Modern Memory Design vs Art To Frames
Two frame makers, two philosophies: rock-bottom online pricing vs. hands-on craft framing with real service. Here's the honest comparison.
Art To Frames has earned its reputation as one of the cheapest ways to buy a made-to-order frame online. If your only criterion is the lowest sticker price on a basic frame, they're hard to beat, and we'll say so plainly. But price is only part of the equation. Material grade, quality control, service when something goes wrong, and the ability to handle complex jobs are where Modern Memory Design plays a different game.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Modern Memory Design | Art To Frames |
|---|---|---|
| Price positioning | Mid-range — priced for quality materials and hand assembly | Budget leader — among the lowest prices online |
| Quality control | Every frame inspected by hand before it leaves the studio | High-volume production; reviews note occasional finish and corner inconsistencies |
| Talk to a framer | Yes — walk in or call 201-421-4060 and speak to the person building your frame | Online support channels for a high-volume operation |
| Complex projects | Shadowboxes, jerseys, conservation framing, oversized pieces, precision mat cutting | Primarily standard frames, mats, and prints |
| Local option | Full-service studio in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ serving Bergen County & NYC metro | Brooklyn-based production, online-only experience for most customers |
| Nationwide shipping | Yes — thousands of frames on ModernMemoryDesign.com | Yes |
When Cheap Is the Right Call
Honestly: framing a $15 poster for a dorm room? A budget frame is a rational choice, and Art To Frames serves that market well. The math changes when the thing inside the frame matters — a diploma, a wedding photo, an original painting, a jersey. Then the frame is protection, not decoration, and corner joints, acid-free backing, and glazing quality stop being abstractions.
What You Get for the Difference
- Hand-joined, hand-finished frames checked by a framer, not just a packing line.
- Real materials guidance — we'll tell you when you don't need the expensive option.
- A place to come back to. Wire loose in three years? Bring it in. Try that with a shipped box.
- One-stop specialty work that budget operations don't touch.
Compare Our Frames Yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Art To Frames cheaper than Modern Memory Design?
On basic standard-size frames, usually yes — they compete on price and we compete on craftsmanship, materials, and service. For specialty or conservation work, our pricing is competitive because it's all done in-house.
Why pay more for a local frame shop?
Hand inspection, better corner joinery, archival materials guidance, and a physical shop that stands behind the work for years — not a return-shipping label.
Does Modern Memory Design ship nationwide like Art To Frames?
Yes. Our online store ships across the US, with the same frames we sell over the counter in New Jersey.
Which is better for framing valuable or sentimental items?
A dedicated frame shop. Irreplaceable items deserve conservation-grade materials and a framer who physically handles and inspects the piece.
Frames Worth What's Inside Them
Modern Memory Design · 213 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 · 201-421-4060
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