Where to Get Custom Art Framed in San Diego: An Art Consultant's Guide
One of the questions I get asked most after someone buys artwork is, "Where should I have it framed?" It's a conversation I have regularly with clients, friends, and neighbors alike. While custom framing might seem straightforward, the options vary significantly in quality, craftsmanship, price, and specialization. Choosing the right framer can make all the difference in how a piece is presented and preserved.
As an art advisor, I think of framing as an extension of the artwork itself. The right frame protects the piece, complements the artist's intent, and can completely transform how a work lives in a space. The wrong frame can do just the opposite.
Over the past 15 years working with artists, collectors, galleries, and installation teams throughout San Diego, I've worked with a number of custom framers for everything from museum-quality collector pieces to artist exhibitions and large-scale commissions. Each shop has its own strengths, specialties, and price point.
These are the framers I've worked with personally — or know well through the local art community — and confidently recommend depending on the project. This isn't meant to be a comprehensive directory, but rather a curated list of trusted resources I've returned to over the years.
Ray Street Custom Framing — North Park
Ray Street Custom Framing has long been one of my favorite shops for smaller, more intimate works. They have an excellent eye for proportion and detail and understand that framing shouldn't compete with the artwork — it should quietly elevate it.
One of my favorite examples is this miniature painting from my personal collection. The painting is floated on a linen inner mat accented with a gold fillet — a thin decorative molding that separates and defines each layer — surrounded by a deep navy fabric mat, and finished with a gold leaf frame. The layered approach gives the work a jewel-box quality, making a small painting feel surprisingly important. That's what thoughtful custom framing can do.
The FrameMaker - Lower Hillcrest/South Mission Hills
If a client tells me they've purchased an important work they'll own for decades, The FrameMaker is one of the first shops that comes to mind.
Hunt Slonem painting with custom frame from The FrameMaker, private collection La Jolla
Their craftsmanship is exceptional, their moulding selection is extensive, and they understand museum-quality presentation. Whether you're framing a significant acquisition for a private collection or artwork destined for a luxury residence, hospitality project, or corporate collection, they consistently deliver work that feels appropriately refined. For collectors looking for high-end custom framing in San Diego, this is one of the city's standout shops.
Their location in Lower Hillcrest/South Mission Hills makes them accessible from most parts of the city.
FrameCo — Miramar
FrameCo is one of those places I wish more people knew about.
artwork: Laura Ball | photo credit: Tim Hardy Photography
Located off Miramar Road, they consistently produce quality custom framing at a more approachable price point than many boutique framing shops. I've been impressed by both the craftsmanship and the value, particularly for larger projects or clients working within a defined budget. If you're framing multiple works or simply looking for excellent quality without paying top-tier pricing, FrameCo deserves a spot on your list.
Here’s a recent example from my Bouquet exhibition — a clean white frame with UV-protective acrylic, executed by FrameCo for artist Laura Ball.
The Frame Shop — Solana Beach
Selecting a floater frame for a client acquisition at The Frame Shop
The Frame Shop has become one of my most-used resources, particularly for stretching canvas and custom framing for both artists and collectors.
The quality is consistently high, and while pricing sits in the average-to-premium range, it reflects the craftsmanship and level of service they provide. What keeps me coming back is the team — knowledgeable, collaborative, and genuinely invested in helping clients arrive at the best solution rather than simply selling a frame.
They're also one of my go- to recommendations for artists preparing exhibitions, where consistent framing and professional presentation across an entire body of work really matter. For anyone in North County San Diego, this is an excellent first call.
They also offer canvas stretching in-house — a service I use regularly and one that's harder to find at the quality level they deliver.
Canvas stretching in progress at The Frame Shop
JAG Art in Framing — Morena Blvd / La Jolla
James Austin Murray artwork in custom frame with UV acrylic from JAG Art in Framing
JAG Art Framing has been part of San Diego's art community for more than 30 years. Connected to Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery, the shop brings a genuine understanding of contemporary art to its framing work. Their main shop is located at 4390 Morena Blvd, with a convenient drop-off location on Fay Avenue in La Jolla.
I've used JAG for personal projects as well as framing commissions for artists I work with, and they've consistently delivered thoughtful, professional results. For collectors looking for experienced custom framing backed by decades of expertise — and two convenient locations — JAG is a dependable choice.
An Affordable Option for Artists: Wonka Frames
While I haven't personally used Wonka Frames, they're frequently recommended by artists throughout San Diego for affordable, straightforward framing. I've purchased several works from local artists framed through Wonka — the frames are basic and do the job, which is exactly what you need at that price point. If budget is your primary concern, or you're preparing work for an exhibition where consistency and affordability matter more than presentation, they're a valuable resource to know.
Plan Ahead for Custom Framing
Regardless of which framer you choose, custom framing takes time.
Most projects require between two and four weeks, though specialty mouldings or materials can occasionally extend that timeline — sometimes due to vendor lead times outside the shop's control. If you're framing artwork for an installation, exhibition, holiday, or special event, let your framer know your deadline early. Like many things in the art world, good craftsmanship rewards patience.
Need Help Framing a New Acquisition?
Framing is one of the final decisions that determines how artwork will live in your home for years to come. Choosing the right frame — and the right framer — can make all the difference.
If you've recently acquired artwork and would like guidance on framing, placement, or building a collection, I'd be happy to help. Page Art Projects provides personalized art advisory services for collectors throughout San Diego and beyond.
Contact: info@pageartprojects.com