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Canvas vs. Paper Prints: Which One is Right for You?

Canvas vs. Paper Prints: Which One is Right for You?

Hi my friend,

To help you decide between canvas and paper prints, I've pulled together some information for you.

 

Canvas Prints: Bold & Dimensional

Canvas prints have a painterly feel and a bit of depth, making them stand out from the wall. They’re stretched over a wooden frame, and while they can be framed with a floating tray frame, they’re also often left unframed for a modern, gallery-style look.

✨ Pros of Canvas Prints

No Glass Needed – Unlike paper prints, canvas is stretched onto a frame, so there’s no need for glass (no glare or reflections!).
Tactile & Textured – The woven texture adds depth and a painterly quality, which can make prints look closer to original paintings.
More Presence on the Wall – Because it protrudes slightly, canvas has a bit more weight visually, which makes it great for statement pieces.
No Need to Frame (Unless You Want To) – You can hang canvas prints straight onto the wall, but they also work beautifully in tray frames.

✨  Cons of Canvas Prints

Harder to Clean – If framed with a tray frame, the small gap between the frame and canvas can collect dust, making it tricky to clean.
Less Seamless on the Wall – The depth of a canvas can add presence, but if you prefer a piece that feels integrated into the wall, a framed paper print might be better.
Slightly Softens Detail – The textured surface of canvas means ultra-fine details aren’t as crisp as they would be on paper.

💡 Best for:

  • Statement pieces where you want depth and presence
  • A modern, frameless look
  • Spaces with lots of natural light, since there's no glare
  • If you love the texture of traditional artworks


Paper Prints: Crisp & Versatile

Fine art prints on paper offer sharp details, rich colors, and flexibility in framing. They sit flat against the wall, giving a sleek, integrated feel that makes them look effortlessly part of the space.

✨ Pros of Paper Prints

Crisp Detail & Rich Color – Because paper is smooth (or lightly textured, depending on the paper type), it preserves intricate details beautifully.
Custom Framing Options – You can switch frames over time, making it easy to update your space without replacing the artwork itself.
More Seamless on the Wall – Because framed paper prints sit flatter, they can feel more blended into the decor rather than protruding like a canvas.
Easier to Clean – With a glass frame, you can easily wipe off dust without worrying about damaging the artwork.

✨ Cons of Paper Prints

Needs Framing – Unlike canvas, paper prints require framing to be displayed properly, which is an additional cost and consideration.
Glass Can Reflect Light – If you’re placing the artwork in a bright room, reflections on the glass might be an issue (though non-glare glass can help).
Less Textural Presence – Paper prints can have beautiful depth, but they don’t have the same tactile texture as canvas prints.

💡 Best for:

  • Crisp, high-definition artwork where details matter
  • A refined, gallery-style look with flexible framing options
  • Small spaces, where a flatter, seamless look is preferred
  • Those who want easy maintenance with glass protection

So… Which One Should You Choose?

Still not sure? Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature Canvas Prints 🖼 Paper Prints 🖼
Texture Painterly, woven texture Smooth or lightly textured, depending on the paper
Detail Slightly softened Sharp, high-definition
Framing Optional (but tray frame is an option) Required
Wall Presence Bold, stands out Flat, seamless look
Glare No glare Glass may reflect light
Maintenance Harder to clean (dust in frame gaps) Easy to wipe clean under glass
Best for… Statement pieces, bold spaces Elegant, refined, flexible styling

 

So if you love a ready-to-hang, textured, and dimensional look, go for a canvas print. And, if you love crisp details, framing flexibility, and a refined aesthetic, then a paper print would be best. Either way, you’re getting gallery-quality art that transforms your space!

Love,

Affie

P.S. Explore my collection today and enjoy 15% off your first order. Let’s create a home that feels like you, together. 

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