Antique picture frames hold more than just images—they capture history, tradition, and cherished memories. Over time, these frames can become too fragile to preserve, with worn wood, chipped finishes, or missing glass. Fortunately, modern reproductions allow you to replace damaged frames while maintaining their original vintage charm. Whether you're searching for antique octagon picture frames, antique oval picture frames, antique round picture frames, or antique rectangle picture frames, high-quality replicas can bring new life to your treasured heirlooms.

The Beauty of Antique Picture Frames

Each antique picture frame reflects the craftsmanship of its time. From intricate carvings to hand-applied finishes, these frames were designed to complement portraits, historical prints, and fine artwork. Antique oval picture frames and antique round picture frames were especially popular in Victorian homes, often paired with family photographs. Meanwhile, antique rectangle picture frames provided a timeless look for landscapes and formal portraits. Unique antique octagon picture frames added an artistic touch to decor, making them rare but highly sought after.

Challenges in Restoring Vintage Picture Frames

Restoring an original vintage picture frame can be challenging. Over time, wood can warp, finishes may crack, and original convex glass or bubble glass may be lost or broken. Many older frames featured convex glass, a curved glass designed to protect delicate photographs while enhancing their appearance. Today, finding a replacement with the right dimensions and authentic details can be difficult.

High-Quality Replicas: The Best Solution for Restoration

If an original frame is too damaged to restore, choosing a high-quality reproduction is the best way to preserve its vintage aesthetic. Modern reproductions capture the authentic details of antique picture frames, including hand-finished wood and historically accurate designs. They also replicate traditional colors such as warm gold, distressed finishes, rich walnut, and tiger stripe, ensuring the frame blends seamlessly with period decor. Best of all, new antique oval picture frames, antique round picture frames, antique rectangle picture frames, and antique octagon picture frames can be paired with convex glass, completing the look of an authentic heirloom.

Keeping Family Memories Alive

Choosing a well-crafted vintage picture frame allows you to honor the past while ensuring your cherished photographs remain protected for future generations. Whether you need an antique octagon picture frame for a rare print or an antique oval picture frame to preserve a family portrait, today’s reproductions offer the perfect balance of history and durability. By selecting an authentic replica with period-correct details, you can keep tradition alive while safeguarding your most treasured memories.

Convex glass, also known as bubble glass or domed glass, has been a cherished element of picture framing for centuries. Since the 1970s, we have been specializing in bending and fitting antique replica convex glass, offering both vintage and modern sizes. If you’re looking for a convex glass replacement or simply want to learn more about this unique glass type, here’s everything you need to know.

What is Convex Glass?

Convex glass is a type of curved glass that bulges outward, creating a “domed” effect. It was originally used in antique frames, often paired with convex photographs, which also had a rounded surface. Today, convex glass is popular for vintage frames and is a sought-after convex glass replacement for damaged or broken glass in antique picture frames.

History of Convex Glass in Picture Framing

Convex glass was widely used in picture framing from the late 1800s through the 1940s. During this time, oval picture frames, in particular, were incredibly popular. These frames often housed family portraits, which were frequently printed on convex photographs. This rounded effect created a unique, 3D appearance that gave the image a sense of depth and dimension.

Even though oval picture frames make up less than 5% of the frames produced today, many of these antique frames are still in circulation. They can often be found in attics or basements, housing family heirlooms and portraits. However, over time, the convex glass in these frames can break or become damaged, making replacement necessary.

Measuring Convex Glass

Measuring convex glass might seem tricky, but it's quite straightforward. When measuring oval convex glass, the length and width are taken directly across the glass (not around the bend). The depth of the glass typically ranges from 1/4" to 1" depending on the size of the glass, although deeper bends are possible for special needs.

Common antique sizes, such as the Oval 13 1/2" x 19 5/8", might seem unusual, but we stock many of these odd sizes and offer them at no additional custom bending fees.

Custom Bending for Convex Glass

While we offer 15 standard sizes of oval convex glass, we also provide custom bending for pieces up to 20" x 24". If you need a custom size, you can simply provide a paper tracing of the measurements, and we will create a piece that fits your exact needs. Once we receive your tracing, expect a delivery time of 3-4 weeks.

