Prints Charming

i took 5 large art photos here to be framed (they are probably 48×36). i was told that the photos were too large to dry-​matte, which would solidly affix them to a backing in the frame.
The job took 2 months & cost ~$ 1200, which i found to be a fair price for 5 custom frames. when i picked the photos up, however, i noticed the photos were very wavy in the frame — which really diminished their quality as they were high gloss & the waviness caused weird reflections all over them. i took them back to try to correct the problem, but was told that there was no way photos this large could be kept flat.
2 ½ years later, i finally took the photos to an art framer after the photographer saw her work in my home & was honestly pretty aghast at the framing job. The 2^nd framer was kind of confused about the frames from Prints Charming as he took them apart with me … the photos weren’t matted to anything all, but scotch-​taped onto the the back of the matte around the photo. i had hoped that i could re-​use the glass or matte from Prints Charming but this framer suggested none of it was really of a high enough quality to use.
2 weeks later i had my photos back from the 2^nd framer — totally flat & dry matted, something that i had been told was impossible at Prints Charming. The 2^nd job was more expensive, but worth every penny to get them out of their previously unfortunate state.

They have a great eye for the perfect mattes and frames for artwork and have also made us a number of custom mirrors which are fantastic. Some people think they are expensive but it is really worth it.

They have adequately framed a number of items for me, but I won’t be going back. The prices are high and it takes them at least two months — which they won’t tell you until the last second, and only if you ask. Odd, borderline creepy shop.

$$$ Or inexperienced?
They put our painting behind glass (before we knew any better). Either they were overcharging us, or they don’t know what they’re doing.

Switched to Prints Charming after I had a negative experience at another framing shop in the neighborhood (was turned off by the rude customer service at the other place). Anyway, the guy who runs Prints Charming is friendly and was super helpful in helping me pick out a frame. I came into the store not sure what I was looking for, and he spent a good deal of time going over options with me. Ultimately, he suggested something I never would have thought of myself, so I was very glad to have gotten his input. Also, he finished up with my frame sooner than expected. The quality was very good. Prices are «expensive,» I guess, but no more expensive than at the other speciality framing place in the neighborhood I tried previously.

I have brought five different prints to this store and had a great experience each time. The owners are very friendly and communicative. They bring a strong creative element to their work which shows a rich background in art and art history. They immediately recognized artists whose prints I brought in and were able to find era– and style– appropriate framing solutions. They were able to work with me on price on some very large items by finding less expensive frames/​solutions that still fit the pieces. They are also experts on older items such as maps. One time I brought in an original 1928 NYC map into the store to ask about a possible restoration. The owner immediately recognized that specific print (he had seen it several times!) and gave me a detailed description of restoration options. They also bring a strong personal element — even though I had been out of there store for a couple years, they immediately recognized me and remembered which print I had previously brought in there. The prices are not cheap but I have never had a better experience with a framer. I have moved out of the borough and still am tempted to trek back to Park Slope just to get my work done…

Piling on to all of the wonderful reviews. We orginally requested 5 small prints to be framed. There was an accident with one of the prints, and Darren offered to pay for a replacement print. We paid for the four already done, and left a small balance ($ 9) on the bill. We ended up not getting the fifth print after all, and Darren refused to take our money on what we owed him.
This is a great shop with super customer service. Go out of your way to get your stuff framed here.

Quality and Integrity. Shortly before Christmas I brought my degree to Prints Charming to have it framed. I wasn’t all that enthusiastic about the process, not one to normally frame the paper – but this one signifies PhinisheD – so it kind of had to get done.
The folks at Prints made this a great process! They patiently and thoughtfully helped me select mats and a frame. It was the care that one would think would only be reserved for high quality art work. But their care actually helped me to feel good about the process.
I have had things framed in the past by others. I know it takes time. What was so great about Prints Charming is they told me this up front. Other framing stores had lied about work times and made me call back repeatedly. But not Prints; they told me that they wouldn’t be able to finish it until after the holidays. I took my degree home, and as promised, they called me right after the holiday rush, and then quickly returned my framed work – beautifully done at that.
The mats and frame look amazing!!! The careful selection of mat colors and a frame was worth it.
The owners are great people, friendly in a genuine way and very honest about what they are doing. Other framers promise to turn into Prints, but they stay frogs and you get warts. Prints really is charming… and you and your frame will live happily ever after…

