What Can You Do With
Float Frames?

Have you seen these frames and wondered what they are used for? They are called Float Frames. Instead of the frame sitting on top of your art, a float frame rests under your art. It is a frame designed to lay behind a painting or stretched art to make the art appear as if it were ‘floating’ within the frame.

• Allow the viewer to see the sides of a canvas
• Give stability to a canvas and prevent warping
• Can appear minimal or invisible
• Are available in a variety of colors, sizes and materials

A float frame is more versatile than you would imagine.

Traditionally float frames are used to rest behind a stretched canvas. It gives a clean, contemporary look.

You can also add a frame within a frame for a dramatic, multi-dimensional effect.

Sometimes you need to raise the art above the frame.

With traditionally stretched canvases, the fabric is wrapped around shallow stretcher bars (plain wood frame) and secured to the sides. The edges are unpainted and staples are visible. The canvas is usually intended to be framed before presentation. The shallow depth ensures the canvas can fit inside normal frames.

With a gallery wrap, the fabric is wrapped all the way around the edges and secured to the backside of the stretcher bars. Edges are painted and finished; no mounting methods or staples are visible.

When using a float frame, the depth of the stretcher bars is a matter of preference, based on the look you want. Ask us about your options. Either way, when using a float frame, it is best to have the edges painted (even if it is painted black) since a little edge will show.

Many of our suppliers have had low stock and delayed shipping due to Covid-19. Please get your Christmas gift orders in soon – any orders taken after November 24th might not be completed in time for the holiday!