What color float frame should I choose?

The best frame color depends on the artwork and desired presentation. Black can provide strong definition, natural wood can add warmth, and lighter or metallic finishes may complement other styles of artwork.

Large colorful framed artwork displayed in a contemporary living room with custom picture framing

Canvas Float Framing in Los Angeles & West Hollywood

Q: What is the difference between a float frame and a regular frame?

A traditional frame usually overlaps a small portion of the artwork around its outer edges. With a canvas float frame, the stretched canvas sits inside the frame with visible space around it, creating the appearance that the artwork is floating within the frame.

Q: Does a canvas have to be stretched before float framing?

Canvas float frames are generally designed for artwork that has already been stretched over stretcher bars. If your canvas is rolled or unstretched, Frame Beverly can stretch it before framing.

Q: Can you put an existing stretched canvas into a float frame?

Yes. Frame Beverly can measure the width, height and depth of an existing stretched canvas and recommend appropriate float frame options.

Q: Can original paintings be float framed?

Yes. Float framing can be used for original paintings on stretched canvas as well as canvas prints and photography produced on canvas.

Frame Beverly creates custom canvas float frames in Los Angeles and West Hollywood for original paintings, canvas prints, photography on canvas, and other stretched artwork.

A float frame surrounds the canvas while leaving a visible space between the artwork and the frame. This creates the appearance that the canvas is floating inside the frame, giving stretched canvas artwork a clean, finished presentation without covering the outer edges of the piece.

Visit our Beverly Boulevard frame shop with your artwork and we can help you choose a float frame that complements the canvas, its proportions, and the space where it will be displayed.

What Is a Canvas Float Frame?

A canvas float frame, also called a floater frame, is designed specifically for stretched canvas artwork. Instead of the frame overlapping the front edges of the artwork like a traditional picture frame, the canvas sits inside the frame with a narrow visible gap around it.

That small reveal separates the artwork visually from the surrounding frame and allows the full surface of the canvas to remain visible.

Float framing works especially well with contemporary artwork, abstract paintings, photography on canvas, and pieces where the painted or printed image continues around the sides.

Photo of a float framed canvas on a wall with a natural wood frame and ocean artwork

Float Framing for Original Paintings and Canvas Prints

Float frames can be used with many types of stretched canvas artwork, including original oil and acrylic paintings, fine-art canvas prints, photography printed on canvas, limited-edition canvas pieces, and decorative artwork.

The frame should complement the artwork rather than compete with it. Depending on the piece, a simple black float frame may provide strong definition, while natural wood can create a warmer presentation. White, metallic, and other custom finishes can also work depending on the artwork and surrounding interior.

At Frame Beverly, we can compare frame options directly against your artwork so you can see how the finished combination will look before making a decision.

Why Choose a Float Frame for Canvas Art?

Abstract canvas artwork in a natural wood float frame displayed in a modern living room

A stretched canvas does not necessarily need a frame, but adding a float frame can give the artwork a more complete and intentional appearance.

The visible gap around the canvas preserves the dimensional character of the stretched artwork while adding another design element around it. Unlike conventional framing, the front edge of the artwork remains visible rather than being partially covered by the frame.

Float frames can work particularly well when you want the canvas itself to remain visually dominant while still giving the artwork a polished, custom-framed finish.

Abstract canvas artwork in a gold float frame displayed in a modern interior

Already Stretched or Unstretched Canvas?

Canvas artwork needs to be properly stretched before it can be installed into most traditional canvas float frames.

If your artwork is already stretched, we can assess its dimensions, depth, condition, and tension before designing the frame around it.

If your artwork arrives rolled or unstretched, Frame Beverly can also professionally stretch the canvas onto appropriately sized stretcher bars before completing the framing.

Choosing the Right Float Frame

The best float frame depends on the artwork itself. The canvas dimensions and depth determine what frame profiles will work physically, while the colors, style, and visual weight of the artwork help determine which framing design works aesthetically.

The width of the frame and the amount of visible space around the canvas can also change the overall appearance. A narrow, understated profile can create a very contemporary presentation, while a wider or more distinctive moulding can make the framing a stronger part of the finished piece.

Bring the artwork into Frame Beverly and we can explore different combinations directly against the canvas rather than trying to choose a frame from photographs or samples online.

Custom Canvas Float Framing in Los Angeles

Frame Beverly provides custom canvas float framing from our shop at 8109 Beverly Blvd in Los Angeles, immediately adjacent to West Hollywood.

We work with artwork of different styles and sizes for customers throughout West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Fairfax, Mid-Wilshire, and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Whether you already have a stretched canvas or need both canvas stretching and float framing, bring the artwork in so we can see the piece and recommend the appropriate framing approach.

Canvas Stretching FAQ's

What is the difference between a float frame and a regular frame?

A traditional frame typically overlaps a small portion of the artwork around its outside edges. With a canvas float frame, the stretched canvas sits inside the frame with visible space around it, creating the appearance that the artwork is floating within the frame.

Does a canvas have to be stretched before float framing?

Generally, yes. Canvas float frames are designed to hold artwork that has already been stretched over stretcher bars. If your canvas is rolled or unstretched, we can stretch it before framing.

Can you put an existing stretched canvas into a float frame?

Yes. Bring the canvas into the shop so we can measure its width, height, and depth and determine the appropriate float-frame options.

Can original paintings be float framed?

Yes. Float framing is commonly used for original paintings on stretched canvas as well as canvas prints and photography produced on canvas.

How much does canvas float framing cost?

Pricing depends on the size and depth of the canvas, the moulding selected, and the requirements of the individual piece. Bring your artwork into Frame Beverly or contact us for an estimate.