Frame trim trends don’t stand still — and neither do customer expectations. As tastes shift, so do the moulding profiles, finishes, and details clients expect to see at the design counter.
Today’s framing projects favor slimmer profiles, matte and satin finishes, and subtle sculpted details that enhance artwork without overpowering it. These preferences are evident across a range of products, from photography and prints to certificates and large custom pieces.
For framers, keeping up with these trends means making strategic choices. This includes stocking the right trims in the correct quantities, collaborating with vendors who carry in-demand styles, and displaying options in a way that enables customers to make informed decisions quickly and confidently.
Here are some of the frame trim trends customers are requesting the most — along with practical tips for managing inventory and showcasing these styles so they sell off your shelves.
1. Clean, Slim Profiles
Slim profiles are becoming more prevalent at the design counter, with narrow face widths often measuring under ¾″, rather than the traditional 1¼″ or 1½″ mouldings. Customers prefer corners with straight edges, squared faces, or a slight inner bevel over wider or more decorative options.
Customers tend to gravitate toward profiles that:
- Keep the visible frame narrow around the artwork
- Show depth through wall height rather than face width
- Highlight photography, prints, certificates, and formal portraits
- Pair naturally with wider mats and open margins
For example, a slim black profile with a wide white mat is a common choice for wedding portraits, keeping the focus on the couple instead of the frame.
2. Matte Finishes
Customers are moving away from shiny finishes in favor of matte, satin, and brushed textures. These low-sheen options photograph better, reduce glare, and let the artwork take center stage instead of competing with reflections.
Among collectors and gallery buyers, finishes that perform best typically:
- Diffuse light across the frame face
- Show the profile shape and edge detail clearly
- Stay visually consistent under different lighting conditions
- Work well on larger frames where more surface area is visible
For example, a brushed aluminum frame surrounding an oversized sports photograph or stadium print prevents light from bouncing off the frame edge and pulling attention away from the image.
3. Detailed Trims
Ornamentation hasn’t gone away — it’s simply become more restrained. Today’s buyers are opting for trims with delicate shaping, like details that sit near the edge, rather than heavy embellishment.
Popular frame trim trends include styles that:
- Cut a shallow step just inside the sight edge
- Carve a single groove or line parallel to the opening
- Angle the inner edge with a small bevel instead of a flat face
- Soften the transition between face and rabbet with light shaping
A customer with a double-mat giclée print might select a narrow profile with a ⅛″ step cut to prevent the layers from blending into the frame opening.
4. Material-Driven Choices
Over 60% of younger buyers prefer brands that prioritize sustainability. Material questions arise earlier in the design process, particularly for larger pieces and long-term displays.
These customers are looking for frames that:
- Use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified woods
- Incorporate recycled aluminum or low-waste metal production
- Reduce excess ornamentation in favor of clean fabrication
- Support longevity through stable, low-warp materials
For example, a customer framing a large family photograph may choose a profile made from reclaimed wood to get a clean finish without relying on newly milled stock.
Ordering Trend-Specific Inventory
Trend-aware ordering requires balance. You need enough of the right profiles on hand to meet demand, without tying up capital in slow-moving mouldings. The goal is coverage, not volume.
Here are a few tips to stock current frame trim trends without overbuying:
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Prioritize adaptable face widths: Choose slim and mid-width profiles that sell across photography, certificates, and larger wall pieces.
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Concentrate finish selection: Offer a curated set of matte, satin, and brushed finishes that support most designs without duplicating inventory.
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Validate before expanding: Test new profiles in small runs before committing to additional stock.
Run point of sale (POS) reports to track which profiles sell regularly and guide future orders.
Selecting the Right Vendors
Stocking modern frame trims is easier when you work with vendors whose catalogs reflect current trends. When styles depend on fine differences in finish and profile, reliable availability and consistent offerings matter as much as the mouldings themselves.
Look for partners that:
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Keep trending products in stock: Carry slim, modern cuts as ongoing lines so your bestsellers don’t disappear after one season.
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Allow for bulk and rush orders: Support restocks and quick turnarounds when popular styles start moving faster than expected.
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Integrate with live catalog tools: Update availability and pricing in real time so you know what’s orderable before committing to a design.
Suppliers like Larson-Juhl and Roma Moulding make it easier to stock trend-forward frames without sacrificing longevity, offering collections that balance modern design with lasting appeal.
Selling Trend-Forward Frames In-Store
Trend-driven trims are easier to sell when customers can see how they look in real life. Clear presentation helps shoppers decide faster and minimizes back-and-forth during the design process.
Here’s how to support in-store selling:
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Mount finished examples at scale: Display full frames on the wall to show face width and depth in real-world proportions.
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Include 3D previews during consultations: Use digital tools like FrameVue to visualize and compare trims without interrupting the design process.
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Bundle trims with complementary elements: Pair trendy profiles with mats, glazing, or float mounts to show a complete design and make it easier to suggest upgrades.
When the proportion and finish are easy to see, customers commit faster, and you spend less time reworking the same design.
Manage Frame Trim Trends With Confidence
Keeping up with frame trim trends is easier when you can preview profiles, confirm availability, and price designs while you’re still at the counter. LifeSaver provides you with live vendor catalogs, FrameVue visualization, and pricing tools so you can quickly compare trims and quote with confidence.
Explore plans and pricing, and discover how LifeSaver helps you evaluate and sell trend-forward designs more efficiently.
