Floating Frames for Canvas Paintings and Panels

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.