Do You Know This Budget Framing Trick?
Custom framing is so darn expensive. Even if you layer promotions and coupons and holiday sales, a small custom framing job can still run hundreds of dollars. There are certainly items that are worth that money to have an impeccable framing job done (e.g., degrees, special awards, artwork). But what about items that are special and you want to look really nice (like your recent family portrait or say, your new awkwardly shaped art print), and you just can’t fathom shelling out hundreds of dollars for something that might not be on your wall forever? Well – I have an answer! There is actually a really easy ways to make your artwork look custom for a fraction of the cost. Let me share this budget framing trick with you!
The Framing Conundrum
Here is a situation I find myself in all the time, and maybe you do too? I have a dozens of empty picture frames (from all the various walls in all our various homes). And then a new piece of art comes along, and none of the frames I have work. Usually, the frame size isn’t quite right for the art or the scale doesn’t match the variety of mats I have on hand.
Take for example this cute little Flamingo print for my entryway gallery wall. I loved everything about the design and the colors…and honestly, I also liked that the square shape contrasted with all the rectangle pieces already on my wall.
Even though Minted offers custom picture frames and mats with their artwork, I couldn’t justify the heavy added cost with all the frames I already own. Plus, I wouldn’t have been able to specify my preferred frame size to fit my gallery wall arrangement. But the selection of square frames is limited in most stores, and an 8″ square mat is not something you can (typically) find off a shelf.
In this situation, you might assume custom framing is your only option…
It’s All In the Mat (Usually!)
Take a look at any professionally framed piece in your home. More often than not, the element that makes them look stylish and custom is usually…the mat!
By using a mat to perfectly border the outer dimension of your artwork or photograph (no matter what kind of frame it’s in), you instantly give it style, class, and an elevated look. So…if you want your framing job to look custom, give it a custom mat!
The Budget Framing Hack I Love
Okay…so how do you get a custom mat for your artwork? Especially when your piece might be a unique size or shape?
Did you know that you can get a mat cut…in any size and layout, from any of the matboard options…at Michaels? (And probably other framing stores like JoAnn Fabrics and Hobby Lobby….but I haven’t checked their options personally.)
Yep! Just the mat. No frame. And they can probably do it while you wait, depending on how busy they are and if they have your preferred mat in stock.
By having professionals cut just the mat, you can use any off-the-shelf frame you can find (or already have) and end up with a pretty custom budget framing job for a fraction of the cost.
NOTE: I should note that this hack works best for pieces that will comfortably fit into standard-size frames without looking super awkward. If you have a really obscure piece, you might not be able to fit it into a standard frame…no matter what mat you use. In this case, custom framing might, in fact, be your only option.
After experimenting with my existing frames and gallery wall arrangement, I determined I needed a 7.5″ square cut out of an 11×14″ white mat board rectangle. That’s pretty specific and not something I could easily find pre-made. So I walked up to the custom framing counter at Michaels; and after a few minutes designing the mat on the computer and ensuring everything was just right, the sweet gal cut this mat for me while I waited.
NOTE: I did this in the pre-COVID era. You may now need to make an appointment.
Sure…I opted for the most budget-friendly white mat board they had available and skipped the double mats or decorative edging…but it cost me $13. Significantly less than a custom job would have been for (likely) the same finished look.
Budget Framing Final Result
I came right home, popped the new mat and art into my old frame, and hung it right up!
A square piece in a rectangle frame is not the most common thing you can find, but it’s exactly what I needed for a very specific spot. I’m thrilled I didn’t have to pay a fortune AND it got one more thing out of the basement. Wins all around!
Other Budget Mat Ideas to Try
If heading out to the craft store for a specialty-cut mat isn’t quite necessary for your particular piece, here are some other budget-friendly matting options to try!
Shop for Picture Mats
If you don’t need a custom frame mat and simply want to “dress up” your standard-size art, check Amazon for mats. In the search terms, be very specific about the total mat size AND the opening size you need, and there’s a good chance you will find some inexpensive options!
NOTE: Many mats are sold in bulk, so this is particularly useful when trying to create gallery frames.
Cut Your Own Mats
You can actually order sheets of “uncut mat board” and a mat cutter and do it yourself! Although this will take some patience AND practice (HERE is a great tutorial to follow), this can really save you a lot of money if you have big or multiple pieces to frame.
Yep – I cut this one myself from solid white core mat board. Definitely not perfect but waaaay cheaper than a custom job for this inexpensive print!
Colored Mats
If you want colored mats around your artwork, consider painting white ones! If you pair quality white mats with several coats of acrylic paint, you can create gorgeous colored mats without a custom order! (Learn more about using colored mats HERE.)
Fake It
Finally, for a super cheap hack, thick cardstock or posterboard can both be made to look like mats inside your frames! And while you know the mats aren’t really made of mat board, most people won’t even notice. Case in point, I ran out of mats for my big gallery wall and used cardstock in one frame. Can you tell which one in the picture below?!? Didn’t think so 😉
Psssst – it’s the very upper left!
Take care to use a really sharp craft knife to get clean interior cuts, and consider using dimensionals between multiple mats for a more professional, layered look.
If you have some art you’ve been wanting to get on the walls but have been dreading the cost of framing, I hope these budget framing trick helps you out! Although most of my art projects are relatively small, you can actually use this same trick to save money on almost any frame job. Even if you have to purchase a new frame, combining an off-the-shelf frame with a custom-cut mat is still likely to save you hundreds of dollars for a very custom look!
