Custom framing has been at the heart of PNW Framing since our first shop opened in Portland in 1974. Today, we proudly serve Seattle and Portland with handcrafted picture framing that preserves and elevates your art. Our designers blend Northwest craftsmanship with modern design, helping you choose the perfect frame, mat, and finish for any piece. Visit your local shop and create a design you’ll love for years to come.
What We Offer
- Selection. We carry 800+ mouldings, over 400 mats and a variety of glazing options.
- Guaranteed Satisfaction. If you don’t love it, we’ll redesign it.
- Expertise. If you’re wondering if we can frame your particular item, the answer is probably “yes.” We can, and have, framed everything from canvases to jerseys to wedding dresses, lithographs to photographs. See our Gallery for examples.
- Extensive services. We offer archival framing, art restoration, custom mirrors, photo printing, business services and more.
What To Expect
- Start by bringing your item into your nearest frame shop.
- Have fun co-designing. The process is as collaborative as you’d like it to be.
- You’ll be shown samples to choose components based on the needs of the project.
- We’ll work within your budget; just let the designer know your goals.
- Most custom orders take about two weeks. If you need something framed right away, visit one of our Frame Central shops to discuss one-day options.
FRAMING COMPONENTS
Every framing project is unique, but here are some fundamental considerations that may be discussed when you’re at the design counter.
Moulding
Moulding refers to the handcrafted wood or metal frame material used in your custom picture frame. Each moulding is precision-cut and joined at our Portland production studio, ensuring every frame meets our Northwest quality standards. From contemporary designs to classic hardwoods, we offer hundreds of styles to match any art or décor.
Glazing
Glazing is the protective layer that keeps your artwork safe for years to come. We offer several custom framing glass and acrylic options, from museum-grade UV protection to glare-reducing finishes. Our Northwest designers can recommend the right glazing for your art, photography, or memorabilia based on your lighting, display, and budget needs. Every piece is assembled by hand in our Portland facility for lasting clarity and protection.
Mounting
Depending on what you’re framing, anything from heat to hand-sewing may be used to attach your piece to backing material. The designer will lead you through the appropriate mounting options for your particular art piece.
Fitting & Finishing
Every custom frame is carefully fitted and finished by our expert craftspeople in the Pacific Northwest. After your artwork is mounted, our team assembles the glazing, mats, and backing with precision, adding hardware and final details so it’s ready to hang. For dimensional pieces, we build custom shadowbox walls to showcase depth and texture. From start to finish, our framing process blends modern precision with timeless Northwest artistry.
What To Bring To Your Custom Framing Consultation
Bring the Piece You’d Like to Frame
Whenever possible, bring the artwork, photograph, document, memorabilia, or keepsake itself. Seeing the piece in person allows our designer to evaluate its size, materials, condition, and unique characteristics while recommending framing options tailored to the project.
Bring a Photo of the Space
A photograph of the room or wall where the piece will be displayed can be incredibly helpful. Elements such as surrounding colors, lighting, furnishings, and nearby artwork often influence framing decisions. This context allows our designers to recommend a frame and mat combination that feels intentional within the space.
Share Design Inspiration
If you’ve seen a frame style, mat treatment, or display approach you love, bring along a photo or example. Inspiration images can provide a useful starting point and help communicate the overall aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve.
Have a Budget Range in Mind
Knowing your budget helps us recommend options that align with your goals while exploring materials and design choices that fit comfortably within your preferred investment range. Even a general budget range provides helpful guidance during the design process.
How To Frame Valuable or Sentimental Items
When framing irreplaceable artwork, family photographs, documents, or meaningful keepsakes, the design should consider more than appearance alone. Long-term exposure to light, humidity, unsuitable materials, or improper mounting methods can affect certain items over time.
Our designers can help you explore framing choices that support both presentation and preservation. Depending on the project, this may include discussing specialized glazing, conservation-minded materials, and mounting techniques that are appropriate for the item being framed.
If you may want future access to an original photograph, document, or collectible, be sure to mention that during your consultation. The goals of the project often influence the framing approach and the materials selected.
For clients working from digital images, our professional photo printing services can provide high-quality reproductions while allowing original files or photographs to remain safely stored. Thoughtful custom framing balances how a piece looks today with how you want it to be enjoyed for years to come.
Bring your artwork, photographs, or keepsakes to PNW Framing and speak with our designer about the framing materials, preservation considerations, and design options that best fit your project.
OTHER WAYS TO FRAME
In addition to custom picture framing there are a variety of ways to frame your art prints, posters, photos, mirrors, and mementos.
Wall & Photo Frames
If your item is a standard size, you can pick up a readymade wall or photo frame at one of our shops.
Value Custom Framing
If you're looking to affordably frame an item that's not a standard size, our Simple Custom package starts at $74.99.
Gallery Walls
Check out all the options to create your very own Gallery Wall
Gift Cards
Valid storewide, including custom framing & printing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Bring the Original Piece to My Consultation?
Whenever possible, yes. Seeing the artwork, photograph, document, or keepsake in person allows our designer to better understand its size, materials, condition, and display needs. If the item is especially large, fragile, or difficult to transport, photographs and measurements can still provide a helpful starting point for the design discussion.
What Should I Bring to My Custom Framing Consultation?
The more context you can provide, the better. Photos of the room where the piece will be displayed, examples of frame styles you like, and any color or design preferences can all help guide the conversation. It’s also helpful to have a general budget range in mind so your designer can recommend options that align with your goals and priorities.
Do Valuable or Sentimental Items Require Special Framing?
They often benefit from additional consideration. Depending on the artwork, photograph, document, or keepsake, your designer may recommend specialized materials and protective glazing that help support long-term preservation. Framing decisions can also be influenced by where the piece will be displayed and how you hope to enjoy it for years to come.
