Purchasing custom made picture frames online is a great way to purchase quality products and save money.  Reputable online retailers will offer a wide selection of frames, build with quality products second to none and they will do it all at very reasonable prices and ship in one week or less. Given the advantages of purchasing frames online, it makes sense to explore this opportunity.  In this article we have listed 10 of the most useful tips and tricks in order to facilitate the online buying process.

Tip 1: Narrow Your Options
Before getting on-line, you probably have a good idea of some of the basic things that you are looking for in your new frame.  For example, you probably know if you would like a metal or a wood frame.  Narrowing down this single option cuts in half the number of frames from which a frame buyer can choose. In addition the material type, you probably also have a pretty good idea whether you would like a flat or more rounded design.  This will of course depend on the type of artwork and your personal taste, but it will again narrow your options.  The third and last general decision that can be made before getting on-line is to decide what level of conservation is required for this particular project.  This decision will make it easier to select mounting board and matting. Getting these out of the way will make things go much faster once online.

Tip 2: When in Doubt, Use a White Mat
If you are stuck regarding which color mat to use, consider using a white or off-white mat.  White mats have a timeless, neutral look that will never go out of style and in most all cases will complement the artwork.

• At the Crescent Decorative™ level, some examples include: Baker’s White (Palm Beach White (#987), Antique White (#3293), or French Buff ((#3291).
• At the Crescent Select™ level, examples include White Wash (#9505), Dove (#9806), Ivory Art (#9808).
• At the Crescent RagMat™ level, the examples include White (1610), Cream (1608), and Antique Buff (#1582)

Tip 3: Break The Rules
Perhaps the first rule of framing should be that for every aesthetic rule, there is a counter rule, which is its exact opposite. If you are stuck in a particular decision or if you are not entirely satisfied with your frame package, consider selecting a frame or mat which breaks the rules. This is a technique used by professionals and you may be impressed with the results! For example, if you are using a wood frame, see what it looks like with a metal one. With regards to matting, think of the color wheel and choose a color that is exactly on the opposite side of the dial.  And remember to ask family and friends for their opinion for they will probably have good ideas of their own.

Tip 4: Do Not "Overbuy" on Quality
While most people’s gut reaction is to purchase the best conservation quality available, for the vast majority of framing projects this is simply not the best use of the customer’s dollar. When approaching a framing project, consider how long it is to remain in-tact.  Most artwork being framed will not be expected to last 50 years and therefore, the highest level of conservation is not required. In many cases a standard mat board (which is already treated to reduce acid) and Crescent Select level will provide more than adequate conservation protection.

Tip 5: How to Get the Best Price
Since a frame has so many components (backing, matting, glazing, accessories and the actual frame) which are each priced individually, it is often difficult to compare one company to another.  This challenge is somewhat easier on-line since the shopper can go from store to store with the click of a mouse. Having said this, some time will need to be spent assembling frame packages on-line in order to get an apples-to-apples comparison.
Once this is done, try doing a quick Google search for on-line coupons; many companies have permanent discount codes of 10%  to 20% or more.  Go to Google and type the search term “Coupon Picture Frames” and you will find something on the first page.

Tip 6: Think Big on Matting
Particularly for smaller pieces, sometimes purchasing a very large mat can have a very dramatic effect on the artwork. For example, for postcard-sized pieces and smaller, consider using a 6 inch matting boarder all around. Although this will increase the size and therefore price of the frame and frame package, this technique often produces a “wow” effect. This is also an effective way to fill a large empty space on a wall with smaller pieces of artwork.

Tip 7: Consider the Color of the Wall
The color of the wall upon which the frame will be placed will have a large impact on how the frame package looks.  For example, does the wall color cause the frame package to sink into the wall or does it help highlight it.  Do the colors clash or do they compliment one another. Most interior home walls have either a white or a relatively neutral color that will not clash with most frame packages.  However, it is an important consideration before purchasing.

Tip 8: Use the Color Wheel as a Guide
Especially when choosing matting, it is useful to make use of a color wheel. Here is a great article on choosing mats with the color wheel (link).  The color wheel will help the framer “see” color matches as well as identify how slight shade variations of a given color potentially change the way the artwork looks. Having a color wheel by ones side facilitates this exercise.

Tip 9: Sleep on It
Especially on-line, there is no pressure to purchase. Also, when considering the many years a frame will hang on the wall, a day here or there is well worth it.  If you are unsure of your frame package, just sleep on it.  The next day when you look at your frame package, you may either be totally satisfied or decide to start from scratch.  Either way, it is important to be happy with your purchase.

Tip 10: Take Care When Assembling
Regardless of which company on-line frames are purchased from, great care has been taken during the manufacturing process to ensure that the final product is free of dents, nicks and scratches.  When the frame arrives in your home, consider taking the same precautions. We highly recommend assembling the frame on a soft surface, such as a towel or even sheet.  Also, make sure that you hands are thoroughly cleaned and dried before handling matting, glazing or the artwork.  The rogue fingerprint or scuff mark in the wrong place can ruin everything!

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