The Bending Process

The process of making convex glass is truly a craft. To create convex glass, flat glass is placed into a mold and heated to temperatures that allow the glass to slump into the mold’s shape. The longer the glass is heated, the deeper the bend will be. This technique ensures the perfect curve for each piece of glass, whether you’re looking for a standard or custom bend.

Convex Glass vs. Acrylic Domes

While most convex glass typically has a bend of 1/4" to 1", some items, such as larger portraits or objects with more depth, may benefit from deeper convex glass or acrylic domes. Acrylic domes offer greater depth, ranging from 2.5" to 7", and can fit any of our frames. These domes are perfect for displays where the depth of the object being framed exceeds that of a traditional photo or canvas.

Uses for Convex Glass

Convex glass is primarily used to frame antique portraits, where both the glass and photograph have a curved shape. However, convex glass is also commonly used for other applications, including clocks, gauges, and other instruments that require a domed covering.

Why Choose Convex Glass?

Convex glass is an ideal choice for antique frames or vintage collections due to its ability to maintain the aesthetic and historical accuracy of the original framing. Whether you’re restoring an old family portrait or replacing broken glass in a cherished antique clock, convex glass helps preserve the integrity and value of the piece.

At Victorian Frame Company, we have a long history of bending and fitting convex glass for antique frames, ensuring that these beautiful, timeless frames are preserved for future generations. We offer a wide selection of standard and custom sizes, as well as professional advice to help you find the perfect convex glass replacement for your needs.

Conclusion

Convex glass or bubble glass brings depth and dimension to any frame, offering a classic, vintage look that has stood the test of time. Whether you need a replacement for a broken piece of bubble glass, are restoring an antique portrait, or are looking for an acrylic dome for a unique display, we have the right solution for you.

Explore our wide selection of oval convex glass, and contact us for custom orders to find the perfect piece for your frame. Our team is always here to assist with your needs, ensuring your antique frames remain beautiful and intact for years to come.

See below a list of five elements that can damage your modern oval frames or vintage picture frames over the years, and how to protect them so they last a lifetime and protect your precious art.

Acid and Lignin. Found in adhesives and certain types of wood respectively, these two products can cause damage to your art or frame with an improper mat or packaging materials, and lignin can cause photos to yellow over time. This solution is an easy one - choose mats and adhesives marked “photo safe” to ensure that they are acid-free.

Insects. Insects can become a problem, especially in warmer months. If your frames have cracks, are damaged or just not well put together, insects can find their way in and make nests, feed on the materials, and ruin your frame and your piece. To prevent this, check your frames regularly for cracks or signs of insect wear and tear, and have an exterminator come treat your home if you suspect anything.

Moisture. In particularly humid areas, moisture can be a real problem for frames. Photographs are especially prone to something called blocking, where they become so humid that they become sticky, and can glue themselves to the glass of the frame. Trying to remove these photos can cause irreparable harm. Photos can also curl or yellow with too much moisture. To prevent this, simply keep your most valuable frames with older photographs in a climate-controlled area with low humidity, and consider spacers that can keep your photos away from the glass.

Heat. Direct sunlight and heated lighted can really damage your frames or photos. It can cause the colors to warp and deteriorate, or the art or photos inside to yellow or fade. To prevent this, it’s important to keep your frames in a cool room away from direct sunlight and keep the lighting used to around them to non-heat inducing bulbs.

Air pollutants. Air pollutants found in paint, household cleaners or even the photo paper your photos are printed on can all cause harmful damage to your frames and photos. Be sure to use correct materials and high-quality photo paper for printing, and let freshly painted rooms dry for two weeks or so before rehanging frames. Also never use chemicals on your frames or photos that can destroy them. Take care to only use approved liquids or types of cloth to clean them depending on the type of frame you have. 

Whether it’s postcards, maps or three-dimensional objects, there are several ways you can turn your treasures into art. See below for some great ideas.

