Knowing the difference between custom frames and ready made picture frames is important when you're shopping for frames. Having a basic understanding of ready made frames and custom picture frames will get you exactly what you want without spending too much money. So what is the real difference between ready made frames and custom picture frames?

A ready made picture frame is just that- one that is ready to be used directly out of the box. Manufacturers of ready made picture frames assemble and package them so all you need to do is open the box, insert your picture and it’s ready to be displayed.

Ready made picture frames come in standard photo sizes. You can find ready made frames for pictures, standard sized art work, small keepsakes or documents, like diplomas. Ready made frames are complete when assembled. They come with glass, backing, and some hardware for either displaying on a table or hanging on the wall. Not all ready made frames include an easel back stand or frame hardware for hanging. Ask your frame retailer to make sure you have everything you need to display your framed picture.

There are many different online frame retailers and stores that offer ready made frames. With so much selection you should always be able to find exactly what you want.

Custom picture frames, on the other hand, give you more options than ready made frames. Custom picture frames are measured, cut and put together specially for you. If your photo or artwork is not a standard size, or if you need a unique depth or unusual shape, then a custom frame is definitely your answer. With a custom picture frame, you can select the protective surface you want such as glass, acrylic, UV glass or UV acrylic and you can even choose a unique shape like a flat pane, convex or dome shaped covering.

Custom picture frames let you create a unique look and choose the style of the frame, color, size, picture frame mats and the layout of your picture. Some customer framers refer to these as "ready made frames," because they are cut to a specific size, but this process really is a custom made frame as they’re hand assembled.

Why should I choose a ready made picture frame over a custom picture frame?

You should only choose a ready made or custom picture frame when you know what you want to frame. Original artwork is best suited to a custom picture frame since size sizes are usually non-standard and can vary wildly. A custom picture frame can be made to accommodate almost any dimension and thickness so it's exceptionally versatile. There are many options to choose from with custom frames so you have a lot of flexibility to find a frame that goes well with your artwork.

Something to consider is that ready made picture frames are usually a lot less expensive. Custom picture frames are cut and assembled by hand which will increase the cost of your framing project.

So, to decide between a ready made frame and a custom frame you need to ask yourself a couple of questions.

First of all, is it a standard size picture? If so, then you’ll have lots of options with ready made frames. Ready made frames are available in a wide range of materials, colors, shapes and sizes. You can find frames in everything from wood and metal to gold leaf, sterling and basic black picture frames. If you are looking for an efficient way to display your pictures without costing a lot, a ready made frame is your best choice.

If you have a photo that doesn't fit into a ready made frame, one thing you can do is to use a picture frame mat that fits your photo and place it into a standard size frame. This is a great inexpensive option to avoid the cost of a custom picture frame.

However, as convenient and economical as ready made frames are, sometimes you need a custom size or look for your photo or artwork. If you have a special piece of artwork, whether a standard size or not, you may want the flexibility a custom frame allows in choosing the best way to showcase your piece.

Once you have determined whether a custom frame or ready made frame best suits your framing needs, you are ready to start shopping for your frame. No matter what type of frame you decide on, you’ll know the difference between these two types of frames so you’ll always get exactly what you want.