Floating Frames vs Behind Matting: Two Ways to Present a Fine Art Print
There are two standard approaches to framing a fine art print, and the choice changes how the piece reads on the wall as much as any decision about the art itself: float-mounted, where the paper's edge is visible, or framed behind a mat, where a border of card sits between the print and the frame.
What actually happens with a floating mount?
A float mount holds the paper slightly proud of the backing, with the frame sitting around (not on top of) the print, so the deckled or cut edge of the paper is visible rather than hidden under a mat.
On a heavyweight cotton rag paper like Fabriano Artistico, that edge has genuine texture: a slightly irregular, tactile border that's part of the paper itself rather than something added afterward. People who choose floating framing tend to specifically want that visible, slightly rugged edge — it reads as the actual material of the work, not just the image on it.
Devotion - Fiordland inside a matted frame
What does matting change?
A mat creates a clean, uniform border of card between the print and the frame edge — the more traditional, gallery-standard approach. It draws the eye more deliberately toward the image itself, and it works well when a print needs to sit visually apart from a busy wall or a strong frame moulding. It's also more forgiving if a print's edges aren't perfectly square or the paper has any minor variation along the border.
So which is the better choice?
Neither is objectively correct. It comes down to what the room and the piece call for. A floating mount suits a print where the paper itself is part of the story, which is most of what's discussed here. Matting suits a more classical or formal presentation, or spaces where a cleaner visual break is wanted between multiple pieces hung together.
Devotion - Tamatea unframed showcasing the edge of the paper
More on the topic:
- How to Frame Your Fine Art Print
- Art Glass vs Standard Glass
- Why a Fine Art Print Makes a Statement Piece
FAQ
Does floating framing cost more than matting? Floating is about $100 more in terms of pricing than matting.
Is floating framing less protective than matting? No — both approaches can incorporate the same UV-protective art glass; the difference is presentation, not protection.
Can an existing matted print be reframed as a float mount later? Usually yes, provided the paper size and framing depth allow for it.
Which framing style is recommended for the Nothing for Granted series? Either works well — floating suits a more tactile, craft-forward presentation, while matting suits a more formal or gallery-style hang.