Wall Art Print Types: Canvas, Framed, Acrylic & More

Wall Art Print Types: Canvas, Framed, Acrylic & More

How to Choose the Right Wall Art Print Type for Your Space

Choosing the right wall art print type can completely change how a photograph looks and feels within your space. From the soft texture and low-reflection surface of canvas to the vibrant clarity of acrylic and timeless presentation of framed prints, every finish creates a different visual result.

This guide compares the five main wall art print types available across our photography collection — canvas prints, framed prints, acrylic prints, canvas float frames and poster prints — helping you understand how each differs in appearance, texture, reflections, presentation and price.

The right print finish depends on more than personal preference. Room lighting, interior style, artwork size, wall space and the photograph itself can all influence which format will work best.

Whether you’re choosing photography for a living room, bedroom, office or commercial interior, use this guide to compare your options and confidently choose the right wall art print type for your space.

Compare Wall Art Print Types at a Glance

Different print finishes can give the same photograph a completely different character. Use this quick comparison to understand the main differences before exploring each wall art print type in detail.

Print Type Look & Feel Key Advantages
Canvas Prints Soft, textured, natural Low reflection, warm presentation
Framed Prints Classic, refined, structured Timeless presentation, versatile framing options
Acrylic Prints Vibrant, glossy, contemporary Exceptional colour, clarity and depth
Canvas Float Frames Textured, refined, gallery-style Canvas warmth with added definition and depth
Poster Prints Clean, flexible, lightweight Affordable and easy to custom frame

Types of Wall Art Prints Explained

Choosing between canvas, framed, acrylic, float frame and poster prints comes down to the look you want to achieve, the photograph itself and how the finished artwork will interact with your space.

For softer, relaxed interiors or rooms with significant natural light, canvas prints provide a warm, textured and low-reflection presentation. If you prefer a more structured and timeless finish, framed prints offer a refined look that works beautifully across both contemporary and traditional interiors.

For maximum colour, clarity and visual impact, acrylic prints provide a bold, modern presentation particularly suited to colourful landscapes, aerial photography and statement pieces. Canvas float frames combine the warmth and texture of canvas with the added definition of an outer frame, creating a more refined gallery-style finish.

Poster prints provide the greatest flexibility, allowing you to choose your own framing and presentation while offering an accessible way to enjoy fine art photography.

Below, we explore each wall art print type in detail, including its appearance, advantages and the spaces where each finish works best.

Corporate gifting Newcastle Print

“The best wall art prints don’t just show an image — they capture light, atmosphere, and emotion, transforming how a space is experienced.”

Canvas Prints

Soft, Textured, Timeless Finish

Canvas prints offer a warm, lightly textured finish that gives photography a softer and more natural presentation. Printed onto high-quality canvas and stretched over a timber frame, they create an artwork that feels relaxed while still providing strong visual presence.

One of the biggest advantages of canvas is its low-reflection surface. Unlike glossy acrylic or glass-fronted framed prints, the textured surface diffuses light and helps minimise glare, making canvas particularly well suited to bright rooms and spaces with large windows.

The subtle texture can also soften an image slightly, creating an almost painterly quality that works beautifully with landscape photography, coastal scenes, rural landscapes and photographs where atmosphere and natural light are important.

Canvas performs particularly well at larger sizes, making it an excellent option for feature walls and statement artwork without introducing a highly reflective surface.


Why Choose Canvas Prints?

✔ Soft, lightly textured presentation
✔ Low-reflection surface helps reduce glare
✔ Warm and natural appearance
✔ Particularly suited to landscape and coastal photography
✔ Works beautifully at large statement sizes
✔ Complements relaxed, coastal and contemporary interiors


Best Suited For

Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, coastal homes and light-filled interiors where a softer, warmer and more natural wall art finish is desired.

For a more refined version of the canvas presentation, consider a Canvas Float Frame, which retains the texture of canvas while adding greater definition and a contemporary gallery-style finish.

