Canvas Frames Floating, Tray & Stretcher Frames
Canvas framing to make your artwork shine. From canvas stretching and tray frames to floating museum frames and box frames. Handmade in our Cheshire workshop from solid Tulipwood.
Features
Handmade Canvas Frames
We make canvas floater frames for stretched canvas up to 5 metres
Zero Reflections
As there's no glazing with a tray frame, there's no reflections like you'd get with glass. Your artwork can be enjoyed with absolute clarity.
More Economical
As no glazing is needed, there are large cost savings for your frame. This makes tray framing an option worthy of consideration.
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Lightweight Frame
Very minimal material allows canvas frames to be lightweight, making for simple transport and hanging.
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Canvas Tray Frames
A stylish frame to highlight your artwork. Tray frames are like a box frame, but with no glazing. This makes for a lightweight and economical option.
“I started using Harten Frameworks six years ago. These guys are the best framers in the UK, they focus on my needs and always deliver. ”
Lincoln TownleyArtist
Description
What Are Canvas Frames?
The term "canvas frame" covers several distinct frame types. Each style suits different canvases and display environments. Here is what people typically mean when they refer to a "canvas frame".
Floating Frames for Canvas
A floating frame for canvas holds the stretched canvas within the frame with a deliberate gap — typically 3–6mm — visible between the canvas edge and the inner frame moulding. This reveal is the defining feature: it creates the impression that the artwork is suspended inside the frame.
We frame canvas work for artists presenting original canvas pieces and individuals framing personal artwork for their homes.
Floating picture frames for canvas work particularly well when the painted edges are part of the composition. Because the gap is visible from all angles, the side edges of the canvas are on show. We build each floating frame to the exact dimensions of your canvas, ensuring the gap is uniform and the canvas sits perfectly centred. The frame can be finished in natural wood, painted, stained, or gilded.
Tray Frames for Canvas
A tray frame (sometimes also called a 'baguette frame' or 'glassless frame') wraps around the outside of a stretched canvas with a shallow lip that sits just below the painted surface. A shadow gap is often left between the inside edge of the frame and the side of the canvas. This creates a more dramatic version of the negative space provided by a traditional mount. This shadow gap gives rise to the term floating frame in the UK.
Tray frames are the most minimal canvas framing option. They add structure and a finished edge without competing with the artwork. We usually create tray frames from Tulipwood and hand finish them to complement the artwork. Most of the wooden tray frames we create are sprayed to produce a modern, seamless finish. With normal profile construction you can see the joining line at 45 degrees on the corners. The spraying process makes this construction detail completely invisible.
A shadow gap is the space left between the profile and the canvas. This gap can be any size you require but we usually use somewhere between 0mm and 20mm. Tray frames are not just used to frame canvas art. Any work that has inherent depth and doesn't require extensive protection can be enhanced with a tray frame — thick oil paintings on boards, fine detail work on gesso painted tiles and laser cut artwork are all suitable.
Canvas Box Frames
Enclosing the canvas in a box frame, which is then glazed. If you're concerned about protecting the canvas from UV light or people touching the art, this is an option to consider. If glazing a piece of canvas art, anti-reflective glazing is almost required to preserve (and in many cases enhance) the colour and detail of the piece.
The process for constructing a box frame for a canvas is much the same as a box frame for any other item. You can read full information about box frames suitable for canvases here.
For extra large canvases over A0, see our large picture frames service — we build canvas frames up to 4.5 metres.
Stretcher Frames
The support frame or 'stretcher frame' is the internal wooden framework that a canvas is stretched over. If your canvas has arrived rolled, has come off its original stretcher, or needs re-stretching to correct sagging or warping, we can build a new stretcher frame to the exact dimensions required. Once stretched, the canvas can be hung as-is or have a floating frame, tray frame, or box frame added.
Let's Get Started
Ready to Start Your Project?
