Canvas Prints vs Photographic Prints

Canvas Prints vs Photographic Prints

Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a canvas print and a photographic (paper) print comes down to how you want the artwork to look and where it will be displayed.

Both are high-quality options — they just suit different spaces and styles.

Canvas Prints

Canvas prints are printed on premium artist-grade canvas and stretched by hand.

Best for:

  • Living rooms
  • Hallways
  • Coastal homes
  • Relaxed or traditional interiors
  • Larger wall spaces

How they look:

  • Softer, more painterly finish
  • Reduced glare
  • Texture adds warmth and depth
  • Works beautifully with landscapes and coastal scenes

Canvas prints don’t need framing and are ready to hang.

Photographic / Fine Art Paper Prints

Paper prints are produced on high-quality photographic or fine art paper and are designed to be framed.

Best for:

  • Framed wall art
  • Bedrooms
  • Offices
  • Modern or minimalist interiors
  • Images with fine detail

How they look:

  • Crisp detail
  • Strong contrast
  • Sharp lines and textures
  • Excellent for photography and high-detail artwork

Paper prints offer maximum clarity and tonal depth.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature

Canvas Print

Photographic Print

Finish

Textured, matte

Smooth or lightly textured

Look

Soft, artistic

Sharp, detailed

Framing

Not required

Required

Glare

Very low

Depends on frame & glass

Best for

Large, relaxed spaces

Detailed, framed displays

 

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose canvas if:

  • you want something ready to hang
  • you prefer a softer, gallery-style look
  • the print will be a focal point

Choose paper if:

  • you plan to frame the artwork
  • you want maximum detail
  • the space is more modern or minimal

There’s no wrong choice — it’s about the feel you want in the room.

Still Unsure?

If you’re not sure which option suits your space, we’re happy to help.

Because we print everything in-house in Cromer, we can give honest advice based on:

  • the image
  • the room
  • the size you’re considering

Just get in touch and ask.