Framed, unframed or canvas: which to choose

The three formats we stock behave quite differently once they are out of the packaging. Choosing between them is less about looks than about what you are willing to do after delivery.

Framed prints

Paper or canvas already in a frame, usually supplied ready to hang. Least work: unpack, fix, done. They are the heaviest of the three, so a framed piece over about 24 inches wants a proper wall plug rather than a picture pin.

The trade-off is that the frame is chosen for you. If you have a strong preference for a particular moulding or a coloured mount, an unframed print you frame locally will suit you better.

Unframed prints and print sets

Paper prints, supplied flat or rolled. The cheapest way to cover a large wall, and the only sensible option for a twelve-piece gallery wall where framing everything would cost several times the prints.

They are also the friendliest choice in a rented flat: low-tack tape or removable strips will hold them without a drill. Test any adhesive on a hidden patch first — some emulsion paints lift with the tape.

Stretched and textured canvas

Canvas wrapped over a wooden frame, with no glass. Lighter than a glazed frame of the same size, and there is no reflection to fight, which matters on a wall opposite a window.

Textured and hand-painted canvases add relief that catches side light. They also collect dust in the ridges and cannot be wiped with a damp cloth, so plan on a soft dry brush every few weeks.

What is in the box

Whichever you choose, the listing says whether a frame is included and states what is not supplied. We do not include wall fixings with any format, because plaster, brick and drywall each need a different fitting and the right one depends on the wall in front of you.