FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does custom picture framing cost in Nashville?

Custom picture framing is one of those services where pricing varies enormously depending on the choices made, and we think it's worth being honest about that rather than giving a number that sets the wrong expectation.

A simple conservation frame for an 8x10 photograph, using UV protective glass, acid free backing, and one of our more economical frame options will start at around $125. The same 8x10 photo framed with double hand wrapped fabric rag mats, museum glass, and a bespoke hand carved and gilded finished corner frame might exceed $750. Most of our custom framing projects will fall into the center of these two extremes, and if you want a really broad selection of hand finished mouldings and matting options, we would recommend anticipating between $200-400 in this scenario.

What we'd caution against is making a decision based on price alone before seeing the options. Framing is a tactile process,and a frame that sounds expensive often makes immediate sense when you hold it next to the artwork. We are always happy to work within a budget and will tell you honestly what is and isn't achievable at different price points. The best starting point is always a conversation - contact us to discuss your project and we can give you an accurate quote based on your specific needs.

Do you offer museum quality conservation framing in Nashville?

Yes, conservation framing is at the core of everything we do at Mangoe Arts & Framing. We exclusively use pH neutral, acid free materials throughout - from backing boards and matting to adhesives and tapes,  and all of our glazing options carry the maximum 99% UV protection designation. As trained conservators, we are mindful that not all conservation materials are truly equal, and for projects where preservation is the priority we can guide you through the most appropriate methodology for your specific artwork. We are never too proud to consult outside specialists when a project demands it.

What is the difference between conservation framing and regular framing?

Conservation framing is designed to protect artwork from the primary causes of deterioration over time; UV light, humidity, acid degradation, and contact with non-archival materials. This means using acid free, pH neutral materials throughout, UV protective glazing, and mounting methods that are reversible and non-invasive. Regular framing may use materials that appear identical but are not archival grade - over time these can cause yellowing, fading, and physical damage to the artwork. At Mangoe Arts & Framing we practice conservation framing as standard, meaning every project benefits from archival materials regardless of the price point chosen.

What if I'm not happy with the end result?

Framing artwork is a delicate process with many variables, and while we work hard to help you create the best possible design, there is always a chance that when you get home it just doesn't feel right. We guarantee our customer satisfaction - that means if you are unhappy with your finished product for any reason, we will reframe it free of charge up to your original purchase price. This guarantee may not extend to certain hand carved finished corner frames or large scale commercial projects where we are unable to absorb the costs, but in those cases we will always do our best to make it right.

Do you offer gallery wall design and installation in Nashville?

Yes, gallery wall composition is one of our most requested services and something we approach with genuine expertise. Whether you are looking for a symmetrical gridded arrangement or a more organic salon style hang, we have the experience and the tools to execute it well. We carry an extensive professional installation kit prepared for every scenario, and we are happy to do an onsite walkthrough before any installation to plan the layout, assess the wall, and ensure everything is hung perfectly level and secure. We work in residential, commercial, and gallery environments across Nashville.

Do you offer professional art installation services in Nashville?

Yes. We have extensive experience installing artwork in home, commercial, museum, and gallery environments. Our installation services cover everything from single pieces to large scale multi-room projects, and we are equally comfortable with standard hanging hardware and more specialist methods including z-bars, cleats, locked security hardware, and controlled display cases. All of our frames come ready to install with two hard points of contact rather than picture  wire,  so they hang perfectly straight and secure. We also provide a custom wall mounted template and miniature level with every frame to make self-installation as straightforward as possible. If you would prefer us to handle the installation, we are always happy to help.

Can you install sculptures and non-traditional or oversized artwork in Nashville?

Yes,  we have experience with a wide range of non-traditional installation methods and are always enthusiastic about more complex projects. Certain very large scale pieces may be outside our capabilities, but we encourage you to reach out and describe what you are working with. We love the opportunity to take on projects that require creative problem solving.

Do you offer diploma and certificate framing in Nashville?

Yes,  we have experience with a wide range of non-traditional installation methods and are always enthusiastic about more complex projects. Certain very large scale pieces may be outside our capabilities, but we encourage you to reach out and describe what you are working with. We love the opportunity to take on projects that require creative problem solving.