Explore our Canvas vs Acrylic Prints Guide for a detailed comparison of texture, reflections, colour and presentation.

Premium Canvas Wall Art Close-Up showing texture and detail of Best Wall Art Prints
Best Wall Art Prints canvas print displayed on modern interior wall

Framed Prints

Timeless, Elegant and Versatile

Framed photography provides a clean, structured presentation that works across an exceptionally wide range of interior styles. By surrounding the photograph with a carefully selected frame, the artwork gains definition and separation from the wall, creating a polished and intentional appearance.

Frames can also become part of the overall interior design. Black, white and oak timber finishes can complement existing furniture, architecture and colour palettes, while optional matting can introduce additional space around the photograph and create a more traditional fine art presentation.

Unlike canvas, where the image itself forms the entire artwork, framing creates a distinct visual boundary. This makes framed prints particularly effective where you want photography to feel refined, balanced and professionally presented.

Their versatility makes framed prints equally suitable for residential interiors, offices, reception areas and commercial spaces.


Why Choose Framed Prints?

✔ Classic and timeless presentation
✔ Provides structure and definition around the artwork
✔ Frame options can complement your existing interior
✔ Suitable for contemporary and traditional spaces
✔ Optional matting can create a refined fine art appearance
✔ Excellent for residential and professional interiors


Best Suited For

Living rooms, offices, hallways, reception areas, galleries and refined interiors where a clean, structured and timeless presentation is preferred. Framed prints are particularly effective when you want artwork to feel complete, intentional and professionally presented, with the frame adding definition and helping visually anchor the photograph within the room.

With a choice of frame styles and finishes, framed photography can complement everything from contemporary and minimalist interiors to more traditional spaces, making it one of the most versatile wall art finishes.

Want to compare framed photography with other options? Explore our Canvas vs Framed Prints and Acrylic vs Framed Prints guides to understand the differences in presentation, texture, reflections and overall visual impact.

Best Wall Art Prints framed print with photographer David Diehm holding artwork

Acrylic Prints

Bold, Vibrant and Modern

Acrylic prints provide one of the boldest and most contemporary wall art finishes, combining exceptional colour vibrancy with impressive clarity, contrast and depth.

The photograph is presented behind a clear acrylic surface, producing a smooth, glass-like appearance that can enhance colour and fine detail. Blacks appear deeper, colours can feel richer and photographs gain a luminous quality that creates immediate visual impact.

This makes acrylic particularly effective for aerial photography, ocean scenes, colourful landscapes, cityscapes, sunsets and photographs with strong contrast or tonal variation.

The sleek, frameless presentation also complements modern architecture and contemporary interiors. At larger sizes, acrylic photography can become a powerful statement piece and natural focal point within a room.

Because of its glossy surface, however, room lighting and reflections should be considered when deciding whether acrylic is the right finish for your space.


Why Choose Acrylic Prints?

✔ Exceptional colour vibrancy and contrast
✔ Sharp clarity and fine detail
✔ Creates impressive visual depth
✔ Sleek and contemporary appearance
✔ Particularly effective for colourful photography and aerial images
✔ Excellent choice for statement wall art


Best Suited For

Modern homes, apartments, offices, reception areas and commercial interiors where exceptional colour, clarity and visual impact are priorities. Acrylic prints are particularly effective on feature walls and larger statement spaces, where their vibrant colour, sharp detail and contemporary finish allow the photograph to become a striking focal point.

Acrylic is an excellent choice for colourful landscapes, aerial photography, ocean scenes and images with strong contrast and fine detail, making it ideal when you want the artwork to command attention and bring depth and energy into the space.

Want to compare acrylic with other wall art finishes? Explore our Canvas vs Acrylic Prints guide to understand the differences in texture, reflections, colour and presentation, or our Acrylic vs Framed Prints guide for a comparison with a more classic, structured finish.

