Matted LIC

Shopping, Design and interiors Long Island City
Winner<br/>2016

Winner
2016
37 Love It
Save it
Winner<br/>2016

Winner
2016
(Caroline Voagen Nelson)
1/5
Caroline Voagen NelsonMatted store in Long Island City
(Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson)
2/5
Photograph: Caroline Voagen NelsonMatted store in Long Island City
(Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson)
3/5
Photograph: Caroline Voagen NelsonMatted store in Long Island City
(Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson)
4/5
Photograph: Caroline Voagen NelsonMatted store in Long Island City
(Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson)
5/5
Photograph: Caroline Voagen NelsonMatted store in Long Island City

Though retail may seem like an afterthought at this concept shop (which is both a gallery and a custom-framing/gift shop) there’s plenty of things to spend dough on. Owner Donna Drimer fills the space with contemporary art from local painters and photographers (for six-week exhibits), allowing her to show off the store’s vast selection of framing supplies. In addition to earthy, handmade goods (pottery, glassware, wooden boxes, soaps and our favorite, a wallet fashioned from recycled candy wrappers, $25–$38), you can snag quirkier items, such as Jishaku ($22), a board game involving magnetic stones.

Posted:

Venue name: Matted LIC
Contact:
Call Venue
Address: 46-36 Vernon Blvd
Queens

Cross street: between 46th Rd and 47th Ave
Opening hours: Mon-Tue 10am-7pm, Wed 1-7pm, Thur-Sat 10am-7pm
Transport: Subway: 7 to Vernon Blvd–Jackson Ave
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Average User Rating

4.6 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:9
  • 4 star:0
  • 3 star:0
  • 2 star:0
  • 1 star:1
LiveReviews|10
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1 of 1 found helpful

museum quality conservation framing, eclectic gifts and, most importantly, features local artists and investment quality works on paper


Worst experience E V E R. A few weeks ago, unbeknownst to me, my husband walks into the shop, buys a brown frame and has a certificate fitted into it for my birthday.

On my bday, I unwrapped the gift and thanked my husband for it. It was very thoughtful of him. I noticed a few markings on the frame and my husband commented that he had bought it like that. He pointed out the markings to the shop lady and was told that the frame comes like that and ages over time. I mention to my husband I may want a black frame instead of brown and his response is 'Sure, just go to the shop and they'll exchange it.'

I go to the shop last week and at the counter, the guy tells me they don't have any frames in this size; they just ordered a new shipment and it will be in sometime next week. He jotted down my phone number so he could call me when the new shipment arrives. He mentioned there are markings on the frame that I had brought in and I explained to him my husband had bought it here like that and was told by the shop lady that the frame comes like that and ages over time. He said 'Sure no problem. We'll exchange the frame and I'll call you when the shipment arrives'.

I got a call a few days later; shipment arrived. So I walk over to the shop and was greeted by a woman. I explain 'I'm here to exchange a frame. I got a call letting me know a new shipment arrived. Can I see the black and brown frames?' (At this point I'm undecided on the black or staying with the brown). The woman looks at the frame I set down on the table and she said there is some discoloration and markings on the wood frame. She says the discoloration was there but not the markings on the frame. She states the frame is damaged. I explain to her my husband had bought it here like that. She said she is Donna, the owner of the shop and was the one who sold the frame to my husband the other week and she did not sell him a damaged frame. Wait a minute:: So Donna admits to selling my husband a discolored frame, but that doesn't constitute it being a "damaged frame"? Only when there are markings on the frame does it constitute it being a "damaged frame"? What a double standard.

I said I'm in an uncomfortable position of 'he said, she said' and I didn't come here to argue with anybody. I just want to exchange this frame and I was told I would be able to do that when I came into the shop last week.

Donna says 'Fine. I'll have to charge you a frame fitting fee.' I said 'No'. I'm not paying for any frame fitting fee. I'll put the certificate in the frame myself. Donna insisted my husband come into the shop to speak with her. I said 'All I want to do is to exchange this frame today. I don't see why we have to make a 3rd visit to the shop just to exchange a $40 frame that I was previously told I would be able to do'. Donna then points her finger at me and says: 'Because YOU damaged the frame'. I said: 'Don't you dare point your finger at me' and then walked out. So if you're thinking of walking into this shop....If I were you, I would seriously reconsider. Just not worth the hassle.


A must for folks decorating their new LIC digs and those wanting to add creative flair to their longtime homes. Bonus: the gallery aspect brings neighbors together to see each other's art and to be introduced to new visions!


Most amazing owners. Loved all their products andd best of all their customer service!!!


A fun, eclectic shop that carries beautiful frames, gifts, and original art.


This shop is all about uniqueness and warmth. Whenever I want to buy someone something really special, this is where I go. She has the best greeting cards and artwork on display. The owner is also very loyal to local artists.


The most wonderful art gallery-frame emporium-gift boutique-NY fashion destination. Beautiful environment, incredible service and guidance by owner and connoisseur, Donna. She has an amazing eye and impeccable taste. This place is a MUST-Lust shop!