The Frame Shop in Oklahoma City: Custom Framing for Art and Memorabilia
The Frame Shop is a full-service custom framing business in Oklahoma City specializing in artwork, photographs, diplomas, sports memorabilia, and textile pieces. Unlike big-box retailers that offer limited frame selections and standard mat cuts, this shop handles design consultation, material sourcing, and preservation-quality framing on-site, serving homeowners, businesses, and collectors across the metro area.
What The Frame Shop Actually Is
The Frame Shop operates as an independent framing studio where customers bring items for custom treatment rather than selecting from pre-made options. The business handles everything from selecting frames and mats to cutting, assembly, and glass choices, including UV-protective glazing for light-sensitive pieces. Work is completed in-house, allowing the framer to manage quality at each stage and respond to design changes before the final product ships.
Services and Pricing
Standard custom framing starts at $80 to $150 for small prints (8x10 or smaller) with basic mat and frame combinations. Medium pieces (11x14 to 16x20) typically run $150 to $350 depending on frame material and mat treatment. Large or complex jobs, such as framing shadow boxes for three-dimensional memorabilia or using conservation-grade mats and UV glass, range from $350 to $800 or higher. Pricing varies with frame selection (economy metal, hardwood, or designer options), mat board type (standard, acid-free, or museum-quality), and glazing choices. A consultation is free; customers pay upon pickup. Contact the shop directly to confirm current pricing, as frame inventory and material costs shift seasonally.
How It Compares to Other Oklahoma City Framing Options
Oklahoma City residents have two primary alternatives: chain retailers like Michaels or Hobby Lobby, which offer DIY framing kits and limited in-store custom options at lower entry prices ($30 to $100 for basic work), and dedicated frame shops. Michaels provides quick turnaround for simple jobs and appeals to budget-conscious framers, but staff expertise varies and frame selection is smaller. The Frame Shop suits customers with heirloom pieces, odd dimensions, or specific design goals who want a specialist's eye and preservation options. For valuable art or items requiring conservation-grade materials, an independent framer's knowledge of acid-free substrates and light-safe glass justifies higher cost.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
The Frame Shop works best for collectors, art owners, and people marking milestones (diplomas, wedding photos, military service memorabilia) who want finished quality and expert guidance. Customers with budget constraints under $100 per piece, or those needing frames in one to two days, should consider chain retailers instead. The shop is also a fit for commercial clients furnishing offices or retail spaces with cohesive framing.
What the First Visit Involves
Bring the item to be framed and any reference images of styles you like. The framer will assess the piece, discuss preservation concerns (such as whether textiles need archival handling), and show frame samples and mat options. You can see mock-ups using samples or digital previews to confirm the design before work begins. Turnaround is typically two to three weeks for standard jobs, longer for complex pieces. Payment is due when you pick up the finished frame.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Contact the shop to confirm current hours and location, as this information changes. Most custom framing shops operate by appointment or walk-in during business hours, typically Tuesday through Saturday. Parking is usually street-level or lot-based; bring the item yourself or ask about pickup options for large pieces.
The Frame Shop fills a gap between mass-market framing and art restoration, making it the logical choice for anyone with a piece worth protecting.
