Handmade Picture Frames and Bespoke Mirrors
The gilding workshop of Karol Milewski — solid wood, genuine gold leaf laid by hand and insured international delivery.
My name is Karol Milewski. Making picture frames and framed mirrors is a craft that combines precision, experience and a feel for proportion.
In my gilding workshop in Czarna Białostocka, in the Podlasie region of north-eastern Poland, I make picture frames and mirrors to measure — by hand, from the raw moulding and preparation of the grounds to the final finish.
Traditional joinery and gilding meet a contemporary approach to design, allowing each frame to be created for a particular artwork, interior and commission.
I run an independent picture frame shop rooted in traditional craft. Alongside frames and mirrors, I also carry out archival and museum framing with UV-filtering glazing and conservation materials, as well as framing for oil paintings.
Choose a frame and check the price
Why choose bespoke frames and mirrors?
One of a kind, made for one artwork
I treat every commission individually. My frames and mirrors are not mass-produced objects. Each one is made for a particular painting, interior and set of requirements, so the finished piece is unique to that commission.
You can choose from my existing models or go further and modify the profile itself. Because I make bespoke picture frames from the raw moulding, its form can still be altered before the decorative finish is applied.
Many mouldings are assembled from separate sections that can be exchanged, added or widened along the flatter parts of the profile. This allows the proportions of the frame to be adapted more precisely to the artwork.
You can also select the metal and its shade — from cool silver or 6K white gold to warm 23K gold — as well as the colour of the bole, the clay layer beneath the gold.
Traditional craft, contemporary design
I work with traditional joinery and gilding methods while designing frames that suit contemporary interiors.
The corners are reinforced with wooden splines, and the surfaces are prepared and finished using specialist tools and techniques developed over centuries.
The use of genuine gold leaf, carefully prepared grounds and proven construction methods creates a frame intended for long-term use rather than temporary decoration.
Gold leaf is exceptionally soft and malleable. Because of this, the gilded surface can be rubbed selectively to reveal the colour of the bole beneath the gold.
The same softness allows the gold to be burnished with an agate tool, compacting and polishing the surface to create areas of controlled brilliance. The final appearance depends on the type of gold, the colour of the bole, the degree of rubbing and the level of burnishing.
These subtle variations can significantly change the way a painting is perceived.
It is a balance between historical technique and contemporary design.
Bespoke picture frames — styles, materials and uses
A well-chosen frame does more than protect a painting, print or photograph. Its proportions, colour and profile can change how the artwork is perceived and how it relates to the surrounding interior.
Wooden picture frames
Natural wood works with classical paintings, contemporary prints and photography. I select both the species and the individual pieces of timber according to the construction of the frame and the intended finish.
Depending on the design, I use lime, pine, oak or American walnut.
Oak has a pronounced grain and works particularly well with French polish and wax finishes. Pine is lighter in both weight and colour and can suit posters, photographs and restrained contemporary work. American walnut is valued for its deep colour and distinctive grain.
Wood can also be repaired and refinished, allowing a well-made frame to remain in use for many years.
Gilded picture frames — genuine gold leaf
I make gold gilded picture frames using genuine gold leaf in a range of shades:
- 6K white gold,
- 12K white gold,
- 22K moon gold,
- 23K gold.
I also finish frames with silver and palladium.
The choice of metal, bole colour, sheen, burnishing and degree of rubbing allows the finish to be adapted to both classical and contemporary artwork.
The brilliance of 23K gold does not fade with the passing years.
Every surface is prepared, gilded and finished by hand. You can also see gold gilded and partially painted picture frames.
Modern and minimalist frames
Modern frames are based on restrained profiles, simple geometry and carefully selected colours. They establish a clear boundary around the artwork without competing with it.
The available finishes range from white and grey to deep black and visible natural wood.
The simplest profiles can be found among my white picture frames and black picture frames.
These frames work well in homes, offices, galleries and hotels, particularly with contemporary paintings, prints and photography.
Distressed and antiqued frames
Distressed frames are finished using patination, rubbing and controlled ageing techniques. These processes give a new frame the layered appearance and tonal variation associated with older work.
