National Custom Framing Day

Categories:: Arts & Entertainment
Tags:: Appreciation Shopping
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September 15
Holiday emoji:: 🖼️

National Custom Framing Day, celebrated every September 15, recognizes the skilled artisans and meticulous craft that elevate and preserve our most cherished artworks and memories. Take this opportunity to support local framers, explore new display possibilities for your photos, or finally get that special piece professionally framed. It’s a day to appreciate the protective beauty of a custom frame.

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Expected National Custom Framing Day Deals

As National Custom Framing Day approaches, expect local framing shops and art supply retailers to offer special promotions. In past years, stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby have provided discounts on custom framing services, often including savings on matting, glass, and frame materials. Independent framers frequently run ‘buy one, get one’ offers on smaller pieces or percentage-off deals for new clients. Look for art galleries to highlight their conservation framing options. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 15 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Custom Framing Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CustomFramingDay. Share photos of your favorite custom-framed artwork or cherished memories.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CustomFramingDay. Share your custom framing stories and support local artisans.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #CustomFramingDay. Film a ‘before and after’ video of a custom framing project or a tour of your favorite framed pieces.

National Custom Framing Day Hero

John Ruskin

John Ruskin (1819–1900) was a leading English art critic, social thinker, and philanthropist of the Victorian era, profoundly influencing public taste and critical thought on art. He championed the importance of craftsmanship, detail, and the aesthetic integrity of art, including how it is presented. His writings, such as 'Modern Painters,' advocated for truth to nature and the moral value of art, underscoring that the frame should appropriately complement and protect the artwork, enhancing its overall impact and longevity.

History of National Custom Framing Day

Vincent van Gogh once said, “A picture without a frame is like a soul without a body.” With time, people began to understand the true meaning of this phrase since a frame is like the outer covering of a photo, protecting it. And it appears the company Roma Moulding has the same belief as they were the ones who created the day in July 2021. The Italian firm is also responsible for developing exquisite eco-conscious frames for photographs and pictures.

While the frames we see now are modem and cutting edge, there was a time when they were simply due to a lack of technology. For instance, in the 2nd century B.C., frames existed in the form of borders created around Etruscan cave paintings. In the Middle Ages, the trend shifted, and wood was used to frame exquisite artworks that needed to be displayed. Those artists paid extra attention to beautifying them by adding carvings and gold leaves to the wood.

The trend of frames as an art piece further boomed in the 14th and 15th centuries, when wealthy nobles started using them to accentuate the beauty of the painting within them. By 1515, magnificent frames started being designed by furniture builders. While these handcrafted ones were unique and valuable, the trend slowly diminished in the 19th century, when companies started producing them on a large scale.

National Custom Framing Day timeline

50 A.D. — 70 A.D.

In the Pyramid

A wooden frame with a portrait is found in Egypt.

1423

The Masterpiece

‘Adoration of the Magi’ becomes the first altarpiece made with a panel and frame.

11th Century

Carve Away

Modern carved wooden frames are developed.

19th Century

The Decline

Handcrafted frame production falls.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Custom Framing Day

Local custom framing shops can celebrate National Custom Framing Day by offering special consultations or workshops on art preservation and framing techniques. They could host an open house, showcasing their tools and materials, or run a ‘bring your own art’ event for free framing advice. Art galleries and museums might highlight their conservation efforts or display historically significant frames, educating visitors on their importance. Retailers selling art supplies could offer discounts on framing materials or partner with local framers for joint promotions, encouraging community engagement and support for the craft.

National Custom Framing Day FAQs

When is National Custom Framing Day?

National Custom Framing Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, September 15, offering a perfect mid-week opportunity to appreciate the art of preservation and display.

How many items are custom framed each year?

While exact figures for custom framing can vary, the global art and collectibles market, a significant driver of framing, is valued in the tens of billions of dollars annually, indicating a robust demand for professional presentation and preservation.

What types of items are most commonly custom framed?

Beyond traditional photographs and art prints, custom framing is popular for preserving diplomas, sports jerseys, antique textiles, concert tickets, and even three-dimensional objects like medals or baby shoes.

What is the difference between custom and ready-made frames?

Custom frames are built to exact specifications for a specific item, allowing for precise sizing, material choices, and aesthetic matching, ensuring optimal protection and display.

National Custom Framing Day Activities

Design a frame
To celebrate the day, channel the artist in you and try to design a frame of your own. You don’t even have to spend a lot — just gather some seashells and glitter for your art piece.
Buy a frame
Well, millions of frames are available on the market. So why not use this day to make a memorable purchase? You can also buy a frame for a loved one as a gift.
Host a workshop
On this day, you can rope in some artists that can design frames and share the knowledge with people of all ages through a fun workshop. That is the best way to spread some talent.

5 Interesting Facts About Frames

Frames have no copyright
This is why the same design is seen in many places.
The largest picture frames collection
Lara Khoury from the U.A.E. has collected 2,214 empty frames.
The world's largest ‘photo frame’
It is 492 feet x 305 feet and is located in Dubai.
Frames in Renaissance Italy
During that time, frames were considered works of art.
American and European frame differences
Both have different iconography.

Why We Love National Custom Framing Day

It tells us about the importance of frames
We love the day because it emphasizes how important frames are for works of art. They not only make paintings and photos more beautiful but also protect them from wear and tear.
It narrates the history
The day goes back into the history of frames, tells us why they are celebrated, and where they emerged from. It took years for them to become modern and affordable.
It is educational
The day is educational since it provides the youngsters with the history of frames and the different artists who used decorative frames to spice up their photos or paintings.