When you’re choosing art for your home, you’re not just selecting an image—you’re also choosing a format. Understanding what art prints are made of can help you make a more informed, confident decision. Two of the most popular formats are canvas prints and framed art prints, and each offers a distinct look, feel, and material composition. In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences, from what each print is made of to how it’s displayed.
Canvas Prints: Texture, Depth, and a Gallery-Style Look
Canvas prints are made by printing artwork directly onto canvas, typically a cotton or poly-cotton blend, using fade-resistant high quality inks. The material has a natural texture that mimics traditional painting surfaces, giving the final piece a rich, tactile quality. Once printed, the canvas is stretched tightly over a wooden frame, often called stretcher bars, to create a clean, ready-to-hang display.
Key features of canvas prints:
- Printed on canvas fabric, usually cotton or poly-cotton
- Stretched over a solid wood internal frame (stretcher bars)
- Available with or without an added outer frame - known as a floater frame, because the canvas looks like it's floating inside the frame
- No glass or acrylic surface, just the raw canvas texture
- Lightweight and gallery-style; ideal for modern, minimalist spaces
Canvas prints are especially popular for larger artwork, photography, and pieces that benefit from a frameless, contemporary feel. They’re also a great option when you want a soft matte finish and a surface free of reflections.
Framed Prints: Crisp Detail and Classic Presentation
Framed art prints begin with a high-quality, archival-grade paper designed to showcase rich color and fine detail. At Frametolia, we use a thick and crisp archival paper that resists yellowing and fading, ensuring that your artwork stays vibrant for years to come. The print is then carefully mounted and framed using solid wood moulding—never plastic or composite—so you get a frame that’s both durable and timeless.
Key features of framed prints:
- Printed on thick archival paper with vivid, fade-resistant inks
- Protected with thick acrylic to reduce glare and damage
- Framed in solid wood mouldings in a variety of finishes
- Offers a polished, classic look perfect for galleries, offices, and living spaces
Framed prints are ideal for anyone who wants a more traditional or refined presentation. The combination of paper texture, matting, and solid wood frame adds depth and structure that feels intentional and curated.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both canvas and framed prints have their advantages, it all depends on your style preferences, the artwork itself, and where you plan to hang it. If you prefer a modern, seamless look, canvas may be the way to go. If you love crisp presentation with a bit of structure and formality, framed prints offer timeless appeal. We did a deep-dive on all the things to consider when choosing canvas vs framed prints - check out that post for more advice.
Frame It Right with the Right Materials
At Frametolia, all of our prints whether on canvas or paper, are produced using premium materials, designed to last, and always framed in high-quality wood. Whether you're decorating a new home or adding character to a favorite space, you can trust that every detail is built to impress. Happy decorating!
