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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