom frames exclusively with high-quality acrylic glazing in different quality levels, custom frames from Nielsen are also available with float glass or high-quality museum glass. This allows you to tailor the framing optimally to the requirements of your picture and the desired level of protection.

Custom wood frames

When special formats or individual requirements are needed, custom-made picture frames are used. Our custom wood frames are high-quality frames that are made with a great deal of handwork and care. Among other things, we offer you a beautiful range of solid wood mouldings, ranging from maple, cherry and beech to classic oak. For many profiles, the solid wood mouldings are available both unfinished and lacquered. In addition, the range is rounded off by lacquered mouldings in classic muted colours.

Custom-made wood frames are usually fitted with so-called Flexipoints. These are small metal tabs on the back of the frame that can be bent open and closed multiple times. They ensure that the glass, Passepartout, picture and backing board are held securely in the frame.
During the ordering process, you can specify at what height the Flexipoints should be shot in. With this step, you determine the final fill depth of the frame. To determine the fill depth, add the thickness of the glass, Passepartout and backing board. If the subject to be framed has a noteworthy material thickness, please take this into account in your calculation as well.

A later change of subject is generally possible thanks to the Flexipoints, but it requires a little more effort than with a standard frame with turn buttons.

Custom aluminium frames

Custom-made aluminium frames also differ significantly from standard picture frames in terms of handling. Here too, the framing process involves considerably more effort. The aluminium frame mouldings are supplied as individual parts with all accessories for screwing them together, as well as detailed assembly instructions. The frame is assembled by the customer by screwing the frame mouldings together using the supplied corner brackets.

The frame contents are inserted into the frame during assembly and are therefore screwed into the frame. If they are to be replaced at a later date, partial disassembly of the frame is required. This makes changing the contents significantly more time-consuming than with standard picture frames.

With a bit of skill and a subject that is intended to be framed for as long as possible, this self-assembly of the aluminium frames is usually not a problem.

Conclusion – Standard Picture Frames or Custom-Made Picture Frames

Standard picture frames offer the best combination of price advantage and ease of use. They are particularly suitable when a common format can be used or when the frame contents need to be changed regularly.

Custom picture frames are the right choice when special dimensions are required or particular requirements need to be met. With a custom frame, you can express yourself freely and do not have to follow any existing formats. However, it should be taken into account that both the purchase costs and the effort involved in framing and later changing the frame contents are generally higher than with standard frames.

Whether standard picture frames or custom-made picture frames – you will find a wide range of profile mouldings and colours in both assortments, so you are sure to find a suitable frame.