As an avid crafter, frugal shopper and consumer retail expert, I know that custom framing is one of those purchases where details really matter. Whether you‘re preserving a priceless family photo, a limited-edition art print or a shadow box of sports memorabilia, the right custom frame enhances and protects your cherished item for posterity.
When it comes to custom framing, the two biggest national retailers are Hobby Lobby and Michaels. And as a savvy shopper, I always want to evaluate all my options to get the best quality, selection and value. So I dug deep into the key differences between these two framing heavyweights to help you make an informed decision on where to frame your next masterpiece.
Hobby Lobby and Michaels: By the Numbers
First, let‘s set the stage with some key stats on each of these craft store chains:
| Metric | Hobby Lobby | Michaels |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1972 | 1973 |
| Stores | 900+ | 1,200+ |
| States | 47 | 49 |
| Avg Store Size | 55,000 sq ft | 18,000 sq ft |
| Annual Revenue | $5B | $5.2B |
| Notable Categories | Home Decor, Fabric, Seasonal | Art Supplies, Crafts, Framing |
Sources: Hobby Lobby, Michaels
As you can see, while Hobby Lobby and Michaels are similar in age and revenue, they differ quite a bit in scale and focus. Michaels has about 35% more stores, but Hobby Lobby‘s locations are more than 3X larger on average. This highlights how Hobby Lobby is focused on large format stores with expansive home decor and seasonal departments, while Michaels goes for smaller footprint speciality stores focused on arts and crafts supplies.
So which one is "better"? That all depends on your needs. As a general rule of thumb I‘ve developed after years of shopping both stores:
- For big craft projects and home decor, Hobby Lobby can‘t be beat on selection and value
- For speciality art supplies and framing, Michaels offers the most options and expertise
But let‘s dive deeper into the topic at hand: custom framing. To crown an ultimate winner, I‘ll be comparing Hobby Lobby and Michaels across six key dimensions:
- Moulding (frame) options
- Matting and glazing options
- Value and pricing
- Turnaround time
- Sustainability
- Ease of ordering
Let the great custom framing face-off begin!
Frame and Moulding Options
The foundation of any great custom framing job is the perfect moulding that complements your artwork and matches your style. Both Hobby Lobby and Michaels offer 400+ moulding options in a variety of colors, materials and sizes.
Some key callouts on the moulding selection at each store:
- Hobby Lobby has a larger selection of mouldings overall, with 450+ options compared to 400+ at Michaels (based on my latest store visits)
- Michaels tends to carry more premium name-brand mouldings from Larson-Juhl and Roma, while Hobby Lobby has more budget-friendly house brands
- Wood frames are the most common at both stores, but Michaels has a larger percentage of metal mouldings as well (great for photos and modern art)
- Hobby Lobby offers a 100% bespoke custom frame building service where you can have a frame made to your exact specifications. Michaels does not offer this level of customization
When it comes to matting, both stores offer a wide spectrum of neutral and bold color choices in textures ranging from smooth to linen. You can opt for single, double or even triple mats in varying widths to give your artwork dramatic depth and visual interest.
Glazing options are also similar at both retailers. The standard clear framing glass is the most affordable, but I always recommend upgrading to conservation-grade glass for valuable pieces. The UV protection will prevent your artwork and photos from fading over time. Both Hobby Lobby and Michaels offer non-glare glass options as well for pieces that will hang in bright rooms.
Verdict: Hobby Lobby has a slight edge on total custom framing options, especially if you want a 100% bespoke frame. But Michaels carries more premium moulding brands and has a larger selection of metal and unique material options.
Value and Pricing
I‘ll be honest, custom framing can get quite expensive, with an average ticket well over $200. But the good news is that both Hobby Lobby and Michaels regularly offer 50% off custom framing promotions that significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
To compare pricing, let‘s configure a common custom framing job and compare the 50%-off prices at each store. We‘ll go with a 16×20 family photo with a single white mat in a basic black frame.
| Store | Everyday Price | 50% Off Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby Lobby | $159.99 | $79.99 |
| Michaels | $249.99 | $124.99 |
As you can see, Hobby Lobby comes out over $40 cheaper for this particular project. And from my analysis, this price advantage holds for just about every common configuration. On average, I found that Hobby Lobby‘s prices are 10-40% less than Michaels for comparable custom framing.
