When creating canvas prints to display personal photos or artwork, many people focus on the resolution, colors, and size—but few think about the depth of the frame. However, frame thickness isn’t just a detail—it dramatically influences both the look and longevity of your wall art.

If you’re investing in larger canvas prints, selecting the right frame thickness can make all the difference. You’ve likely come across two main options: the standard 3/4-inch frame and the gallery-style 1.5-inch frame. While both have their place in the world of custom printing, when it comes to big canvas artwork, the thicker 1.5-inch frame wins—hands down.

Let’s explore why.

Frame Depth: More Than Just Aesthetic

The canvas frame, also called a stretcher bar, is the internal support that holds the canvas tight and flat. The larger the canvas size, the more pressure is placed on this inner frame to maintain its shape.

A 3/4-inch frame may suffice for small prints, but with medium to large formats (like 20×30 or 30×40 inches), it starts to fall short—literally. The frame can bow, bend, or twist under tension over time. This not only affects how your canvas looks but also how long it lasts.

A 1.5-inch frame, however, offers a stronger foundation. It resists warping, keeps your canvas flat, and gives you a tighter, professional stretch that holds its form for the long run.

The Look: Bold, Balanced, and Beautiful

One of the first things people notice about gallery wrap canvas prints is their depth. Thicker canvas frames stand out more on the wall, creating a subtle shadow that adds visual interest and dimension. It elevates the piece into a true focal point of the room.

A thin 3/4-inch canvas can appear a bit flimsy or unfinished when hung without an external frame—especially when the image is large. There’s simply not enough depth to create the dramatic impact most people are looking for with statement wall art.

If you’re creating a canvas to fill space above a fireplace, behind a couch, or in a professional setting, the 1.5-inch wrap gives you that gallery-style aesthetic that immediately draws attention.

A Seamless Wraparound Edge

Gallery wrap canvases are designed so that the image continues around the sides of the frame. This allows the piece to be hung without any additional framing—it looks polished from every angle.

But when wrapping an image around a 3/4-inch frame, the limited edge space can distort key parts of your photo or make the image feel cramped. There’s less room for a proper edge treatment, especially when printing portraits or images with details near the border.

With 1.5-inch canvas frames, you get:

• More space for the wraparound design.
• Better visual flow from front to side.
• A cleaner, frameless finish that works in modern and minimalist interiors.

Practical Advantages: Easier to Hang and Display

Hanging large canvas art should feel simple and secure. And here again, thicker canvas frames shine. The extra depth of a 1.5-inch canvas offers a more secure structure for attaching wall-mounting hardware like D-rings, hanging wire, or hooks.

Thinner frames can feel a bit unstable on the wall and may tilt forward slightly, especially if they’re not perfectly flat. That’s frustrating when you’re trying to line up multiple pieces in a gallery wall or ensure your artwork hangs flush against the wall surface.

With a 1.5-inch frame, your artwork:

• Sits more evenly on the wall.
• Feels sturdier and more substantial.
• Is less prone to wobbling or leaning.

This is especially important in homes with kids or pets, or in commercial spaces where artwork is handled or moved frequently.

Durability Over Time

The goal of printing your photos or artwork on canvas is to enjoy them for years to come. But a thin frame on a large canvas often can’t keep up with time.

Canvas naturally contracts and expands with changes in humidity and temperature. Thin stretcher bars tend to twist and bow as they respond to environmental changes—leading to sagging, rippling, or distortion.

By contrast, the thicker 1.5-inch frame is far more resilient. It’s better equipped to resist environmental stress and maintain its shape for years. This durability makes it ideal for:

• High-traffic areas.
• Professional office settings.
• Larger prints displayed in changing climates.

If you’re going to spend money on large custom canvas prints, a thicker frame ensures your investment remains in great condition.

A Worthwhile Upgrade

You might be wondering if the added cost of a 1.5-inch canvas is worth it. While it’s true that thicker frames cost slightly more to produce, the upgrade in quality, stability, and presentation far outweighs the price difference—especially with large sizes.

Here’s what you gain:

• A more premium, gallery-level look.
• Better protection against warping and damage.
• Long-lasting display with minimal maintenance.

In short: thicker canvas frames give your prints the structure they need and the style they deserve.

When 3/4-Inch Frames Still Work

While 1.5-inch frames are superior for larger pieces, there are still times when a 3/4-inch canvas makes sense:

• For small prints like 8×10 or 12×12 inches.
• When the canvas will be placed inside an external frame.
• For budget-conscious projects or lightweight hanging needs.

If you’re planning a canvas collage, photo wall, or set of prints under 16×20, the thinner option may be totally fine.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Final Word

When it comes to custom canvas printing, every design choice matters. And if you’re ordering a larger canvas print, the depth of the frame should never be an afterthought.

Choosing a 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas ensures your artwork:

• Looks polished and professional.
• Holds its shape for years.
• Makes a bold impression in any space.

At Canvas Prints Ltd, we strongly recommend 1.5-inch frames for prints 16×20 inches and up. Whether you’re printing a scenic landscape, a family portrait, or a piece of digital art, the thicker frame gives it the presence and durability it deserves.

So go ahead—elevate your art. Make it bold, make it last, and make it worthy of the walls it will live on.