How we help you choose the right ready-made frame
Ready-made advice is for people who want a neat finish without going through a full custom framing spec. We guide you on the sizes we carry, the opening size you need for your print or photo, and which mount colour will suit the image and the room. If you are framing family photos, certificates, posters or small artworks, we will talk through the options and point out what works best for your wall space and budget.
We keep the advice practical. That means checking the actual artwork size, allowing for the visible image area, and making sure the frame depth suits the backing board and glazing. If you are hanging in a home office in Parkhurst, a gallery wall in Rosebank, or a rental in Pretoria where you want simple tidy finishes, we will help you avoid frames that look too thin, too busy, or too large for the piece.
- Matching frame size to the artwork or print
- Choosing mount colour and border width
- Checking glazing, depth and backing fit
- Advice for single pieces or grouped walls
What is included in the ready-made advice service
The service includes a short consultation, size checking, finish recommendations and guidance on the best way to present the piece. We can explain which ready-made frames suit standard paper sizes, which ones work better for square prints, and when a mount will improve the final look. For galleries, we also consider visual consistency across a series so the display stays neat across multiple frames.
We stock a range of frame styles for homes and galleries, from clean modern profiles to more classic looks. Depending on the artwork, we may recommend a plain white mount, a cream mount, or a darker option if the image needs stronger contrast. For coastal homes in Durban, we also talk about moisture and the best way to keep the frame looking good in humid conditions.
- Ready-made size and proportion advice
- Mount pairing guidance for visual balance
- Finish suggestions for different décor styles
- Advice on placement for walls with strong light
Our step-by-step process from enquiry to collection
Clients reach us through the enquiry form on our contact page, then we respond with the next steps and what to bring or send through. If you already know the artwork size, send the measurements with the type of item you want framed. If not, bring the piece in and we will measure it for you at the Parkhurst studio. The more accurate the measurements the easier it is to choose the right frame first time.
From there, we show the suitable ready-made options, explain the look of each one, and confirm the price before proceeding. If any minor adjustment is needed, such as a mount cut to suit a non-standard image, we will say so clearly. We also offer collection and delivery for Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Midrand, Cape Town and Durban, which helps when clients are ordering several frames at once.
- Send an enquiry through the contact form
- Share artwork size, photo size or an image of the piece
- We recommend size, finish and mount pairing
- Confirm pricing and turnaround
- Collect in Parkhurst or arrange delivery
Turnaround times and when to plan ahead
Ready-made advice is usually quicker than a full custom framing job because the frame sizes are already available. Simple advice and stock selection can often be handled quickly, while larger orders, gallery sets or mixed-size wall groupings may take a little longer. If you are working to a deadline for an exhibition, house move, opening or gift, tell us early so we can plan the sequence properly.
Turnaround depends on stock availability, the number of pieces and whether mounts or minor adjustments are needed. In practice, many single pieces move fast, but group orders need more checking. During load-shedding periods we also keep practical production planning in place so progress stays steady and nothing is rushed.
- Single frame advice can often be sorted quickly
- Set orders and gallery walls need more planning time
- Special sizes or added mount work may add a delay
- Urgent work should be mentioned at enquiry stage
Pricing that stays clear before you commit
Our pricing approach is straightforward. The final amount depends on the frame size, the style selected, whether a mount is needed, and any extra handling such as delivery or advice for a mixed display. We do not expect clients to guess the cost in advance. Once we know the size and the look you want, we can talk through the options and explain what changes the price.
For homes and smaller projects, ready-made advice can be a cost-effective way to get a polished result without paying for a full custom build. For galleries and business spaces, we can also help balance budget across a run of frames so the display stays consistent. If you are comparing a few options, we will explain which choice gives the best finish for the money, not just the lowest price.
- Price depends on size, finish and mount choice
- Delivery can be added where needed
- Multiple-frame orders are priced with the full job in mind
- We confirm costs before work proceeds
Keeping ready-made frames looking neat over time
Ready-made frames benefit from a bit of regular care, especially in Johannesburg homes with strong sun through windows or in coastal areas where humidity can affect backing and paper. Dust the frame lightly, keep it away from direct water spray, and check every few months that the artwork is still sitting flat and the corners are secure. If the piece is in a busy passage or a child’s room, it is worth checking it more often.
As a practical rule, inspect framed pieces every 6 to 12 months. Look for loose backing, dust behind the glass, or any sign that the mount has shifted. If the piece has been moved, stored or exposed to damp air, bring it in for a check. For framed mirrors, gallery pieces or items near kitchen steam, maintenance may need to happen sooner. A quick review now and then keeps the frame looking tidy and avoids bigger repairs later.
- Dust gently with a dry soft cloth
- Avoid harsh cleaners on glass and frame edges
- Check corners and backing every 6 to 12 months
- Bring in pieces early if you see lifting, mould or warping
Key facts
| Service area | Parkhurst, Johannesburg plus Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town and Durban |
|---|---|
| Typical use | Photos, prints, certificates, posters, small artworks and gallery wall sets |
| Frame options | Ready-made sizes with advice on finish, mount and depth |
| Mount guidance | Single mounts, colour pairing and border proportion advice |
| Turnaround | Often quick for single items, longer for sets or special handling |
| Care interval | Check framed pieces every 6 to 12 months |
