7 Picture-Perfect Places to Get Your Art Framed
You finally bought that stunning print at the farmers market. Your grandmother's watercolor has been sitting in a drawer for three years. Your kid's finger-painting masterpiece deserves more than a refrigerator magnet. Sound familiar? Most of us have a small pile of art and photographs waiting to be framed — and yet, somehow, it never quite happens. The process feels complicated, expensive, or just unclear. Where do you even start?
The good news is that getting art framed has never been easier, more accessible, or more affordable. Whether you're looking for a quick and budget-friendly solution or a fully custom experience, there are options out there for every need. Here are seven of the best places to get your art framed — and what makes each one worth considering.
1. IKEA
When it comes to affordable, no-fuss framing, IKEA remains a perennial favorite. Their RIBBA, HOVSTA, and RÖDALM frame collections offer clean, minimal styles at prices that won't make you wince. While IKEA frames are best suited for standard print sizes, they're an excellent choice for anyone decorating on a budget or experimenting with a gallery wall for the first time.
The trade-off is limited customization — you'll need to size your art to fit the frame rather than the other way around. But for posters, photos, and smaller prints, IKEA delivers reliable quality at a fraction of the cost of custom framing.
2. Michael's
Michael's is one of the most widely available custom framing destinations in the United States, with hundreds of locations and a robust in-store framing service. You can choose from a wide selection of frame styles, mat colors, and glazing options, and their staff can walk you through the process if you're new to framing.
Michael's regularly runs promotions offering 50% or more off custom framing, so it pays to keep an eye on their weekly ads or sign up for their rewards program before committing. This combination of convenience, variety, and frequent discounts makes it a top pick for many first-time framers.
3. Hobby Lobby
Similar to Michael's, Hobby Lobby offers in-store custom framing services alongside a large retail selection of ready-made frames. Their custom framing department features an impressive array of moulding styles — from rustic barnwood to sleek modern metals — and the staff is generally knowledgeable and helpful.
Hobby Lobby also runs consistent 40% off coupons, making custom framing more accessible than the sticker price might suggest. If there's a Hobby Lobby near you, it's absolutely worth a visit when you have a piece you want to treat with care.
4. Framebridge
For those who prefer the convenience of doing everything from home, Framebridge is a game-changer. This online custom framing service allows you to upload a digital photo or mail in your physical artwork, choose a frame and mat from their curated collection, and receive a beautifully finished, ready-to-hang piece delivered to your door.
Framebridge has earned a loyal following for its clean aesthetic, transparent pricing, and genuinely excellent craftsmanship. Prices start around $39 for standard sizes, making it competitive with many brick-and-mortar custom framers — without requiring you to leave your couch. It's particularly popular for wedding photos, travel prints, and sentimental artwork.
5. Simply Framed
Another strong online competitor, Simply Framed offers a similar mail-in and digital upload model with a focus on high-quality materials and a thoughtfully curated frame selection. Their packaging is carefully designed to protect artwork in transit, and their finished products are consistently praised for attention to detail.
Simply Framed is especially well-regarded for framing fine art prints and photography, and they offer options for larger and more unusually sized pieces that can be tricky to frame elsewhere. If presentation and craftsmanship are top priorities, they're worth the slightly higher price point.
6. Local Custom Frame Shops
Don't overlook the independent frame shop in your neighborhood. Local framers bring a level of personal attention, expertise, and artistic sensibility that larger retailers simply can't replicate. They can work with odd-sized pieces, delicate or valuable artwork, and three-dimensional objects like jerseys or shadow box items.
A skilled local framer will also help you make design choices that complement your specific piece — recommending the right mat width, glass type (UV-protective options are great for preserving color), and frame finish to suit both the art and your home's aesthetic. Yes, it's often the priciest option, but for irreplaceable or high-value artwork, it's an investment worth making.
7. Target
Target has significantly upgraded its home decor offerings in recent years, and their frame selection is no exception. With a growing range of styles — from natural wood tones to black metal gallery frames — Target offers stylish ready-made options at accessible prices. They're ideal for standard photo sizes, art prints, and lightweight pieces you want to display quickly.
Target also carries a variety of multi-opening frames and collage-style displays, making it a convenient one-stop shop for creating a cohesive photo wall without a big investment.
So, Which Framing Option Is Right for You?
The best place to get your art framed really depends on three factors: your budget, the size and type of artwork you're framing, and how much you value customization. For standard prints and photos on a tight budget, IKEA and Target are hard to beat. For mid-range custom framing with the convenience of a physical store, Michael's and Hobby Lobby are reliable choices — especially when you catch a sale. For premium online convenience, Framebridge and Simply Framed are excellent investments. And for truly special pieces, a local custom framer is the gold standard.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is simply to stop waiting. That art on your floor, in your drawer, or propped against the wall deserves to be seen. Pick an option that works for your budget, get it framed, and enjoy the way a well-chosen frame transforms not just the artwork — but the entire room around it.
Quick Tips Before You Frame
- Measure your artwork carefully before shopping — custom framing is priced by size, and knowing your dimensions saves time.
- Consider UV-protective glazing for photographs and fine art prints to prevent fading over time.
- A mat adds visual breathing room between your art and the frame, and it can dramatically change the final look.
- For sentimental or valuable pieces, always use acid-free matting and backing to prevent yellowing and deterioration.
- If you're building a gallery wall, stick to a consistent frame color or material for a cohesive, polished effect.