Canvas Prints vs Fine Art Prints: Which is Right for Your Travel Wall Art?

When shopping for travel wall art, one of the most important decisions you'll face is choosing between canvas prints and fine art prints. Both options offer unique benefits, and understanding the differences will help you select the perfect format for your space, style, and budget.

What Are Fine Art Prints?

Fine art prints are created using high-quality printing techniques on premium paper stock. These prints are typically displayed behind glass in a frame, offering a traditional gallery aesthetic that has been the standard for art display for centuries.

Characteristics of Fine Art Prints

• Printed on museum-quality paper

• Displayed behind protective glass or plexiglass

• Require framing for hanging

• Offer exceptional detail and colour accuracy

• Available in various paper finishes (matte, glossy, textured)

What Are Canvas Prints?

Canvas prints are created by printing images directly onto canvas material, which is then stretched over a wooden frame. The result is a ready-to-hang piece that offers a more contemporary, textured appearance.

Characteristics of Canvas Prints

• Printed on canvas material

• Stretched over wooden frames

• No glass required

• Ready to hang immediately

• Offer a textured, artistic finish

Comparing Visual Appeal

Fine Art Prints

Fine art prints behind glass provide crisp, sharp images with exceptional clarity. The glass surface creates a smooth, polished look that's ideal for detailed artwork where you want every element to be clearly visible. The reflection from glass can add depth, though it may also create glare in certain lighting conditions.

Canvas Prints

Canvas prints offer a softer, more organic appearance. The texture of the canvas adds dimension and an artistic quality that mimics traditional paintings. There's no glass glare to worry about, making canvas prints ideal for rooms with challenging lighting or for viewing from various angles.

Durability and Longevity

Fine Art Prints

When properly framed behind UV-protective glass, fine art prints are well-protected from environmental factors. The glass shields the print from dust, moisture, and physical damage. However, the paper itself can be vulnerable if not properly protected, and cheaper frames may allow moisture in over time.

Lifespan: With proper care and quality materials, fine art prints can last 100+ years.

Canvas Prints

Canvas is naturally more durable than paper and can withstand minor bumps and touches better. However, without glass protection, canvas prints are more exposed to dust, humidity, and potential damage. Quality canvas with proper coating offers good resistance to fading and environmental factors.

Lifespan: Quality canvas prints typically last 50-75 years with proper care.

Cost Considerations

Fine Art Prints

The initial cost of a fine art print may be lower, but you'll need to factor in framing costs. Quality frames with UV-protective glass can significantly increase the total investment. However, you have flexibility in choosing frames that match your decor and budget.

Budget Breakdown:

• Print: £15-150 (depending on size)

• Frame: £20-100+ (depending on quality and size)

• Total: £35-150+

Canvas Prints

Canvas prints typically cost more upfront but come ready to hang, eliminating separate framing costs. The convenience factor and immediate display capability make them cost-effective when you consider the total investment.

Budget Breakdown:

• Canvas print (ready to hang): £40-120 (depending on size)

• No additional costs required

Best Uses for Fine Art Prints

Ideal Situations for Fine Art Prints:

1. Formal spaces like dining rooms or traditional living rooms

2. Gallery walls where you want a cohesive, framed collection

3. Detailed artwork where clarity and sharpness are priorities

4. Matching existing decor with framed artwork

5. Archival purposes where maximum longevity is important

6. Smaller prints (A4, A3) that benefit from frame protection

Popular Locations:

• Home offices with traditional decor

• Bedrooms with existing framed art

• Hallways with gallery wall displays

• Formal dining areas

Best Uses for Canvas Prints

Ideal Situations for Canvas Prints:

1. Modern or contemporary spaces that suit the textured look

2. Large statement pieces where the canvas texture adds impact

3. Casual living areas like family rooms or loft spaces

4. Rooms with challenging lighting where glass glare would be problematic

5. Quick decorating solutions when you need immediate impact

6. Larger prints (A2 and above) that benefit from the gallery-wrapped edges

Popular Locations:

• Contemporary living rooms

• Modern bedrooms

• Open-plan spaces

• Casual dining areas

• Home gyms or recreational spaces

Maintenance and Care

Fine Art Prints

Cleaning: Dust the frame regularly and clean glass with appropriate glass cleaner. Avoid spraying directly on the glass near the edges where liquid could seep in.

