Paper or Canvas? Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Home

When you’re looking to bring a new piece of art into your home, one of the most common questions is: "Should I go with paper or canvas?" Both are beautiful ways to enjoy an image, but they offer very different vibes for your home.

Here's a quick guide to help you choose the one that feels right for your space.

Fine Art Paper Prints

The classic, elegant choice for detail-lovers.

If you love the look of traditional art and want to see every fine line and subtle shift in colour, a paper print is a gorgeous choice.

• The Look: My paper prints are made on high-quality, slightly textured archival paper. They have a classic, matte finish that feels very "fine art."

• Best For: Creating a "gallery wall" or for rooms where you want a sophisticated, polished feel.

Pros:

• Exquisite Detail: The slightly textured surface captures every delicate brushstroke.

• The "Gallery" Look: When paired with a mount (mat) and a beautiful frame, it feels very high-end and traditional.

• Affordability: Generally, the price point for paper is lower, allowing for more flexibility if you like to rotate your art.

Cons:

• Glare: Because they need to be framed behind glass, they can catch reflections in very bright rooms. However, my framed prints arrive behind premium plexiglass which reflects slightly less than glass.

If your room is flooded with that beautiful afternoon sun, I often recommend framing with Plexiglass (Acrylic) rather than standard glass. It naturally has less 'bounce-back' glare, meaning you see the depth of the botanical layers rather than the reflection of your own window. Plus, it's much lighter and safer to ship!

Canvas Prints

The modern, tactile choice for a painterly feel.

A canvas print is designed to mimic the feel of an original painting. It’s a bit more "present" in the room because it has physical depth.

• The Look: The texture of the canvas adds a beautiful, painterly quality. Because there’s no glass, you don’t get any distracting reflections.

• Framing: Canvas prints come stretched and ready to hang. All my canvas prints are available ready framed.

• Best For: Larger statement pieces or "high-glare" rooms with lots of windows, as you won't have to worry about reflections from the sun.

Pros:

• No Glare: There’s no glass between you and the art, so you can enjoy the colours from any angle, even opposite a window.

• Physical Depth: The depth of the canvas makes the art feel like an object, giving it a more "original painting" vibe.

• Durability: Canvas is sturdy and often has a protective coating, making it easier to wipe down with a dry cloth if needed.

Cons:

• Texture Over Detail: The natural weave of the canvas is beautiful, but it can slightly soften the sharpest details compared to smooth paper.

• Higher Initial Cost: Because they require stretching over wooden bars, the upfront cost is usually higher than a flat paper print.

• Weight: Larger canvases are heavier and require more substantial wall fixings than a small framed print.

How to Choose?

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Where's it going? If it’s facing a window, canvas is your best friend (no glare!).

2. What’s the mood? For a cosy, traditional feel, go with framed paper. For a clean, gallery-style look, go with canvas.

3. Do you like layers? If you love the look of a frame and mount, paper offers more customization. If you want the art to speak for itself with a minimal footprint, canvas is the winner.