TL;DR: When ordering a gallery-wrapped canvas, you can choose how your image extends over the edges. Learn the differences between solid-color borders, mirrored edges, and stretched wraps to find the right look for your art.
Understanding Canvas Wrap Styles
Gallery-wrapped canvas prints are loved for their sleek, frameless presentation. But one key design choice affects how your finished piece looks from every angle — the edge wrap. The wrap determines how your image or color continues around the sides of the wooden frame. Each option offers a distinct visual effect, and the right choice depends on your artwork’s composition and display style.
Solid-Color Border Wrap
A solid-color wrap is the most common and versatile border for gallery wraps. It adds a clean, polished look without extending your image onto the sides. Black, white, and gray are classic choices, but you can also select a color drawn directly from your artwork for a cohesive appearance. This wrap is ideal for detailed or tightly framed images since it preserves your entire composition on the front face of the canvas.
At The Stackhouse, we offer custom canvas prints with solid borders to ensure crisp edges and perfect alignment for every print.
Mirrored Edge Wrap
Mirrored edge wraps are ideal when your image contains important details close to the borders. This option keeps your full image intact on the front, then mirrors several inches of it along the sides of the frame. The result is a seamless, continuous effect that extends your artwork’s tones and colors without cropping any content. It’s a favorite among photographers and artists who want depth and dimension without losing composition.
If you want a design that feels immersive from all angles, mirrored wraps provide a professional, gallery-ready finish.
Stretched Image Wrap
Also known as a full image wrap, this option physically stretches part of your image around the edges. It’s great for landscapes and abstract works but not recommended for pieces with critical elements near the borders — since a few inches of your image will wrap over the sides and disappear from the front view. Always check your crop and positioning before ordering this style to avoid losing key visual details.
For compositions with generous negative space, a stretched wrap can create a beautiful, continuous flow across all visible surfaces.
Choosing the Right Wrap for Your Canvas
Each wrap style serves a different purpose:
- Solid-Color Wrap: Clean and modern; best for portraits, detailed compositions, or minimalistic designs.
- Mirrored Wrap: Balanced and professional; perfect for prints where every inch of the image matters.
- Stretched Wrap: Immersive and natural; works best for wide landscapes or abstract art.
At The Stackhouse, we offer custom gallery-wrapped canvas printing with solid-color and mirrored edge options. Each print is produced with precision using Epson SureColor printers and archival canvas for vibrant, long-lasting results.
Ready to design your canvas wrap? Start your order on our Order Page and create a piece that perfectly matches your vision and space.
