How to Choose the Right Print Finish and Frame for Your Space

At Above & Below Gallery, we offer a range of print finishes and framing options to help you find the right way to display your favourite artwork. Whether you're styling your home, refreshing an office, or selecting artwork for a commercial space, understanding the differences between each option can make the process much easier.

From the timeless appeal of framed fine art prints to the sleek finish of acrylic and metal, here's a guide to help you choose the right print finish for your space.

For a traditional finish that feels at home in almost any interior, framed fine art prints are a beautiful choice.

Each image is printed on premium cotton rag photographic paper, then framed with a white matboard and finished behind glass, ready to hang. The matboard creates breathing room around the photograph, drawing the eye towards the image while giving it a refined, gallery-style presentation.

Choose from white, oak, black, or timber frame colours to complement your existing furniture, flooring, and interior palette. A white frame creates a light, understated look, while oak and timber add warmth and natural texture. Black offers a more defined, contemporary finish.

With a 40 mm frame width, this option suits those who appreciate classic presentation and thoughtful detail.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, offices, and interiors where a timeless, considered look is preferred.

If you prefer a modern finish with a glossy appearance, acrylic prints offer a striking way to display artwork.

These prints feature glossy archival photographic paper mounted between two 5 mm sheets of clear acrylic. The result is a polished, contemporary finish that enhances colour and detail.

The edge-to-edge design creates a clean appearance, while the artwork appears to float off the wall without visible hanging hardware. With a 10 mm overall thickness and diamond-polished edges, acrylic prints offer a refined, modern presentation.

This finish can work beautifully with a wide range of artwork, from colourful photography and detailed imagery to compositions that benefit from clarity and visual depth.

Best for: Modern homes, contemporary offices, reception areas, and spaces where you want your artwork to stand out.

For a softer, more relaxed look, consider a canvas print with a floating frame.

Canvas has a natural texture that gives artwork a distinctive, almost painterly quality. It can bring warmth and character to a room without the reflective surface of glass.

Our floating-frame canvas prints are stretched and framed with your choice of white, oak, or black moulding. The subtle gap between the canvas and frame creates definition while maintaining a clean, contemporary appearance.

Each canvas is produced using 450 gsm archival canvas and archival pigment inks, with a satin laminate for UV protection.

Another practical benefit is the absence of glass, meaning there are no glass reflections to distract from the image and no glass surface to clean.

Best for: Living areas, bedrooms, relaxed interiors, and spaces where texture and a softer presentation are preferred.

For a contemporary finish with strong visual impact, metal prints are worth considering.

Printed on premium Chromaluxe® brushed aluminium, these prints offer a sleek, glossy appearance with striking colour and detail. Special protective coatings and a sublimation printing technique create a distinctive finish that gives the artwork a polished, modern feel.

Metal prints are lightweight, durable, and ready to hang, making them a practical option for both residential and commercial spaces.

Available in white, silver, or black finishes, they offer flexibility when coordinating your artwork with your existing decor.

Whether you choose a bold, colourful image or a more subtle composition, a metal finish can give the piece a distinctive presence on your wall.

Best for: Contemporary interiors, statement walls, offices, reception spaces, and commercial environments.

The frame is an important part of the overall presentation. It can complement the artwork, connect it with the surrounding decor, or create contrast that helps it stand out.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing your frame colour:

• White: Creates a fresh, light appearance and works well with bright, minimal interiors.
• Oak: Introduces warmth and natural texture, complementing timber furniture and neutral colour palettes.
• Black: Adds contrast and definition, particularly against lighter walls.
• Timber: Offers a classic, natural look that suits a variety of interior styles.
• Silver: Available for metal prints, providing a sleek, contemporary finish.

Think about your wall colour, furniture, flooring, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. You can choose a frame that blends into the room or one that provides a stronger visual contrast.

Consider your existing furniture, wall colour, and overall interior style when choosing a frame. White creates a light, clean look, oak adds natural warmth, and black provides contrast and definition.

Prefer something more personalised? You can also purchase a print without a frame and work with your local framer to create a finish that suits your space.

Whether you're decorating your home, refreshing your office, or styling a commercial space, the right print finish helps bring your chosen artwork to life.

Explore the collection at Above & Below Gallery and discover the available options. If you need help choosing a finish, frame, or size, we're always happy to assist.

Visit aboveandbelowgallery.com.au to find artwork that feels right for your space.