The Difference Between Framed and Unframed Canvas Art - Framed Sample Canvas Art

The Difference Between Framed Vs Unframed Canvas

The difference between framed vs. unframed canvas is very slight. But deciding which type you need for your interior decor makes all the difference towards creating cohesiveness and beauty in your space.

What is Unframed Canvas?

Are you wondering what is a canvas print without frame? Usually the term “unframed canvas” is used to describe artwork that is not set into a frame. A frameless canvas wall art print or painting can still be hung without a frame because the canvas is stretched and stapled onto wooden bars that create a simple internal frame. Another way to describe this type of minimalist canvas artwork is a “gallery canvas” or “gallery wrapped canvas.”

In this article we are referring to this type of canvas. Not often, but sometimes unframed canvas is a term used to describe canvas that is not mounted to stretcher bars at all, meaning it is literally just canvas art that comes rolled in a tube. This type of canvas will need to be stretched later on.

Framed Vs Unframed Canvas

Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Unframed canvas wall art prints are very popular. The modern minimalist look of a frameless canvas wall art works especially well with today’s contemporary furniture and overall interior setting. They are also versatile because they can adapt to any room decor style.

If you plan to hang your canvas unframed then it is important that the artwork is a gallery wrap canvas because it will come stretched onto 1.5″ thick stretcher bars that are strong enough to be hung without the support of a frame. The chunkier proportions of a gallery wrap also compliment the canvas artwork as a whole, giving it a little more visual strength, something you need since there is no border frame.

On a gallery wrapped canvas you will want the artwork carried onto the sides or a black colored border. This will also help create a completed look to the art. Take a look at the examples below to see the difference in unframed canvas art.

Framed Canvas Wall Art

A framed canvas wall art prints are lovely when done correctly. Framed canvas art can feel more completed and cohesive in a well appointed setting. Framed canvas works best when it matches and harmonizes with interior decoration. The frame itself can complement and highlight the quality of artwork.

If you decide to frame modern canvas art we prefer floater frames. They are simple and provide an understated elegance to the art. They are available in gold, black, or silver.

It should be noted something magical and complimentary happens when the shimmer of a gold or silver frame matches the metal in the interior space as well as the shimmer in the artwork. All the elements come together so perfectly!

If you choose a more traditional frame instead of the floater frame, then you can order the canvas art on the thinner 5/8” stretcher bars. This will help reduce cost and give you more framing options. A more classically decorative frame works well with more traditional art, however it is possible pull off using a more modern piece of art if the artwork has similar texture, patterns, or forms. Take a look at the examples below to see the difference in framed canvas art.

Elegant Decor and Modern Style

In your attempts to achieving a beautifully decorated space, sometimes the choice to frame canvas art is simple if you think in terms of cohesiveness and size. Generally speaking smaller artwork looks better framed, and matching that frame to your decor does wonders to complete the look.

For example, a smaller canvas art sitting above an end table will fit in perfectly when framed especially when the frame matches the material of the table. It ties together so nicely!

On the other hand, a large modern abstract art as big as a couch, doesn’t necessarily require the frame. The large oversized canvas gives an understated elegant statement because of the larger proportionate size of the art.

The Difference Between Framed and Unframed Canvas Art - Unframed Sample Canvas Art — Unframed Canvas Art "Becoming" by Jaison Cianelli.

Framed Canvas Wall Art Sets

Hanging canvas art as a 2 or 3 piece wall art set can add a bold and elegant touch to your home. With the addition of framing the sets you create even more visual grid lines and more attention to the art.

You will also notice your eye is drawn to the framed canvas that is dark and includes a contrasting white mat. This may or may not be something you desire. A white frame is more subtle and will allow for the set to be a little less attention grabbing.

Framed Canvas Art-Contemporary Abstract Art Gallery Wall 2 Piece Set — 2 Piece Framed Canvas Art "Abstract Landscape Floating" by Jaison Cianelli.

Framed Canvas Art-Contemporary Abstract Art Gallery Wall 3 Piece Set — 3 Piece Framed Canvas Art "Essence" by Jaison Cianelli.

Unframed Canvas Wall Art Sets

If you desire the canvas art set to be softer on the eyes you can always hang the canvas unframed. Many times unframed canvas sets are already eye catching enough especially if the artwork has a lot of color and movement. So in many applications hanging them unframed is just fine and gives a little bit more of an understated look that balances out the feel of the space.

Unframed Canvas Art-Contemporary Abstract Art Gallery Wall 3 Piece Set — 3 Piece Unframed Canvas Art "Essence" by Jaison Cianelli.

