At Frame Corner Memphis, we've been crafting custom picture frames and preserving treasured artwork for over 30 years. Our expertise in professional framing services has taught us that different pieces require different levels of protection and presentation. In this guide, we'll walk you through the five levels of custom framing we offer and help you determine which is best suited for your artwork, memorabilia, or family heirlooms.
Understanding the 5 Levels of Custom Picture Framing
Minimum Level Framing
Our Minimum Level framing offers an economical solution for artwork needing simple display without extensive protection. This entry-level option provides functional framing with standard materials, regular glass, and basic mat options. Perfect for temporary displays, decorative posters, or prints not needing long-term preservation, it affordably protects art from dust and minor damage while maintaining a professional appearance—ideal for office decorations or children's artwork.
Budget Framing
Budget framing elevates presentation while remaining cost-conscious. This popular option balances quality and affordability with more design choices in frames and mat colors. Materials provide improved protection compared to minimum framing, with better glass options and attractive presentation elements. Budget framing suits personal photographs and decorative prints that deserve a finished look without requiring archival protection.
Commended Framing
Commended framing delivers higher quality while remaining accessible. This middle-tier option incorporates better materials throughout, offering enhanced protection and superior aesthetics with higher-grade mats and backing boards that resist deterioration longer. Improved glazing provides moderate UV protection while our framers emphasize design elements that highlight artwork's unique qualities. Ideal for limited edition prints, special photographs, and pieces with moderate value or sentimental importance.
Conservation Framing
Conservation framing shifts from decorative presentation to active preservation. This level incorporates acid-free, lignin-free materials throughout to prevent deterioration, with specialized mat boards and backing that won't release harmful compounds. Conservation-grade glazing blocks up to 97% of UV rays, while reversible mounting techniques protect artwork integrity. Essential for original artwork, valuable prints, historical documents, and irreplaceable heirlooms—preserving both beauty and value.
Museum Framing
Museum framing represents the gold standard in protection and presentation. Our museum-quality framing uses materials and techniques meeting institutional conservation standards. We select premium archival materials tested for stability, while museum-grade glazing offers 99% UV protection with remarkable clarity. Our master framers use specialized mounting techniques that distribute support evenly. Appropriate for museum-quality artwork, historically significant pieces, and irreplaceable treasures, this level represents a multi-generational commitment to preservation.
When to Upgrade Your Custom Framing Level
Choosing the right framing level depends on several factors that our expert framers will help evaluate during your consultation. Your artwork's monetary value often guides framing decisions—a casual poster doesn't need the same treatment as an original painting worth thousands. At Frame Corner Memphis, we also consider sentimental significance, as your child's artwork or family photos might deserve conservation-level framing regardless of appraised value.
Environmental conditions significantly impact framing requirements. Art in direct sunlight or humid homes faces preservation challenges that higher-level framing can address. Our experts will recommend specific glass and mounting options based on your display location to protect against environmental threats.
Your long-term plans matter too—if you'll pass down pieces to future generations or eventually sell them, investing in better framing now preserves their condition and value. We think generationally about preservation, helping you make decisions that benefit tomorrow's caretakers of your collection.
Display context is equally important. Art in professional settings like galleries, offices, or upscale homes benefits from higher-level framing that conveys quality. Our custom designs complement your space while providing appropriate protection for both the setting and impression you wish to create. For those needing extra support, we also offer installation and delivery services to make the process seamless from start to finish.
How Frame Corner Memphis Guides Your Decision
At Frame Corner Memphis, we provide personalized consultation to understand your specific needs rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions. Our expert framers take time to learn about your artwork's significance and display plans before recommending the appropriate framing level. During your consultation, we explain different materials and their long-term effects, showing examples side-by-side in our showroom so you can see the quality differences firsthand.
We recognize budget constraints and often suggest hybrid approaches that incorporate higher-level elements where they matter most—like museum glass with standard framing components—maximizing protection while managing costs. Our decades of preservation experience helps us advise how today's framing choices will affect your artwork's condition years from now.
When deciding on a framing level, consider the piece's importance to you, how long you want it preserved, its display environment, and your budget. Professional framing balances protection, preservation, and presentation—the right custom frame enhances your artwork visually while safeguarding it for years to come. Our expert team will guide you through these considerations to find the perfect framing solution for your unique situation.
Ready to Frame Your Art with Confidence?
We invite you to stop by our Memphis shop to experience the difference between our framing levels in person. Our friendly experts will walk you through the options without pressure, ensuring you make the best choice for your treasured artwork, sports memorabilia, or family heirlooms. For clients needing long-distance service, we can crate and ship your framed pieces safely. For personalized advice or to get a custom framing quote on your next project,contact Frame Corner Memphis today. With our 30+ years of experience in custom picture framing, we're committed to helping you protect and showcase your art in the best possible way—whatever level that may be.
