Canvas Art: To Frame or Not to Frame?

Canvas art is a popular decorative feature of many homes. Images can be painted or printed onto canvas and then stretched or wrapped around a kind of frame. The result is a piece that can be hung from the wall without actually being framed. But just because you don’t have to frame canvas art, does that mean you shouldn’t? 

If you’re placing canvas art in your home or office, then this article will help you decide whether it needs custom framing or whether you should hang it as it is. 

The Pros of framing canvas art

Like with any kind of artwork, framing canvas art can help to protect and preserve the piece, keeping it in good condition for longer. Even if you don’t use a glass cover to provide UV protection, the outer frame itself helps to protect the edges and corners of the canvas from becoming worn and damaged.

Some canvases are better off being framed because of the quality or finish of the wrap. A standard wrap tends to leave the edges of the canvas blank, whereas the image can be continued around the corner of the canvas to make the edges look attractive. Staples or other fastenings may also be visible on the edges. The appearance of these edges should play a big part in deciding whether or not to frame your canvas.

A good option for framing canvas is known as a float frame or floating frame. These leave a small space between the art and the frame so that it appears recessed and the entirety of the piece can be viewed. 

The pros of leaving it unframed

A canvas print without a frame can produce a more minimalist look. If the painting or photo in question lends itself to a minimalist style, then leaving the canvas unframed could be a good option. Think also about the room you’re hanging it in and whether that has a minimalist design.

As mentioned above, if your image is fully wrapped around the canvas to make the sides look aesthetically pleasing, then leaving a canvas unframed is a viable option. A lot of it comes down to style and personal preferences. Do you think your canvas would look better unfinished or presented inside a frame?

If you’re looking for custom framing for your canvas or any other kind of artwork, then contact Tanglewood Art and Frame today or visit our frame shop in Clemmons, NC.