Art Buying Tips, Art Decoration Tips

Simple Guide To Buying Large Abstract Art

Purchasing large abstract wall art can be a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By following this simple advice you will be less likely to get stuck with an expensive large painting that doesn’t seem to fit in. With a little patience and a keen eye you can have a lot of fun picking out your perfect abstract artwork. In the end you will get years of bliss out of your new addition. So let’s begin.

Large Canvas Wall Art Abstract Painting For Sale

Choose Abstract Art That Moves You

Figuring out what you like is easy. Often times, you feel it right away. With large abstract art, the feeling you get is just about all you need to go by. There are many other factors like size, cost, and where it will be hung, but this is a good place to start. Your instincts will guide you, but give it a little time. See what you come back to. You will always go back and observe the ones you like the most. They find a place in your heart and stick around. It’s a connection, almost like the art is calling you.

Abstraction in art is playful, it encourages the imagination and propels the mind to perceive visual language at an emotional level. In my opinion, great abstract art never leaves the viewer stranded for long. The composition is not obnoxious or devoid of beauty. There has to be some sort of connection that draws you in so that you always return to it. It may mean that the composition contains something reminiscent in the natural world and you can relate to it and form your own unique place in your mind. Sometimes it just means the colors themselves and the grand encompassing size resonate with you so much that you want to be surrounded by their beauty. Or perhaps the textural elements are so intriguing because of the patterns and shapes that you can’t stop staring.

Large Abstract Wall Art - Abstract Painting For Sale - Skyward by Jaison Cianelli — "Skyward" - Large Abstract Wall Art

Research The Artist

It would not hurt to do a little research. Get to know about the artist and have a look at their portfolio. See if they are currently creating new works because that’s always a bonus. Later on down the road you may want to reach out them and consider purchasing another one of their works. Not only does it look better to have multiple pieces of the same artist on your walls, but artists generally will give a discount to those that repeat buy.

Understand what you are considering buying. Is it an original paintings? A canvas print? If it is mass produced and sold from a large retail store or popular websites, there’s a good chance it’s a common themed piece. That doesn’t mean the art is bad, it just means that the forms and colors are very popularized, and may come across as boring in the hearts and minds of onlookers including yourself.

Think About Interior Decoration And Color Relationships

Having awareness of the relationship that exists between the art and the living space is so very important and even more so with large abstract art. Whether it is nature inspired elements in the art, the colors, or the textures, you will want to think about them and consider how these elements can exist in the room where the wall art will be hung.

The most important thing is to consider are:

The size of the wall space and size of artwork.
The color of your wall.
The arrangement and color of your main furniture items.

When you are buying large oversized art you have to realize that these pieces stand alone as a focal point on the wall. So measure your wall space and mark the wall with a masking tape border of the painting to help gain a better understanding of an appropriate size.

If your main furniture items or walls are white or grey you’re in luck, you can pretty much match any artwork to it. But if there is more color you have to consider how those colors interact with the colors in the artwork. For example, if your couch or walls have red tones does the artwork have any red in it? Or if your furniture has gold legs, perhaps a gold frame around the painting would look nice.

Then comes the easy part. Once you have that sorted out you can think about matching the room around the wall art by simply adding or changing basic decor items such as pillows, blankets, plants, curtains, textured rugs, etc. Making the right choices in adding these little details can give greater balance and richness to both. For example, if the artwork appears to shimmer or has smooth soft lines you can add a faux silk throw on your bed or couch. Or if the abstract is floral or beach related, perhaps you want to add a plant to compliment and bring life into the overall room experience.

For more detailed information visit my other blog post, How To Hang Large Modern Wall Art For Living Room or Bedroom.

Use The Wall To Enhance The Art

In the examples below the wall is a lighter tone than the main colors in the artwork. The wall space is large so a larger canvas is used. Texture or panelling on the wall can be used to add more compelling design behind the art because the canvas art is without a traditional frame. In these examples the wall compliments the artwork.

Contemporary Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Cityscape Painting - Large Abstract Wall Art Art For Sale - Boston Harbor — "Boston Harbor Night Vibe" - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Large Abstract Art Painting - Oversized Big Abstract Art For Sale — "Abstract Landscape Clearing" Modern Abstract Art by Jaison Cianelli.

Large Canvas Wall Art Abstract Seascape Painting For Sale — "Aloft In Paradise" - Large Abstract Wall Art

Add Colors That Pop In A Neutral Room

White, cream, and grey based tones are the easiest to add wall art to especially of you have a variety of color in the art. The washed out room craves color so why not add the color with a large abstract canvas painting or print. Ideally, toss in a decor items in the room that match the large wall art because this helps cohesiveness. Notice you can visually frame the canvas with chairs or make the painting a focal point above a sofa or bed.

