The Chessler Company in Baltimore: Custom Framing for Art and Mirrors
The Chessler Company is an independent framing shop in Baltimore that handles artwork, photographs, posters, textiles, and mirrors using in-house design consultation and fabrication. It operates at a smaller scale than national chains, which means customers work directly with framers rather than through a standard order process, and the shop stocks materials for custom work rather than relying on pre-made frames alone.
What The Chessler Company actually is
The Chessler Company specializes in custom framing for residential and commercial clients. The business works with existing artwork (fine art prints, original paintings, family photographs, vintage posters) as well as three-dimensional objects like textiles, medals, and shadowbox displays. The shop does not frame mass-market posters or sell pre-assembled frames; every project involves a conversation about materials, mat style, glass type, and mounting approach. The framer can advise on preservation methods for valuable or fragile pieces.
Services and pricing
Custom framing at The Chessler Company is priced per project based on frame material, mat choice, glass type, and labor. A simple framing job—standard frame, mat, and glass for an 8-by-10 print—typically runs $80 to $150. More elaborate work, such as a large canvas with premium matting and UV-protective glass, can reach $400 to $800 or higher. Mirror framing, which includes custom sizing and backing, falls into a similar range depending on mirror dimensions and frame finish. The shop does not publish online pricing; customers receive quotes after consultation. Turnaround is typically 2 to 3 weeks for standard orders; rush service may apply an upcharge and should be requested at the time of drop-off.
How it compares to other Baltimore framing options
Baltimore's framing landscape includes Aaron Brothers (a Michaels-owned chain in the Inner Harbor area), independent shops in Federal Hill and Canton, and online custom-framing services like Framebridge. Aaron Brothers offers faster turnaround and lower entry prices ($40 to $120 for basic jobs) but relies on a narrower material palette and less hands-on consultation. The Chessler Company differs in that a framer sits with you to discuss preservation concerns, fabric mounting, or unconventional frame shapes. Framebridge provides online convenience and delivers to your door, which suits people who want to avoid in-person shopping; The Chessler Company requires a visit and direct communication. Choose The Chessler Company if you own valuable, delicate, or sentimental pieces; choose Aaron Brothers if you need fast turnaround on a poster or simple print; choose Framebridge if you prefer ordering remotely and do not require in-person design input.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
This shop serves people with fine art, family heirlooms, or pieces that warrant preservation-grade materials and expertise. It also suits corporate clients who want custom framing for lobby art or office displays. It is not ideal for budget-conscious shoppers looking for the cheapest frame option, nor for anyone on an urgent timeline under one week. It works well for people who are uncertain about design choices and benefit from a framer's guidance on color, mat openings, and spacing.
What the first visit involves
Walk in with your artwork or a clear description of what you need framed. The framer will ask about the piece's origin, condition, and how you plan to use it (bedroom, office, display case). Bring reference images if you have a particular style in mind. The framer will pull frame samples, mat colors, and glass options and discuss trade-offs: museum-quality materials cost more but preserve artwork longer; standard materials are adequate for prints and posters that are not valuable or light-sensitive. You can take samples home to see them in your space before ordering. Once you decide, you leave the artwork and receive a quote and timeline.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The Chessler Company is located on North Avenue in Baltimore. Hours typically run Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but confirm availability before visiting, as independent framing shops sometimes shift hours seasonally. Street parking is available on North Avenue; the area has moderate foot traffic and nearby shops. If you cannot visit in person, call ahead to discuss your project by phone and arrange drop-off or shipping.
The Chessler Company earns its place in Baltimore's home services landscape because it offers preservation expertise and direct design collaboration that chain framing cannot match, at a price point that reflects the custom labor and material quality involved.
