What Makes Antique Picture Frames Better?
August 9, 2008
Mass production can be a good thing. It allows us as consumers to purchase the products we want and need at affordable prices. And it makes those products easily available to us when we want them. But there’s a down side to mass production as well, and some products are simply better when they are made by hand. Antiques were, for the most part, made by hand. And they are growing in popularity because of it.
Antique picture frames fall into this category. If you really want to show off your cherished photographs or pieces of art, these frames will do so in a way that a mass produced frame will not be able to. You’re not only protecting those pictures, you’re making them look better, and calling attention to them.
Try it at your own home. Display a picture in a store bought frame and while it may look nice, if you display that photo in an antique frame it will have an entirely different feel. You may not be able to explain it, but without a doubt you will notice it.
Let’s imagine this scenario. You have a great picture of your great grandmother displayed on a living room end table. It’s a great photo of a great lady, maybe the only one you have. Now imagine that you’re displaying the picture in a frame that she once owned. Now that picture seemingly has more meaning.
Maybe that’s an ideal scenario, but you don’t have a frame that your grandparents owned. Well you can still get the same feel. Display that picture in a frame that was made around the time that the picture was. Now the photo and frame will seemingly become one, like they were made for each other. Your family and guests will comment as they eyes are seemingly drawn to it. You now have something more than just a border around that photo.
And of course you can be sure that with an antique picture frame you are getting a quality frame. Something that was handmade by someone who took pride in his work. I fully understand that not everything made in the “old days” was better. That would make me a sentimental old fool. But I do believe that most things made by hand are a little better.
It goes back to the fact that everything then was made by hand. And a quality frame maker would give his creation exquisite detailing. Look closely and you will recognize the difference. Again, this is not to say that you can’t find that today. You can. But quality is just one of many reasons why you should go with an antique.
If there’s a drawback here it has to be the price. Truthfully, true antique frames can be very costly, especially if you go to your local antique store. You may feel a bit of sticker shock when you turn the price tag over (notice how they always keep it hidden) and look at the numbers on the other side. Gold frames, silver frames, or wood frames can all be quite expensive.
Many people will now do one of two things. They will either give up and go to their local discount store, or they fork over their money thinking they have no other choice. But there is another and better choice. You should be patient and look around. Check local consignment stores and look online. If you take your time, you will eventually end up with the frame you are looking for at a price you can afford.
And when that happens, go ahead and buy it. Bring it home or have it shipped to you. Then display that favorite photograph and right away you’ll see the difference.
You won’t be the only one. Friends, family members and guests will soon be commenting on the picture and frame as well.
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