My Honest Review of Getting a Picture Framed at Michaels
Walking into a Michaels store can feel a bit overwhelming. With aisles of crafts, art supplies, and seasonal decorations, it's easy to miss one of their most professional services tucked away in the back: the custom framing department. Whether you have a precious piece of inherited art, a valuable poster, or a child's drawing you want to preserve, the question often arises: is Michaels a good place to get it framed?
First Impressions of the Michaels Frame Shop
My journey began with a special piece of art—a limited-edition concert poster from a favorite band. It had been rolled up in a tube for years, and I finally decided it deserved a proper spot on my wall. I had driven past Michaels countless times, always associating it with yarn and scrapbooking, but a friend insisted I check out their framing services.
I was pleasantly surprised. The framing counter, often branded as "The Framing Department," felt like a distinct shop within the store. It was organized, with numerous sample frames on the walls and large catalogs of moulding options. The consultant behind the counter was immediately attentive, offering a greeting and asking about my project without any pressure. This initial interaction felt more like a specialized boutique than a big-box craft store.
The Consultation Process: More Than Just picking a Frame
The heart of the Michaels picture framing experience is the consultation. This isn't a simple transaction; it's a collaborative design session. The consultant brought out my poster and laid it on the large counter, carefully handling it by the edges. We started by discussing my vision: where it would hang, the style of my home, and my personal taste.
Then came the fun part: choosing the frame. The consultant brought over several physical moulding samples, placing them next to my artwork to see how the colors and textures complemented the print. This tactile approach is crucial. A frame that looks good alone might overpower the art or clash with its tones. We moved from classic wood finishes to modern metallic options, eventually narrowing it down to a simple, dark walnut frame that wouldn't distract from the vibrant artwork.
Next, we discussed the matting. This was an aspect I hadn't given much thought to, but the consultant expertly explained its importance. A mat provides a visual buffer between the art and the frame, protects the art by preventing it from touching the glass, and can enhance colors within the piece. We chose a double mat—a wider charcoal top mat with a thinner rust-colored bottom mat that picked up a subtle hue from the poster.
Finally, we talked about the glass. Michaels offers several tiers, from basic clear glass to conservation-grade options that filter out UV light to prevent fading. Since my poster was valuable to me and would be hanging in a room with some natural light, I opted for the Conservation glass. It was an upgrade, but the consultant clearly explained the long-term benefits for preserving the colors.
The Wait, The Pickup, and The Final Product
After finalizing the design and getting a quote, the waiting began. The entire process took about two weeks. Michaels emails you updates on the status, which I appreciated. When I returned to pick it up, the package was carefully presented. Unboxing it at home felt like Christmas. The craftsmanship was impeccable. The corners were perfectly joined, the mat was cut with clean, precise bevels, and the glass was flawlessly clean. They had used archival mounting techniques to ensure the poster wasn't damaged. It looked a thousand times more professional than anything I could have cobbled together with off-the-shelf frames and framing supplies from Michaels' aisles.
Beyond Custom: Ready-Made Frames and DIY Supplies
Of course, a full-service custom framing job isn't the only way to get your pictures on the wall. Michaels excels here, too. Their aisles are stocked with a huge variety of ready-made frames in standard sizes. Whether you need a simple black frame for a document or a ornate gold one for a classic painting, the selection is vast. They also carry a surprisingly comprehensive range of DIY framing supplies for those who are handy and want to frame things themselves. You can find mat board, foam core, point drivers, hanging hardware, and even specialty tools. For smaller projects or standard sizes, this is a fantastic and cost-effective option.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Based on my experience, here’s a balanced look at what to expect.
Pros:
- Expert Guidance: The framing consultants are knowledgeable designers who help you navigate thousands of combinations.
- Quality Materials: They offer high-quality, archival-grade materials designed to protect your art for decades.
- Professional Results: The finished product is sturdy, well-constructed, and looks professionally done.
- Sales and Coupons: Michaels is famous for its frequent sales and coupons, which can often be applied to custom framing services, making it more affordable.
Cons:
- Price Point: Without a sale, custom framing can be expensive. It's an investment in preserving your art.
- Turnaround Time: It's not instant. You'll need to wait a couple of weeks for your finished piece.
- Store Variance: The experience can depend on the specific staff at your local store.
Final Verdict: Is Michaels Picture Framing Worth It?
Absolutely, yes—especially for pieces that hold sentimental or monetary value. The service I received was professional, patient, and focused on creating the best possible presentation for my artwork. While the DIY aisle or ready-made frames are perfect for quick, casual projects, the custom framing shop is there for your treasures. It transforms your item into a curated piece of art ready for display. The key is to go in with a idea of what you like, be open to the consultant's expertise, and definitely keep an eye out for those framing coupons. My concert poster is now the centerpiece of my office, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
