With the huge selection and popularity of metal picture frames sometimes it can be difficult picking the one that is right for you. To help you narrow down your search, use these helpful tips and questions to help you find the right frame quickly and easily.
#1- Frame Budget: What is my budget?
If youre not sure how much you have to spend to get the type of metal frame you want here are some rough guidelines for different types of metal frames, based on a 4x6 size, that can help:
* Under $10 - basic aluminum frames, simple solid brass frames
* $10 and up - basic silver plated frames, decorative metal frames, steel frames.
* $30 and up - decorative silver plated frames
* $50 and up - decorative hand made solid pewter frames
* $100 and up - decorative solid sterling silver frames
#2- Keepsake frames: Do I want it to be a treasured keepsake?
If you're looking for a quality metal frame that you want as a keepsake, then there are three types of frames to consider: silver plated frames, solid pewter frames and sterling silver frames. These three types of frames are durable and made to last plus they have a distinct look of quality that sets them apart from other types of metal frames.
#3- Frame style: What style of frame do I want?
No matter what your preferred style, you'll always find a metal frame style to match. Here are some examples of metal picture frame styles to consider. Just keep in mind that there is a huge variety of frame styles within each grouping of metal frames.
* Elegant: Silver plated frames, sterling silver frames, metal decorative frames, and metal jeweled frames
* Casual: Decorative metal frames or solid pewter frames.
* Professional: Aluminum frames, silver plated frames or sterling silver frames
* Modern or Traditional style: Almost any type of metal frame, including aluminum frames, steel frames, pewter frames, silver plate frames, sterling silver frames, fit into this style category.
#4- Color: What color of frame do I need?
Metal picture frames usually come in a variety of gold or silver colors depending upon the type of material it's made from. One thing to be aware of is that a silver frame could be made of pewter or aluminum and not necessarily made of sterling silver or silver plate. So, the wording silver frame is describing the color, not the material it is made from. This is true for pewter frames as well. Unless it states solid pewter it is describing the color of the frame and not the material from which the frame is made.
Metal frames are also available in a wide variety of colors. You can get aluminum frames in colors like silver, gold, black, blue and copper or you can find metal frames with bright enamel finishes or decorated with beads or crystals.
#5- Finish: What type of metal finish do I like?
The most common metal finishes are matte, shiny, brushed and antiqued. Unless the finish is specifically called matte, brushed or antiqued, it will be a shiny finish.
#6- Engraved Frame: Do I want to engrave my frame?
If you want to engrave a frame, always check to see if the frame is identified as an engraved (or an engravable) picture frame. This means that the frame is a solid material with the same color metal throughout the depth of the frame. It also means there is a smooth, flat surface for the engraving. Engraved frames are available as solid pewter frames, silver plated frames and sterling silver frames.
#7- Size: Is there a specific size of frame needed?
If you're framing a standard sized picture, then a ready made frame is your best solution. Ready made frames are the most convenient way to frame because there are many standard sizes from which to choose.
For a piece of artwork or non-standard picture size, you will probably need a custom metal frame. Your budget comes into play in this area also. You can either buy a custom frame and have it put together for you, or you can buy the size you need and assemble it yourself. Many metal frames are simple to put together by yourself, so this is a good option if you are handy at putting things together and you want to save some money.
Now that you have answered these 7 simple questions you should be able to easily and quickly choose the frame that fits your needs.
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Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames and loves shopping for picture frames. Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of wood and metal picture frames as well as many other types of frames. Shop online or call us at 1-800-780-0699.