Floater Frames: The Modern Standard for Canvas & Panel Art
The Floater Frames collection represents a definitive statement in contemporary art presentation. Designed for artists whose work extends to the very edge of the canvas, these frames provide a clean, gallery-ready aesthetic that is both reverent to the artwork and powerfully dimensional. Ideal for both canvas and panel art, floater frames offer a sophisticated and unobstructed viewing experience that has become the modern standard. By default, our floater frames are cut to include a 1/4" float around all four sides of your artwork—simply enter your art size, and we do the rest.
The "Floating" Illusion & Unobstructed View
The name "floater frame" derives from the captivating visual effect it creates: the artwork appears to "float" inside the frame's molding, suspended in space without visibly touching the sides. This illusion is achieved by leaving a small, deliberate gap between the edge of the canvas and the inner wall of the frame. This space generates a subtle shadow line that accentuates the art's edges and imparts a remarkable sense of three-dimensional depth. Most importantly, the floater frame leaves the entire canvas visible, allowing the artist's full vision, including painted edges, to be appreciated.
Protection and Professionalism
Beyond its aesthetic merits, the floater frame offers significant protective benefits. While showcasing the entire artwork, the frame provides a robust protective boundary around the canvas, safeguarding it from damage during transport and display—a critical advantage over an unframed canvas. Furthermore, this style provides an instantly professional and polished look, elevating the perceived value of the artwork and making it ready for any gallery exhibition or collector's home.
Versatility in Style & Finish
The minimalist concept of the floater frame is adaptable to a vast range of decor styles through a wide selection of materials and finishes. Articient offers floater frames in classic solid woods like maple, oak, and cherry, as well as sleek profiles with finishes ranging from neutral black and white to warm natural wood grains and contemporary metallic sheens in gold and silver. This ensures you can find the perfect aesthetic to complement your specific artwork.
Achieving the Perfect Fit
For a flawless presentation, the surface of the artwork should sit at or slightly below the face of the frame. The frame's "rabbet depth" must be deep enough to accommodate your artwork's thickness. We offer floater frames in various depths for common canvas and panel sizes. If your artwork is thinner than the frame's rabbet, Articient can provide custom-built spacers to raise your art to the ideal height, ensuring a perfect, bespoke fit every time.
Why Choose Floater Frames?
Artists and galleries love floater frames for their unique ability to highlight the entire artwork with a clean, modern look. They do not compete with the art; they complement it, enhancing its colors and details. For a professional, contemporary, and dimensional presentation that makes the art stand out, the floater frame is the unparalleled choice.