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In recent years, unframed canvas wall art has become a popular choice for interior decoration. Not only does it add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room, but it also provides a modern and sleek look that is perfect for contemporary spaces. Additionally, the absence of a frame makes it more affordable while also allowing the canvas to take center stage, making it an impactful focal point in any room. If you’re looking to spruce up your home with an unframed canvas painting or print, here are some ideas to help you achieve a stunning modern look.

Large Artwork Above A Sofa

Hanging a large unframed canvas painting above the sofa is a prime spot that immediately catches your eye.  You can have either one large canvas or a set of two to complement the wall space proportionately.  Remember to leave enough space around the artwork to avoid making the room feel smaller.

Unframed canvas wall art example #4
Canvas Painting "Auric Dawn" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Abstract Art

One of the most popular choices for unframed canvas wall art is abstract art. With its bold colors and unique shapes, abstract art can instantly elevate the look of any room. Whether you prefer a large statement piece or a series of smaller artworks, abstract art is a versatile option that can complement any decor style.

Unframed canvas wall art example #3
Canvas Painting "Elegant Surprise" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art
Unframed canvas wall art example #5
Canvas Painting "Skyward" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Minimalist Art

For those who prefer a more understated look, minimalist prints are an excellent choice for unframed canvas wall art. Simple geometric shapes, neutral colored art, or monochromatic designs can create a sleek and sophisticated look that is perfect for modern spaces. Pairing minimalist canvas art prints with minimalist furniture and decor can create a cohesive and stylish aesthetic.

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Canvas Painting "Abstract Landscape Sunny" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art

Nature-Inspired Art

Bringing the outdoors in with nature-inspired art is another great way to incorporate unframed canvas wall art into your home. Whether you choose botanical prints, landscape paintings, floral artwork, nature-inspired art can add a touch of tranquility and beauty to any room. Consider a large canvas nature-inspired piece that matches the decor colors in the room for a striking and cohesive look.

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Canvas Painting "Secret Garden" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art
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Canvas Painting "Uplift My World" - Unframed Canvas Wall Art
Art Decoration Tips, Large Abstract Art, New Modern Abstract Wall Art

Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "Cosmic Consciousness"

Modern Wall Art For Living Room

We all know that the living room is the most popular room for entertaining, talking, reading, or watching television. Not only will you spend most of your time there but it’s usually the largest room in the home. The living room is the perfect space to showcase a large modern wall art painting that you can enjoy for a long time to come.

 

You can hang paintings above a sofa, between a sitting area, or above a sideboard. When matching the decor you will want to visually connect the artwork to the living room so that it is extra cozy. You also want to choose the appropriate size and spacing to hang it correctly and make it more inviting and balanced in your space.

Hanging At The Correct Height

57 inches is the average eye height, and this is usually a good standard height to use when hanging art throughout the home. This means the center of the artwork is 57 inches from the ground, which helps to align the art at eye level and create balance and harmony.

 

But when hanging large modern wall art above a sofa, bed, or sideboard, you may have to deviate from the 57 inch rule. The reason being, the furniture is of varying height and you also want the art to be part of the furniture.

 

It is important to hang your large artwork low enough so it is visually connected to the furniture, but not floating high above it. And that means the bottom of your artwork or frame should hang 8” to 10” above the back of the sofa or height of the sideboard.

Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "Passion"
Modern Abstract Wall Art Canvas Painting - Art For Living Room Hallway Sideboard
Modern Wall Art For Living Room Above Sideboard - "Whimsical"
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "Elegant Surprise"
Modern Abstract Wall Art Canvas Painting - Art For Living Room Hallway Sideboard
Modern Wall Art For Living Room Above Sideboard - "Aloft In Paradise"
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "On The Rocks"

Appropriate Size

When deciding upon the size, a good rule of thumb is that the wall art should NOT be larger than the furniture because this will overwhelm it and throw the overall feel off balance. In general, a good size is about 2/3 the length of the piece of furniture.

 

Wide format panoramic size paintings or prints are perfect when hanging above a sofa or bed. When hanging canvas art between chairs you will most likely want to choose square art or a tall piece so that the chairs frame the artwork and compliment it nicely.

Modern Abstract Wall Art Canvas Painting - Art For Living Room Hallway Sideboard
Modern Wall Art For Living Room Above Sideboard - "Cosmic Consciousness"
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "Boston Harbor Night Vibe"
Modern Abstract Wall Art Canvas Painting - Art For Living Room Hallway
Modern Wall Art For Living Room Above Bench - "Romance"
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "In The Light Of Each Other"
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "Warm Embrace"

Spacing Out A Modern 3 Piece Gallery Wall Set

Hanging canvas art as a 2 or 3 piece wall art set can add a bold and elegant touch to your living room.  With the addition of framing the sets you create even more visual grid lines and more attention to the art. Also, by combining smaller pieces together you are creating the feel of a large artwork without having to pay the extra expense of oversized shipping costs.

 

When hanging this grouping of art, you should leave 2” to 5” between each frame for a balanced look. Make sure to be exact in your spacing. It is also important to hang each canvas or framed print perfectly level. Any deviation will make add a degree of sloppiness you really don’t want. Use a ruler to measure from the ceiling or floor and consider a laser leveler to help you align everything straight.

Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting
Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "Essence"

Modern Wall Art Above Bed

The same general rules apply when hanging wall art above the bed. The only main difference is the theme or energy of the artwork you are choosing. A bedroom is a place of sleep and relaxation, so typically softer and gentler abstract themes and colors are desired.  Usually, wide panoramic wall art is best to match the width of the bed.

Wall Art Above Bed - Above Bed Art
Wall Art Above Bed - "Cascade In Blue"
Wall Art Above Bed - Above Bed Art
Wall Art Above Bed - "Freedom"
Wall Art Above Bed - Above Bed Art
Wall Art Above Bed - "Secret Garden"
Wall Art Above Bed - Above Bed Art
Wall Art Above Bed - "Abstract Landscape Floating"
Art Decoration Tips

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.

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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 - Framed Sample Canvas Art
Framed Canvas Art "Drop Of Heaven" by Jaison Cianelli.
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

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

harbor-interior-wall-art-1Your 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