Framed vs Unframed Prints: Which One Should You Choose?

Buying wall art should be the easy part.

Then comes the question almost everyone runs into:

Should you buy a framed or unframed print?

There isn't a universal answer. Both options make sense for different spaces, budgets, and decorating styles.

If you're choosing between a framed print and an unframed art print, here's what to consider before making a decision.

Framed Prints: Ready to Hang, Ready to Live With

Framed prints are the simplest option.

They arrive ready to hang, require no additional shopping, and immediately feel like part of the room rather than something waiting to be finished.

For larger pieces especially, framing can completely change how artwork feels in a space. A frame adds visual weight, creates separation from the wall, and often makes a print feel more intentional and complete.

Framed wall art works particularly well for:

• living rooms
• bedrooms
• home offices
• hallways and entryways
• gallery walls

If you're buying artwork as a focal point above a sofa, bed, or sideboard, a framed print is usually the safer choice.

Pros of framed prints

• Ready to hang immediately
• More polished and finished appearance
• Easier to style in modern interiors
• Better suited for statement pieces and larger formats
• No need to search for a matching frame separately

Potential drawbacks

• Higher upfront cost
• Less flexibility if you want to change frame styles later
• Shipping costs can be higher for larger framed artwork

Unframed Prints: More Flexibility, More Personal

Unframed prints offer something framed prints can't:

freedom.

You can choose the exact frame, mat colour, material, and finish that work with your space.

Some people prefer black aluminium frames. Others prefer natural oak or walnut. Some interiors look better with wide matting, while others benefit from a minimal edge-to-edge presentation.

Buying an unframed art print gives you complete control over the final look.

It's also the more affordable option upfront, making it easier to start a collection gradually over time.

Pros of unframed prints

• Lower initial cost
• More freedom to customise framing
• Easier international shipping
• Ideal for gallery walls built over time
• Easier to transport when moving house

Potential drawbacks

• Requires additional time and effort
• Finding the right frame can be surprisingly difficult
• Custom framing can become expensive quickly
• Prints often stay rolled in tubes longer than in