A canvas print can look wonderful on its own, but the right frame lifts it into something really special. Framing gives your artwork a crisp, finished edge, protects the corners from knocks, and helps it sit comfortably alongside the rest of your décor. The good news is that framing a canvas at home is far easier than most people expect. In this guide we will walk you through measuring the depth, choosing a canvas print frame with the right rebate, protecting your print, and hanging it securely so it stays put for years to come.
Start by measuring your canvas depth
Before anything else, you need to know how thick your canvas is, because this decides which type of frame will actually fit. Grab a tape measure and check the depth of the wooden edge (the side profile), not just the flat width and height of the front.
- Standard canvas: usually around 18mm to 25mm deep. This is the most common depth for shop-bought and printed canvases.
- Deep-edge or gallery-wrapped canvas: typically 38mm or more, where the image wraps right around a chunky wooden frame. These need a noticeably deeper frame.
- Flat canvas board: a thin, rigid board only a few millimetres thick, with no wooden stretcher behind it. These behave much more like a print or poster.
Jot down the depth as well as the front dimensions. Those three numbers are all you need to choose confidently.
Choosing a frame with enough rebate for a wrapped canvas
The rebate is the little lip on the back of a frame where the artwork sits. When you are framing a canvas that is stretched and wrapped over a wooden bar, the rebate needs to be deep enough to swallow that thickness, otherwise the canvas will stick out the front and the frame simply will not hold it.
For standard 18–25mm canvases, a good picture frame with a reasonable rebate will often do the job. For chunky gallery-wrapped pieces, look for a deeper profile. Our box range frames are designed with extra depth, which makes them ideal for thick canvases that other frames cannot accommodate. If you are unsure, it is always safer to choose a frame that is a touch deeper than your canvas rather than one that is too shallow.
A simpler option for thin canvas boards
If you have a flat canvas board rather than a stretched canvas, you do not need a deep box-style frame at all. A thin board sits happily in a standard flat frame, just as a photo or poster would. This is often the neatest and most affordable route.
Browse our classic range for clean, timeless flat frames that suit thin boards beautifully, or explore all our frames to compare styles side by side. A flat frame keeps the profile slim and lets the artwork do the talking.
How to fit and protect your canvas
Once you have the right frame, fitting the canvas is straightforward. Here is a simple order to follow:
- Lay the frame face-down on a clean, soft surface such as a towel to avoid scratches.
- Gently lower the canvas into the rebate, front facing down, and check it sits square with even gaps on all sides.
- Secure it using the frame's fixings, or add small offset clips or flexi-tabs if the canvas is deeper than the rebate.
- For extra protection, add a backing board to keep dust and damp away from the rear of the canvas.
- Wipe the front gently with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid sprays or water directly on a canvas surface.
Taking a couple of extra minutes here keeps the corners crisp and stops the print shifting inside the frame over time.
Hanging your framed canvas securely
A framed canvas is heavier than a bare one, so it deserves a proper fixing. Use D-rings and picture wire, or two fixings spaced apart for a level, stable hang. On plasterboard, always use suitable wall plugs or hooks rated for the weight. Position the centre of the artwork at roughly eye level, around 145–150cm from the floor, and step back to check it sits straight before you commit.
A note on canvas frame sizes in the UK
Here at FramesPlus we sell standard, ready-made frames in popular canvas frame sizes UK customers reach for most, rather than bespoke made-to-measure options. That keeps prices friendly and delivery quick. To get the perfect fit, simply measure your canvas and choose the nearest standard size. If your canvas falls between two sizes, size up rather than down, as a slightly larger frame is far easier to work with than one that is too tight. Our size guide makes matching your measurements to the right frame quick and painless.
Frequently asked questions
Can you frame a gallery-wrapped canvas?
Yes. You will need a deeper frame with enough rebate to hold the thickness, such as a box-style frame, so the canvas sits neatly without protruding.
Do thin canvas boards need a special frame?
No. A thin canvas board fits comfortably in a standard flat frame, just like a photo or poster.
What if my canvas is between two sizes?
Always size up. A frame that is slightly larger is much easier to fit than one that is too small, and any small gap can be neatened with a backing board.
How do I hang a heavy framed canvas?
Use D-rings with picture wire or two spaced fixings, and always use wall plugs rated for the weight, especially on plasterboard.
Ready to frame your canvas?
Whether you have a chunky gallery-wrapped piece or a slim canvas board, there is a ready-made frame to suit it. Measure up, pick your nearest standard size, and let us do the rest. Enjoy free UK delivery and 30-day returns on every order, so you can shop with complete confidence. Explore our full range of frames today and give your canvas the finish it deserves.