Tell us about your artwork and we will provide a free, no-obligation quote. Most projects are completed within 2-4 weeks.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
Craftsmanship
Over 50 Years Making Canvas Frames
"A picture without a frame is like a soul without a body" - Van Gogh
Completely Bespoke
Every frame is made to measure, with varying levels of protection available depending on where the work will be displayed.
Over 50 Years of Experience
Five decades of picture framing and display work, across every technique from conservation mounting to welded steel fabrication.
The framing of my piece has really made a statement in our new home, for a price that was unrivalled by any local competitors.
Finishes
Finishes & Materials
Quality and robust materials to ensure the longevity of our canvas frames
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Sprayed
Spraying is our most popular finish, with benefits including invisible frame corner joins, a smooth high quality effect and a choice of colours and glosses. It gives contemporary museum quality to any artwork.
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Staining
A versatile option that can be used to enhance grain, add colouring and even out natural surfaces. This is best used on natural woods.
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Waxed
We use wax when sealing raw wood, enhancing the grain and natural colours.
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Gilding
After laying a gesso base, gilding can be applied using leafs of many metals, including gold, silver, bronze, copper & aluminium. This gives you a luxury finish with a huge range of custom styles including patination, scuffing, rub through and burnishing.
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Burn Back
Gives modern rustic aesthetic with deep texture and ageing effects. The process involves carefully burning the wood. Ash or obeche wood has the best grain effect for this technique.
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Corten
This unique finish is created though a careful chemical reaction on wood and metal. The result is a natural rust which is then sealed with clear lacquer to protect it.
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Hand Finished Metals
We’ve developed our metalwork extensively recently, with our team now welding both custom aluminium and brass frames to suit a number of different shapes and styles.
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Hand Finished Woods
Our team handcraft our wooden frames in house from a range of species including beech, oak, walnut, rock maple, ash, cherry and pine, guaranteeing a high quality finish every time.
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Splines
Up to 5 splines can be used on your frame, for 2 purposes. Either to make a stronger frame for large works (where it's often painted over), or for the style and character it adds to your frame. In the latter case, contrasting woods can be used to enhance the effect.
Speak to a Specialist
Discuss Your Project With Our Team
Our museum grade specialists will help you choose the right materials, finishes and construction for your artwork. Over 50 years of combined experience.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
Examples
Examples of Canvas Frames
Browse images from past projects, including many canvas tray framing ideas to give inspiration for your next project.
“The only museum quality framers we’ve found outside London. ”
Chris BrooksGallery Owner
Benefits
Why Choose Harten Frameworks?
Why should you work with us for your canvas framing project?
5 Year Guarantee
Our bespoke frames and finishes are fully guaranteed for 5 years.
Any Size
We work with artwork on any scale, customising your frame to fit perfectly.
Consult With An Expert
Talk with one of our framing experts for free, to receive advice on construction, colour and various product options.
Cutting Edge Manufacturing
Your frame will be crafted using the latest machinery, such as CAD mount cutters and custom spray booths.
Framing Since 1974
Your frame will benefit from craftsmanship and research built over 50 years.
Full Insurance Coverage
Your artwork is fully insured while it's with us at the workshop.
Made In The UK
All of our frames are hand crafted by the team in our Cheshire based workshop.
Range Of Finishes
With a variety of finishes on wood and metal, you’re guaranteed to get the look you are aiming for.
Security Fixings
We can supply special fixings to stop people taking the frame off your walls
Variety Of Delivery Options
We offer delivery through artwork couriers or we can personally deliver your finished pieces.
Harten Frameworks have made beautiful frames for me for over 20 years.
Clients
Some of Our Canvas Framing Clients
Trusted with canvas framing projects of every scale
“I started using Harten Frameworks six years ago. These guys are the best framers in the UK, they focus on my needs and always deliver. ”
Lincoln TownleyArtist
Suitable For
What Artworks Can Be Used In A Canvas Frame?
