For those of you who enjoy reading interior design blogs or wandering around contemporary art galleries, you are likely to have noticed just how popular canvas floating frames are at the moment. In reality, this isn’t something that has happened overnight; they have been in vogue for some time now, and it looks likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
What is all the fuss about, and why are people so interested in them?
To answer these questions, we need to first understand exactly what they are.
What is a canvas floating frame?
A traditional picture frame works a bit like a sandwich. It clamps down on the edges of your artwork, often hiding a few millimetres of the picture under a lip.
A canvas floating frame works in a completely different way. It cradles the canvas from behind. The canvas sits inside a slightly larger outer profile, leaving a deliberate, crisp gap between the edge of the artwork and the inside of the frame. This clever design trick creates a shadow line, making the canvas look as though it is magically suspended in mid-air.
There are several reasons why people choose to house their stretched canvas artwork in one of these types of frames.
1. The Instant Gallery Upgrade
It has to be said that a naked, gallery-wrapped canvas looks great on its own. It’s clean and minimalist. When placing that same canvas into a floating frame takes it to a whole new level, and one that could be classed and seen as an "expensive gallery masterpiece". It looks high quality and is something that would immediately catch the eye.
2. You See the Whole Picture
Traditional framing requires sacrificing the outer edges of your artwork. But what if the artist of your favourite piece had signed the absolute corner of the artwork, or perhaps a major detail of the picture is sat right on the brink, what would happen? Well, if you are using a standard frame, it might cut it off. Due to the fact that canvas floating frames don’t overlap the front of the canvas, 100% of your artwork remains completely visible.
3. Protection Without the Glare
The canvas texture is beautiful. The subtle weave of the fabric and the depth of the ink or paint are part of the joy of owning canvas art. Standard frames often require glass or acrylic sheets to protect the piece, which can, at times, introduce frustrating and somewhat annoying reflections from your living room lamps or the afternoon sun. A floating frame protects the vulnerable corners and edges of the canvas from bumps and scuffs, while leaving the face open so you can appreciate the raw texture glare-free.
4. Finding Your Perfect Style
Another reason these frames are dominating UK homes is their sheer versatility. No matter your interior vibe, there is a finish to match, such as matte black, brushed silver and gold, and natural oak.
The Verdict
If you have a canvas print that currently looks a bit lonely on the wall, investing in a canvas floating frame is the easiest way to give it a grown-up, sophisticated finish. They strike the perfect balance between modern minimalism and classic luxury — proving that sometimes, the space around the art is just as important as the art itself.
See our range of canvas floating frames and bring your canvas to life.