Create a small gallery wall for your trips. You can combine them, or have a separate area devoted to each trip. Use a shadowbox frame and double-sided foam tape to attach smaller objects like coins, shells, or smaller keepsakes, and use a regular gold or silver picture frame to frame your postcards, maps or travel brochures that tell the story of your trip.

Make a postcard holder with an old frame. Repurpose an old frame by painting it, and then attaching wire in lines to the back of your frame using screw-hooks on either side. Then use miniature clothespins that you can find in any craft store to attach your postcards. This is also a great way to display Christmas cards or photos if you want to switch them out seasonally.

Use a dome frame to display large groups of small objects. Matchbooks, bottle corks or buttons can be great as a sculpture by putting them all together in a large dome case for displaying. If you are worried about them falling if the case is moved, then use some other glass that sits upright like a unique vase or apothecary jar.

Make a floating shelf display. Using thick pieces of plywood that you can sand, stain or paint in any color, hang several floating shelves in space at about eye level for best viewing. Then create a unique display of your collections by placing each of them in a spot on your floating shelves.

Make a unique box for each photo stack of prints. Any photographer would tell you that it’s always important to make prints of your favorite pictures because technology can become obsolete, and you may not always have access to digital photos. Frame your favorites, but if you want to keep the rest in an organized and easy to access space, make a keepsake box decorated with the name of the place visited and unique aspects to that area to keep your photos. Then display each box stacked on a bookshelf.

Use a framed map with no glass to pin your places. For a cool way to not only show where you’ve been but also keep up with it, frame a large world map in a large antique picture frame but keep the glass off for easy access. Then use small pins to stick in specific countries or cities that you have visited. If you are wanting to travel more, use a different color for the places you haven’t been but want to see as a motivational piece. 

For some amazing and beautiful door hanger ideas that you can repurpose your picture frames into this fall, see below.

Send a sunny message with sunflowers. Sunflowers are an ideal flower for crafting because they are bright, beautiful, large and flat backed that makes them easy for gluing. Artificial flowers will work best for a wreath you want to keep for years to come. Use an old round picture frame for your base, and interweave burlap and sunflowers to make a gorgeous contrast.

Use wheat as a center. For an understated and simple statement, use a rectangular frame and tie a ribbon around the top for hanging. After you have secured your hanging ribbon, use a large sprig of golden wheat and secure it at the bottom of your frame with the spray at the top, but not all the way to other edges of the frame. This will add a farmhouse touch that is charming and rustic to your door for the Autumn.

Make a monogram. Monograms are a huge tradition in decor, especially in the southern states. It’s easy to make your own family monogram for display using an old picture frame in any shape you choose (rectangle or oval frames) and some wooden letters you find at a craft store. Paint your letters whatever color will look best with your frame or leave them wooden. Then glue them together in the order that you want your monogram (the traditional is First, Last, Middle) and overlap slightly. All that is left is to secure your monogram to your frame either by gluing it to a mat that can be in the background, or by gluing the sides to either edge of your frame.

Get a three-dimensional look with a floating pumpkin. Choose your frame base with an old picture frame (a vintage ornate picture frame would be very nice), and then secure either a small artificial pumpkin to the center using a small piece of invisible thread or by adding a flat picture of a pumpkin using the thread. Artificial is best because you will need it to be very light to sustain within the picture frame hanging.

Go non-traditional with your colors. Instead of the bright oranges, reds and yellows associated with the season, try for alternative colors like purples, midnight blue and greys. These deep and dramatic colors go beautifully with each other, and you can find several flowers in different shades of purple or deep blue to attach to your frame wreath and tie it all together with a grey ribbon. 

If you are looking for some great ideas on how to make your home ready for sweater weather, see below.

Create warmth with bronze and caramel pieces. When changing out your wall decor, take down the modern sleek oval picture frames in pastels or silvers in favor of vintage large ornate picture frames that favor warmer tones like bronzes or golds. This will go well with the fall colors of oranges, reds, and browns. Also look into switching out simple decor like lamp bases or flowers vases for caramel toned pieces.

