Framin' Place in Baltimore: Custom Framing with Competitive Pricing and Same-Day Options
Framin' Place is a single-location custom framing shop in Baltimore that handles everything from poster mounting to fine art conservation, with labor costs running $40 to $80 per hour depending on complexity and an emphasis on quick turnaround for clients who need frames on a tight timeline.
What Framin' Place actually is
A full-service custom frame shop where customers bring artwork, posters, textiles, or memorabilia and work with staff to choose matting, glazing, and frame stock. The operation handles design consultation, cutting, assembly, and hanging hardware. The shop does not sell pre-made frames or off-the-shelf inventory; every piece is built to specification. Most jobs take five to ten business days, though rush service is available at a 50% upcharge for completion within 48 hours. This positions it as a middle-ground option in Baltimore between big-box stores like Michael's and high-end conservation framers who charge $150+ per hour for archival work.
Services and pricing
Standard framing starts around $150 to $300 for a small poster (8x10 inches) with mid-range mat and aluminum frame. A 16x20 piece typically runs $250 to $500, depending on mat color options, frame finish, and glass type. UV-protective glass costs $30 to $50 extra and is worth the investment for artwork in direct sunlight or valuable prints. Mat cutting, beveling, and wash matting are offered at no additional charge within the standard labor fee. Conservation framing using acid-free materials and museum-quality adhesives runs $80 to $120 per hour, reflecting the specialized time involved. Shadow boxes for three-dimensional items (medals, jerseys, pressed flowers) cost $60 to $100 in labor plus materials. The shop does not publish a price list online; customers are expected to bring pieces in or email photos for a quote. Verify current rush fees and exact pricing before committing, as frame and mat stock costs fluctuate.
How Framin' Place compares to other Baltimore options
Michael's and Joann Stores both offer in-store framing services at lower entry prices ($80 to $150 for basic jobs) but with limited design flexibility and longer wait times during peak seasons. Their staff are less specialized, and options for unusual items or high-end materials are sparse. Art Supply Stores near Federal Hill may offer framing but often outsource the work. Independent framers elsewhere in the city (such as those in Canton or Fells Point) follow similar pricing to Framin' Place, with the key differentiator being speed: Framin' Place's 48-hour rush option is rare among local competitors and suits last-minute gifts or event-specific pieces. High-end conservation framers in the Baltimore area charge double or more and cater to museums, collectors, and restoration work; they are necessary only if a piece has archival or significant monetary value.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Framin' Place works well for homeowners framing family photos, students mounting certificates or diplomas, and collectors protecting moderately valuable art. The quick turnaround is ideal for people decorating a new apartment or preparing a gallery wall before a specific date. It is less suitable for someone needing immediate same-day service (the 48-hour rush is the fastest available), anyone on a very tight budget (big-box stores will undercut), or someone with extremely rare or valuable art requiring conservation-grade materials and climate-controlled storage. If your piece is a museum-quality work or has insurance value over $1,000, a conservation framing specialist is the right choice.
What the first visit involves
Bring the artwork, photo, or item you want framed. Staff will discuss the intended space (is it going in a bright room, a hallway, above a sofa?), your style preference (minimalist, ornate, contemporary), and your timeline. They will present mat samples, explain glass options (standard, UV, acrylic for fragile items), and show frame finishes in a physical sample book. For items like posters or prints, matting options are usually shown at a few price points; the cheapest mat is often a bright white or off-white, while colored or textured mats cost $10 to $25 extra. Once you select everything, the shop will give you a final quote and estimated completion date. Payment is typically due in full upon order, though some negotiation may be possible for large jobs.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Framin' Place is located in a neighborhood retail strip and has street parking available; a lot or dedicated parking is not guaranteed. Hours are typically Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed Sundays and Mondays. Verify hours before visiting, as retail hours can shift seasonally. The shop accepts cash and card. Finished frames are ready for pickup in-store; delivery is not routinely offered, though custom arrangements may be possible for large or fragile pieces. If you live in or near Baltimore and prefer not to drive, the shop's location is accessible by bus on several routes; confirm the nearest stop on the MTA website.
Framin' Place fills a practical role for Baltimoreans who want local control over custom framing without the expense of conservation-grade work or the limited options of national chains. Its combination of competitive hourly rates and rush service makes it a reliable choice for both everyday framing needs and time-sensitive projects.
