Floating frames (also called floater frames) are designed to show off the full edge of your canvas or panel while creating a clean shadow gap between the art and the frame. Choose from custom sizes, rabbet depths, and finishes so your artwork looks gallery-ready the moment you hang it on the wall.

Floater Frames For Canvas

Artists Love Our Canvas Floater Frames. Choose Your Wood Float Frame According To Rabbet Height, Or Add Risers To A Shallow Painting To Fit A Large Floating Frame Profile.

Panel Floating Frames

The perfect custom frame solution for canvas boards and art panels, these floating frames for panels are ideal for shallow artwork. Designed with a low rabbet depth, they securely hold flat panels while creating a clean, gallery-style floating effect.

Canvas Panel Frame Bundles

Floater Frames For Canvas Panels Make It Easy To Enjoy Your Thin Rigid Art. This Is The Right Way To Frame A Canvas Board Panel Series.

Metal Floater Frames

Metal floater frames provide a sleek, modern way to display canvas artwork by creating a subtle gap between the canvas and the frame. Their clean lines and durable aluminum construction make them ideal for contemporary art, gallery presentations, and professional framing where a minimalist floating effect enhances the visual impact of the piece.

Canvas Stretcher Bars

Custom sized stretcher bars to suit all of your canvas stretching needs, from small frames for detailed works to larger frames for expansive pieces.

Buyer's Guide to Floating Frames

A floating frame is an L-shaped picture frame that mounts your canvas, cradled panel, or canvas board from the back so the artwork appears to float inside the opening. Unlike traditional frames with mats or liners, floating frames leave the edges of the art visible and create a shadow gap all the way around the piece.

Floating frames vs. traditional picture frames

Floating frames: Show the full edge of the canvas, create a modern gap, and do not require glass or mats for most paintings.
Traditional frames: Often include mats, glazing, and more coverage around the image area, which is ideal for paper artwork and photographs.
When to choose floating: Best for painted canvases, wood panels, and canvas boards where the edge treatment is part of the design.

How to choose the right floating frame

Match the frame style to your artwork.
Clean black or white floating frames emphasize color and contrast. Natural wood and stained finishes complement landscapes, portraits, and more traditional work.
Choose the right reveal (shadow gap).
Most artists prefer a small, even gap all the way around the art. Smaller pieces look great with a tighter gap, while large canvases can handle a slightly wider reveal.
Select a rabbet depth that fits.
The rabbet depth should be slightly deeper than the total thickness of your canvas or panel plus any mounting hardware or risers.
Decide if you need glass or acrylic.
Most canvas paintings in floating frames do not use glazing. Panels and mixed-media works sometimes benefit from acrylic for protection.

Wood vs. metal floating frames

WebPictureFrames.com specializes in wood floating frames for a warm, gallery-quality presentation. Wood profiles offer richer finishes, more texture, and the ability to match other frames in your collection.

Wood floating frames: Best for original art, gallery shows, and high-end presentation.
Metal frames: Great for contemporary, budget-conscious projects where a slimmer profile is desired (see our metal frame collections for those options).

How to measure for a floating frame

For the best fit, start by measuring the width, height, and thickness of your canvas or panel. Then decide how much reveal you want so we can build the frame opening correctly.

Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch across the front of the artwork.
Measure the depth at the thickest point, including stretcher bars or cradle.
Note whether any staples or hardware stick out beyond the back edge.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, see our guides The Complete Guide to Choosing a Floater Frame and How to Measure Artwork for a Custom Picture Frame.

Shipping, protection, and show prep

Floating frames are popular with traveling and exhibiting artists because they protect the edges of your canvas while keeping the art lightweight and easy to hang. Each frame is packed carefully to minimize shipping damage, and you can add hanging hardware so your piece is show-ready as soon as it arrives.

When you are ready, choose one of the floating frame collections above to start designing your custom frame online.

Floating Frame FAQ

What is a floating frame?

A floating frame is an L-shaped frame that mounts your canvas or panel from the back so it appears to float inside the opening, leaving a visible shadow gap around the artwork.

Do I need glass or acrylic with a floating frame?

Most canvas paintings do not require glass or acrylic in a floating frame. Panels, mixed media, or delicate surfaces may benefit from acrylic glazing for extra protection.

What size floating frame should I order?

Measure the width, height, and thickness of your artwork, then choose a frame sized to those dimensions with your preferred reveal. Our guides explain how to measure and choose the right opening for your frame.

Can floating frames be used for canvas boards and panels?

Yes. We offer floating frames designed specifically for canvas board and panel artwork, with shallower rabbets and mounting options that support thinner substrates.

How much reveal (gap) should I leave around my art?

Many artists prefer a small, even gap between 3/16 and 1/2 inch total, depending on the size of the artwork. Smaller pieces often look best with a tighter gap; larger canvases can handle a wider reveal.

Can I get custom sizes for my floating frame?

Yes. WebPictureFrames.com builds custom floating frames to your exact artwork measurements so you are not limited to standard sizes.