Person comparing different picture frame styles in a custom framing shop

Standard Picture Frames vs Custom Frames: Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to framing artwork, photos, or posters, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to use a standard picture frame or invest in a custom frame. Both options have their place, but they serve different purposes depending on the size of your artwork, the style you're trying to achieve, and the level of protection you want.

Understanding the differences between standard and custom frames can help you choose the best option for your art and ensure it looks its best for years to come.

Pre-made standard picture frames displayed on retail store shelves in common sizes

What Are Standard Picture Frames?

Standard picture frames are pre-made frames manufactured in common sizes. These are the frames you typically find in retail stores and online marketplaces.

Common standard frame sizes include:

5" × 7"
8" × 10"
11" × 14"
16" × 20"
18" × 24"
24" × 36"

Because they are mass produced, standard frames are typically less expensive and readily available.

When Standard Frames Work Well

Standard frames are a great option when:

Your artwork already matches a common frame size
You're framing printed photos or posters
You need a quick and affordable framing solution
You plan to use pre-cut mat boards

For many casual framing needs, standard frames can do the job perfectly well.

Cheap plastic picture frame vs natural hardwood picture frame comparison showing material quality and construction differences

Limitations of Standard Frames

While standard frames are convenient, they also come with some limitations.

1. Limited Size Options

Artwork rarely comes in perfect standard sizes. If your piece measures something like 13" × 19" or 17" × 22", finding a standard frame can become difficult.

This often forces people to:

crop their artwork
use oversized mats
compromise on presentation

2. Limited Frame Style Choices

Mass-produced frames tend to offer fewer style options. If you are trying to match a specific interior design style—modern, ornate, minimalist, or eclectic—you may find the available options somewhat limited.

3. Lower Quality Materials

Many inexpensive standard frames use:

thin wood or composite materials
basic glass without UV protection
lower quality backing boards

Over time, these materials may not provide the best protection for valuable artwork or photographs.

Collection of standard picture frames in different colors and styles displaying framed artwork

What Are Custom Picture Frames?

Custom picture frames are made specifically for your artwork’s exact dimensions and allow you to fully customize the materials and design.

With custom framing, you can choose:

the exact frame size
frame width and style
matting colors and layout
acrylic or glass upgrades
UV protection for artwork

This flexibility allows your artwork to be displayed exactly how you envision it.

When Custom Frames Are the Better Choice

Custom framing is ideal when presentation and protection matter.

1. Complete Design Control

Custom framing allows you to design a frame that truly complements your artwork rather than settling for whatever happens to be available in standard retail sizes.

You can choose a frame that matches:

the colors in the artwork
the style of the piece
your room’s décor
other frames in a gallery wall

This level of customization is why custom framing is commonly used in art galleries, museums, and professional photography displays.

2. Higher-Quality Frame Materials

Another major advantage of custom framing is the quality of the materials used. Many mass-produced retail frames are made from inexpensive plastics or composite materials that can feel lightweight and less durable.

Custom frames are often crafted from natural hardwood mouldings, which provide greater strength, stability, and a more refined appearance.

Natural hardwood frames offer several benefits:

stronger construction that holds its shape over time
richer finishes and more detailed profiles
better durability compared to plastic frames
a more professional, gallery-quality look

Because hardwood mouldings are available in a wide range of finishes and profiles, they also give you far more flexibility when choosing a frame style that complements your artwork.

3. Better Protection for Artwork

If you’re framing something valuable, sentimental, or irreplaceable, material quality becomes important.

Custom frames allow you to upgrade to protective glazing options such as:

Non-Glare Acrylic
Conservation Acrylic with 99% UV protection
Museum-quality acrylic with anti-reflective coatings

These options help prevent fading and protect artwork from light damage.

If you'd like to learn more about these options, check out our guide on which acrylic is best for your art.

4. Using Matting for Better Presentation

Matting can dramatically improve the appearance of framed artwork by adding space between the image and the frame.

Custom framing allows you to choose:

mat width
mat color
single or double mats

If you’re unsure how to choose the right matting, you can read our guide on choosing the perfect matting for your artwork.

5. Framing Non-Standard Artwork Sizes

Finally, many types of artwork simply do not fit standard frame sizes.

Examples include:

photography prints
fine art prints
posters
certificates
artwork from local artists

Custom framing allows you to frame the artwork without trimming or altering it, ensuring the piece is preserved exactly as intended.

Person shopping online for a cheap standard picture frame made from composite wood and MDF

Cost Differences: Standard vs Custom Frames

Standard frames are usually less expensive because they are mass-produced.

Custom frames may cost more upfront, but they provide:

a perfect fit for your artwork
higher quality materials
better long-term protection

For artwork you care about displaying properly, the investment can make a noticeable difference.

Person comparing different picture frame styles while deciding how to frame artwork

Which Option Should You Choose?

Both standard and custom frames have their place.

Choose standard frames if:

you don't mind a less unique or basic option
you want a quick and affordable solution
your artwork fits a common size
the artwork is easily replaceable

Choose custom frames if:

presentation and longevity matter
you want a wider selection of choices
you want matting options
you want better UV protection
your artwork is a unique size

For artwork that you truly want to showcase, custom framing usually provides the best results.

Best of Both Worlds

Even if your artwork fits a standard frame size, you can still enjoy the benefits of custom framing. Many people choose standard sizes while upgrading the frame style, materials, acrylic, or matting to create a more polished presentation.

At The Modern Wall, we offer high-quality frames in both standard and custom sizes so you can choose the option that works best for your artwork.

Find the Perfect Frame for Your Artwork

Whether you are framing artwork, photography, or posters, choosing the right frame makes a huge difference in how the finished piece looks on your wall.

You can explore our collection of high-quality picture frames and acrylic upgrades designed to protect and showcase your artwork beautifully.