Should I Frame My Wall Art? — Framed vs Unframed Guide | Olive et Oriel
Help Me Choose
Should I Frame My Wall Art? — Framed vs Unframed Guide
Three formats. Three different results. Framed, unframed and canvas each have a distinct purpose — and choosing the right one for your room and style makes all the difference. This guide breaks down when each option wins, so you walk away confident in your decision.
Framed Art Prints: Ready to Hang, Polished Result
A framed print from Olive et Oriel arrives ready to hang within minutes of opening the box. The print is mounted professionally, the frame is assembled, and a hanging system is included. There's no sourcing frames, no worrying about fit, no guesswork about whether your chosen frame will suit the art.
OEO frames are made from FSC-certified timber and fitted with UV-protective acrylic glass that reduces fading by filtering up to 99% of UV light. The frame profile is clean and contemporary — wide enough to anchor the art without overwhelming it. Available in four finishes:
- → oak finish: warm, versatile — Hamptons, coastal, Scandi
- → Walnut: rich, dark — mid-century, contemporary, moody interiors
- → Matte black: bold, graphic — minimalist, industrial, urban
- → White: clean, light — coastal, Hamptons, Scandi, French provincial
Browse all framed art prints to see each frame colour in a real-room context.
Unframed Art Prints: Maximum Flexibility, Lowest Entry Price
The unframed print is OEO's most affordable format — and the most flexible. You receive the print on 310gsm archival fine art paper, ready for you to frame as you choose. This suits three types of buyers particularly well:
Those with existing frames: If you already have frames you love — from a previous home, a custom framer, or a boutique find — unframed prints are the obvious choice. OEO prints are sized to standard dimensions that fit readily available frames.
Renters and minimalists: Command strip hanging of an unframed print in a poster clip or slim frame avoids permanent wall damage and keeps the aesthetic clean and understated.
Gallery wall builders: When assembling a gallery wall, buying unframed prints and sourcing matching frames from the same source (Ikea RIBBA frames are a popular choice) is often more economical than purchasing pre-framed pieces individually.
All unframed art prints are printed to the same archival standard as framed pieces — the only difference is the frame.
Every piece is produced at our two manufacturing facilities on of NSW — crafting Australian wall art since 2015. We deliver to over 40 countries worldwide, with custom sizing available on all prints. Over a decade of experience, every order ships within 24 hours with our satisfaction guarantee.
Email help@oliveetoriel.com
Canvas: Texture, Depth, No Glass
Canvas prints are gallery-wrapped — the image extends around the sides of a 38mm timber stretcher frame, creating a finished edge with no additional framing required. The result is art that floats from the wall with a three-dimensional quality that flat prints cannot match.
Canvas suits subjects with organic texture — florals, abstract works, coastal and landscape photography. The canvas substrate adds a physical texture that enhances these types of images, making colours feel more saturated and forms more dimensional. It's particularly effective for large-format statements.
Without glass, canvas prints have no reflections — a significant advantage in rooms with strong natural light or positioned opposite windows. There's also no risk of condensation behind glass in humid environments. If you're decorating a coastal property or a home with high humidity, canvas is the practical as well as aesthetic choice.
Browse canvas wall art to see the full range in styled settings.
When to Choose Each Format
Choose framed when: you want a complete, ready-to-hang result without sourcing your own frame. You're decorating a formal living room, bedroom or entry. You want the classic look of art behind glass with a consistent frame finish.
Choose unframed when: you have existing frames you want to use. You're building a gallery wall and want to source matching frames. You're a renter who avoids permanent fixings. You're on a tighter budget but still want archival quality.
Choose canvas when: you want a frameless, glass-free result. You're hanging in a bright room where glass would cause glare. You want texture and depth in the art surface. You're buying a large-format piece for a contemporary or organic interior. See our full format comparison guide for a deeper breakdown.
Questions? Email help@oliveetoriel.com — our team is happy to help you choose between formats based on your specific room and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I frame my wall art or leave it unframed?
It depends on your style, budget and room. Framed art looks polished and finished immediately. Unframed art gives you full creative control and is more affordable upfront. Canvas needs no framing at all — it's gallery-wrapped and ready to hang.
What frame colours does Olive et Oriel offer?
OEO frames come in four options: oak finish (warm, Hamptons-friendly), walnut (rich, dark timber), matte black (bold, contemporary) and white (clean, Scandi or coastal). Each frame includes UV-protective acrylic glass and a hanging system. See our frame colour guide for help deciding.
Is canvas better than a framed print?
Neither is objectively better — they suit different spaces and styles. Canvas adds texture and depth, has no glass reflections, and suits organic subjects. Framed prints have the clean, classic look of traditional wall art. Both are produced on the same archival substrate at Olive et Oriel.
Can I buy unframed art and frame it myself?
Yes. Olive et Oriel's unframed prints are sized to standard frame dimensions (A4, A3, A2, A1, 50x70cm etc.) so they fit readily available frames from Ikea, Kmart, Spotlight and specialist frame stores. Email help@oliveetoriel.com if you need size guidance.
Does framing add to the cost significantly?
Yes — framing adds materials and labour costs. OEO frames are competitively priced for the quality: professional-grade timber frames with UV-protective acrylic glass. For a finished result without the markup of a custom framer, OEO framed prints represent excellent value.