Of course, canvas works can be used in a tray frame, but many other artwork types are suitable.
| Acrylic | Metal & Wood Frames | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artwork | Box | Panel | Box | Simple | Stretcher | Tray |
| 3D Object | ||||||
| Board | ||||||
| Canvas | ||||||
| Digital File | ||||||
| Mirror | ||||||
| Paper | ||||||
| Textile | ||||||
Let's Get Started
Ready to Start Your Project?
Tell us about your artwork and we will provide a free, no-obligation quote. Most projects are completed within 2-4 weeks.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
Construction
How Are Canvas Tray Frames Constructed?
This is how we manufacture Canvas Frames
Support Frames / Stretcher Frames
So what is canvas stretching?
Stretcher frames are rectangles that canvas artwork is stretched over. They are most often wood but can also be aluminium. Our support frames are made from Tulip wood which gives a great balance between weight and strength, whilst still being easy to work with. The Tulip wood we use is kiln dried and naturally resistant to warping. Tulip naturally has very few knots, which makes it preferable as a support structure.
The Tulip we use is FSC certified. Using materials that are sustainable is important to us.
Our preferred size for a canvas stretcher bar is at least 40mm x 30mm. Using any less than this can give the impression that the artwork isn't as substantial, which has a subconscious effect on price perception. Plus is creates a much more stable, solid structure to ensure the frame lasts for a long time.
We apply several extra touches to the support frames we make. The corners are gently softened. This means the canvas won't rub or show through a sharp inner edge. We like our frames to look as good from the back as they do the front.
If the size of the piece is particularly large in any one dimension we'll add support struts to the reverse of the frame. This ensures that the rectangle holds its shape and helps support the corners of the support frame.
In commercial environments (as well as with important artwork) we add a backing board just behind the canvas material. Apart from giving a sturdier feel this protects the work from accidental punctures. This backing board is perfectly flush with the support frame and is not noticeable from the front.
Canvases were traditionally fixed to the support frame by using pins/nails along the outside edge. You can notice this on works from Picasso for example. The modern technique is called "Gallery Wrapping". This is where the canvas is fixed onto the stretcher frame from the reverse, leaving the edges visible and clean. With canvas prints, this allows mirroring of the image to create a seamless extension that wraps around the canvas.
There are 3 ways we can use support frames to help you.
1. Print & Stretch
If you have a digital image we can use our HP 62″ Giclée printer to create a perfect reproduction onto a professional canvas. This image can then be stretched over our support frame. It can be hung to good effect as a "bare" canvas. Or a tray frame can be added to complete the look.
Before we print your file you should decide how you want your image to "wrap" around the sides of the canvas support frame.
The three common options are:
Solid Colour Edges
Have a solid colour (black or white usually) on the sides. This would mean the image terminates exactly at the front facing edge of the stretcher frame. This is sometimes used to help emphasize a shadow gap when we add a tray frame to the canvas.
Gallery Wrapping or Mirroring
Alternatively the image itself can wrap around the sides. So we don't use up any of your image on the sides it's usual to "mirror" the image. This means we replicate the edges of your image to extend the overall size slightly. The effect is largely unnoticeable as the same patterns, colours and gradients of the image are continued to create this mirrored section. This is the preferred option most of the time. Particularly if you'll be hanging the canvas without a frame.
Direct Wrap
The image can be wrapped around the canvas support as-is. This means the actual image will be wrapping around the sides. It's a highly image dependant technique, as you don't want to "lose" any important aspects of the art.
2. Stretch Your Canvas
If you have painted or acquired artwork on canvas we can present the art in the best possible way for you. The canvas artwork can either be loose/rolled for us to stretch to a frame. Or we can re-stretch work that's already on a support frame. Again, an optional frame can be added.
There are sometimes special considerations needed about the condition of the work…
If the artwork is old, damaged or cracking then stretching will need a few extra steps to ensure a good final product.
If the work is damaged then we may discuss art restoration with you. What this involves is entirely dependent on the work itself. It can range from the application of special treatments to expert oil restoration of areas in the art.
