While canvas décor can be a powerful creative outlet that jazzes up the look of any room, it is important to realize that there are many choices involved in the design process. One aspect that sometimes gets overlooked is the canvas thickness of a print. Many people become so focused on the image and content of the portrait that they forget there are other elements to consider with the design. However, considering canvas thickness can help the design be more deliberate and better suited for achieving the desired aesthetic of an interior space.
What is canvas thickness and why is it important?
An important aspect of design for wall hangings, canvas thickness is determined by measuring the depth of the side of stretched canvas. In other words, it is the amount of space on the side of the piece, between the surface of the canvas and the wall. All four sides will have the same canvas thickness, and common measurements are .75 inches, 1.5 inches, and 2 inches. Canvas thickness is important because different sizes can work to create different ambiances, and therefore, some depths are better suited for particular settings or themes.
The Standard Canvas Print— .75” Canvas Thickness
One of the thinnest options available on the market also happens to be one of the most popular choices for home designers and DIY project enthusiasts. With a thickness of .75”, this selection is very often referred to as the Standard Canvas Print. The thin depth of this option provides a number of useful applications. For example, the Standard Canvas Print is one of the easiest pieces to hang on the wall, because its modest canvas thickness makes it relatively lightweight. This allows individuals to hang the canvas print fairly easily on a variety of wall surfaces. It also makes it convenient for rearranging, since it is very easy to handle.
Another great benefit for prints with .75” canvas thickness is the ability to place them in a frame. Thin prints are much easier to find well-fitting frames for, and this option provides another aspect of design that allows creative choice and expression. Plus, framing can always be changed down the line to create a fresh, alternative version of a single well-loved print. This makes the Standard Canvas Print a versatile option for home designers.
The Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print— 1.5” Canvas Thickness
The thickness of gallery wrapped canvas provides quite a bit more depth than the first. The difference between standard vs gallery wrap canvas is that this version features a canvas thickness of 1.5” compared to the .75" of the standard canvas print. As the name suggests, this style of canvas thickness is often used in galleries and other art installations where the canvas print is showcased as a standalone feature on the wall. The substantial canvas thickness allows the print to shine without any frame required. In fact, a Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print does not need a frame, because the 1.5” canvas thickness gives it the depth necessary to create noticeable perspective and distance from the wall. Furthermore, this is a great option for prints that are intended to be presented on their own as accent pieces. Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print also works well as part of a design installation that features other three-dimensional wall hangings or creative art pieces.
The Statement-Maker— 2” Canvas Print
Finally, a print that flaunts a canvas thickness of 2” is certainly not one to sit subtly on the wall without asking for attention. The significant depth of a canvas with this thickness allows it to truly steal the spotlight when staged correctly. Suggested for use as a serious statement piece, prints with a 2” canvas thickness are remarkable when installed as the main piece of art within a living space. Try tying them into the room more harmoniously by staging décor that helps balance the piece, such as a mantle or coffee table below, or two small works placed on either side for symmetry around the piece.
When choosing the right canvas thickness for a project, be sure to take into account how the piece will be staged within the space and how much attention the piece is meant to attract. Enjoy considering the options and crafting the perfect piece for your interior.
