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When you hang a piece of art, the frame you choose does more than hold it up. It tells a story of taste, time, and tradition. As someone who’s dedicated my life to the craft at West Coast Frames, I can tell you firsthand that picture frames aren’t just functional—they’re historic. They've evolved alongside the world’s most iconic artworks, from sacred Renaissance panels to sleek modern photography.
I’m Greg Tenney, owner of West Coast Frames, and part of a family legacy that’s been crafting fine custom and ready-made frames for nearly a century. We’ve seen trends come and go, but what stays constant is the frame’s ability to enhance and preserve meaning. In this blog, I’ll take you on a journey through time, showing how the materials, styles, and purpose of frames have shifted over centuries—culminating in what we now offer as professionally framed and delivered, Made in USA heirlooms built to last.
Let’s step back in time.
While the origins of the picture frame are hard to pin down, early versions of framing date as far back as ancient Egypt. Instead of what we think of today as a standalone frame, the ancient world used borders within walls—painted outlines or carved recesses that served as architectural framing for murals and carvings.
These weren’t frames in the decorative sense, but they mark the beginning of the human urge to isolate and elevate imagery—to treat certain images as important, sacred, or worthy of attention.
It wasn’t until the 12th and 13th centuries that true wooden picture frames began to appear in Europe, particularly for altarpieces in churches. These early frames were often carved directly from a single plank of wood, functioning more like a window than a separate structure.
By the Gothic period, the frame began to take on an identity of its own. Religious art was encased in ornately carved, gilded wooden borders that mirrored the architectural details of cathedrals. These early works were not just made to support the painting—they were built to glorify it. This tradition laid the groundwork for Gold Filagree picture frames, which echo those same luxurious and spiritual design elements even today.
The 15th and 16th centuries saw an explosion of art patronage, especially in Italy. With the Renaissance came the rise of the private collector—and with that, a surge in custom picture frames. Wealthy patrons commissioned grand, gilded frames for portraits and landscapes that rivaled the artwork itself in craftsmanship.
During this time, the frame became a status symbol. They were made from solid wood—often walnut or poplar—and gilded with gold leaf. Styles became more elaborate with scrolling foliage, angels, and heavy moldings. This era cemented the frame as an art form in its own right, a tradition we honor at West Coast Frames when crafting our ornate Gold Filagree designs, built for timeless elegance.
As the world entered the Enlightenment and Industrial eras, framing began to shift. While aristocrats still favored highly detailed gilded styles, the average citizen now had access to printed engravings and early photography, which demanded more affordable frames.
This gave rise to lighter, mass-produced frames, often made with gessoed wood or metal. Designs varied by region—France leaned heavily into Rococo and Neoclassical looks, while England and America favored more restrained, geometric profiles.
In the 19th century, with photography becoming increasingly accessible, frames adapted again—now used for portrait miniatures, daguerreotypes, and eventually full-size photo prints. Styles became more personal, less religious, and more focused on home décor.
With modern art came a radical shift. The ornate frame was often seen as a distraction to the raw, emotional work inside it. Abstract and minimalist art movements favored simple black, white, or metal frames with clean lines. Matting became more prominent. The frame now had to complement the work by not drawing attention to itself.
In this period, mass production made picture frames widely available, but at a cost—quality. Cheap materials like particleboard and plastic replaced solid wood. Craftsmanship gave way to affordability, and unfortunately, many beautiful artworks were lost to poor protection.
At West Coast Frames, we took the opposite path. We doubled down on Made in USA quality, continuing to produce handcrafted frames that honored both art and craftsmanship. Because no matter the trend, quality never goes out of style.
Today, we’re seeing a renaissance of sorts in custom framing. Consumers want more than generic store-bought options—they want design flexibility, premium materials, and professional guidance. That’s where we come in.
Whether you're framing a vintage family portrait, a modern art print, or a limited-edition photograph, West Coast Frames offers everything from classic ornate styles to minimal contemporary designs. Our professionally framed and delivered service ensures that your piece is packaged with care, created with expertise, and made to elevate not only the art—but the space it lives in.
We’re proud to offer frames that honor centuries of tradition while using modern tools to deliver unmatched precision. Our Gold Filagree picture frames nod to the opulence of the past, while our sleek black profiles meet today’s demand for simplicity. And all of it—every corner, every cut—is made here in the U.S., continuing a legacy of true American craftsmanship.
Picture frames are more than wood and glass. They’re a reflection of time, culture, and personal taste. From the sacred halls of Renaissance cathedrals to the curated walls of modern homes, frames have always served one purpose: to honor the stories we choose to show the world.
At West Coast Frames, we don’t just sell frames. We preserve legacies. We craft stories. We make sure every piece—whether it’s a hundred-dollar print or a priceless heirloom—gets the frame it deserves.
Explore our collection at www.westcoastframes.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily glimpses into the art and history behind every frame we make.
Because what’s on your wall is important. And how you frame it? That’s history in the making.
