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Premium Custom Frames, Shipped Nationwide – Design Yours Today!
Framing is more than a final touch—it’s an art form in itself. The right frame doesn’t just support your artwork; it transforms it. It tells a story, creates visual balance, and ensures your piece endures for decades. At West Coast Frames, we believe every piece of art deserves a frame that complements its character, enhances its beauty, and protects its integrity.
I’m Greg Tenney, owner of West Coast Frames, and for nearly 100 years, our family has been perfecting the craft of premium-quality picture frames. We know that a frame isn't just a border—it's part of the experience. In this guide, I want to walk you through the key elements that go into making a truly great frame: the materials, the styles, the embellishments, and the purpose behind each one.
Whether you're framing original artwork, family heirlooms, photography, or prints, understanding the fundamentals of framing will help you elevate and preserve what matters most.
Art without the right frame is like a book without a cover. A well-chosen frame doesn’t distract—it complements. It pulls focus to the art itself, sets the mood, and brings cohesion between the artwork and the space where it's displayed. But it also plays a critical role in preservation.
From shielding delicate surfaces from UV damage to preventing moisture or dust from degrading the piece, high-quality framing protects art from the elements. That’s why the choices you make—wood type, glass, backing, and matting—aren’t just aesthetic. They’re structural. And when done right, they’ll keep your artwork looking stunning for a lifetime.
At West Coast Frames, we pride ourselves on offering Made in USA frames using the best materials available. Our wood moldings are milled with precision and finished by hand, ensuring durability and beauty in equal measure. We use only archival, acid-free backing materials to protect against long-term damage, and we offer both regular and museum-grade glass to suit your needs.
For customers looking for that extra touch of sophistication, our Gold Filagree picture frames are crafted with ornate detailing that echoes the grandeur of old-world artistry. These frames are ideal for classic portraiture, religious icons, or richly detailed paintings. The intricate design not only adds texture but creates a sense of history and prestige around the artwork.
Whether you're choosing solid maple, walnut, distressed finishes, or hand-applied gilding, our frames are built to stand the test of time—not just in construction, but in timeless design.
Choosing the right style is both a creative and curatorial decision. Contemporary art often benefits from clean lines and minimalist frames, allowing the boldness of the piece to speak for itself. Traditional oil paintings may call for more opulent, carved moldings that reflect their classical roots. Photographs, on the other hand, may be best suited to neutral tones and simple designs that enhance contrast and detail.
One of the most exciting framing decisions is choosing between contrast and harmony. Do you want your frame to blend in with the artwork, or stand in sharp visual contrast to highlight its uniqueness? For example, using a Gold Filagree picture frame around a monochromatic modern painting can create dramatic tension that draws viewers in.
Every space also has its own personality. A gallery wall in a modern loft may demand floating frames and metal accents. A traditional living room may lean toward rich wood tones and deep profiles. With our experience, we help guide customers through these choices, blending artistic vision with technical expertise.
What separates an off-the-shelf frame from a custom one? The details. At West Coast Frames, we sweat the small stuff because it matters.
From ornate beading to layered textures, our decorative elements are crafted to complement—not overwhelm—the artwork. Our filigree work is applied with precision and an artist’s touch, making each frame a piece of art on its own. Finishes are hand-applied, not mass-produced. Every joint is inspected. Every corner is joined to exacting standards.
Even our professionally framed and delivered service goes beyond packaging. We ensure that your artwork arrives ready to hang, with protective corners, secure mounting hardware, and clean, sealed backing. It’s our commitment to excellence, and it’s part of what has made us a trusted name in framing for generations.
Beyond the style and appearance, a quality frame must protect. Light, humidity, air quality, and even insects can degrade unprotected artwork over time. That’s why we use UV-protective glass and acid-free mats and backing boards in all our archival framing.
We also carefully select the depth and spacing to allow artwork to breathe, preventing condensation or warping. And when needed, we provide custom solutions for uniquely sized, unusually shaped, or delicate works.
This is especially important for collectors or anyone framing irreplaceable originals. You’re not just decorating a wall—you’re preserving history.
For nearly 100 years, our family has been dedicated to building frames that last. Our team blends craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation to deliver a product that speaks to the quality of the art it holds. And because all our products are Made in the USA, you can be confident you’re getting a frame that’s built with integrity and pride.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping Gold Filagree picture frame or a simple, sleek black profile for a modern piece, we’re here to help you choose confidently. Our frames are crafted not only to match your taste but to honor the emotion and story behind each work of art.
From the first consultation to the moment your piece is hung on the wall, our goal is to make the framing experience as seamless and rewarding as the art itself.
Framing isn’t just about presentation—it’s about elevation. The right frame brings clarity to your artwork. It defines its boundaries, protects its future, and tells your story. Whether it’s a childhood drawing, a prized painting, or a gallery-quality print, it deserves to be treated with care, intention, and expertise.
At West Coast Frames, we’re here to make sure that happens.
Visit www.westcoastframes.com to explore our premium collections or start your custom framing journey. When your artwork is ready for its forever frame, we’ll make sure it’s professionally framed and delivered—just the way it should be.
Because the art of framing is more than craft. It’s tradition. And it’s our honor to carry that tradition forward, one frame at a time.
