You’ve got the perfect photo. Maybe it’s a wedding picture, a favourite landscape, or a portrait of your family. Now comes the hard part: how should you display it?
If you’ve been searching online, you’ve seen two main options: canvas prints and framed prints. Both look great on a wall. But they are very different products, and choosing the wrong one can mean wasted money or a piece that doesn‘t suit your space.
At Art On Anything, we actually manufacture both. We hand-stretch canvases and we build custom frames. So we don’t have a bias toward one or the other. We just want you to make the right choice for your home.
Here is the honest breakdown.
The Short Answer (If You‘re In a Hurry)
| Canvas Print | Framed Print | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Modern, gallery-style walls | Traditional or classic interiors |
| Durability | Very durable (no glass to break) | Fragile (glass can crack) |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher (materials + labour) |
| Glare | None (matte finish) | Possible (glass reflection) |
| Longevity | 50+ years with proper care | 50+ years with proper care |
If you want a modern, no-glass, lightweight piece that feels like a painting, choose canvas.
If you want a traditional, glass-protected, matted piece that looks like a gallery exhibit, choose framed print.
Now let’s get into the details.
What Is a Canvas Print?
A canvas print is your image printed directly onto artist-grade cotton or poly-cotton canvas fabric. That fabric is then hand-stretched over a wooden frame (called a stretcher bar) and stapled at the back.
At Art On Anything, we use:
- Epson professional HD inks (fade-resistant, archival quality)
- 30mm thick pine wood frames (industry standard is 20mm)
- Hand-stretching by an artisan with over 5 years of experience
The result is a ready-to-hang piece that looks like an original painting.
Pros of Canvas Prints
| Pro | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No glass | Nothing to break. Safe for kids‘ rooms, high-traffic areas, and rentals. |
| Lightweight | Easy to hang. One nail is usually enough, even for large sizes. |
| Modern look | The image wraps around the edges (gallery wrap). No frame needed. |
| Glare-free | The matte canvas surface doesn’t reflect light. Works well opposite windows. |
| Affordable | Generally cheaper than custom framing for the same size. |
Cons of Canvas Prints
| Con | What To Know |
|---|---|
| Vulnerable to moisture | Not ideal for bathrooms with poor ventilation. |
| Can‘t be cleaned with glass cleaner | Dust only. Liquids can stain. |
| Less formal | May look out of place in a very traditional, ornate room. |
What Is a Framed Print?
A framed print is exactly what it sounds like: a print (paper or sometimes canvas) placed inside a frame, usually behind glass, with a mat board (mount) separating the image from the glass.
At Art On Anything, we have access to over 80 different moulding styles from local suppliers, delivering next day. We use:
- Archival PVA glue (acid-free, won‘t yellow over time)
- UV-protective glass (optional, prevents fading)
- Professional mounting techniques (no sagging or rippling)
Pros of Framed Prints
| Pro | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Classic, timeless look | Works in any interior, from Victorian to modern farmhouse. |
| Glass protects the print | No dust, no fingerprints, no accidental scratches. |
| Mats add depth | A mat (mount) creates breathing room between the image and the frame. |
| Easy to clean | Just wipe the glass. The print stays pristine behind it. |
| More moulding options | You can match the frame to your furniture, flooring, or other art. |
Cons of Framed Prints
| Con | What To Know |
|---|---|
| Glass can break | Not ideal for kids‘ rooms or above beds. |
| Heavier | Requires proper wall anchors, especially for large sizes. |
| More expensive | More materials (glass, mat, backing, frame moulding) and more labour. |
| Glare can be an issue | Standard glass reflects light. Non-glare glass exists but costs more. |
Which One Should You Choose? (Decision Flowchart)
Ask yourself these three questions:
1. Where is the art going?
| Room | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Living room (main wall) | Either works. Canvas for modern. Framed for traditional. |
| Bedroom | Either works. Canvas feels softer. Framed feels more formal. |
| Bathroom | Canvas only. Humidity will warp paper and damage glass seals. |
| Kitchen | Canvas only. Grease and heat are bad for paper and glass. |
| Kids’ bedroom / playroom | Canvas only. No glass to break when a ball flies across the room. |
| Home office / study | Framed print. Looks more professional. Glass protects important documents. |
| Above a fireplace | Canvas only. Heat from the fireplace can damage paper over time. |
2. What‘s your style?
| Style | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Modern / minimalist | Canvas. Clean lines. No frame. |
| Scandinavian | Canvas (light wood floater frame optional). |
| Industrial | Canvas (black or metal floater frame). |
| Traditional / Victorian | Framed print. Ornate wood moulding. |
| Farmhouse | Either. Canvas with driftwood frame. Or framed print with raw wood. |
| Bohemian / eclectic | Canvas. Mix of sizes without matching frames. |
3. What’s your budget?
For the same image size (e.g., A2), here is what you can generally expect:
| Canvas Print | Framed Print | |
|---|---|---|
| Lower end | R250 – R450 | R400 – R700 |
| Mid-range | R450 – R750 | R700 – R1,200 |
| Premium | R750 – R1,500+ | R1,200 – R3,000+ |
These are estimates. Your actual price depends on frame moulding, matting, glass type, and labour.
Real Examples from Our Workshop
When a customer chose canvas:
“I have three young kids. I wanted a large family photo above our sofa, but I was terrified of glass breaking. The A1 canvas print was perfect. No glass, lightweight, and it looks amazing.”
— Thandi, Pretoria
When a customer chose a framed print:
“I inherited my grandfather’s original art certificate from university. It‘s irreplaceable. I wanted it behind UV glass with an acid-free mat and a classic wood frame. It cost more, but it’s now protected for the next generation.”
— Johan, Centurion
Still Not Sure? Here‘s What To Do
- Bring us your image (digital file or physical artwork).
- Tell us where it’s going (which room, wall, height).
- Tell us your budget (we will never upsell you something you don‘t need).
We will show you both options — canvas and framed — with transparent pricing. No pressure. No hidden fees.
You can WhatsApp us at +27 64 504 6275 or visit our workshop in Pretoria by appointment.
Final Verdict
| Choose Canvas Print if… | Choose Framed Print if… |
|---|---|
| You want a modern, gallery look | You want a classic, traditional look |
| The art is going in a kitchen, bathroom, or kids’ room | The art is going in a study or formal living room |
| You want lightweight and easy to hang | You want glass protection for an heirloom piece |
| You‘re on a tighter budget | You have room in your budget for premium materials |
| You don’t want to worry about glass breaking | You don‘t mind being careful with glass |