Acrylic print wall art featuring vibrant coastal photography with a sleek glossy finish, displayed as a modern statement piece
Acrylic Wall art Prints

Canvas Float Frame Prints

Textured, Refined & Gallery-Style

Canvas float frames combine the warmth and texture of a traditional canvas print with the definition and refinement of an outer frame.

The stretched canvas sits within a surrounding frame with a small visible gap between the artwork and frame edge. This creates the impression that the canvas is floating within the frame, adding depth and separation without covering the edges of the photograph.

Compared with standard canvas, a float frame creates a more finished and architectural appearance while retaining the softer, low-reflection qualities that make canvas so popular.

This balance makes float frame canvas particularly effective for large landscape photography, coastal scenes, aerial images and statement pieces where you want the artwork to have greater presence without moving to a glossy acrylic finish.


Why Choose Canvas Float Frames?

✔ Retains the texture and warmth of canvas
✔ Adds definition and visual depth
✔ Contemporary gallery-style presentation
✔ More refined appearance than standard stretched canvas
✔ Excellent for larger statement artwork
✔ Complements modern and architectural interiors


Best Suited For

Feature walls, modern homes, offices, reception areas and contemporary interiors where you want the warmth and texture of canvas with a more refined, premium presentation. Canvas float frames are particularly effective for larger statement pieces, where the surrounding frame adds definition, depth and greater visual presence on the wall.

They are an excellent choice when you love the soft, low-reflection character of canvas but want the finished artwork to feel more complete and elevated. Sitting between the relaxed appearance of traditional canvas and the structured look of framed photography, float frames offer a versatile gallery-style finish suited to both relaxed and sophisticated interiors.

Compare Canvas Float Frames vs Standard Canvas Prints to see how the outer frame changes the presentation and understand how these finishes differ in structure, texture and overall styling.

Best Wall Art Prints canvas float frame with photographer David Diehm

Poster & Fine Art Paper Prints (Print only)

Flexible, Affordable and Easy to Style

Poster and fine art paper prints provide a flexible way to purchase photography while giving you complete freedom over how the final artwork is framed and displayed.

Unlike canvas, acrylic or professionally framed artwork, the photograph is supplied as a print only, allowing you to choose a frame that suits your existing décor, budget and personal style.

Paper prints are lightweight and easy to transport, making them particularly useful for gifting, gallery walls and interiors where artwork may change over time. They also provide an accessible entry point for customers who want high-quality photography without committing immediately to a finished wall art format.

When professionally framed, a quality paper print can achieve a polished and sophisticated presentation while retaining complete flexibility over the final look.

Canvas performs particularly well at larger sizes, making it an excellent option for feature walls and statement artwork without introducing a highly reflective surface.


Why Choose Poster & Fine Art Paper Prints?

✔ Flexible choice of your own frame and presentation
✔ More affordable entry point
✔ Lightweight and easy to transport
✔ Ideal for gifts and gallery walls
✔ Easy to update or restyle over time
✔ Suitable for both casual and professionally framed presentation


Best Suited For

Home offices, bedrooms, gallery walls, gifts and flexible interiors, particularly when you want the freedom to select your own frame and presentation style.

Poster and fine art paper prints are also ideal for DIY or local framing, allowing you to choose a frame that perfectly complements your artwork, décor and budget. Their lightweight format makes them especially practical for travel and international delivery, as prints can be securely shipped rolled in a protective tube and professionally framed locally at their destination.

Newcastle Poster Prints

Consider Your Room Lighting

Lighting can have a significant impact on how your artwork looks throughout the day, making it an important consideration when comparing wall art print types. The amount of natural light, window position and artificial lighting can all influence reflections, colour and how clearly the photograph is viewed.

Canvas prints have a naturally low-reflection, textured surface that helps diffuse light and minimise glare, making them particularly well suited to bright rooms, large windows and naturally illuminated spaces.