You can choose the degree of distressing and the type of patina. Ageing can also be combined with gilding, painted surfaces or visible wood.
Such frames are particularly suited to old photographs, family keepsakes and classical paintings.
Because each finish is created by hand, small variations are an intentional part of the final appearance.
Frames for canvas paintings, photographs and posters
I make frames for paintings on canvas, photo frames and frames for posters, in both standard and non-standard dimensions.
Canvas paintings and photographs printed on canvas can also be fitted in an American box frame, also known as a floating frame.
A visible gap is left between the canvas and the outer moulding, making the artwork appear to float inside the frame.
More information about fitting and stretching canvas is available on the page about custom frames for canvas prints and photos on canvas.
I also make round, or tondo, frames for canvas paintings and other works requiring a circular opening.
Mirrors made to measure
I make framed mirrors to measure for bathrooms, hallways, living rooms, dressing rooms and bedrooms.
The mirrors can be rectangular, round, oval or made in non-standard forms. Each wooden frame is produced for the dimensions of the mirror and adapted to the style of the interior — from restrained modern profiles to carved, gilded, painted or distressed designs.
I help select the dimensions, proportions and finish so that the mirror works both as a functional object and as part of the interior.
For rooms exposed to increased humidity, the mirror specification, frame construction, finish and protection are selected according to the conditions in which the mirror will be used.
- Bathroom mirrors — made with frame construction and finishes selected for bathroom conditions.
- Hallway mirrors — designed to reflect more light and visually enlarge narrow spaces.
- Living room mirrors — often used as a central feature within the interior.
- Glamour mirrors — decorative frames with polished, gilded or contrasting finishes.
- Decorative mirrors — carved, patinated, painted or partially gilded frames in which the mirror becomes an architectural feature.
Large mirrors in gilded frames can form a strong focal point in a living room, hallway or bedroom.
Smaller mirrors can usually be shipped internationally. For larger pieces, contact me first so I can confirm the packaging and transport options available for your destination.
Personalising mirror frames and finishes
Every mirror is made to an individual order.
You can choose its dimensions, profile, colour, type of finish and degree of decoration.
Mirrors with traditional profiles work particularly well in period and formal interiors. Examples can be found among my classic mirrors.
Craft and finishing techniques
Gilding, patination and distressing
I use finishing methods that require experience, control and precise preparation: traditional gilding on bole, patination and controlled distressing.
Bole is a natural clay layer placed beneath the gold leaf. Its colour affects the final appearance of the gilded surface, particularly when the gold is burnished or rubbed selectively.
Because gold leaf is soft and malleable, it can be polished with an agate burnisher. Burnishing compresses and smooths the gold against the prepared surface, producing areas of greater sheen and depth.
Other areas can be left matt or rubbed back to reveal the bole beneath. The contrast between matt, burnished and rubbed sections creates tonal variation without relying on paint or artificial metallic coatings.
These techniques can be used in both classical and modern designs.
Traditional joinery
Every frame is made by hand from selected natural wood.
The corners are reinforced with wooden splines, which strengthen the construction and reduce the risk of movement or distortion.
Because the frame is assembled and reinforced before the decorative finish is applied, the corners can be carefully levelled and finished so that the joints become almost invisible.
In the framing trade, constructions made in this way are known as closed-corner picture frames.
Every stage — selecting the timber, shaping the moulding, joining the corners, sanding, preparing the grounds and applying the final finish — is carried out and checked in my workshop.
How to order a bespoke frame or mirror
You can choose and order a frame through the online calculator or begin with a personal consultation.
I can assist with the measurements, construction, finish and practical requirements of the artwork.
Ordering with the online calculator
- Measure the artwork carefully — provide its width and height to the nearest millimetre.
- Select the parameters — including the depth of the rebate, the finish, the shade of gold and the colour of the bole.
- Enter the dimensions — for example, 35 cm × 30.3 cm. I normally allow approximately 3 mm of clearance to make fitting the artwork easier.
- Check the price — the calculator works it out from the perimeter of the frame and the selected options.
