How to Choose the Right Custom Framing for Your Artwork, Photos, and Certificates

 


A good frame does more than hold a picture. It protects what you care about, and it decides whether a piece looks like an afterthought or a finished part of the room. The right custom framing pairs a frame, a mat, and glass chosen for your piece, whether it’s a family photo, an original painting, or a stack of employee certificates.

This guide covers the choices that matter, so you can order with confidence.

What Is Custom Framing?

Custom Framing is a frame, mat, and glass package around a specific piece of art, photo, or document. Pre-made frames are limited in size and style, your piece has to fit into a frame. With a custom frame the frame is made to fit your piece. This is important for unusual sizes, large pieces, and pieces that you will want to hang for decades. Cloudburst Designs located in Coquitlam, BC offers traditional frames, floating frames, double and triple matting, and UV protective glass for individuals and businesses.

Step 1: Pick a Frame Style

Traditional frames create a visible border around your piece. Perfect for portraits, certificates, and classic works of art, traditional frames come in a variety of styles and finishes to complement your décor.

Floating frames create an illusion of your artwork or painting floating above the frame, creating a sleek modern look that adds visual dimension. Great for contemporary works and photographs where you want to see all the way to the edges of the canvas.

If you want a lighter and more economical option, consider plaque mount prints. Your print is mounted on a rigid board and is ready to hang without a full frame.

Step 2: Choose a Mat

A mat is the border between the artwork and the frame. It adds breathing room and draws the eye inward. It also keeps the piece from touching the glass.

  • Single mat: simple and clean, good for most photos and prints.
  • Double or triple matting: layers of colour that add depth and polish. This is popular for certificates, diplomas, and formal pieces.
  • Colour choice: neutral mats let the artwork lead. A subtle accent colour pulled from the piece can tie it into the room.

Step 3: Select the Right Glass

Glass protects your piece from dust, moisture, and light damage. The main options are:

  • Clear glass: the standard choice for most framing.
  • Anti-glare glass: reduces reflections in bright rooms or spaces with lots of windows.
  • UV-protective glass: helps guard against fading, which matters most for photographs, signed documents, and anything you plan to keep long term.

If a piece will hang near a window or under strong lighting, UV protection is worth the upgrade.

Framing Certificates and Diplomas

Certificates and diplomas are among the most popular items to frame, and for good reason. They document genuine achievements, and unprotected paper yellows, curls, and fades.

In addition to personal value, framed certificates say something about your business. A nicely framed display in a lobby or boardroom adds to the professionalism of your office and impresses clients and visitors. Common uses include:
  • Employee awards and recognition programs
  • Professional certifications and licenses
  • Company milestone commemorations
  • Client and partner appreciation certificates
  • Academic diplomas and accreditations

Frames for these pieces can use UV-protective glass and acid-free materials to help preserve the document over time. You can also add engraved nameplates or a company logo for a branded touch.

Framing in Bulk for Businesses

Recognizing a whole team, or framing dozens of certificates at once, is easier when one shop handles everything. Cloudburst Designs offers bulk framing for larger orders, and the corporate orders service is set up for companies that need consistent results across many pieces.

If the client doesn't have a certificate/award design ready, Cloudburst can also design and print one in house. Their large format digital printing offers the ability to have the design, the print, and the framing all come from one source.

Don’t Forget the Artwork Itself

If you’re framing a canvas, check whether it’s ready to go on the wall. Loose or sagging canvas looks poor in any frame. Professional canvas stretching gives you a tight, even surface before it’s framed or hung.

Starting from a digital file instead? You can order prints in canvas, metal, or photo formats and then have them framed to match.

A Quick Checklist Before You Order

  1. Measure or bring your piece. Exact dimensions make for a better fit.
  2. Decide where it will hang. Light, room colours, and wall space all affect your choices.
  3. Choose your frame and mat together. They should work as a pair.
  4. Pick glass for the environment. Use anti-glare for bright rooms and UV for valuable or sentimental pieces.
  5. Think about the long term. Quality materials protect your piece for years.

Ready to Frame Your Piece?

Whether you want to preserve a favorite photo, display your own artwork or present credentials in your office, the right frame can make all the difference. Our professionals are here to help you choose just the right frame, mat and glass to highlight the item itself and complement your decor.

Explore custom framing at Cloudburst Designs, or contact us to talk through your project.

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