Get cozy with chenille throws. Chenille is a soft and pliable fabric that makes for an amazingly cozy throw to liven up any couch or oversized chair. This “messy chic” decor is a classic way to update your home by incorporating colors that match for any season and are very simple to interchange with the weather. For Autumn, warm coffee browns or deep dramatic reds can take a cream couch from Summer to Fall in no time.

Use natural elements. Wheat and cotton sprigs are very reminiscent of fall weather and can be displayed beautifully for a simple and elegant decoration. You can make a unique table centerpiece or a mantel display with different size glass domes and a sprig or two of the wheat tied together and standing up.

Change your door hangings. Your front door is the first sign of greeting for your neighbors and guests, so it’s an important place to change our your decor. Hang a bright fall wreath with autumn leaves plaid ribbons, and flood the floors with pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes, and colors. For a charming and useful touch, a rocking chair is a great addition for a front porch where you can sip on a warm drink and watch the wind blow the bright leaves from the trees.

Add farmhouse rustic touches throughout the home. Tin watering cans as planters, large wooden distressed frames, corn husks, and rooster centric pieces are all farmhouse chic that can put you in the mood for making cider or apple picking in a cozy sweater. If you want to add more of a lodge feel to a great room, then a well-placed deer or moose head can make you feel like you’re on hunting grounds without leaving your home. 

If you are looking for some inspiration on how to capture your kid’s first day, see below for some amazing ideas.

Repurpose an old frame into a personality chalkboard. Using an old antique picture frame or a more modern oval frame, remove the backing and glass and replace it with a cut of sanded plywood cut to shape and painted over with chalkboard paint. Then add colorful questions and answers with colored chalk that describes your child for that start of their year. Include an age, grade, and a few tidbits about favorite colors, what they want to be when they grow up or what they are looking forward to for the upcoming year.

Create a time travel with photos within photos. For a truly unique photo that will not only look cool but will also show how much they have grown, have your child hold a print of the previous year’s photo while you take this year’s portrait. Over time, this “photo within a photo within a photo” will show your child’s progression from little one to high school or college student, and you’ll have a timeline captured in one image that you can frame forever.

Build your own backdrop. A backdrop can be as simple as a plain wall with removable stickers on the inside, or a piece of bright fabric hung anywhere you choose. This makeshift photo booth makes for a great way to record your child’s likes and dislikes for that year with props of their favorite toys, books or costumes and signs for them to hold up and make silly faces.

Make a banner. Banners can be fun and easy to do, and they can say whatever you want. When you create your own banner from burlap triangle pieces, you can use paint or fabric stickers to create a one of a kind signs that you can use over the years or make a new one each year. To save money and time, if you decide to use a new one each year, simply flip the banner over and write your next year’s saying on the reverse blank side.

Look into the future. From the first day of kindergarten to the first day of senior year, have your child wear a t-shirt with their graduating year printed on it in bright, bold colors. Not only will you get to see the shirt grow from largely oversized to a perfect fit, but you will also get a full recording of your child’s success from day one. 

After you’ve looked through your favorites, the best way to preserve them forever is by making physical prints to display. With technology evolving so quickly, digital prints can become obsolete before you get a chance to print them. If you are looking for a unique way to display them, see below for a step-by-step guide to a photo framing project you’ll treasure the rest of the year.

First, choose your frame. You can go with a new frame, repurpose an older one or even build your own. If you want something simple, go with a modern and sleek design in a thin oval frame or a rectangular frame. If you want something more ornate, a cool vintage frame with plaster molding can look amazing.

Paint your frame. Use craft store spray paint to paint the frame the color that will best go with the decor in the place you want to hang it. You can choose something bright and colorful or golden and glitzy. A simple distressed white goes well with a shabby chic theme.

Make wire rows. Using screw hooks, measure a straight line between the two sides of your frame in several rows. Space them enough to hang the size pictures you want without overlapping. Then secure a piece of wire between the two hooks and wrap it around to secure it in place.

