Aaron Brothers: What to Know About This Custom Framing Store

Aaron Brothers is a custom framing retail chain that operates both physical locations and an online platform. If you're considering using them for a framing project, it helps to understand what they are, how they work, and what factors shape whether they're a fit for your needs.

What Aaron Brothers Does

Aaron Brothers specializes in custom picture framing—the process of designing and assembling frames around artwork, photos, memorabilia, or other items. Unlike buying a pre-made frame off a shelf, custom framing means selecting individual components (frame molding, mat board, glass or acrylic, backing) and having them cut and assembled to fit your specific piece.

The company operates as both a brick-and-mortar retailer with physical stores and an e-commerce business, allowing customers to browse options, get quotes, and place orders either in person or online. Their service model centers on helping customers choose materials and design choices rather than producing frames themselves—much of the actual fabrication is handled by vendors, though some locations may do finishing work.

The Custom Framing Landscape

To evaluate Aaron Brothers meaningfully, it's worth understanding how custom framing retail generally works:

Three main types of custom framing retailers exist:

Aaron Brothers fits the national chain model. This means consistency across locations, established ordering systems, and a broad catalog—but also less personalization than an independent shop might offer.

Key Factors That Shape Your Experience

Several variables determine whether Aaron Brothers works for a given project. Understanding these helps you assess fit:

1. Project Type and Complexity

Custom framing ranges from straightforward (a standard poster in a simple frame) to highly specialized (a delicate textile, oversized item, or irreplaceable memorabilia).

• Simple projects (standard prints, posters, basic photos) are well-suited to chain framing retail, where workflows are optimized for volume and consistency.
• Complex or high-stakes projects (restoration of damaged art, museum-quality archival framing, unusual dimensions, or items with sentimental or monetary value) often benefit from independent framers with deeper expertise and ability to troubleshoot edge cases.

Aaron Brothers can handle most common projects, but the depth of custom solutions available may vary by location and the specific challenge your piece presents.

2. Budget Expectations

Custom framing cost depends on frame material, mat selection, glass type, and size. National chains like Aaron Brothers generally position themselves in the moderate price range—not the cheapest option (that's typically big-box retailers with limited customization), but not the premium tier (boutique framers who charge for specialized expertise).

Variables affecting your final cost include:

• Frame molding choice: Basic options cost less; specialty or designer moldings cost more.
• Mat board: Standard mat is basic; museum-quality acid-free mat costs more.
• Glass/acrylic: Standard glass is cheapest; UV-protective or museum glass is pricier.
• Size and proportions: Larger pieces and unusual dimensions increase cost.

Without current pricing data, it's impossible to say whether Aaron Brothers will be cheaper or more expensive than local alternatives—that depends on your location, the availability of other framers nearby, and the specific materials you choose.

3. Material Quality and Archival Standards

If your project is a family heirloom, original artwork, or irreplaceable photo, the quality of materials matters significantly.

Archival-quality framing uses acid-free mat board, UV-protective glass, and other preservation-grade materials to prevent yellowing, fading, or damage over decades. This is especially important for:

• Original art or signed prints
• Historic photographs
• Textiles or fabric
• Items you plan to keep long-term

Many national chains, including Aaron Brothers, offer archival options—but they're typically add-on upgrades rather than defaults. You'll need to specifically request and pay for conservation-grade materials. Independent framers may offer more detailed guidance on which pieces warrant archival treatment.

4. Customization Depth and Design Support

Custom framing involves real design choices: mat color, mat opening style (window mat, multi-opening, floating), frame finish, corner treatment, and mounting method. How much hands-on support you get varies.

In-store experience with Aaron Brothers allows you to see frame samples and mat colors in person, ask questions, and get immediate feedback on design combinations. Online ordering offers convenience and the ability to browse at your own pace, but limits real-time interaction with a framing specialist.

Independent framers often provide more detailed consultations and may suggest solutions you wouldn't have considered. Chain retailers follow more standardized workflows—which works well if you know what you want, less well if you need expert guidance.

5. Turnaround Time

Custom framing takes time. Frames aren't typically stocked ready-made; they're cut and assembled to order.

Chain retailers usually have predictable timelines—often measured in weeks—because they process orders in batches and have established vendor relationships. Independent framers may be faster or slower depending on their workflow and current queue.

If you're on a deadline, knowing the typical turnaround before you order matters. This is worth asking about directly when you contact them.

6. Availability and Location

Aaron Brothers' footprint varies. Some regions have multiple locations; others may have none. Online ordering bridges this gap but removes the ability to see materials in person.

If there's a physical location near you, visiting allows you to:

• See frame molding and mat samples firsthand
• Get immediate feedback on design combinations
• Ask questions and refine your choices before committing

If you're ordering online, you're relying on photos, color descriptions, and perhaps virtual tools—useful, but not the same as in-person evaluation.

What to Evaluate Before Deciding

The right choice for your project depends on:

1. How irreplaceable is the item? Items with high sentimental or monetary value warrant more specialized expertise and archival-grade materials.

2. How simple or complex is the project? Straightforward framing is well-suited to chain retail. Complex or unusual projects may benefit from an independent framer's deeper problem-solving.

3. Do you have a clear vision, or do you need design help? If you know exactly what you want, a chain's standardized process works fine. If you need creative input or specialized advice, an independent framer may serve you better.

4. Is budget your primary constraint? Chain retailers offer competitive pricing, but you'll need to compare against local alternatives.

5. Do you value convenience or expertise more? Aaron Brothers' online option and multiple locations offer convenience; a local specialist offers deeper customization and hands-on collaboration.

6. Will you need archival preservation? If yes, confirm that Aaron Brothers' location offers archival materials and ensure you request them specifically—they're not automatic.

The Bottom Line 🖼️

Aaron Brothers is a legitimate, established option for custom framing with the advantages of a national chain: consistency, broad material selection, and convenience. Whether they're the right choice for your project depends on what you're framing, how much you need to spend, and whether you prioritize ease or specialized expertise.

There's no universal answer—only the landscape, and your specific circumstances within it.