How Much Does It Cost to Frame a Picture?

Framing a picture can range from less than $100 for a smaller, straightforward project to several hundred dollars for large artwork, specialty materials or complex mounting. At Level Frames, our custom frame prices currently start at $56, with common sizes such as 8" × 10" starting at $70 and 24" × 36" starting at $238.

The final price depends primarily on the size of the artwork, frame design, matting, glazing, quality of the materials and how the picture is mounted. Where you have the framing done also matters: a traditional custom frame shop has different labor and overhead costs compared to an online framing service.

Let's dive into into the price and how to choose the right framing option for your picture and budget.

Custom picture framing prices at a glance

The following are current starting prices for several common frame sizes at Level Frames:

If you are framing a photo and we are printing the image for you, the total frame price will go up slightly. For example, when framing an 8" × 10" digital image, the current starting price including the printing is $76.

No matter what you frame, prices can change as you select different frame styles, mat widths and other options. We have built a handy custom frame price calculator on our pricing page, so that you can see a price estimate based on your exact project.

What determines the cost of framing a picture?

Two pictures with the same dimensions can have different framing costs. That is because a custom frame has many more elements than just four wooden sides placed around an image.

1. Frame size

Size is usually the biggest pricing factor. A larger frame requires more moulding, glass or acrylic, backing materials and matboard. It can also require stronger materials and more careful handling.

Remember that the artwork size and finished frame size are not always the same. Adding a mat and a wider frame will increase the outer dimensions when the finished piece is on your wall. If you are unsure what measurements you need, consult our guide for measuring artwork like a pro.

2. Frame style and width

The frame's material, finish and profile affect its price. A slim, simple frame generally uses less material than a wide or highly detailed design.

The best frame design is not necessarily the largest or most decorative one. A simple black, white or natural wood frame can give a photo, poster or work of art a clean presentation while keeping the overall project affordable.

3. Matting

A mat creates visual space between the picture and frame. It can make a smaller image feel more substantial, and complement colors in the artwork.

Wider mats, multiple mats and larger finished dimensions can increase the price. For many pictures, a single, well-proportioned mat offers an attractive balance between presentation and cost.

4. Glazing

The transparent material protecting the front of the artwork also contributes to the price. Depending on the framing provider, choices may include glass or acrylic with different levels of clarity, UV protection and glare reduction.

The right choice depends on the artwork and where it will hang. Lightweight, shatter-resistant acrylic can be especially practical for larger frames and frames that need to be shipped.

Importantly, the glaze can play a key role in protecting your items from dust, fading and sun damage. Our guide to picture frame glazing explains all of the options we use and when you may want to choose one with UV-filtering or anti-reflective capabilities.

5. Mounting method

Standard photographs, prints and posters are relatively straightforward to mount. Float mounting, in which the edges of the artwork remain visible, requires additional materials and precision.

A float mount frame can be a beautiful choice for deckled-edge prints, artwork with signatures or edition numbers you want to reveal, and artwork on distinctive paper, but the extra craftsmanship may increase the final cost.

Unusual objects, textiles, dimensional pieces and fragile originals may also require specialized mounting.

6. Printing and assembly

If you are starting with a digital photo, the price may include both printing and framing.

If you already have the picture printed, we can craft a custom frame to fit and ship it right to your door with the instructions and everything you need to frame at home.

Why can a custom frame shop be expensive?

Traditional custom frame shops offer valuable expertise and hands-on service, especially for unusual, fragile or highly complex projects. Their pricing also reflects the costs of operating a physical storefront.

A local shop may need to account for:

• Individual design consultations
• Retail rent and showroom expenses
• On-site inventory and samples
• Use of third-party services for the materials and any assembly that cannot take place in the shop
• Specialty mounting and preservation work
• Transportation and handling of large or delicate pieces
• Multiple visits for drop-off, design approval and pickup

None of those expenses is unnecessary, they are all part of a highly personalized local service. But not every photo, poster or print requires that level of in-person handling.

Is online framing cheaper?

Online framing can be more affordable because the ordering and production process is more efficient. You can enter your art dimensions, customize the frame design and preview the finished piece from home. An online framing company can then make each frame to order without the overhead associated with a large retail showroom.

At Level Frames, museum-quality custom frames are designed to offer the same materials and craftsmanship associated with a custom frame shop at a more accessible price. Online ordering also makes it easier to compare options and see how changes to the frame, mat or size affect the price before you buy.

For many standard photos, posters, prints and works on paper, online custom framing can provide the quality of traditional custom framing while saving time and money.

Ways to frame a picture online

Level Frames offers several approaches depending on what you want to frame.

Upload and frame a digital photo

If your picture is digital, upload the image, choose your print size and customize the frame and mat. We'll will print the photo, assemble the frame and deliver it ready to hang.

This is often the simplest way to frame a photo because printing and framing are handled in one order. You can even create multi-photo custom collage frames as well as full gallery wall layouts,

Insert your artwork at home

If you already have a poster, print or other paper artwork, Level Frames can make a custom-sized frame and send it to you with mounting instructions and the tools required to insert the art.

Orders using this At Home option are generally delivered within one to two weeks, and inserting the artwork typically takes about 10–15 minutes per frame.

Send the artwork to the studio

If you prefer professional assembly, choose In Studio framing. Level Frames supplies packaging and a shipping label so the artwork can be framed by the studio and returned ready to hang.

The current In Studio service charge is:

These fees cover the entire group of frames, rather than applying separately to each frame.

How to keep picture-framing costs down

A few decisions can make custom framing more affordable without compromising the finished look:

• Choose a clean, narrower frame profile.
• Use a single, 4-ply mat rather than multiple layers or an 8-ply thickness.
• Measure the artwork carefully before ordering.
• Upload a digital photo so printing and framing can be completed together.
• Reserve specialty mounting for artwork that truly calls for it.
• Compare the complete price, including assembly, shipping and the acrylic glaze before you finalize everything.

For a picture wall or gallery wall of frames, you can often secure a discounted, volume price when you purchase the entire layout.

Is custom framing worth it?

Custom framing is often worthwhile when your picture or artwork is meaningful, valuable, unusually sized or you want it to last for decades. Because the frame is made for the exact dimensions of the artwork, the finished result typically looks more intentional than placing the picture in the nearest standard-size frame.

Good framing also helps support and protect artwork with archival, acid-free materials, while making it easier to hang securely.

For inexpensive or easily replaceable prints, a ready-made frame may be sufficient. But for original artwork, family photographs, limited-edition posters, keepsakes and pieces with nonstandard dimensions, nothing beats custom framing for a better fit, presentation and longevity.

The bottom line

So, how much does it cost to frame a picture?

At Level Frames for example, current custom frame prices start at $59, an 8" × 10" frame starts at $70, a larger 24" × 36" frame starts at $236. But your exact price will depend on the size, frame style, mat, mounting method and whether printing or studio assembly is included. For an exact quote based on whatever you are framing, it only takes a few moments to provide the dimensions of your art or upload your image and see the price on-screen as you customize the frame. Our support team is also standing by to help if any questions come up.

So although traditional frame shops remain a strong option for especially complicated projects, for most photos, posters, prints and works on paper, online framing offers a faster and often more affordable way to get a custom, museum-quality results, all without making multiple trips to a frame shop.

Happy framing!