The History of Picture Frames

The origin of picture frames lies in religious architecture because initially picture frames were to be found only in churches and cathedrals. They were made from wood, marble or less often from metal and were painted or gilded and often decorated with colourful adornments and inlays. From the 16th century on picture frames became decorative objects that were used outside of churches and religious contexts.

Today picture frames are generally produced in series and individually manufactured frames are a luxury product. Common materials are wood, aluminium and plastics. Frame sizes usually conform with standardised sizes of photographs, posters and drawing cardboards. Frameless picture holders are an alternative to common picture frames and consist of a protective glass panel which is attached to a back panel with metal clips.

Sizes of Picture Frames

If you want to buy a picture frame, first you need to know the size of the image you want to frame. The frame size is equal to the picture size and designates the cut-out in which the image is inserted. A minimal difference may result in the frame profile covering some millimetres of the images edge areas. The overall dimension of the picture frame has nothing to do with the frame size directly because the frame profile can be 10mm or 3cm in width, depending on the frame model. The actual size of the frame (overall size) is completely independent from the image size (frame cut-out). Only with frameless picture holders picture size and frame size are exactly the same.

Custome made Frames

If you have a picture or artwork that doesn’t fit into standard frame formats we offer you frames in customized sizes. With our picture frame configurator you can choose between different profiles, frame colours and glass types to put together the perfect customized picture frame for your artwork.

Wooden Picture Frames

Wood is a classic material for picture frames. Wooden picture frames generally appear homely, warm and contribute to the feel-good factor of a room. They have a long tradition and are available in different types of wood, with different profiles and dimensions.

Aluminium Picture Frames

Aluminium frames are the modern picture frame type. They are mostly characterized by straight profiles that blend subtly and elegantly into their surroundings. Aluminium frames combine a high stability with a low weight. They are durable and even when regularly changing pictures the wear of an aluminium frame is minimal. Aluminium frames often have a cool and clear, even minimalist design and they are available with anodised, polished, brushed or painted surface finishes.

Plastic Picture Frames

Plastic Picture Frames are a cheap alternative to wooden picture frames and aluminium picture frames. They are available in all possible varieties because they are manufactured with different profiles, designs and colours. Only when taking a closer look, you realize the frame is made of plastic. Due to the low weight of plastic picture frames it’s easy to transport them.

Interchangeable Picture Frames

Most of today’s available picture frames are interchangeable frames. In the past picture frames were custom made for certain artworks, but today images and frames are standardised through industrial production. Interchangeable Frames are equipped with spring clips and clamps to easily and flexibly change the images. To survive long-term usage, they are solidly and qualitatively manufactured. Most of the interchangeable frames in photo formats (up to 20x30cm) are equipped with frame stands and frame hangers and are suitable for images in landscape and portrait format.