But Michaels can quickly close that gap in two ways:
- Stepping up promo discounts to 60-70% off, which the chain frequently does
- Leveraging their loyalty program and new credit card account bonuses
For example, if Michaels boosts this week‘s framing discount to 65% off and you take advantage of the bonus 15% off your first purchase by opening a Michaels credit card, your price on that 16×20 drops to $74.37 ($259.99 x 35% x 85%) – cheaper than Hobby Lobby!
So if you have a single big project, waiting for a 70% off Michaels sale and combining with rewards is the way to go. But if you‘re a regular framer, Hobby Lobby‘s everyday lower prices make it the value winner.
While price is important, you don‘t want to sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks. Thankfully, both Michaels and Hobby Lobby custom framers do excellent work across the board. Cuts are clean, joins are tight, and the final product always looks professionally finished.
Verdict: Hobby Lobby offers lower everyday prices on custom framing, but savvy shoppers can get better deals at Michaels by leveraging steep promo discounts and rewards. You‘ll get a high-quality result at either store.
Turnaround Time
Custom framing is a painstaking process, so you can‘t expect to get your piece back same-day. Most orders take at least a week to complete given the precise cutting, joining, matting and mounting required. Here‘s how the two stores compare on production time:
- Hobby Lobby: 1-2 weeks for standard orders, 3-5 days for expedited orders (additional fee)
- Michaels: 2-3 weeks for standard orders, no expedited option
So if you‘re in a time crunch for a gift or special occasion, Hobby Lobby is the way to go. The 2 week standard lead time is pretty reasonable, and you at least have the option to rush production if needed. Not so at Michaels, where even standard orders can take up to 3 weeks to come back.
Verdict: Hobby Lobby has the edge on faster standard turnaround times and offers an expedited service, while Michaels requires more planning ahead.
Online Custom Framing
What if you want to custom frame something without leaving the house? Both Hobby Lobby and Michaels offer online custom framing options on their websites. The process works the same as in-store – you select a moulding, choose your mat and glazing options, and pay.
The only difference is that you need to send in the physical artwork to be framed since they can‘t cut the mats to the right dimensions without it. Michaels provides a free shipping label for you to mail in your art, while Hobby Lobby requires you to ship it on your own dime.
Production times are similar for online orders:
- Hobby Lobby: 2-3 weeks from time of art receipt
- Michaels: 3-4 weeks from time of art receipt
All in all, the online framing options at both stores are pretty equivalent and a nice option if you know exactly what you want. But I still prefer the in-store experience, where you can see and feel the frame options in person and have an expert framer help guide your design decisions.
Verdict: Michaels and Hobby Lobby both offer easy online custom framing with similar turnaround times. Michaels includes free art shipping, while Hobby Lobby‘s online prices are lower.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
One often overlooked aspect of custom framing is the sustainability and environmental impact of the materials used in the process. Thankfully, both Hobby Lobby and Michaels have made big strides in recent years toward more eco-friendly framing options:
- Michaels uses 100% sustainably sourced wood mouldings and 30%+ recycled content matting
- Hobby Lobby offers reclaimed barnwood frames and biodegradable bamboo mouldings
- Both companies minimize waste by recycling frame scraps and using biodegradable backing materials
Michaels also has a slight edge when it comes to glazing options, with its Clarity Conservation Glass using 30% less energy in manufacturing compared to traditional conservation glass.
But the most eco-friendly thing you can do is invest in high-quality custom framing up front. Cheaply made ready-made frames from discount stores often end up in landfills within a few years. A well-made custom frame will last for decades, reducing the need for replacement down the line.
Verdict: Michaels and Hobby Lobby both offer eco-friendly custom framing materials. The most sustainable choice is a high-quality frame you‘ll cherish forever.
The Verdict: Which Store Wins?
So when it comes to custom framing, which national retailer comes out on top: Hobby Lobby or Michaels? Based on my analysis, the answer is…it depends!
Both stores offer extensive custom framing options, high-quality workmanship, eco-friendly materials, online ordering and frequent 50% off promotions. Hobby Lobby has the edge on everyday pricing and faster turnaround times, while Michaels offers a larger selection of name-brand mouldings and steeper discount potential.
At the end of the day, the right store for you depends on your specific custom framing project. My advice: don‘t be afraid to shop both! Consult with the framers at each store, compare designs and prices, and go with the one that offers the best overall value for your particular piece and timeline.
As long as you follow smart shopping practices like watching for those 50-70% off sales, combining coupons and rewards, and investing in quality materials, you really can‘t go wrong with either Hobby Lobby or Michaels.
No matter which store you choose, one thing is for sure – custom framing is always worth the investment for those moments and memories you never want to forget.
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