Acrylic vs Canvas vs Metal vs Framed Prints, choosing the perfect print style for your home
When you find a photograph you love, the next big question is how you want it to live on your wall. The print style you choose changes the mood, colour depth, and feeling of the final piece. It also affects how the artwork interacts with your room, your lighting, and your interior design style.
As a photographer who creates high contrast, colour rich coastal landscapes and sea glass macro images, I print my work in four professional formats.
- Giclée Stretched Canvas Print
- Acrylic Print
- HD Sublimation Metal Print
- Framed Print
Each one brings out different qualities in an image, and each suits different rooms, sizes, and styles. In this guide, I will walk you through the strengths of each print type, when to choose them, and why my personal favourite for my work is Acrylic Print.
Why print style matters
The same photograph can feel modern, soft, bold, or classic depending on the print medium. Choosing the right one is just as important as choosing the right size or image.
Think of print style as the final personality of your artwork.
- Acrylic enhances colour, detail, and clarity.
- Canvas softens and warms the mood.
- Metal adds a sleek, contemporary edge.
- Framed prints introduce a classic, gallery styled finish.
The right medium brings your photography to life exactly as you want it to feel in your home.
Acrylic Print, my personal favourite for bold, high contrast images
Acrylic prints are produced by face mounting the photograph behind a layer of crystal clear acrylic. This creates a glossy, luminous surface that amplifies colour and detail. It is the same format often used in galleries for modern photography.
My photography style is built on deep blues, glowing sea glass, reflective tidal pools, and strong contrast. Acrylic takes those qualities and pushes them to their highest potential.
Acrylic makes my images:
- more vibrant
- more crisp
- more three dimensional
- more luminous
- more premium
Sea glass macros especially look incredible on acrylic because the glossy surface makes the glass appear wet and glowing again, almost like sunlight hitting the shoreline.
Best acrylic sizes
- 36in x 24in
- 48in x 32in
- 55in x 37in
- 60in x 40in
- 72in x 48in
Large sizes shine on acrylic because the surface maintains clarity even when the print is huge.
Best rooms for acrylic
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
- Open concept spaces
Giclée Stretched Canvas Print, soft, warm, and gently textured
Canvas prints use archival ink on textured canvas stretched over a wooden frame. The matte finish diffuses light and gives the artwork a painterly, traditional feel.
Why choose canvas
Canvas is perfect when you want warmth, softness, and a relaxed coastal mood. It works beautifully with bedrooms, Scandinavian homes, cottages, and spaces with natural textures like linen or light wood.
Canvas gives the image:
- a gentle matte finish
- softer colours
- a calm atmosphere
- a classic art feel
Best canvas sizes
- 12in x 8in
- 16in x 11in
- 20in x 13in
- 24in x 16in
- 30in x 20in
- 36in x 24in
- 48in x 32in
- 60in x 40in
Canvas stays lightweight, even at large sizes.
Best rooms for canvas
- Bedrooms
- Cozy living rooms
- Hallways
- Cottages
- Reading corners
HD Sublimation Metal Print, modern, sharp, and extremely durable
HD Metal Prints are created by infusing the image into a coated aluminium panel. The result is vibrant, crisp, and resistant to moisture, scratches, and temperature changes.
Why choose metal
Metal prints offer a high definition look with a sleek, contemporary edge. The finish can be glossy or satin, and the durability makes it ideal for busy homes.
Metal gives the image:
- intense colour
- excellent sharpness
- a modern, floating appearance
- long lasting durability
Best metal sizes
- 24in x 16in
- 30in x 20in
- 36in x 24in
- 48in x 32in
Best rooms for metal
- Kitchens
- Offices
- Bathrooms
- Entryways
- Some covered outdoor areas
Framed Print, classic, polished, and gallery inspired
Framed prints add a mat and frame around the artwork, creating a finished gallery look. The frame adds structure and presence.
Why choose framed prints
Framed prints feel refined and timeless. The mat adds breathing room around the image, drawing attention toward the centre.
Framed prints give the image:
- structure
- a traditional or contemporary gallery feel
- visual breathing room around the photograph
Best framed sizes
- 12in x 8in
- 16in x 11in
- 20in x 13in
- 24in x 16in
Best rooms for framed prints
- Hallways
- Staircases
- Gallery walls
- Reading corners
- Offices
Which print style should you choose
Here is a quick guide based on your space and the type of image you love.
If you want bold, vibrant, modern
Choose Acrylic Print. Best for sea glass, rich colours, dramatic landscapes, and your main statement pieces.
If you want soft, warm, relaxed
Choose Giclée Stretched Canvas Print. Best for bedrooms, cottages, and calm coastal photos.
If you want sleek, modern, durable
Choose HD Metal Print. Best for kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and high definition scenes.
If you want classic, polished, refined
Choose Framed Print. Best for gallery walls, hallways, and small to medium images.
My personal recommendation
Because my photography is based on strong colour, glowing sea glass, and dramatic Atlantic light, I often design my images with acrylic in mind. Acrylic gives my work the depth, colour intensity, and clarity that matches the way I see these scenes in the moment.
If you love the vibrant look that pulled you into my work in the first place, acrylic is usually the best choice.
Bring your favourite style into your home
Every image on my store is available as Acrylic Print, Giclée Stretched Canvas Print, HD Sublimation Metal Print, and Framed Print in sizes from 12in x 8in up to 72in x 48in, including the popular 60in x 40in statement size.
Choose the style that feels right for your home, your space, and your personal mood. If you are unsure, feel free to reach out and I can help you select the perfect finish.
Bring the beauty of my work into your home with museum quality prints produced through a premium North American fine art print studio. Each piece is crafted to highlight colour, clarity, and long lasting quality while matching a wide range of interior design styles. Explore the full collection at www.brendandalziel.com and discover artwork that adds calm, elegance, and character to your space. If you ever need help choosing the right style or size, I am always happy to assist.
