LifeSaver Software | Blog

What Are Mouldings? (+ 5 New Framing Business Tips)

Written by LifeSaver | Oct 9, 2024 9:14:46 PM

Mouldings are more than decorative elements — they’re essential for framing businesses, adding structure and elegance to artwork, photographs, or memorabilia. But what are mouldings, and how can they enhance your work and improve your framing business?

Explore the different types of mouldings and get practical tips for using your point of sale (POS) system to boost your art framing business with these design elements.

What Are Mouldings?

Mouldings in framing are the outer edges or borders surrounding a piece of artwork, photograph, or painting. They cover the joints where the frame meets the artwork, creating a seamless and protective barrier. In addition to providing structure, decorative mouldings give the framed piece a polished and professional look.

Like the moulding around doors or window frames or along walls and ceilings, picture frame mouldings come in various materials and styles. From sleek, modern designs to more intricate, traditional options, mouldings complete the frame’s appearance while offering protection and decorative appeal.

Types of Mouldings

Your store can offer several types of mouldings for different framing needs. Common types include:

  • Wood mouldings: Made from hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut, offering a timeless and sturdy option for traditional and modern frames.

  • Metal mouldings: Typically made from aluminum or stainless steel, providing a sleek, contemporary look while being lightweight and durable.

  • Composite mouldings: Crafted from engineered materials like MDF or polystyrene, offering a budget-friendly and versatile alternative to wood.

  • Float mouldings: Designed to make the artwork appear as if it’s floating within the frame, often paired with minimalist or modern pieces.

  • Box mouldings: Deeper mouldings that add dimension, ideal for framing three-dimensional artwork or layered pieces.

  • Shadowbox mouldings: Perfect for memorabilia or objects with depth, allowing space between the artwork and the glass for a striking display.

With a POS system that includes tools like FrameVue, you can easily display various moulding options from vendors such as CMI, Bella Moulding, Decor, Roma Moulding, Don Mar, and Nielsen. This makes it easy for customers to see a wide range of styles and materials, helping them choose the perfect moulding to cover any gaps in their artwork frame.

5 New Art Framing Business Tips

Looking for ways to manage custom mouldings more efficiently in your new business? Here are five practical tips to simplify daily operations and meet customer needs:

1. Leverage Technology for Custom Orders

Streamline custom moulding orders using technology to input exact measurements, material choices, and design preferences. Vendor integration makes comparing vendors and checking availability easy, helping you handle customer requests quickly and accurately. 

POS tools keep everything organized and help you offer various moulding options without complications or delays.

2. Diversify Your Moulding Options

Why limit your selection when you can offer a variety of moulding styles to suit different tastes? Stock wood, metal, and composite mouldings to accommodate a range of design preferences, from traditional to modern. 

Use your POS system’s visualization tools to show customers different moulding options. This will help them find the perfect fit, improve customer service, and help your store stand out. 

3. Manage Inventory Effectively

Organize your moulding inventory to meet demand and avoid delays. With a POS system, you can easily track stock levels, restock popular items, and keep up with the latest trends in mouldings. 

The POS software helps categorize mouldings by type, material, or style, making it easy to stay on top of your inventory, helps meet customer demand and maintain a wide selection.

4. Optimize Workflow for Production Efficiency

To handle multiple framing projects smoothly, you’ll need a well-organized workspace. Set up designated areas for cutting, assembling, and storing materials. Keep tools and mouldings easily accessible so you can move through tasks quickly. 

An optimized workflow speeds up production and improves accuracy, helping you meet deadlines and deliver quality work on time.

5. Focus on Exceptional Customer Experience

Deliver personalized service to retain customers and encourage repeat business. Offer transparent quotes and set up easy payment options through your POS system to simplify the process for customers. 

Combine these efforts with consultations that explain what mouldings are and how they elevate the piece. Ensure swift delivery to build trust and satisfaction. Going the extra mile to make things run smoothly helps create an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

ANSWERED: What Are Mouldings?

Understanding what mouldings are is just the beginning of building a successful framing business. By incorporating a variety of moulding options and focusing on operational efficiency, you can grow your business, and your customers will be happier too. 

LifeSaver’s POS software can simplify every aspect of your workflow, from inventory management to custom quotes, giving you more time to focus on delivering high-quality frames and excellent service.

If you are ready to take your framing business to the next level, book a demo today and see how LifeSaver can make running your company easier and boost your bottom line.