Getting the measurements right is one of the most important parts of ordering canvas floating frames. Accurate sizing helps make sure the canvas sits neatly inside the frame and gives the finished piece a clean, professional look.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to measure your canvas properly before ordering custom canvas floating frames.
What Are Canvas Floating Frames?
Canvas floating frames, sometimes called tray frames, are designed so the canvas sits slightly away from the outer edge of the frame. This creates a small shadow gap around the artwork, giving the impression that the canvas is floating inside the frame.
Canvas floating frames are commonly used for:
- Stretched canvas artwork
- Modern canvas prints
- Acrylic and oil paintings
- Photography canvas prints
They are popular because they give artwork a more contemporary and gallery-style finish compared to traditional framing.
Before You Start Measuring
Before measuring your canvas, make sure:
- The canvas has already been stretched over a wooden frame
- You are using a metal tape measure for accuracy
- The canvas is placed on a flat surface
It’s always best to measure the canvas yourself rather than relying on listed sizes, as they can sometimes vary slightly.
Step 1: Measure The Width And Height
Measure the full outer width and height of the canvas from edge to edge.
For the best accuracy, use millimetres rather than inches.
When measuring:
- Measure the widest points of the canvas
- Double-check the measurements before ordering
- Do not add any extra allowance yourself
For example:
- Width: 600mm
- Height: 400mm
If you are also ordering custom picture frames and mounts, accurate measurements are equally important to make sure everything fits correctly.
Step 2: Measure The Canvas Depth
The canvas depth is the thickness of the stretched canvas from the front to the back of the wooden stretcher bar.
This measurement is important because canvas floating frames are made in different depths to suit different canvas styles.
Common depths include:
- 22mm
- 30mm
- 40mm
Choose the frame depth closest to your canvas thickness. It’s completely normal for the frame depth to be slightly deeper than the canvas itself.
Step 3: Understanding The Floating Gap
Canvas floating frames are always made slightly larger than the artwork itself.
This creates the shadow gap between the frame and the canvas edge, which is what gives the floating effect.
At The Picture Gallery, canvas floating frames are made with a 5mm gap around each side of the canvas for a balanced and professional finish.
Common Measuring Mistakes
A few small measuring mistakes can lead to fitting issues later on.
The most common ones are:
- Measuring only the printed area instead of the full canvas
- Guessing the canvas depth
- Adding extra spacing manually
- Measuring in inches rather than millimetres
Taking a little extra time to check the measurements properly usually avoids problems when ordering made-to-measure canvas floating frames.
Choosing The Right Canvas Floating Frame
Once you have your measurements, the next step is choosing the frame finish and style.
Popular options include:
- Black canvas floating frames for modern artwork
- Oak finishes for warmer interiors
- White floating frames for photography and lighter spaces
The frame colour and style can completely change the final look of the artwork, so it’s worth choosing something that works well with both the canvas and the room itself.
You can also pair framed canvas artwork with other display options, including multi-photo frames and made-to-measure picture frames for gallery wall layouts.
Conslusion
Measuring a canvas for canvas floating frames is quite straightforward once you know what to measure. The key thing is making sure the width, height, and depth are all accurate before placing your order.
Getting the measurements right helps ensure the canvas fits properly inside the frame and gives the finished artwork a much cleaner and more professional appearance.