It really does pain me to write this but the ‘prints’ has broken my heart. I’ve used their services for 6 years and was a very satisfied customer. I’ve even waited patiently for my prints when the store was closed for an extended period of time due to personal reasons. I passed by the store every few weeks in the hopes that my prints had recovered and was back behind his matting table doing excellent, reasonably priced work. Imagine my glee when he finally did return and I told him about a terrible experience I had with another fabricator. He assured me that he would again make me happy and that day, he did. Recently however, I was met not only with a cold shoulder but a royal estimate on a small, simple task. I thought perhaps that the prints didn’t recognize me but he knew my name so how can this be? I wonder now, does the printsess have something to do with this? Alas, I will no longer be loyal to the prints and will either find someone new or go it alone with my mat cutter and T-​square.

I’ve never purchased anything at Prints Charming before (don’t you love the name?), but the owners, Darren and Allison, are such sweet, wonderful people. I walk past their shop at least once a day, sometimes multiple times with my corgi puppy, Lily. One day, she was sniffing near the front door, and they welcomed us in so they could say hello. Ever since then, I’ve been stopping by at least once a week so that Darren and Allison can see Lily, and they spoil her with lots of treats. :)

Great frame shop. Very professional and they do high quality work. Lead times can be pretty long sometimes, but that’s just a testament to their quality work. Plus, they wrap the finished product in plastic so it stays safe until you’re ready to hang it.

The owner was very kind, patient and really helped me to find the right frame and matting for an irreplaceable piece of fabric. The result is STUNNING — something that will be passed down for generations.
The only drawback is that they are slow: it took about two months. That being said, the owner was completely upfront about the time that it would take, so there were no surprises.

A word to the wise, if you ask your significant other for art, prints, photographs… or the like, do make sure that they know that it should be framed BEFORE you receive it. Depending on the piece (ok, in my case!) the prints cost approximately ¹⁄₅ the price to get them framed.
Because, framing is expensive. Even if you half-​ass it (of which Prints Charming is certainly not) it costs a pretty penny (a la Michael’s/craft stores/​etc). If you are going for the full monty, frames of your dreams, hangs on your walls for hundreds of years, its going to cost you. Know this going in.
I had 5 pieces framed at Prints Charming (by the way, yes… the name, so cute). One larger square piece, and a set of 4 longer/​thinner pieces. I arrived on a fall Saturday, was helped by the two owners and walked through each piece. If you are on a tight budget, I do suggest making that clear from the get go. I wasn’t really asked what my range was, and ended up with beautiful, gorgeous framing… but at roughly $ 900, it was a bit of a shock. I did want to make this an «investment» and part of it was a «gift,» but just to prepare you.
They have a vast selection of frame materials, width, matting options, etc. After going through quite a few, I settled on some that I really liked, and then paid a 50 percent deposit, and they accept credit cards.
The framing took approximately 5 weeks. At that time they gave me a call, and I arrived (with a car service!) to retrieve my prints. I paid the remaining balance, the woman packaged them all tightly and securely, gave me instructions on how to move them into the house without damaging them, and then helped load them into the car. Very good customer service!
I’m so happy with all of the art hanging on my wall now. It was worth the price to me, I had a great experience at Prints Charming from start to finish, and enjoy supporting a local shop that in turns supports a lot of local artists.
Next time though, my Prince Charming will hit Prints Charming BEFORE it is gifted to me. That’s the rule! :)

Total professionals who do exceptional work. I have used them quite a bit to frame original art and photographs and they always take the time to work with you and try out different frames and mats for the pieces I have walked in with. Prices are in line with what it would cost to get things framed professionally and they are better then what you would find in Manhattan. Highly recommended.

