Hobby Lobby vs Michaels Framing: Don’t Get Framed on Price & Quality

You have a piece of art or a cherished photograph that deserves a prime spot on your wall. But the thought of custom framing brings two big names to mind, along with a wave of uncertainty. Choosing between Hobby Lobby and Michaels can feel like a high-stakes decision for your home’s decor and your wallet.

The fear of overpaying for mediocre quality is real. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering a definitive comparison to help you protect your art and your budget.

The Core Showdown: Hobby Lobby vs. Michaels at a Glance

Before diving into the granular details, it’s helpful to see a side-by-side overview. The choice often comes down to balancing cost, selection, and the specific needs of your project. Each store has distinct advantages that might make it the clear winner for you.

Understanding these fundamental differences is the first step. This table breaks down the key features of their custom framing services.

Feature	Hobby Lobby Custom Framing	Michaels Custom Framing
Typical Sale Cycle	Often runs 50% off sales on custom framing.	Frequently offers 60-70% off sales, but base prices may be higher.
Frame Selection	Extensive collection, particularly strong in ornate and traditional styles.	Large and diverse selection with a strong offering of modern and minimalist styles.
Glass (Glazing) Options	Standard, Conservation (UV Protection), Museum (UV & Anti-Reflection).	Standard (Plexi & Glass), Conservation Clear, Museum Glass.
Matting Options	Good selection of standard and acid-free mats.	Wide variety of paper, fabric, and conservation-grade mats.
Average Turnaround Time	Typically 2-3 weeks, can vary by location and season.	Generally 2-4 weeks, subject to store workload.
Design Consultation	In-store designers assist with choices. Skill level can vary significantly.	In-store design experts provide guidance. Experience varies by individual.
Return & Guarantee Policy	Satisfaction guarantee; will rework the order if there are issues.	Design and quality guarantee; committed to correcting mistakes.

Cost Comparison: Who Really Has the Better Deal?

The most pressing question for most homeowners is the final price. Both Hobby Lobby and Michaels are famous for their deep discounts on custom framing, but these sales can be misleading if you don’t understand the base pricing structure.

Getting the best value requires looking beyond the flashy percentage-off signs. The true cost is a combination of the frame, the glass, the matting, and the labor involved.

Understanding the “50% Off” Sales

Hobby Lobby is well-known for its consistent 50% off custom framing sale. This regularity makes it easy to plan your project without feeling rushed. You can be confident that if you miss the sale this week, it will likely return soon.

Michaels often advertises steeper discounts, sometimes up to 70% off. However, their non-sale or “list” prices are often perceived as being higher, which can sometimes make a 70% off deal there comparable to a 50% off deal at Hobby Lobby. Always ask for the final, out-the-door price before committing.

The Hidden Costs: Glass, Mats, and Labor

The advertised discount typically applies to the frame itself, but not always to the other crucial components. Upgrades to premium glass or specialty mats can significantly increase the final cost. These add-ons are where the price can quickly escalate.

For example, upgrading from standard glass to Museum Glass can more than double the cost of the glazing. While worth it for valuable or sentimental pieces, it’s a factor you must account for in your budget from the start.

Quality and Materials: What Are You Actually Paying For?

A frame is more than just a decorative border; it’s a protective enclosure for your art. The quality of the materials used will determine not only how it looks, but how well it preserves your piece from fading, damage, and environmental factors. Both stores offer a tiered system of materials, from basic to archival quality.

Understanding the difference is critical. Choosing the right components is as foundational as deciding between different types of building materials, like when you’re weighing the pros and cons of 2×3 vs 2×4 lumber for a project.

Frame Selection: Wood vs. Composite

Both retailers offer a vast selection of frame styles made from solid wood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and polystyrene (a type of plastic). Solid wood frames offer timeless appeal and durability but come at a higher price point.