Placement: Avoid direct sunlight, high humidity areas, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Handling: Handle frames carefully to avoid breaking glass. When moving, protect glass with cardboard or bubble wrap.

Canvas Prints

Cleaning: Gently dust with a soft, dry cloth or use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum. Never use water or cleaning products directly on canvas.

Placement: Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Canvas can warp or sag in very humid conditions.

Handling: Canvas is more forgiving of bumps but can be punctured. Handle by the frame, never touch the canvas surface.

Environmental Considerations

Fine Art Prints

• Glass is recyclable

• Wooden frames can be reused or recycled

• Paper prints are biodegradable

• More components mean more packaging

Canvas Prints

• Canvas material is often cotton-based (natural material)

• Wooden stretcher bars are biodegradable

• Fewer components mean less packaging waste

• Some canvas prints use eco-friendly inks

Which Format Suits Different Travel Print Styles?

Cityscape Prints

Recommendation: Both work well

• Fine art prints highlight architectural details

• Canvas prints add artistic texture to urban scenes

Landscape Prints

Recommendation: Canvas prints often preferred

• The texture enhances natural scenery

• Larger landscape prints benefit from the gallery-wrapped look

Minimalist Travel Posters

Recommendation: Fine art prints often preferred

• Clean lines and simple designs suit the crisp finish

• Framing options complement minimalist aesthetics

Vintage-Style Travel Prints

Recommendation: Both work well

• Fine art prints suit traditional vintage aesthetics

• Canvas prints add authentic aged texture

Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask

1. What's your interior style? Traditional spaces often suit fine art prints; contemporary spaces suit canvas.

2. What's your budget? Consider total costs including framing for fine art prints.

3. How quickly do you need it? Canvas prints are ready to hang immediately.

4. Where will it hang? Consider lighting conditions and existing decor.

5. What size are you considering? Larger prints often look better on canvas; smaller prints suit fine art.

6. Do you already have frames? If you have frames you love, fine art prints offer flexibility.

The Best of Both Worlds

Many art collectors and interior designers recommend having both formats in your home. Use fine art prints for gallery walls and formal spaces, and canvas prints for statement pieces and contemporary areas. This approach creates visual variety while allowing each format to shine where it works best.

Quality Matters Regardless of Format

Whether you choose fine art prints or canvas prints, quality should never be compromised:

For Fine Art Prints, Look For:

• Museum-quality paper (acid-free)

• High-resolution printing (300 DPI minimum)

• UV-resistant inks

• Quality frames with proper backing

• UV-protective plexiglass

For Canvas Prints, Look For:

• Premium canvas material

• Fade-resistant inks

• Solid wooden stretcher bars

• Proper stretching without warping

• Protective coating on canvas surface

Conclusion

Both canvas prints and fine art prints offer excellent ways to display your travel wall art. Fine art prints provide traditional elegance, exceptional detail, and long-term archival quality, while canvas prints offer contemporary style, immediate convenience, and textured artistic appeal.

Your choice ultimately depends on your personal style, the specific space you're decorating, your budget, and how you want your travel memories displayed. There's no wrong choice – both formats can beautifully showcase the destinations you love.

Consider starting with one format and adding the other over time. Many homes benefit from the variety and visual interest that comes from mixing both canvas and fine art prints throughout different spaces.

Ready to choose your perfect travel print format? Explore our collection available in both fine art prints and canvas prints, and bring your favourite destinations home in the style that suits you best.

Shop our collection:

• Browse all travel prints

• View framed print options

• Explore canvas prints

• Visit our Etsy shop