Acrylic prints offer exceptional colour, clarity and depth, but their smooth, glossy surface can produce more noticeable reflections. Careful positioning away from direct window reflections or strong light sources will help showcase their vibrant finish at its best.

Framed prints can also be affected by reflections depending on the glazing selected, while poster and fine art paper prints give you greater flexibility to choose your own frame and glazing based on the lighting conditions within your room.

Before choosing your print finish, consider where the artwork will hang, the direction of natural light, nearby windows and how the space is illuminated throughout the day. The right combination of artwork, finish and placement can make a significant difference to how your photograph looks and feels within the room.

Bronte Ocean Pool Sydney on a summer day with people swimming, coastal photography Australia

Consider the Size of Your Artwork

Bronte Ocean Pool Sydney on a summer day with people swimming, coastal photography Australia

The size of your artwork can have a significant influence on which wall art print type works best. As photographs increase in scale, the choice of finish becomes increasingly important to the overall presence, detail and visual impact of the finished piece.

Canvas and canvas float frame prints work beautifully at larger sizes, creating impressive statement wall art while retaining a softer, textured and low-reflection appearance. Float frames add further definition and structure, making them particularly effective across expansive feature walls.

Acrylic prints can create exceptional impact at larger sizes, where their vibrant colour, sharp detail and visual depth allow dramatic landscapes, aerial photography and highly detailed images to become a striking focal point within the room.

Framed prints provide strong visual structure and work equally well as individual feature pieces or as part of a coordinated collection or gallery wall. The frame itself also contributes to the overall dimensions and visual weight of the finished artwork.

Before choosing your print size, consider the dimensions of the wall, surrounding furniture, viewing distance and the amount of visual impact you want the artwork to create. The right proportions can transform a photograph from a decorative element into a defining feature of the room.

Not sure what size will work best? Explore our How to Choose the Right Wall Art Size Guide for practical advice on selecting artwork proportions for your wall, furniture and interior space.

Frequently Asked Questions – Photography Print Formats

What types of wall art prints do you offer?

We offer a range of professional wall art prints in Australia, including canvas prints, canvas float frames, acrylic prints, framed prints, and poster prints. Each format offers a different finish—from soft and textured to bold and high-gloss—allowing you to choose the best wall art prints for your home, office, or commercial space.

How do I choose the right wall art print?

Choosing the right print depends on your interior style and desired visual impact:

  • Canvas & float frames → warm, textured, relaxed interiors
  • Acrylic prints → bold, modern, high-impact spaces
  • Framed prints → timeless, structured, professional look
  • Poster prints → flexible, budget-friendly styling

For further detailed guidance, Compare canvas vs acrylic prints to understand how finish, texture, and visual impact change the final result, or explore acrylic vs framed prints for a more structured, gallery-style alternative.

Can I order custom sizes?

Yes. Most of our photography prints can be produced in custom sizes to suit your space.

Custom sizing is ideal for:

  • Feature walls
  • Narrow or awkward spaces
  • Gallery walls
  • Commercial interiors

Pricing is based on the closest standard size to ensure fair and transparent pricing.

How long does it take to produce and deliver wall art prints in Australia?

Production times vary depending on the print format, as each piece is made to order using professional materials.

🖼️ Production timeframes

  • Poster Prints – approx. 1 week
  • Canvas Prints – 2–3 weeks
  • Framed Prints – approx. 3 weeks
  • Acrylic Prints – 3 weeks
  • Canvas Float Frames – 3 weeks

🚚 Shipping & delivery

  • Australia-wide shipping is available on most framed, acrylic, and float frame prints
  • Poster prints are shipped in protective tubes
  • Some canvas and larger formats may also be available for local pickup depending on location

⚠️ Important note

These timeframes are estimates and may vary during peak periods, promotions, or high-demand seasons. For time-sensitive orders, we recommend contacting us before placing your order so we can confirm current production schedules.

What print orientations are available?