Polystyrene and MDF frames are more budget-friendly and come in a huge variety of finishes. While modern composites are very convincing, they may not offer the same longevity or premium feel as real wood. Inspect the corner joins on the sample frames closely to gauge the quality of construction.

Glazing (Glass) Options Explained

The “glass” is one of the most important choices you’ll make. It not only protects from dust and impact but also from light damage. This is especially vital for artwork that will hang in a bright area, such as a sunroom.

Standard Glass/Plexiglass: Offers basic protection but has no UV filtering capabilities. It can also have a noticeable glare.

Conservation Glass: This is the most crucial upgrade for protecting valuable art. It blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which are the primary cause of fading. Both stores offer this, and it should be considered the minimum standard for anything you want to preserve.

Museum Glass: This is the top-tier option. It combines 99% UV protection with incredible anti-reflective properties, making the glass seem almost invisible. It’s the most expensive choice but offers the best protection and viewing experience.

Matting: More Than Just a Border

A mat does more than just create a visually pleasing border around your artwork; it also serves the critical function of separating the art from the glass. Direct contact with glass can lead to moisture transfer and damage over time.

The key term to look for is “acid-free” or “archival” mat board. Standard paper mats contain acids that can leach into your artwork over the years, causing a yellowing effect known as “mat burn.” Always insist on conservation-grade, acid-free matting for any piece you care about.

The Framing Experience: From Consultation to Pickup

The quality of your final framed piece depends heavily on the skill and attention to detail of the person building it. While both Hobby Lobby and Michaels are large corporations, the custom framing experience is delivered by an individual at your local store. This is the biggest variable in the entire process.

The interaction at the design counter is your best opportunity to gauge the expertise you’ll be receiving. A good designer will guide you through choices, not just sell you the most expensive options.

Staff Expertise and Design Help

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A knowledgeable framer will be able to explain the benefits of different materials and help you create a design that complements your art and your home. They should be able to discuss how a frame choice creates a defined border on your wall, similar to how a door frame defines a drywall opening vs cased opening.

If the person helping you seems unsure or is unable to answer questions about material quality (like UV ratings or mat board composition), it might be a red flag. You can always ask if there is a more experienced framing manager available to consult with.

Turnaround Time: How Long Will It Take?

Both stores typically quote a turnaround time of 2-4 weeks. This can fluctuate based on the time of year, with holidays being particularly busy. The complexity of your project can also affect the timeline.

Upon pickup, inspect your finished piece carefully before you leave the store. Check the corners for gaps, look for dust or debris under the glass, and ensure the art is mounted correctly. It’s much easier to have issues corrected on the spot than after you’ve taken it home.

The Final Verdict: Which Store is Right for Your Project?

The truth is, there is no single “best” choice for everyone. The right store depends entirely on your priorities and the specific item you are framing.

Choose Hobby Lobby if:

• You prefer a consistent and predictable 50% off sale.
• Your taste leans toward more traditional, rustic, or ornate frame styles.
• You are framing a standard photo or print and are comfortable with their solid, mid-range options.

Choose Michaels if:

• You are hunting for the absolute deepest discount and are willing to wait for a 60-70% off sale.
• You are looking for a wider selection of modern, sleek, and contemporary frames.
• The project requires specialty materials or a wider range of matting colors and textures.

Pro Tips for Saving Money and Getting the Best Results

Regardless of which store you choose, a few universal strategies can help you get a better result and a better price. These tips empower you to take control of the process.

First, never pay full price. Both stores have sales so frequently that paying the list price is unnecessary. If there isn’t a sale running, simply wait a week or two.

Second, consider a hybrid approach. You can often save a significant amount of money by purchasing a high-quality ready-made frame and having a custom mat cut to fit your specific artwork. This gives you a custom look for a fraction of the price.

Finally, always bring your artwork with you to the store. Seeing the piece in person with the frame and mat samples is the only way to be sure you’ll be happy with the final combination. This simple step avoids costly and disappointing mistakes.