Not long ago I finally framed a handful of artworks I’d been putting off for ages. After I posted them, several people asked on Instagram where I source my frames. Most of the frames I use are medium to light-toned wood with a specific depth and profile, and finding ready-made frames that fit those proportions isn’t always easy. That prompted me to put together a concise list of go-to places for modern, ready-made wood frames when I don’t have the time or patience to commission custom work.
My preferred frame profile depth is between 1 and 1.5 inches, with a front-facing width from about 0.25 to 0.75 inches (most of mine are around 0.75 inches). Frames that stray too far from these dimensions often feel either too chunky or too delicate. I figured out these proportions back in art school, when I needed to frame pieces quickly for shows but still make them look professional.
Many ready-made frames include a pre-cut mat, but if the mat doesn’t suit your artwork you have a few choices: skip the mat entirely, have a custom mat cut locally at a specialty mat shop or craft stores like JoAnn or Michaels, or cut the mat yourself. Cutting your own mats takes practice but can save a lot if you’re doing many pieces. If you do cut mats, choose archival mats so the core won’t discolor over time, and use a reliable mat-cutting tool together with a straightedge for clean results.
Here are the retailers and services I trust for modern, ready-made frames:
Jerry’s Artarama: Despite the name, Jerry’s Artarama is a solid source for affordable, modern ready-made frames. They offer a variety of options and good quality for the price. I like their unfinished deep gallery frames, which are available in sizes from 4×6 up to 18×24 and can be bought individually or in bulk. Note that some of their gallery frames are sold as the bare frame only, without glass, plexiglass, or backing. In those cases I often skip glazing and use a simple cardboard backing—functional for most displays and helpful when photographing art since it avoids reflections.
Ikea: Ikea periodically updates its framing lineup. The birch-effect HOVSTA frame is a budget-friendly option (for example, 12×16 and 16×20 sizes), and the RIBBA series in white and black aligns well with the dimensions I prefer. Ikea frames are widely available and affordable, which makes them a convenient go-to for many projects.
Urban Outfitters: Urban Outfitters sells natural wood frames that go up to large sizes (up to 30×30). Their frames are a bit shallower on the side than I personally prefer, but they’re a practical choice if you need bigger dimensions. They also offer walnut, white, and black finishes if you want something other than raw wood.
West Elm: West Elm carries several modern frame styles in wood finishes, black, white, and metallics. Their selection is stylish, but they don’t offer very large sizes, so skip this option if you need to frame oversized pieces. I have a thin wood gallery frame from West Elm in a 15×19 size for an 8×10 artwork; it has the clean look I wanted for that space.
Room & Board: Room & Board frames are high quality and come in a range of finishes and colors, from darker woods like walnut to very light tones and painted options. Although some specific models have been discontinued from time to time, when they’re in stock these frames make for a durable, refined choice.
CB2: CB2’s gallery oak frames are another clean, modern option. They tend to be pricier, but the aesthetic and build quality can justify the cost if you’re after a more elevated look.
Michaels: I had one print custom framed at Michaels and was impressed by the turnaround time and the overall quality. Michaels offers framing services that can be faster than many custom shops—often under two weeks—and they can handle nonstandard sizes and quick jobs. Their ready-made frame selection tends to favor white and black options, and their depths are sometimes shallower than my usual preference, but the combination of service speed and quality makes them worth considering for certain projects.
Thrift stores and yard sales: Don’t overlook secondhand sources. Thrift stores, estate sales, and yard sales can yield fantastic frames at low prices. While modern, minimal frames can be harder to find secondhand, you can often repurpose older frames by removing existing artwork and mats or swapping in a new finish. It’s a budget-friendly route, and sometimes you’ll find unexpected gems that just need a little cleaning or a fresh backing.
Framebridge and Simply Framed: If you prefer a professional finish without doing it yourself, Framebridge and Simply Framed make the process easy. They’re more expensive than ready-made frames, but they offer extensive customization—floating mats, archival mounting, and precise finishes—that can elevate a piece. I used Framebridge for a large Bondi Beach print and Simply Framed for several Jen Garrido prints; both services delivered excellent results.
That covers my favorite sources for modern, ready-made frames. If you have questions about specific dimensions, mat choices, or how to mount work for photography, feel free to ask.