The minute I walked in I was taken care w professionalism and know how
Did not expect such high standard from such sm place — the owner is very helpful and knowledble !
My drawings look amazing and the artist was very pleased as well
A+++ will use again and recommend

The staff at Prints Charming were very skilled and helpful. I showed up in the middle of their busy gallery opening week. They entire shop was full of pictures and works of art in various stages of refurbishing and framing. They telephone was ringing off the hook. Delivery men were coming and going. In the middle of all this, they stopped and spent about an hour helping me get my little photos framed.
My boyfriend is a nerd, a huge nerd, a history nerd. He’s the guy who spends hours online or perusing books to find ‘interesting’ tidbits of historical information to pass on to anyone who’ll listen. He researches locations for walks, drives, any point of historical interest. And he’s so informative I’ve joked that he should use his degree in history and become a professor. Then he’d have students to lecture and everyone else might be free.
He’s also in the habit of picking up old knick-​knacks. One day he negotiated what he thought was a reasonable price for an enormous, rusty, mildewed old trunk sitting on the sidewalk in front of our house. He claimed that he would remove the lining thus ‘cleaning’ the trunk and taking care of the mildew, dust and dirt. He was attracted to the shipping pass on the side, a mark that it had been from Italy, long ago perhaps someone’s possessions for a new life here in New York. It is still oozing mustiness and ‘history’ from the corner of our small living room.
Most recently, he brought home some old surveyor photos of our neighborhood, one of our street and the other of Smith Street, the main drag.
«Someday I’ll have to get them framed,» he said excitedly, tucking them carefully away with our important papers, safe among Social Security cards, birth certificates and tax forms. Where they remained until I smuggled them out and over to Prints Charming.
I wanted to do something nice for our anniversary, but had never had anything professionally framed before. I’ve tried framing myself with little to no success. Mostly my attempts are a little crooked, the color is a little off or the theme incongruous with the picture frame. It’s always something, and to really make a nice gift, clearly I needed help.

The staff at Prints Charming guided me through choosing a frame that wouldn’t overwhelm the subtle black and white prints. We probably tried 10 different shades of matting and even used protective glass to stop the photos from fading in sunlight.. They were informative, friendly and displayed a real aesthetic sense. Their ideas and opinions shaped the stunning final product.

I needed the framing completed by our anniversary and, despite how hectic their schedule was, Prints Charming had my photos ready before that date. They called to let me know the prints were waiting for me to pick them up.
As for the price, it was very reasonable. They even gave me a «first time» discount.

My experience with Prints Charming was great. They were knowledgeable, efficient, skilled and friendly. I will use them for all my future framing and absolutely recommend them to others.

I came to Prints Charming to have my wedding Ketubah framed. I didn’t know what to expect from this experience, but all went really smoothly and without a hitch. I must admit that I had a bit of sticker shock, BUT that probably has something to do with the fact that I’ve never had anything professionally framed before. Everything was done very neatly and I am very pleased with the end result. I will surely come back to Prints Charming to have my wedding photo’s framed. Highly Recommended. It’s important to know that they are closed on Tuesday & Wednesday.

The MAJOR thing to know is that they are not open on Tuesday and Wednesday as that is when they are actually framing stuff. I was not aware of this but they let me drop off my Louise Bourgeois BE CALM poster I had bought at moca in LA. I returned on Saturday-​it was very busy and I had to wait but waiting for something in light of recent world events is pretty much a luxury. A decision was made pretty quickly and a few dollars were taken off before tax for my waiting. I was told 10 days and it took 7. Will return for sure.

Getting things framed professionally feels like a big step into adulthood. Seriously– you take something perishable & turn it into an heirloom. The same way that a college kids takes a poster from his favorite band from high school & puts it in a crappy plastic poster frame in his first apartment– the next step is taking something actually nice & having it made if not eternal than at least to last.
Prints Charming has framed paintings of goblins made by friends in ridiculous gilt frames. They’ve framed tasteful art photographs in classy black minimalism. They’ve matched the particular green in an off-​Broadway play advertisement to the perfect matting. Taken nostalgic Exploding Dog prints & put them in sly gunmetal blue frames.
You don’t feel like an idiot when you go to Prints Charming, & you don’t feel like you are being bilked. On top of that, they offer advice, in the way that a skilled craftsman can guide you in the nuts & bolts of his craft, without telling you what you want. You still end up picking; Prints Charming just provides you the things you want to choose between, but didn’t know you want.
Yeah– my wife & I have probably spend a thousand dollars here in the last year. It sounds like a lot of money when I say it like that, damn. We just keep buying framed things for birthdays, holidays, occasions. Heck, even non-​occasions, just to decorate our apartment.

I had a nice and expensive b/​w photography to frame. The job was done perfectly and quickly. I even had a discount as a first-​time customer.
Very nice people and very professional!