What Is a Floater-Frame Canvas Print? Materials, Finishes & Comparison
Updated September 2026 · Written by Chiara Rossetti, artist and founder of Rossetti Art
A floater-frame canvas print is a stretched canvas mounted inside a wooden frame with a small, deliberate gap between the canvas edge and the frame, so the artwork appears to "float" within it. Unlike a traditional frame, nothing covers the edges of the canvas and there is no glass. At Rossetti Art, every canvas print can be ordered with an optional poplar-hardwood floater frame in black, oak, brown or white, fully assembled and ready to hang.
What is a floater frame, exactly?
A floater frame (also called a floating frame) is a frame built specifically for stretched canvas. The canvas is fixed to the frame from behind, leaving a shadow gap of about 8 mm (5/16″) all the way around. Because the frame's lip sits slightly below or level with the canvas surface, the painting or print looks like it is suspended inside the frame — the look you see in galleries and museums. Traditional frames, by contrast, overlap and hide the outer edge of the canvas, and are usually designed for paper prints behind glass.
Floater frame vs. stretched canvas vs. rolled canvas
Rossetti Art canvas prints are offered in three formats. The short version: rolled is for people who want to frame locally, stretched is ready to hang with a clean gallery-wrap edge, and floater-framed adds a finished wooden border for the most complete, exhibition-style presentation.
| Format | What you receive | Best for | Ready to hang? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolled canvas | The printed canvas only, rolled in a tube | Framing with a local framer, shipping to remote areas, custom mounting | No — needs stretching |
| Stretched canvas (gallery wrap) | Canvas hand-stretched over kiln-dried wooden stretcher bars, edges wrapped, hardware pre-installed | Minimal, modern interiors; large statement pieces | Yes |
| Floater-framed canvas | Stretched canvas mounted inside a poplar-hardwood floater frame (black, oak, brown or white), hardware pre-installed | A finished, gallery look; living rooms, bedrooms and offices where a defined edge suits the décor | Yes |
What are Rossetti Art floater frames and canvases made of?
Every canvas print uses the same materials regardless of format: 344 gsm, 17.5 mil artist-grade poly-cotton canvas, printed with UV- and fade-resistant, GREENGUARD Gold certified latex inks under a protective satin-matte coating, and hand-stretched over kiln-dried, knot-free, finger-jointed wooden stretcher bars. The floater frame is poplar hardwood with an 8 mm (5/16″) floating gap, finished in black, oak, brown or white, and ships fully assembled with pre-installed sawtooth hanging hardware and rubber wall bumpers. There is no glass, so there is no glare and nothing to crack in transit.
Which frame colour should I choose?
Black gives the strongest contrast and suits monochrome, graphic and high-contrast artwork. Oak is the most versatile choice for warm, neutral and Scandinavian-style interiors and pairs well with wood furniture. Brown works with earthy palettes and classic or mid-century rooms. White keeps the focus on the artwork and suits light, airy, coastal or minimalist spaces. If you are unsure, use the Live Preview tool on any product page to see the artwork, with the frame, on a photo of your own wall before you order.
Is a floater frame worth it?
For most collectors, yes — if the room calls for a finished edge. A floater frame protects the canvas corners, adds visual weight so the piece reads as "art" rather than "décor", and makes large canvases feel intentional on a big wall. Choose a plain stretched canvas instead if you want a seamless, borderless look, if you plan to hang several pieces edge-to-edge as a set, or if you prefer the lighter weight and lower price of an unframed print.
What sizes are available with a floater frame?
Floater frames are available on Rossetti Art canvas prints from 50 × 50 cm (20 × 20″) upward; the largest framed size varies by design and is shown in the size selector on each product page. For a size outside the listed range, contact support@rossettiart.com.
How is a floater-framed canvas shipped, and how long does it take?
Framed canvas prints are made to order in 3–5 business days and shipped in 5–10 business days from the production facility nearest to you (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, European Union or New Zealand), with free shipping and no import fees. The frame arrives fully assembled around the canvas — there is nothing to put together.
How do I hang a floater-framed canvas?
Hanging hardware is pre-installed. Hang the centre of the artwork at roughly 145–152 cm (57–60 inches) from the floor — the gallery standard — and use two wall hooks spaced evenly for canvases 60 cm (24″) or wider so the frame sits level. Wipe the frame with a dry, soft cloth; never use glass cleaner or water on the canvas.
Can I return a floater-framed canvas print?
Yes. Canvas prints — framed or unframed — can be returned within 30 days in their original packaging. Original paintings and sculptures are made to order and are not returnable. Full details are on the Return & Refund Policy page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a floater frame and a regular frame?
A regular frame overlaps the front edge of the artwork and usually holds glass; a floater frame sits around the canvas with a visible gap, covers nothing, and uses no glass, so the whole painted surface and its edges stay visible.
Does a floater frame come with glass?
No. Floater frames are designed for canvas, which does not need glass. This means no glare, no reflections and no risk of broken glass in shipping.
Is the frame made of real wood?
Yes — Rossetti Art floater frames are milled from poplar hardwood and finished in black, oak, brown or white.
Can I add a floater frame to a canvas I already bought unframed?
Frames are fitted during production and are not sold separately. If you would like to frame an existing stretched canvas, any local framer can fit a standard floater frame to it; contact support@rossettiart.com for the exact stretcher-bar depth of your piece.
Do floater-framed canvases cost more?
Yes — the frame option is priced per size and shown live in the size and frame selector on every canvas print product page, alongside the rolled and stretched options.
Ready to see the frames on real art? Browse the canvas print collection or the best sellers and select your frame finish on the product page.