Why We Always Recommend a Canvas Floater Frame for Canvas Prints

October 11, 2025October 11, 2025 by James Theopistos

Over the years, we’ve produced countless beautiful canvas prints for everyone from the well-known artist to the photo hobbyist. Some arrive at the customer’s doorstep ready to hang as simple gallery wraps, while others are paired with floater frames. And while both look great, we’ve noticed something consistent: a floater frame always takes the presentation to another level.

What Is a Canvas Floater Frame?

If you’ve never seen one before, a canvas floater frame is a modern framing style designed specifically for stretched canvases. Instead of covering the edges of the artwork like a traditional frame, the floater frame surrounds the outside edges of the canvas with a small gap (usually about 1/4 inch), creating the illusion that the canvas is “floating” inside the frame.

Imagine your canvas resting within a thin, sturdy border that doesn’t actually touch the print face. The canvas is mounted from the back so it appears suspended in the middle of the frame, with a delicate shadow line separating the artwork from the frame’s inner edge. This shadow adds depth and visual interest, giving the entire piece a sleek, gallery-quality look.

The canvas is secured to the bottom of the floater frame from behind with wood screws. Approximately a 1/4″ gap from the canvas to the side of the frame is present.

Profiles

Canvas floater frame profiles are relatively basic in that they are usually shaped like the letter “L”, however, there are some variations. One of our favorites is the floater with an outer sloping effect. This is perhaps going to be your most impactful. Keep in mind that when shopping for canvas floater frames, like many items, higher-priced frames are usually going to be made out of higher-quality materials; therefore, quality and price are interrelated.

The Gallery Float frames are a good alternative to the Polystyrene Float (below) where wood frames are needed.

The Modern Float collection includes both wood as well as polystyrene options. The sloping effect adds greater impact.

The Ferro collection includes a few “heavy” yet sturdy canvas floater options. These may be on the higher end of the framing spectrum, but they are worth their weight.

For the more budget-minded, we have a range of Polystyrene Floater Frame collections with multiple finishes. While some might consider polystyrene almost sacrilegious, they have gained considerable ground in the professional decor industry.

If you are looking for solid wood frames with a more country style, these are sure to please.

Why We Love Floater Frames

A floater frame gives your canvas a finished, professional look that adds to the presentation of any piece of art or photography. The floating design draws the viewer’s eye inward, emphasizing the artwork itself while adding a clean border that complements both modern and traditional décor. Floater frames come in a variety of styles, just for that reason.

They’re also practical. Because the frame extends slightly beyond the edge of the canvas, it helps protect your print from scuffs and dents, especially useful when displaying or shipping your artwork.

For artists and photographers who sell their work, presentation matters. A floater frame can make the difference between a print that looks nice and one that looks like it belongs in a high-end gallery.

That’s why these days, when customers ask us what we’d choose for our own canvas prints, our answer is simple: a floater frame, every time. The next time you order your canvas prints from FinerWorks, consider adding a canvas floater frame to your order.

Giclee Printing at FinerWorks

One of the largest ranges of paper selections, while using the highest level of archival print technology allowing superior detail and color, you can create custom giclee prints of your artwork and photos.

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