3. Blank, Primed, Pre-Stretched Canvas
There's a common problem we find with canvas stretcher frames that come into our workshop. If they're not created with meticulous attention to detail they can end up not being square. Even if it's a few mm off square it can cause issues during the framing stage. The eye notices slight differences like this, particularly if you want a 10mm shadow gap between the tray frame and the canvas. There are solutions to this problem, but it's much simpler to start with a perfect square. We can supply pre-built canvases, pre-primed with gesso, ready for your brush.
Benefits of Our Canvas Frames:
Giclée printing (if required)
Tulipwood FSC support frame
Gallery wrapped corners
Mirrored Edges
Support Backing
Deep 40mm edges
Premium materials
Fittings included
Specialism in oversized work
A Perfect sprayed gallery finish is available
When Should A Stretched Canvas Be Chosen?
The stretched canvas is an instantly recognised contemporary look which works well on clean painted walls. It can also be more economical than other types of framing, simply because you don't have to have a surrounding frame. It can be hung as a canvas in its own right.
Glazing is not usually applied to canvas works unless the value of the piece is very high or you're concerned with damage from UV light. Acrylic and oil paintings are much more resistant to UV than other types of work.
Also our technique for Giclée printing makes the inks stay perfectly vivid in sunlight for around 100 years. Because you don't need glazing the final product is much lighter. Which means it's easier to hang and send by courier. It's also much more resistant to damage in transit. When using a backing board to protect from punctures it's almost impossible to damage a canvas frame. Finally, no glazing also means that the art works superbly in bright areas. There will be no reflections or subtle colour casting of different glazing products.
Tray Frames / Baguette Frames
A tray frame is normally shaped like a letter "L" and wraps around the canvas. There is no glass or acrylic used for tray frames. If glazing is used it becomes a box frame.
Although an "L" shape is the most common we can create almost any shape you'd like to serve as a tray frame. We're very comfortable using any combination of angles and curves to suit your art.
We usually create tray frames from Tulip wood and hand finish them to compliment the artwork. They can also be made from aluminium but the finishing options are limited compared to Tulip wood. Most of the wooden tray frames we created are sprayed to create a modern, seamless finish. With normal profile construction you can see the joining line at 45 degrees on the corners. The spraying process makes this construction detail completely invisible.
A shadow gap is the space left between the profile and the canvas. Adding this feature can help let the art breathe, and serves the same purpose as mount board in a normal framed picture. This gap can be any size you require but we usually use somewhere between 0mm and 20mm. Using a distance of 0mm isn't redundant as the curving of the canvas around the stretcher frame does create a visual line break from the profile and can enhance some types of art.
Tray frames are not just used to frame canvas art. Any work that has inherent depth and doesn't require extensive protection can be enhanced with a tray frame. Thick oil painting on boards, fine detail work on gesso painted tiles and laser cut artwork are suitable for tray frames.
What are Floating Picture Frames?
Another term sometimes used to refer to tray frames is "floating frames". This isn't a well-established term and can refer to several different types of framing however. With canvas tray frames the canvas can appear to float inside the frame which is where the name comes from.
When are tray / floating frames used?
Tray frames are used to display and enhance works with depth where no glazing is required. A frame may be desired to link the piece with other items in the room, or simply to protect the edges of the canvas. A full range of bespoke sizes and finishes are available for any requirement.
Canvas Box Frames
Visually this is similar to a tray frame. The difference between a tray and box frame is that box frames are glazed and tray frames are open.
The process for constructing a box frame for a canvas is much the same as a box frame for any other item. You can read full information about box frames suitable for canvases here.
The framing of my piece has really made a statement in our new home, for a price that was unrivalled by any local competitors.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about canvas framing
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A canvas tray frame (also called a floating frame or baguette frame) is an L-shaped frame that wraps around a stretched canvas without glass. A shadow gap is left between the frame and the canvas edge, creating the illusion that the artwork is floating inside the frame. Tray frames are the most popular way to display canvas artwork.
