A Simple Guide to Framing Different Styles of Artwork

Framing can completely transform how a piece of art looks in your home. But because not all artwork is built the same way, each type benefits from a slightly different approach. One important rule applies across the board: oil paintings should never be framed behind glass. Oils need to breathe as they cure, and placing them behind glass can trap moisture, cause clouding, and potentially damage the surface over time.

This quick guide will help you understand the best options for three common formats: gallery-wrapped canvas, flat panel paintings, and cradled wood panels.

1. Gallery-Wrapped Canvas

What it is:
A gallery-wrapped canvas is stretched tightly over deep stretcher bars, with the image or painted edges extending around the sides. The edges are clean, finished, and meant to be visible.

Best framing approaches:

✔ No frame (modern, floating look)

Gallery-wraps are designed to hang beautifully on their own. The clean edges give the painting a contemporary, minimalist look that many collectors prefer.

✔ Floating (float) frame

A float frame gently surrounds the canvas without touching the painted edges, creating a subtle “shadow gap.”

• Ideal if you want a refined, gallery-quality finish
  
• Works especially well for gifting or formal spaces
  
• Adds structure without covering the sides of the canvas
  

Avoid:

Heavy or ornate frames that overpower the depth and modern feel of a gallery wrap.

2. Flat Panel Paintings

What it is:
These are painted on thin boards — often 1/8" or 1/4" thick — with no built-in depth. The panel itself does not provide enough visual weight to hang alone.

Best framing approaches:

✔ Traditional frame (with or without a mat)

A flat wood or metal frame stabilizes the panel and gives it presence.

• Works well for small and medium-sized pieces
  
• Can be simple and modern or more decorative depending on your décor
  

✔ Float frame designed for panels

You can float-mount the panel inside a frame so the edges are visible.

• Creates a sleek, contemporary look
  
• Prevents warping over time
  
• Great for collectors who want a modern but finished presentation
  

Avoid:

Hanging the panel without a frame — it can warp, chip, and visually get lost on the wall.

3. Cradled Wood Panels

What it is:
These are wood panels with a built-in wooden cradle (typically ¾" to 1½" deep). The sides can be raw, painted, or stained and are often part of the finished presentation.

Best framing approaches:

✔ Hang unframed (studio-style look)

If the sides are finished, these panels look beautiful unframed.

• Clean and modern
  
• Great for contemporary interiors
  

✔ Float frame

Because cradled panels have depth similar to a gallery-wrapped canvas, float frames work perfectly.

• Adds polish
  
• Protects edges
  
• Works well for larger works that need more presence
  

✔ Shadow box frame

A deeper box frame can highlight the depth of the cradle and create a museum-style aesthetic.

Avoid:

Frames that fully cover the sides — part of the beauty of a cradled panel is the exposed edge.