Once you’ve secured your wire, make a colorful matte background for your frame. Measure a piece of cardboard or thin plywood in the shape of the back of your frame. Cover the backing with a colorful print fabric and secure it with staples. Then add the backing to your frame with a few nails or staple gun.

Now your frame is ready for pictures! Use Instagram prints for the perfect square size, or use different cuts for something even more unique. Hang your pictures on your wire with small painted or plain clothespins or clips.

For a frame you can use year-round, make several different matte backgrounds to fit the theme of the season, and paint your frame in a neutral color like white or tan. Then just switch out the backgrounds and the pictures. 

For some great tips on how to press your flowers and frame them for keeping, see below.

Choose only fresh flowers, and keep them fresh until you are ready to press them. You can do this by picking those that are just budding or recently bloomed. Keep them in a vase of cool, fresh water with the stems cut at an angle and the lower leaves removed to keep them the freshest colors.

After you have chosen your flowers, you’ll need to dry them out using regular tissues, cardboard, printer paper or coffee filters. Paper towels can leave an imprint. After you have chosen your paper, you are ready to press.

Press using a book. This is the easiest way to press flowers and can be very effective. Choose a heavy book for best results, and space your flowers out several pages if you are going to dry several at once. Place your flowers between your drying papers and place them within the pages of the book. Place a heavy object or another stack of books to keep them flat, and try not to disturb the flowers. Be sure to also change out the papers every few days to make sure the flowers dry out completely.

Press using an iron. This method is considerably faster than drying out for weeks in another way. Prep your flowers as you did before, and then place them between your drying papers. Empty all the water from your iron, and place it on a low setting. Press your iron gently but firmly on your top sheet for 10-15 seconds, and then let the paper cool before pressing again. Do this a few times, and then check to make sure your flowers are dried and flattened before lifting them with tweezers.

Press using a microwave. This method is a little more involved but easy to do. Make your own microwaveable flower press by placing your paper with the flowers in between two pieces of cardboard, and placing ceramic tiles on each side after that. Bind them together with a rubber band, and microwave your flower press for 30-60 seconds on a low heat setting to avoid browning. After doing this, you may have to press your flowers in the book method for a few more days to complete the drying.

Frame your pressed pieces. Use tweezers to slowly remove your pressed flowers from their papers when they are ready, and place them a matte background for framing. You can choose something like an oval frame for a smaller bouquet or single blooms, or a larger vintage picture frame for a large bouquet. 

For some great tips on how to choose your custom frame, see below.

Match your theme. Are your colors warmer or cooler in the space? Would the frame be better in gold, silver or a more rustic look like natural wood or distressed wood? What about the lines? Some vintage picture frames can be more ornate with scrollwork or plaster finishing, or you can have a cleaner look with a modern oval frame with no frills.

Try to let the designer help you. Instead of going in with a rigid idea of exactly what you want, let the frame creator help you to expand on your idea and find something that will look spectacular in your space. Frame makers have been in the business for years and may know the type of frame that will work best for your piece of artwork as well as what will mesh well with your home decor. Collaboration is best when choosing something custom.

Don’t try to match everything. If you are going for a monochrome design, then it’s a good idea to keep your color scheme in the same family. However, for thinking outside of the box, let the designer use the fundamentals of the piece you want to frame such as colors, lines or texture to choose a frame that will complement the art, not necessarily your other frames.

Be realistic. If you are wanting to hang a heavy mirror, a thin fragile frame is not going to be able to support the weight of your piece. Instead, the designer can help you to choose a frame that will help to not only highlight the looks of your art, but protect it for years to come, or even a lifetime.

Consider your location for extras. Is the frame going to be in direct sunlight and contain fragile art or older pictures? You may want to consider UV protection glass and high-quality matting to help keep your art looking great for a lifetime.

Remember this frame should make you happy. When considering budget or options, keep in mind that this frame is something you or your guests will look at day in and day out, so you will want to make sure it brings you joy and compliments your style. Redesigns can be made after the initial design is presented to better fit your budget, so you can be sure that you spend your money on what really matters to you.