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Canvas framing projects typically start from around £250, depending on the size of the canvas, the frame profile, and the finish you choose. A simple tray frame for a standard canvas will be at the lower end, while larger pieces or sprayed gallery finishes cost more. We provide free, no-obligation quotes — get in touch with your canvas dimensions.
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They are the same thing. "Tray frame" is the standard UK term, while "floating frame" describes the visual effect — the canvas appears to float inside the frame thanks to the shadow gap between the canvas edge and the inner edge of the frame. Both terms refer to an unglazed L-shaped frame around a stretched canvas.
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Yes. We can stretch or re-stretch painted canvases onto new support frames. If the artwork is old, damaged, or cracking, extra care is taken during the stretching process. We may also discuss conservation or restoration options depending on the condition of the work.
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We can make canvas frames to any size, from small canvases up to very large pieces several metres wide. Every frame is custom built to your exact canvas dimensions — there are no standard sizes. For oversized canvases, we add support struts to the stretcher frame to maintain structural integrity.
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Tray frames do not use glass — the canvas is displayed open, which preserves the texture and avoids reflections. If you want to protect the canvas from dust, UV light, or physical contact, a canvas box frame with glazing is the better option. We can advise on which approach suits your artwork and display environment.
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Framing a canvas painting begins with assessing the canvas — its size, depth, edge condition, and how it is currently stretched. We then recommend a frame type: a floating frame if you want a shadow gap around the canvas, a tray frame for minimal edge protection, or a box frame if glazing is needed. The frame is built from solid Tulipwood to the exact dimensions of the canvas, primed with gesso if a painted or gilded finish is required, and finished by hand.
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Yes, we frame rolled canvases regularly. The process starts with building a custom stretcher frame to the correct dimensions, then carefully stretching the canvas over it by hand. Once stretched and secured, the canvas can be gallery-wrapped for clean edges and then fitted into a floating frame, tray frame, or box frame.
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A floating frame for canvas is a frame designed to hold a stretched canvas with a visible gap — usually 3–6mm — between the canvas edge and the frame. This gap creates the effect of the canvas floating within the frame. Floating frames are popular because they add definition and structure without covering any of the painted surface or edges. They can be finished in natural wood, painted colours, stain, or gilding.
Speak to a Specialist
Discuss Your Project With Our Team
Our museum grade specialists will help you choose the right materials, finishes and construction for your artwork. Over 50 years of combined experience.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
Related Pages
Artists Surfaces
Give your art start-points the best chance of success with quality artists surfaces
Surface Finishes
Surface finishes are the final piece for making your ideal frame
Canvas
Custom tray frames, floating frames and canvas stretcher frames. Handmade to your exact canvas size from around £250. 5 year guarantee. Free quote.
Mirrors
Handmade custom mirror frames in any size, finish or mirror glass type. Bespoke framed mirrors from around £400 with a 5 year guarantee. Free consultation.
Box Frames
Handmade box frames for any item, any size, any depth. Deep box frames, large display frames & shadow boxes crafted in the UK. 5 year guarantee. Free quote.
Acrylic Panels
Wall mounted perspex frames bring a clean, modern visual to any space. Your own image can be printed & acrylic framing comes with a 5 year guarantee.
Acrylic Boxes
Custom perspex box frames and acrylic shadow boxes made to any size. Display and protect 3D objects, art and memorabilia. From around £250. Free quote.
Oversized
Large picture frames custom built up to 4.5 metres. Reinforced construction, acrylic glazing, and subframe support. Museum grade quality with a 5 year guarantee.
Objects
Custom framing for 3D objects — football shirts, medals, wedding dresses and collectibles. Deep box frames with conservation-grade materials, handmade in Cheshire.
Welded
Custom metal picture frames in welded aluminium, brass and stainless steel. Slim profiles, exceptional strength. From around £500. Handmade in the UK.