Should You Frame Your Canvas Art?

One of the big questions, other than where to hang your canvas art, is should you frame it? Does your piece look complete without a frame? The answer comes down to your personal preference, for the most part. If the image is stretched large, then you probably won’t need to frame the canvas, because the sides will be used in the artwork. Although most canvas art prints have wrapped edges, some come with the standard wrap, with no finish on the sides. Whether you frame your canvas art, is specific to every individual piece you own, and the look you want to achieve. The bottom line is, you never want to compromise the artist’s work for a frame. There are other ways to achieve a framed look, while still showing 100% of the artwork.

Does Your Canvas Art Have Wrapped Edges?

Like we mentioned before, you should take the edges of your canvas art into consideration, before you decide to frame them. If they have a complete look, with a wrapped gallery finish, then let the canvas art shine on its own. A gallery wrap is when the canvas is stretched completely around to the back, instead of to the sides of the wood.

The gallery wrap is meant to continue the image smoothly onto the sides of the canvas, so the canvas art can easily be hung without a frame. A mirror edge is similar, but instead shows a direct reflection onto the edges of the canvas. You wouldn’t need to frame these pieces, because the canvas art is designed to not need them.

On the other hand, a standard wrap is quick and less expensive. You might run into this type of canvas art, when the image has been reprinted thousands of times. The artwork will come with blank sides, or even with staples, and a frame should be used to complete the canvas art. Before you decide to print your own canvas art, make sure you consider how the edges will look, if you are going for an unframed look. Both styles look great, but the standard wrap looks better with a frame!

What Style of Canvas Art Do You Have?

If you are looking to buy a high quality piece of canvas art, made with fine materials and painted with oils and acrylics, then you should consider adding some type of frame. You might have a beautiful landscape of a field of flowers, that craves a frame to complete the elegant look you’re trying to achieve. You need to consider the style of canvas art you are purchasing, before deciding whether you need to frame it or not.

If you have something more abstract and bold, that amplifies negative space, you may not need to frame the canvas art. Sometimes leaving the canvas unframed will give you an edgy and contemporary look. Another option is using a floating frame to frame your canvas art. The canvas art is separated from the frame, which creates the elegant floating effect. This will allow the viewer to see 100% of the artist’s work, because you can still see the edges of the canvas art. This style of framing is sophisticated and is often seen in contemporary settings, like museums and exhibits.

So Should You Frame Your Canvas Art?

There are so many factors to consider before framing your canvas art, but the good thing is, frames aren’t permanent. A frame can be interchanged for the different looks you are trying to achieve, and should add value to your canvas art. You don’t ever want the frame to cover the canvas art, so choose a frame that enhances your piece. There are tons of options to choose from to get a framed look- whether you go with a classic frame, or a more modern floating approach. Let the canvas art speak to you and guide you toward the best frame!