When it comes to canvas prints, the choices go beyond size and finish—canvas depth also plays a significant role in how your artwork looks once it’s on the wall. At Artistic Wholesale Printing & Framing, we’ve worked with countless artists and photographers across Utah who often ask us which canvas depth best fits their work.

The answer depends on the type of art you’re displaying, the style of your space, and the statement you want your canvas to make. Understanding canvas depth is one of the most essential starting points if you’re searching for practical painting presentation tips.

Shallow vs. Gallery Wrap Depths

Canvas depth refers to the thickness of the stretcher bars that the canvas is wrapped around. Two of the most common options are:

• Shallow Wraps (¾-inch to 1-inch depth): These canvases sit closer to the wall, creating a sleek, understated look. Shallow wraps are often easier to frame since they fit neatly into most standard picture frames. If you want your canvas print to blend in with your décor rather than dominate it, shallow depth may be the right choice.
• Gallery Wraps (1.5-inch to 2-inch depth): Gallery wraps are thicker, creating a bold, three-dimensional presence. With the image stretched around the sides, these canvases often look complete without a frame, similar to what you’d see in a professional art gallery. A gallery wrap is ideal if you want your canvas to be a centerpiece.

How Depth Changes the Hanging Look

Depth affects more than just size—it changes how the artwork interacts with the room. A shallow canvas lies close to the wall, making it an excellent option for tight spaces, clustered gallery walls, or artwork you plan to frame. On the other hand, a gallery wrap canvas projects outward, creating shadows and depth that draw the eye. It makes a statement all on its own, which is why many artists choose it for standalone pieces.

We also offer finishing options like wire hangers, Z Bar cleat systems, or floater frames that pair beautifully with shallow and gallery-wrap canvases. The proper depth combined with the right finish gives your art the polished presentation it deserves.

Matching Canvas Depth to Art Styles

Not every style of art benefits from the same depth. Here are some helpful guidelines we share with our customers:

• Abstract Art: Abstract pieces often feature bold colors, shapes, and textures that deserve attention. A gallery wrap canvas works best because the added depth amplifies the artwork’s impact. The thicker sides allow the design to feel immersive, and the unframed edges complement the contemporary nature of abstract art.
• Landscape Photography or Painting: Landscapes benefit from depth, but the choice often depends on how you want them displayed. A gallery wrap enhances panoramic views and gives the scene a sense of expansiveness. However, if you’re planning to frame a landscape print for a more classic or traditional look, a shallow wrap is smarter—it fits well within a frame without overwhelming the detail.
• Portraits: With portraits, subtlety often wins. A shallow canvas focuses on the subject’s face rather than the format of the canvas. It also allows for easy framing, which can add elegance or a personal touch. For modern family photos or casual lifestyle portraits, some clients still choose a gallery wrap for its bold, frameless look—but in most cases, shallow depth highlights the intimacy of portraiture.

Choosing Depth Based on Your Space

We always remind our clients that the correct depth isn’t only about the art—it’s also about where it will hang. For example:

• Gallery-wrapped canvases shine in open spaces like living rooms, lobbies, or hallways, where they can stand alone and command attention.
• Shallow-wrap canvases are better suited for clustered arrangements, stairway galleries, or smaller spaces where balance matters more than boldness.

Regardless of depth, both canvas options can be customized with mirrored, black, white, or stretched edges to achieve the exact presentation you want.

Painting Presentation Tips: Depth Matters

Canvas depth is often overlooked. Yet, choosing between shallow and gallery wraps can completely change how a piece interacts with light, space, and the viewer. Thinking about presentation at this level helps ensure your artwork feels finished and intentional.

Work with Utah’s Canvas Printing Professionals

Choosing the proper canvas depth may feel like a small detail, but it significantly impacts how your artwork is seen and remembered. At Artistic Wholesale Printing & Framing, we specialize in helping artists, photographers, and families across Utah bring their images to life through custom canvas prints. Whether you prefer a shallow wrap for a timeless framed portrait or a bold gallery wrap to showcase abstract or landscape work, we’ll ensure your piece is printed precisely and displayed beautifully.

If you’re ready to create your canvas print, contact us today, explore our canvas prints in Salt Lake City, or stop by our Midvale showroom to see samples. We’ll help you choose the depth, finish, and framing that best match your art and space, as well as expert painting presentation tips to ensure your canvas looks its best.