BOX FRAMING
What is box framing?
Box framing is a deep-profile framing style where the artwork sits behind the glass with a visible gap, so it appears to float inside the frame. The depth adds shadow and dimension, keeps the glass off the artwork and puts the focus on the picture rather than the frame. At The Frame & Art Factory in Woodstock, Cape Town, we make box frames for photographs, art prints, posters, certificates and keepsakes, as ready-made sizes you can order online and as custom work made to order.
Looking for ready-made box frames? Browse our box frames in Scandi, Baltimore and Reverse Box styles, from R139, or the Classic Box range in Print and Frame.
Ready-made box frames at a glance
| Range | Material and profile | Sizes | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Box Frame (White, Black, Oak Veneer) | Synthetic frame, 20 x 30mm profile (Oak Veneer) | A5, A4, A3, A2, Instagram 300 x 300mm | R139 |
| Scandi Box Frame (Black, Grey, Light Teak, Pewter, White, French Oak) | Polyresin synthetic, 20 x 35mm profile (Black) | A5 to A1, Instagram | R219 |
| Baltimore Box Frame (Ash, White Wood, Black Wood) | American Ashwood, 23 x 35mm profile (Ash) | A5 to A1, Maxi Poster 915 x 615mm, Instagram | R269 |
| Classic Box Frame (Ash, Teak, White, Black) | Duco-stained obeche timber, 23 x 35mm profile (Black) | A5 to A0, Instagram, 600 x 600mm | R529 |
All four ranges list 3mm MDF backing, pre-fitted portrait and landscape hangers, an optional Arctic White 1300 micron mount board and a lead time of 7 to 10 working days. Classic Box Frames are Print and Frame products supplied with a fine art giclée print (230gsm). Profile details are taken from one finish per range, so check the product page for yours. Prices are from-prices as at 2 November 2026.
What is the difference between box framing and shadow box framing?
Both use a deep frame and create a similar floating effect. Standard box framing floats a flat print or photograph on foam core board inside the frame. Shadow box framing is built for three-dimensional items such as sports jerseys, medals, memorabilia and keepsakes, with enough depth that the object does not touch the glass. We make both. For objects, see our sports memorabilia framing.
Ready-made or custom box framing?
- Ready-made: standard sizes, the price shown on screen, and a listed lead time of 7 to 10 working days. Best for standard artwork and poster sizes.
- Custom box framing: non-standard sizes, custom finishes and shadow boxes for objects, from 20mm to 90mm deep, with glazing from clear glass to AR 90 and a lead time of 7 to 10 working days. Visit our Cape Town showroom for a free consultation or start a custom box framing order.
Who is box framing suitable for?
- Homeowners and art collectors: photographs, art prints and original artwork in modern interiors.
- Galleries and artists: photographic work, limited edition prints and contemporary pieces.
- Interior designers, hospitality and corporate: wall art for residential and commercial projects.
- Sports memorabilia collectors: signed jerseys, medals and photographs in a shadow box.
- Framers and resellers: apply for a trade account.
Visit our Woodstock showroom
The Frame & Art Factory, 297 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town 7915. Tel 021 447 1620 or email sales@frameandart.co.za. Open Monday to Thursday 09:00 to 16:45, Friday and Saturday 09:00 to 13:00, closed on public holidays.
Box framing FAQ
How deep are your box frames?
Custom box frames and shadow boxes are made from 20mm to 90mm deep, depending on the artwork or object being framed. Our ready-made box frame profiles are listed at 20mm wide by 35mm high on the Scandi Box Frame, 23mm by 35mm on the Baltimore and Classic Box frames, and 20mm by 30mm on the Reverse Box Frame Oak Veneer.
What sizes do ready-made box frames come in?
Reverse Box frames come in A5, A4, A3, A2 and Instagram (300 x 300mm). Scandi frames come in A5 to A1 and Instagram. Baltimore frames come in A5 to A1, Maxi Poster (915 x 615mm) and Instagram. Classic Box frames come in A5 to A0, Instagram and 600 x 600mm. These are picture sizes: a mount board adds to the overall frame size.
Can I add a mount board to a box frame?
Yes. Arctic White 1300 micron mount board is an option on our box frames. The mount is added around your picture, so an A3 picture stays A3 and the overall frame becomes larger.
What glass do your box frames use?
Ready-made box frames are supplied with 3mm clear glass. On the Classic Box Frame, sizes A1 and smaller have 3mm clear glass and sizes A0 and larger have 3mm clear Perspex. Custom box framing and shadow boxes can be glazed with any of our glazing options, from standard clear glass up to AR 90 anti-reflective glass.
How long does box framing take?
Custom box framing and shadow boxes take 7 to 10 working days, and the ready-made box frame ranges list the same lead time on their product pages. Call 021 447 1620 or email sales@frameandart.co.za to discuss your deadline.
Can you box frame 3D objects such as jerseys and medals?
Yes. Shadow box framing is made for items that cannot lie flat, such as sports jerseys, medals and keepsakes. See our sports memorabilia framing page, or contact us with the item and we will advise on the right depth.
Can box framing be used for canvas prints?
Yes. A canvas can sit inside a deep frame with a visible gap around its edge. This is our canvas floater framing, which you can order from our Canvas Floater Framing page.
Do you offer box framing for trade clients?
Yes. We supply picture framers, interior designers, galleries, retailers and hospitality businesses. Apply for a trade account on our trade application page.
Do you deliver box frames?
Ready-made box frames ordered online are delivered across South Africa. You can also place an order in person at our showroom at 297 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town.
