Floater Frame vs. Traditional Frame: The Right Way to Frame a Canvas Print
If you've just ordered a canvas print — or you're about to — you've probably wondered whether it needs a frame, and what kind. The short answer: a gallery-wrapped canvas looks finished on its own, but the right frame can make it look like a museum piece. At Atlanta Canvas and Print in Snellville, we've framed canvas since 2000, and the frame we recommend most is the floater. Here's how floater frames differ from traditional frames, and how to pick the best one for your prints.
What Is a Floater Frame?
A floater frame is built for canvas. Instead of covering the edges of your artwork like a traditional frame, it surrounds the canvas with a small gap so the print appears to "float" inside the frame. You see the full image edge to edge, plus a clean border of wood around it. It's the modern, gallery-standard way to frame a stretched canvas.
Floater Frame vs. Traditional Frame — The Key Differences
A traditional (or "closed") frame overlaps the edge of the artwork and usually pairs with a mat and glass — perfect for paper photos, watercolors, and documents. A floater frame has no glass or mat and doesn't touch the front of the canvas; it's made specifically for the depth of a stretched canvas. Traditional frames protect delicate paper art; floater frames show off canvas. Put simply: paper prints get traditional frames, canvas prints get floater frames.
Our Floater Frame Styles — Barnwood, Polywood & More
We stock several floater frame looks so your frame matches your photo and your room:
- • Barnwood floater frame — rustic, warm wood grain; great with landscapes and farmhouse or cabin décor.
- • Polywood floater frame — clean, smooth, and available in classic colors for modern spaces.
- • Solid-color wooden frames — simple black or white borders that suit almost any photo.
How to Choose the Right Frame for Your Print
Match the frame's mood to the photo: rustic barnwood for nature and warm tones, sleek black polywood for city and high-contrast shots, white for bright, airy rooms. For color, a frame that picks up a tone already in your photo almost always works. And size matters less than with paper art — a floater is fitted to your exact canvas depth, so it always sits flush. Bring your print to our Snellville shop and we'll hold frames up against it before you decide.
Do You Have to Frame a Canvas?
No — a gallery-wrapped canvas has finished edges and is ready to hang bare. But a floater frame adds a polished, intentional border that instantly elevates the piece, especially for gifts and statement walls.
If you want extra texture before you even get to framing, a gel brushstroke finish gives your canvas a hand-painted look that pairs especially well with a floater frame's clean edge.
It's the difference between "a canvas on the wall" and "a framed piece of art."
Get Your Canvas Framed in Snellville
We can print and frame in one place — order your canvas, add a floater frame, and pick it up locally in Snellville or have it shipped. See our full framing options or call (770) 722-2654.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a floater frame?
It surrounds a stretched canvas with a small gap so the whole image stays visible and the piece looks gallery-finished — without glass or a mat.
Does a canvas need a frame?
Not necessarily — a gallery wrap is ready to hang. A floater frame is optional and adds a polished, high-end border.
How do I pick the right size frame for my canvas?
Floater frames are fitted to your canvas depth, so you don't size up like a traditional frame — you choose the style and color. We'll match it to your exact print.
Which is easier to clean and maintain?
Metal prints are easier to clean since you can simply wipe the smooth surface with a soft, dry cloth. Canvas prints require more careful maintenance, as the fabric surface can absorb dust and is more sensitive to moisture during cleaning.
Find your perfect Canvas and bring your walls to life with art that truly fits your space.
