Why use acrylic block picture frames?

We all have displays of our favorite memories, whether it's photos, art, or professional inserts, and the frames we use to display them do much more than just hold the display. They have an aesthetic purpose, protect the display, and offer an additional design statement to the display. For years, the go to frame option was glass. However, frosted glass is slowly creeping to the top of the glass alternatives market: The Acrylic Block Picture Frame. The new option is more elegant and versatile than glass. From home gallery displays to commercial slide shows, acrylic frames have opened new possibilities for displaying important materials. From commercial purpose to sleek, high design purpose, it is clear acrylic is the preferred material for modern displays.

First Thoughts on Acrylic Block Picture Frames

The first thing people notice on an acrylic block picture frame is the modern style. Traditional frames can look bulky and dated. Acrylic frames have a clean, minimalist design and can be crafted with polished, crisps edges, and rounded corners. They are more modern than glass block frames or traditional ornate frames, and the design can be more tailored to match office-centric decor or more cozy living room decor without overwhelming the space.

Unmatched Design Flexibility and Custom Potential

Besides looking great and being visually appealing, acrylic material also has great attributes that help make stunning designs. In contrast to glass, which is tough, rigid, and hard to shape beyond 2D rectangles, acrylic is a thermoplastic. This means that, when heated, it can take on many shapes and vary in dimensions such as thickness. This is great if you want a deep block frame to showcase a collectible in 3D, or a sculpted edging on a custom piece. With acrylic, it is all possible. Rounded corners and irregular geometric shapes can be made. Seamless, glue-less construction is possible for pieces that look to be a solid block of a glass-like material. It can be crystal clear as well. With all of this, you can have a customized display that has a style, and vision that glass cannot compete with.

Superior Durability and Inherent Safety

When considering durability, acrylic block picture frames win. Acrylic is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is known for being impact resistant. If a glass frame gets knocked or falls, it could shatter into dangerous shards, whereas acrylic framed pictures are not highly likely to shatter. If scratched, it is not a big deal. This is a perfect option for pictures you need to protect, including family photos, signed posters, or expensive artwork.

Then, there is the extra protection acrylic offers as well especially when talking about safety. Shatterproof acrylic is the responsible option anywhere, especially with young kids and pets, as the chance of injury through breakage is a serious threat. In places like schools, museums, galleries, or public retail acrylic frames and shatterproof offer extra safety and protection for people and the protection of the valuables and assets within the frames. Acrylic is also a lot lighter than glass, about 50% lighter. For this reason, acrylic block picture frames are a lot easier to handle, ship, and mount on walls without requiring heavy-duty materials, thus avoiding hazards when installing and making wall displays easier to update.

Crystal Clarity and Enhanced Visual Presentation

Acrylic also offers crystal clarity  and is optimal for the visual presentation of the images. 

From the beginning people go for glass for that supposed clarity when, in reality, a good optical acrylic is not just as good; it is more clear than glass. With good glass, acrylic can be 92% clear and that means the image offers true color and clarity without a cloudy, dull obstructions.

Acrylic is one of the best options to manipulate the interaction of light. Standard glass tends to reflect overhead lights and windows, creating undesirable glare. This can detrimentally obscure the view of the artwork. It is worth mentioning that both glass and acrylic can have anti-reflective coatings, but acrylic is more effective and less expensive. Furthermore, acrylic can be specially manufactured with a built-in UV-filtering capability. Ultraviolet light is one of the leading causes of fading and deterioration of photographs, inks, and fabrics. Having UV protective acrylic is a necessity when using acrylic block picture frames, as it adds a very important layer of protection to your displayed items, keeping them intact and preserving their color for a myriad of years. This is especially important when dealing with items of great value and/or sentimental worth.

Customization and Brand Value for Commercial Applications

Beyond simple display, the picture block acrylic frames also offer great value for businesses. They serve additional purposes in creating a polished environment and offer a great opportunity for branding as well. The ease that these frames can be adjusted and customized is a huge benefit. For example, a company can purchase frames in different standard sizes to hold their marketing materials or in custom shapes that could be a great focal piece of a lobby display by contouring to the company logo. The acrylic edges can be polished to have a fine crystal edge, sanded to have a softer more diffused edge, or tinted to the company colors.

Customization helps businesses construct a cohesive and polished visual identity. In a corporate setting, matching acrylic frames for certificates, awards, and executive pictures promotes a sense of professionalism and detail-oriented design. In a retail setting, slimline acrylic signage and product display frames feel modern and luxurious. Their presence promotes a higher sense of value for the displayed items. In trade shows and exhibitions, acrylic display holders are lightweight and durable, cheaper and easier to move than glass, and promote a strong visual presence. Businesses are enabled to overcome specialized display problems to design unique visual solutions when working with a manufacturer providing fully custom solutions and a competent design team responsive to working sample request.  

In summary, transitioning from the traditional glass picture frames to modern acrylic frames is the result of a unique combination of usability and visual appeal. They provide a modern look with unprecedented design versatility; provide safety and durability in public and private spaces; offer superior visual clarity and protective features; and provide ample opportunity for commercial branding. Choosing acrylic, whether for a personal item or a corporate design, is a modern choice celebrating design, durability, and beauty.