- Add the frame to your basket — after ordering, you receive confirmation and updates as the work progresses.
- Ask about non-standard work — for larger sizes, altered mouldings or unusual finishes, use the “ask about availability” option or contact me directly.
Consultation and free visualisation
You can also begin by sending me a photograph of the artwork, the interior or an example of the effect you would like to achieve.
I can prepare a free, no-obligation visualisation, allowing you to see the proposed frame before making a decision.
Together we can select the wood, profile, finish, shade of gold, degree of sheen, burnishing, distressing and decorative details.
Different types of work — including oil paintings, watercolours, prints, certificates, photographs and posters — require different mounting methods and accessories.
Depending on the object, these may include spacers, window mounts, backing boards and appropriate hanging hardware.
Production and delivery
Once the design and specification have been agreed, I begin the work and provide updates as the commission progresses.
The current lead time is shown with the ordering information and is updated according to the number and complexity of commissions in progress.
I confirm the expected dispatch date after receiving the order.
Finished frames and mirrors are carefully protected for transport.
Depending on their dimensions, destination and packaging requirements, they may be sent in reinforced packaging or a wooden crate and insured for delivery.
For many standard sizes, the delivery price appears in the basket. Larger or more complex shipments are quoted individually.
Full information is available on the delivery costs and packing page.
Choose a frame and check the price
Frequently asked questions
How do I order a made-to-measure frame?
The simplest method is to use the calculator available with each frame. It calculates the price from the frame perimeter and selected options.
You can also contact me directly. We can discuss the measurements, style and finish before I prepare an individual proposal.
Can you help me choose a frame for my painting?
Yes.
Send a photograph of the artwork or interior and I will suggest several suitable directions.
You can also send a photograph together with a link to a frame from the shop. I will prepare a free, no-obligation visualisation so that you can see the proposed result before deciding.
How much does a bespoke frame cost?
The price depends mainly on the frame perimeter, the width and complexity of the moulding, the construction and the finish.
A frame gilded with genuine gold leaf requires more preparation and handwork than a painted frame.
The calculator provides the exact price for standard options. I explain the individual elements of the cost in my guide to what goes into the cost of a custom frame.
What can be personalised?
You can select or modify:
- the moulding profile,
- dimensions,
- wood species,
- colour,
- finish,
- shade of gold,
- bole colour,
- level of sheen,
- degree of burnishing,
- degree of distressing,
- decorative details.
How long does an order take?
The lead time depends on the dimensions, construction, finish and number of commissions currently in progress.
The current lead time is shown with the ordering information. After your order has been accepted, I confirm the expected dispatch date and keep you informed about its progress.
Do you ship finished frames and mirrors abroad?
Yes.
I arrange delivery within Poland and internationally, subject to the dimensions of the piece, destination, packaging requirements and available transport options.
Smaller mirrors can usually be shipped abroad. For large mirrors and oversized frames, contact me before ordering so that I can confirm whether suitable delivery is available.
Do you carry out archival and museum framing?
Yes.
I carry out archival and museum framing using appropriate mounting materials and UV-filtering, anti-reflective glazing where required.
This type of framing is intended for prints, watercolours, photographs, documents and other works that require increased protection from unsuitable mounting materials and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Do you take on unusual commissions?
Yes.
I also make non-standard frames, modified profiles and individual designs.
Describe the artwork and the intended effect, and I will advise what can be made.
Contact — advice and individual commissions
Questions about a frame, mirror or individual project?
Write or call. The first consultation is without obligation, and I handle each commission personally from the initial design to final packing.
- Email: karol@karolmilewski.com
- Telephone: +48 533 275 000
- Contact form: Send a message
- Instagram: finegildedframes
- Facebook: Fine Picture Frames
The workshop is located at ul. Leszczynowa 8 in Czarna Białostocka, Poland.
Finished frames and mirrors can be delivered within Poland and internationally, depending on their size and the available transport options.
Let’s start with your artwork
Send me a photograph of the painting, print or interior.
I will advise you on the possible directions and prepare a free, no-obligation visualisation of a frame or mirror suited to the work and its surroundings.
