Washington Framers' Workroom — Local services in Washington

The concept is great! If you want to make a one of a kind frame done right, then this is the place to go to. You pick your frame, matting, type of backing (acid free or note), glass or plastic (the good kind of plexi), and they'll put all of the dimensions in the computer for the perfect cut.

The frame material starts at $4.50/ft. I ended up framing my diploma with a standard size frame for $75. I had a large piece of art (aprx 18x23) custom framed without matting for just over $100. I brought two cheapo 20x20 frames in and kept everything, but I needed matting bringing those to maybe $20ish each. Really great when the standard size frames don't work or you want a custom job.

Definitely go for the DIY option - it's cheaper and much more satisfying! They get your measurements, how you want your matting to fit, and walk you though the process. You'll get everything you need to preserve your piece and hang it on the wall.

One gripe I have is that the employee that assisted me accidentally stained my large print and my diploma (gasp). When this happened, she washed her hands and did the best she could to get the stains out. We matted over one on my diploma and she was very helpful in amending the situation. The manager even took $30 off each damaged piece and upgraded my backing material.

I recommend this place, but be very clean and careful during...

I have been going to Washington Framers Workroom (WFW) for over 30 years. I now live outside of Boston but I still bring things to frame when I visit DC because WFW is that good. They have a state-of-the art mat cutting machine that I’ve never seen anywhere else and their selection of mat colors and frames is incredible.

I collect postage stamps from around the world and I frame some of them in 2” by 3” mini frames from Michael’s. However, WFW cuts the mats for these frames and they are so precise (imagine matting a stamp!) that they look like little portraits. WFW can do one cut to a mat or several cuts and they’re always exactly the right size. I also had WFW frame a free-standing piece of stained glass for me that now hangs in the bay window of my brownstone. They turned my piece of glass into a beautiful work of art!

I would never go anywhere else for my framing in DC but unfortunately I now have to frame my bigger pieces in Boston :-(

If you’re lucky enough to live in or around DC please give them a try! Their staff and owner are long-time artisan framers who have years and years of experience and can turn your artwork into something amazing. If I could give them more than 5...

I have used Washington Framers Workroom many times since 201, for both for DIY framing and custom framing. I have always been impressed by the quality of their work and the professionalism of their staff. They have been a huge help to me as I got work ready to deliver to numerous group and solo exhibitions.

Some of my pieces are three dimensional paper works that present particular challenges. Staff at Framers Workroom developed a special structure to present my folded paper lenticular pictures. They have also framed my work in shadowbox frames. I have had times when I needed to get a lot of work ready at once for exhibitions and they’ve been wonderful helping me meet deadlines. They have a wide selection of mats and have given me great advice on selecting the best choices for each piece. As an exhibiting artist, I view them as valuable partners in...