Modern Abstract Art -Large Wall Art Canvas - Paintings For Sale - Abstract Wall Art Print — "Elegant Surprise" - Large Abstract Wall Art

Wall Art Above Bed - Above Bed Art — Wall Art Above Bed - "Freedom"

Total Room Decor Matching

This is where it all comes together. Notice that plants help the relationship especially if the abstract art has natural elements in it. A simple understanding of your wall color, fabric textures, and a little pillow matching goes a long way.

Art Buying Tips, Art Information, Large Abstract Art

Art Buying and Decorating Tips

All art needs to be hung somewhere. Having awareness of the relationship that exists between the art and the space is important. Making the right choices can give greater balance and richness to both. Many pick out art that they love and resonate with first and then decide if it will work in a particular decor setting. If that’s the case you just may need to redecorate the interior slightly to coordinate with the art. When buying a print there are many factors that play into your decision making process so it is beneficial to know as much as you can before buying.

Choosing Printed Mediums

Metal prints are quickly becoming the new favorite because of superior image clarity, modern look, and low cost shipping rate. They have excellent pop with a luminous quality in the artwork unlike any other medium. The image is directly printed onto 1/16″ thick sheet of aluminum that has been specially treated with a white primer and a high gloss finish. A wooden frame is then adhered to the back so that when you hang the artwork it is offset from the wall and appears to float.
Canvas prints are one of the most popular choices when reproducing large abstract artwork. Canvas holds up well over time and has a quality feel. The texture of canvas introduces a painterly element but tends to soften the detail somewhat. Canvas prints are finished with either a gloss or matte protective finish. We recommend a gloss finish for more depth and color in the image. Canvas prints can be hung with or without a frame. A canvas print without a frame looks nice gallery wrapped with mirrored artwork on the sides or black sides. The thicker gallery size stretcher bars gives a minimalist contemporary look while offering the appropriate visual size.
Acrylic prints are glossy and have a glass like feel because the art is printed directly to the back of the 1/4″ material. Like metal, the modern panel seems to float off the wall for a unique contemporary look. Acrylic is very durable and also like metal has a low cost shipping rate. Acrylic prints are also a great choice for a humid environment or an artwork that has water elements.
A print on fine art paper is a great choice when framing. Picture Rag is hands-down our favorite paper. It produces a gorgeous image with a soft feel and a somewhat luminous quality. It is a very thick heavy weight paper, thicker than canvas. Being acid-free and 100% cotton rag it’s the best choice for archivability. Other great choices are Somerset Velvet, Archival Matte, and Metallic Paper.

Coordination

Your choice of artwork may change based on the interior space you are working with. You may also consider changing the design elements or color of the space to match the art. Take a look at the main colors in the room and whether or not some of the colors exist within the art. You can also add small accents in the room with the exact same colors found in the artwork to compliment the relationship. A living room that is muted or grey can drastically change with a large colorful print. Then by using something as simple as pillows that match the artwork you end up adding that much needed color coordination.

Believe it or not, texture and forms are also important. Some artwork has qualities similar to certain fabrics and materials such as wood, glass, or metal. If does well to try to match some of the qualities. For example, a heavily visually textured artwork works better when objects in the rooms are also heavily textured like a knitted throw blanket. If the artwork has floral objects in it, you may want to consider plant life in the space as well.

Size and Orientation

The great thing about a print is that you can order it in many different sizes based on your need. To better figure out the best size, before buying a print measure the wall and put up masking tape where the corners of the artwork would be. Usually a larger size has greater visual and emotional impact. But choosing a size is also about finding balance with your space and the empty wall. Larger wider pieces do well to compliment furniture or a bed. If there are other pieces of art they are usually hung at the same horizontal viewing line. If the ceiling is high a tall or large portrait piece is appropriate.

Overall Energy and Emotion

Art can express to you energies and feelings that are of many emotions – be it peace, excitement, mystery, sophistication, etc. Art can also introduce elements that reference the earth, water, fire, wind, and metal. Ask yourself what elements are already in the space. You might want to try to find a good balance that you feel comfortable with. Consider what the room is used for and what it needs to compliment it. A boring room might need more energy or vice versa. Studying color theory and feng shui may help you.

Lighting

It helps to hang the artwork in a location with good natural lighting to bring out those colors in the day. If you want to accentuate it at night as a central piece consider overhead lighting or having a tall lamp near the artwork. You will want to be aware that a gloss medium can add glare especially a print on metal or acrylic and you will have to adjust lighting as needed.

Art Buying Tips, Art Decoration Tips, Art Information

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