The Frame Hunt: Where to Find Good-Looking Frames (Without Spending a Fortune)

You’ve found the perfect art prints, you’ve done the math to make sure they fit your walls beautifully, and you’ve clicked "order." Now comes the part that gives most art lovers a bit of sticker shock: finding the frames.

If you’ve ever walked into a custom frame shop only to walk out clutching your chest at a $300 quote for a single 16x20 frame, you are not alone. Custom framing can be a massive investment.

But here’s the secret: you don’t need to spend custom-framing money to get a high-end look. Whether you're on a shoestring budget or looking for a seamless, professional finish, here is exactly where to look for frames that will do your new art justice.

1. The High-Street Heroes (Best for Speed & Budget)

If you have standard-sized prints (like 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, or 24x36) and you want them on your walls this week, your local retail giants are your best friend.

• Target & Ikea: The absolute kings of budget-friendly framing. Target’s Threshold line offers gorgeous, heavy wood frames that look significantly more expensive than they are. Meanwhile, Ikea’s Ribba and Lomviken series are the gold standard for minimalist, clean gallery walls.

• H&M Home & Zara Home: Often overlooked for frames, these spots are incredible for smaller, trendier pieces—think thin brass edges, double-glass floating frames, or chunky ceramic options.

2. The Semi-Custom Online Innovators (Best for Non-Standard Sizes)

Did you buy a print with awkward dimensions? Or maybe you want that flawless, massive white mat board look without the custom boutique price tag? Online framers have revolutionized this space.

• Framebridge & Artifact Uprising: You can mail them your prints (or upload digital files), choose your style, and they send them back perfectly framed and ready to hang. It’s more expensive than a DIY Target frame, but roughly half the price of traditional local custom framing.

• Opposite Wall & Poster Store: Excellent online spots specifically built for art print lovers. They sell high-quality, lightweight aluminum and solid oak frames specifically sized to match modern print dimensions.

3. The Vintage Thrift Hunt (Best for Character)

If your interior style leans a bit more eclectic, mid-century, or traditional, step away from the internet and head to your local thrift store, estate sale, or flea market.

Thrift stores are absolute goldmines for solid wood and ornate vintage brass frames.

The Thrift Hack: Don't look at the terrible 1980s hotel art inside the frame; just look at the frame itself. Buy the whole thing for $5, pop the back open, throw away the old print, give the glass a good scrub with Windex, and drop your gorgeous new modern art print inside. The contrast between vintage framing and modern art is an instant designer favorite.

4. The Craft Store Strategy (Best for DIY Upgrades)

Places like Michaels, Joann, or Hobby Lobby constantly run 40% to 50% off sales on their framing sections.

If you want a truly premium look on a budget, buy a large frame on sale here, but upgrade the mat board. You can ask the store's framing counter to cut you a custom piece of acid-free mat board for just a few dollars. Putting an 8x10 print inside an 16x20 frame with a massive, high-quality mat board instantly makes a cheap frame look like a museum piece.

The Verdict?

Don't let the frame hunt delay you from enjoying your art. Decide on the vibe you want—clean and modern, or storied and vintage—and match it to your budget. Your walls will thank you!