Custom Framing

We provide complete custom framing service.

We provide in our showroom and online complete and expert archival framing for your paintings, prints, drawings, posters and photographs. While beautiful materials and craftsmanship are indispensable — Paul kratter painting & frame corner samplesa picture can only be well-framed if it’s in a well-made frame — the frame must serve the picture by protecting it and artistically enhancing it. With more than 35 years of framing experience, I take pride in my expertise as a complete framer. From design, to frame-making, to fitting the picture into the frame in an archivally suitable, protective package, the entire framing project is executed with knowledge, care and expertise.

DESIGN  The true test of a frame is how well it suits the picture. Design is an integral part of the service we provide so that we can be confident that the frame we make for you is the right frame. Because frame design involves careful and subtle considerations as to color, proportion and form, the ideal arrangement is for you to bring your pictures to the showroom where we can meet personally and work together. Alternatively, many customers send me their artwork; I routinely provide online custom framing services, enhanced by telephone and email correspondence and our online catalog.

To get a better idea of our design sense, view our Portfolio…

ARCHIVAL FRAMING  We are skilled in the proper handling of valuable artwork, provide u.v.-filtering glass and acrylic, use only acid-free matting and backing, and employ contemporary archival framing techniques. We know how to recognize damage that calls for conservation work and partner with professional conservators to address those problems for you.

Holton Studio provides personal and individualized attention, no-nonsense design, and framing of unsurpassed beauty — the creation of a frame-making studio unique in the industry. — Timothy Holton

Frequently asked questions

Who are our customers?

Because we’re located in the San Francisco Bay Area we attract most of our customers from Northern California, but our unique approach, extraordinary product quality, and design service have earned us a nationwide clientele (we’ve had orders from nearly every state!). More on online ordering… Whether they’re artists, serious collectors or just individuals who simply appreciate the things they look at every day, our customers care deeply about the pictures they live with, and seek a refreshing alternative to conventional frame shops. While we’ve made a specialty of framing for the Arts and Crafts home (Craftsman bungalow and mission oak interiors), I am singularly devoted to a timeless and vital design approach, and a versatility appealing to anyone who loves wood, fine craftsmanship, and harmony between picture and frame. Read testimonials.

What kinds of items do we frame?

We get framing orders for everything from the ordinary and commonplace — inexpensive posters, family photos and certificates — to the extraordinary and rare — historically significant oil paintings, artifacts and works on paper. We also frame textiles, and have created shadow boxes and display cabinets for objects such as watch collections, spoons, etc. In short, we frame whatever you treasure, as long as it can reasonably be hung on a wall. Browse the Portfolio to get an idea of the range of what we do. Mirrors too are a large part of our business.

How much does it cost?

Custom archival framing jobs start at $250—our everyday special (learn more…). Our simplest and smallest frame is $155. More basic frame price examples are shown here… Frames for paintings are typically more, but our tastes being relatively simple, even important and large paintings often receive a fairly plain treatment. Our No. 1 at 3″ wide, for example, on an 16″ x 20″ canvas, is $373. Hand-carved compound frames at that size, though, would start at around $700. Prices reflect the exceptional and enduring value of custom closed-corner, solid hardwood frames hand-crafted in a small studio. Also keep in mind that my design approach often saves customers money: economical design often leads to economical price. Whereas many frame shops shamelessly up-sell their customers to a showy, overblown presentation that’s often trendy and seldom wears well, I take a very direct, restrained and self-effacing approach based on timeless principles. A well-framed picture should never have to be framed again. You save money by framing it once and framing it right!

How long does it take?

Most custom orders are completed 3-10 weeks from the time they’re placed. Occasionally delays occur. However, we are almost always able to positively commit to and meet firm deadlines.

Can I be confident in how my work is handled?

The job of the framer begins and ends with caring for the artwork. Your work will be in the hands of experienced professionals, accustomed to the demands and expectations of an intelligent clientele devoted to the preservation of fine art — artists, galleries, museums and serious collectors. Holton Studio Frame-Makers is fully insured.