Megan
19 Comments on “Do You Know This Budget Framing Trick?”
I pride myself on knowing these types of things, but I did not know this! However, I do own a small mat cutter that I use for things like this … but I know the Michaels people will do a better job if that is needed! Thanks for the tip. 🙂
A few years ago I had some legal sized documents I needed to frame and didn’t know what to do. Someone suggested going to the custom frame place to do custom mattes. I did and popped them into the store bought frame…voila! Perfectly custom, off the rack price! And, I will say, it was significantly cheaper than having Michael’s do the matte. Sometimes I assume the big box store is going to be least expensive, and then am shocked at the savings from mom and pop (who I like to support anyway).
I don’t do a ton of framing, but matte cutters aren’t that expensive…you can get a decent one for about $25, and buy your own matte board. With how often you move and need to frame new art, it might be worth the investment to you. Would probably pay off with just a few uses.
Always enjoy you, Megan. Keep up the good work!
This is such a great tip! Can save hundreds if we do IKEA frames + custom cut mat, instead of custom framing everything!
Again, thanks for the great tip!
I’m sure you got what you wanted, but I just tried to do the same thing at my Michaels store and ran into a man who was there to sell the framing package and wouldn’t listen to my request after taking my business for years it sure left a bad taste in my mouth.
I tried this and upon visiting the store, found out that I had to make an appointment. No appointment was available for that day so I made the appointment online, then had to make a second trip the next day. Then, I was told 48 hours until they would be ready, so I had to make a third trip to pick them up. The mats were high quality and I got them for a reasonable price, although I asked for a standard white and what they gave me was an off-white cream color, so they don’t quite match the pictures I already had that are matted in white. Also, please be aware that they will not cut mats smaller than 1″ in width. Going to Michaels isn’t terrible advice, but there are several things people should be aware of prior to taking this advice. It ended being four days of effort for me and three trips to Michaels, which in hindsight would have made ordering mats online a much more convenient option, and probably equitable in price (especially when factoring in the value of my time).
Hi Liam!
Thanks for chiming in on your experience! I wonder how much of the hassle was due to recent COVID precautions? Years ago, when I first did this, I was definitely able to walk right up to the counter and get the mats cut on the spot!. But these are definitely good things to keep in mind when people are taking on a framing projects!
Thanks!Megan
I agree I went to Michaels and had to wait 2 days for my picture mats.
Thanks for sharing, Laura!
I am sure all stores have different staffing levels and wait times! Although not instant in some places, this is still a great budget-friendly option!
Megan
I did a photo wall for an anniversary present since my husband was asking for family photos. I got a ton of custom mats for a few bucks each on etsy. It really brought the project together. I did photos of us all thru the years and wrote the year and location on the frames too. Figure out what you need and then ask for a few prices. Compare that to the price for tools and materials. You never know how it will work out.
Jessica, do you have a picture you can share of the final product? I would really love to see, as I’m thinking on the best way to display a family gallery wall of photos.
Thanks for the advice. Went to Michael’s about getting a custom mat. They do still do this, but my store advised it would take two weeks as I don’t guess they do that in store anymore/at all stores. I chose a specialty mat so it was a little more at $24, but still much cheaper and easier than trying to do it myself.
Thanks for the update here, Emily! I know fellow/future readers will appreciate knowing this option is still available.
Glad it worked out for you! Megan
Thanks for the tip about how using mats can also be a good way to complement picture frames. I’d like to know more about picture framing services because I’m thinking about finding a good way to more easily decorate my living room. Hanging pictures of my family and friends might be a good idea.
https://www.nainsookframing.com/alpine
Well Megan, Yesterday I went to my local Michael’s to do this. I picked the cheapest white mat they had and asked for an 11X11 opening in a 15X15 mat and was told it would be $72!!! This was in Orlando FL. I don’t know where you live but you’re lucky it’s so much cheaper there. Needless to say, I walked out without the board!
My ‘can’t tell it’s not matted’ fix is to use black foamcore board in a black frame. I don’t cut an opening for the art. I cut it to fit the frame then place the art on top. This has worked extremely well for me when framing large pen and ink drawings. I have also used poster board or 12 x 12 scrapbook paper to act as a background for hard to frame pieces. I used to buy frame sides that came in pairs (2 widths and 2 lengths) and put together my own odd sized frames but they don’t seem to be as available as they once were.
WOW. I did not know this, and it would indeed be a better result, and save a lot of funds. I bought the tools a while back because of the expense, but it isn’t so easy to figure out, and cut. Meanwhile, I have to order the mats and pay quite a bit for that as well. This would be wonderful if they will do it for me. Thank you! PS) I have found that ordering frames on line works for odd sizes, even from Joann’s or Michaels, but also Hobby Lobby stocks some weird sizes as well.
I have also used Michael’s or even frame shops to have the Mat custom cut to use in an off the rack frame. However, if what you are framing is something you want to last, be careful that your backing is archival. One teacher suggested wrapping the backing cardboard in aluminum foil. Acid free watercolor or other paper might work too.
I have also used pan pastel to color white mats. Use sparingly, brushing away excess. (Save the extra in the original pan) It will set somewhat in a day or two, but I always finish with a matte spray sealer.
I did this many years ago. I still have the cutter & guide. I think I will buy a large piece of frame matting to try it again. Thanks for reminding me!