As a custom frame shop and art gallery, it’s a natural response to say “frame it” when someone buys a new piece of art. However, if an artist has finished the sides of a canvas, is it necessary to frame it?
The short answer is no, it’s not necessary. If a painting has blank edges, a frame will give it the bit of finishing it needs, but a finished-edge painting doesn’t need finishing and can hang as-is.
Of course, how a piece is displayed is a very personal thing. Some people want the piece over the mantle to hang, while others want it to lean on the wall. Some people think finished-edged paintings still need a bit of finishing. Again, there is no right or wrong in this scenario, it’s all dependent on your taste and what looks best with your decor.
Below you’ll see different examples of work that is framed and unframed. What’s your favorite way to display?