We offer:

  • Landscape (horizontal)
  • Portrait (vertical)
  • Panoramic formats
  • Custom orientations

Landscape works best for wide walls, portrait suits narrow spaces, and panoramic prints create strong visual impact in open-plan interiors.

Are wall art prints ready to hang?

Yes — but it depends on the print format.

Most of our wall art prints in Australia are supplied in a ready-to-hang format, designed to make installation simple and straightforward at home or in a commercial space.

  • Canvas Prints – Ready to hang with a built-in timber stretcher frame and hanging wire or hardware attached.
  • Canvas Float Frames – Fully ready to hang with a concealed hanging system for a clean, gallery-style finish.
  • Framed Prints – Supplied framed and ready to hang straight out of the box.
  • Acrylic Prints – Delivered with a concealed mounting system on the back, ready for installation.
  • Poster Prints – Not ready to hang as standard; these are print-only and require framing or mounting.

What materials are used in your wall art prints?

Our wall art prints in Australia are produced using professional, archival-quality materials designed for long-lasting colour, detail, and durability across all print formats.

We use museum-grade fine art papers, premium canvas, and high-quality acrylic and framing materials depending on the print style you choose:

  • Poster Prints – Printed on 310gsm Ilford Galerie fine art paper using Lucia Pro pigment inks for rich colour accuracy and longevity.
  • Canvas Prints – Produced on 380gsm textured canvas, stretched over a solid timber frame and finished with a protective UV laminate.
  • Framed Prints – Printed on 310gsm fine art paper, mounted on archival foamcore with a mat board, and protected by glass or plexiglass.
  • Acrylic Prints – Crafted using museum-grade acrylic with archival backing, delivering high-definition clarity and vibrant colour depth.
  • Canvas Float Frames – Premium canvas print mounted within a timber floating frame for added depth and a gallery-style finish.

All materials are selected to ensure your artwork not only looks exceptional on arrival but also maintains its quality and visual impact over time in both home and commercial environments.

What makes your prints different?

Unlike generic wall art, our prints feature professional photography of Sydney, Newcastle, and Lake Macquarie. Each piece is designed to enhance interiors while reflecting the natural beauty and coastal character of these regions.

To ensure the highest level of quality, we partner with highly experienced industry professionals—working with a commercial print specialist with over 20 years of experience and a master framer with more than 30 years in the trade. We do not self-print our work; instead, we focus on our core expertise in photography and entrust production to proven, professional print and framing specialists to ensure exceptional results across every format.

What happens if my wall art print arrives damaged?

If your wall art print arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible, withing 5 days, so we can resolve it quickly for you.

We take great care in packaging all wall art prints in Australia using protective materials designed to prevent damage during transit. However, in the rare event that an item arrives damaged, we will assess the issue and arrange a suitable solution, which may include a replacement or reprint depending on the situation.

To help us resolve your request promptly, please provide:

  • Your order details
  • A clear photo of the damaged item and packaging

Once received, we’ll review everything and work to ensure you receive a replacement as quickly as possible.

Our goal is to make sure your artwork arrives in perfect condition and that your experience is smooth, stress-free, and supported from start to finish.

How long do canvas prints last?

Canvas prints can last 15–20+ years when produced with archival materials and properly cared for.

Our canvas prints use:

  • 380gsm archival canvas
  • UV-protective laminate
  • Fade-resistant pigment inks

Avoiding direct sunlight will help maintain long-term colour and detail.

What size wall art should I choose?

A good rule is to choose artwork that is approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture it sits above (such as a sofa or bed).

  • Large prints → feature walls & open spaces
  • Medium prints → balanced living areas
  • Small prints → hallways, niches, or gallery walls

What is the best wall art for a living room?

The best wall art depends on your interior style:

  • Canvas prints → warm, relaxed interiors
  • Framed prints → timeless, elegant spaces
  • Acrylic prints → modern, bold interiors
  • Landscape photography → creates space and flow

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