Do you work with interior designers and trade professionals?

Yes, working with interior designers and trade professionals is an important part of what we do at Mangoe Arts & Framing, and we bring the same level of personal service and expertise to trade projects that we offer every client. We have extensive experience supporting designers on both residential and commercial projects, from single statement pieces to large scale art programmes. We are currently developing a formal trade partner programme and invite interested designers and trade professionals to get in touch directly to discuss how we can best work together.

Can you match or replicate a picture frame from a photograph?

Absolutely. If the frame is still in production we can usually identify the manufacturer and item by sight alone. For frames that are no longer in production, or for entirely custom designs, we can work with you to create a bespoke replica - drawing on our knowledge of historical frame styles and our in-house finishing capabilities to get as close to the original as possible.

Do you offer picture frame restoration and antique frame cleaning in Nashville?

Yes, we offer restoration services on picture frames and paintings, though not works on paper. Our frame restoration work includes gold leaf restoration on antique frames, mould making to reproduce lost decorative detail, and cleaning and minor repairs to paintings carried out in a conservation environment. For projects requiring more extensive intervention or chemical analysis we will refer you to specialist conservators; we would rather point you in the right direction than overreach on work that requires a higher level of expertise.

Do you frame jerseys and offer shadowbox framing in Nashville?

Yes. We have a wide range of shadowbox options to accommodate jerseys and other dimensional objects. For fabric items we use a dry cleaning method to remove creases before creating a custom sized body insert and hand stitching it to a fabric backing. For non-fabric objects we use a variety of mounting techniques with an emphasis on avoiding non-conservation adhesives or invasive hardware wherever possible.

Do you offer canvas stretching services in Nashville?

Yes,  we have extensive experience stretching canvases. For existing canvases we can match the depth of the original stretcher bars using high quality locally sourced kiln dried wood. For artists sourcing blank canvases, we offer a range of materials including cotton duck and raw linen, and can prepare a variety of gesso and primer compositions depending on your intended painting medium. We also have experience building wood panels and cradled boards. 

Can you cut glass and matting for my own picture frame?

Yes. Whether you have an original frame that belongs with the artwork or simply a frame you want to reuse, we are happy to cut glass and mats to your required dimensions. We just ask that you purchase the glass and matting through us directly.

Do you offer framing or installation services outside Nashville, TN?

We are based in the Wedgewood-Houston neighbourhood of Nashville and that is where the majority of our work takes place. We are able to deliver and install outside Davidson County, and have travelled out of state for installation projects in the past. If you have a project that requires us to come to you, let us know what you need and we will do our best to make it work.

What are your opening hours?

Mangoe Arts & Framing is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 6:30pm. We reserve most Tuesdays for installations and off-site work. If you need to visit outside our regular hours we may be able to accommodate you by appointment, just get in touch and let us know your situation.

What is your typical turnaround time for custom picture framing?

Our standard turnaround time is 2-3 weeks for most framing orders, though we may need additional time for larger projects. Certain methods including hand carved finished corner frames and acrylic boxes may take 6-8 weeks or even longer. If you have an urgent deadline we will do everything we can to accommodate you, so please let us know your timeframe when you bring your project in.

Are you insured in case my artwork is damaged?

Yes,  we carry comprehensive insurance for your peace of mind and ours. That said, we treat every piece of artwork in our care with the utmost attention at every stage of the framing process, and we have never had cause to activate it.

Do you offer custom mirror framing in Nashville?

Yes. Framing a mirror follows a similar process to framing artwork, with a few additional considerations. The weight of the mirror glass requires more robust mounting hardware and a frame with sufficient structural depth and strength to hold it securely — this is something we assess carefully at the design stage. We can frame mirrors of most sizes, and our range of hand-finished mouldings means there is no reason to settle for a standard off-the-shelf option. A bespoke framed mirror can be a genuinely distinctive piece in a room, and we enjoy the design challenge of getting the proportions and finish exactly right. We also repair and reframe existing mirrors where the glass is sound but the frame has deteriorated.