So, you bought a poster at the last concert you went and is now sitting rolled up in a tube in some dark corner of your house. Why? Because. The idea of buying a cheap, pre-made frame crossed your mind but you never got around to it and months went by with no intention of doing anything about it. Now every time you look at the tube you wonder why spend the money on something you don't even enjoy. And really, why would you? Even if you bought a cheap plastic frame it still wouldn't make you enjoy the poster. So try this instead: custom framing shop in your area.

I know, it's just a poster so why would you go out there and spend that much money and all that. Well, I am here to explain exactly why you should and how it will not break your piggy bank to do so.

For starters, custom frame shops usually have a cheaper, simple frame to look at that will work well with posters. Ask for matte black (metal, wood, plastic, whatever) and they'll have something even if it's not what they advertise. Black metal frames are understated enough that will let the poster shine and not take anything away from it. It is the most straight forward way to go. And even if you could find a similar version in a pre-made store; at a custom frame shop they'll put it together for you, attach it right (some even offer dry-mounting, a permanent adhesive that works wonders with posters and anything that's of little resale value) and return it ready to be hang.

If that idea is too simple for your taste but you still want to stay within budget; ask about value-core frames. It is a modern invention, a sort of wood/plastic hybrid core with designs that imitate classic wood frames but in a much lighter and cheaper version. Not all frame shops offer this, but if they do it's an easy way to stay within budget without sacrificing style.

Another major aspect of taking your poster to a custom frame shop: glazing. When you buy a pre-made frame you don't know the quality of the materials and the most harmful thing –next to water- to any artwork is sunlight. So think of the type of poster you bought (limited edition, signed, etc) and ask a framer about the need of better protection. Regular glass (which will be used unless discussed) has the least UV protection available and it reflects a lot. If the "mirror" effect is a concern think about using non-reflective glass that absorbs the light (it does have a matte finish, so, again, ask to see a sample). If the poster will be placed in a kid's room or it falling is a concern (like an L.A. earthquake), consider using plexi-glass (Acrylic) that won't break if it falls and it also comes in non-reflective and UV protection if you need it. It is also lighter that glass, so that's another plus.

Lastly, remember that you bought that poster for a reason, so don't leave it in a tube. And keep in mind that just because a custom frame shop may call something a "poster frame" it doesn't mean you can't use that same frame for something else you treasure. A family photo, a caricature an artist made of you at the park, ticket stubs to all the movies you've seen in the last year; a custom frame shop can make all those memories last forever.