Framed vs Unframed Prints: Which Should You Choose for Coastal Wall Art?

I get asked this one a lot. Someone finds a print they love, adds it to their cart, and then hits the product options and freezes. Framed or unframed? Classic frame or canvas? Shadow box? What does any of it even mean?

So I figured it was worth writing this up properly. Whether you're decorating a new home, fitting out a holiday rental, or buying a gift for a mate who loves the coast, this should make the decision a lot easier.

When Unframed Makes Sense

The unframed print is exactly what it sounds like. A 250gsm premium matte art paper print, printed with giclee archival inks, rolled carefully and shipped in a protective tube. No frame included.

This one's best if you already have a frame at home you want to use. Maybe you've got a frame from a previous print that you love, or you want to source something specific to match your existing decor. Unframed gives you full control over that.

It's also the most affordable entry point if budget is a factor. You still get the same high quality print, just without the framing added on top.

One thing to keep in mind: you'll need to get it framed yourself, which takes a bit of effort and can add up in cost depending on where you go. So factor that in when you're comparing prices.

The Classic Frame: Simple, Clean, Ready to Hang

The classic framed print is the most straightforward option. Solid plantation timber frame in black, white, or oak. The print is mounted behind 2mm clear glass (or shatterproof acrylic for XL size), and it arrives with a metal hanger and steel wire already attached. You literally take it out of the box and hang it. Done.

It's a great choice for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms where the light is fairly controlled. The oak frame option in particular works really well in spaces that already have timber furniture or floors.

If you're after something that looks great without overthinking it, the classic frame is hard to beat. My Point Addis Art Print I looks incredible in a classic black frame, and it's been my best seller for a reason.

Floating Frame Canvas: The No-Glass Option

The floating frame canvas is probably my personal favourite for beach and coastal prints. Here's why. There's no glass. The print is stretched directly onto a solid timber frame, so you get a clean, modern look with zero reflections. If your room gets a lot of natural light, this one's hard to beat.

The canvas itself is museum quality 400gsm Hahnemuhle Daguerre canvas. The colours come through beautifully. It's one of those products that customers consistently rave about when it arrives.

A few buyers have told me the floating frame canvas has become the centrepiece of their main living area. I believe it. It has a presence that a standard framed print sometimes doesn't.

Shadow Box Frames: A Step Up in Presentation

Shadow box frames are where things get a bit more special. The glass sits 20mm off the surface of the print, which creates a subtle floating shadow effect. It gives the whole thing a three dimensional quality that looks really impressive in person.

The standard shadow box uses 270gsm fine art paper with giclee archival inks and 2mm clear glass. It's a solid upgrade from the classic frame, and the floating effect makes coastal photography look genuinely gallery quality.

If you want to go all in, the premium shadow box is the best product I offer. It uses 308gsm Hahnemuhle Rag Mount Smooth fine art paper, 11-colour giclee archival inks, and Tru Vue Museum Glass with 99% UV protection and virtually no glare or reflections. The 2.5mm glass has weight to it. When you hang this on a wall, people notice it.

For a gift or a really special piece for your own home, the premium shadow box is worth every cent. My Point Roadknight Art Print II in a premium shadow box is genuinely one of the most impressive things I produce.

Take the Coast Home

Whatever option you choose, all of my prints are printed to order here in Victoria, shipped free anywhere in Australia, and backed by a 10-year warranty on all framed products. They're made to last, not to be replaced in two years.

If you're still not sure which product suits your space, the product guide walks through everything in detail. And if you want help with sizing, the size guide is a good place to start.

Coastal prints that actually mean something. Real beaches I've shot myself. That's what Local Breaks is about.

Browse the full range and find a print you'll want on your wall every day at Bells Beach Art Print I or explore the whole collection from the home page.

For more on picking the right frame style, check out my post on How to Choose the Right Frame for Coastal Wall Art: Classic, Canvas or Shadow Box?

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy a framed or unframed print for coastal wall art?

Buy framed if you want something that arrives ready to hang with no extra effort. Unframed prints are a good choice if you already own a frame you love or want to source one yourself. Framed options from Local Breaks include classic frames, floating frame canvas, and shadow box frames, all printed and framed here in Australia with a 10-year warranty.

What is the difference between a shadow box frame and a classic frame?

In a classic frame, the glass sits directly on top of the print. In a shadow box frame, the glass is raised 20mm off the print's surface, which creates a subtle floating shadow effect that gives the artwork a more three-dimensional, gallery-quality look. The premium shadow box version also includes Tru Vue Museum Glass with 99% UV protection and virtually no reflections, which is a significant upgrade in both protection and presentation.

Are framed beach prints in Australia worth the extra cost over unframed?

For most people, yes. A framed print arrives ready to hang, looks polished straight out of the box, and is protected behind glass or canvas. Sourcing a quality frame separately can easily cost as much or more than buying it framed from the start. All Local Breaks framed prints use FSC certified solid timber frames and archival materials designed to last for years.

Which frame type works best for a room with lots of natural light?

The floating frame canvas is the best option for bright rooms because there's no glass at all, which means zero reflections at any angle. If you prefer a framed print with glass, the premium shadow box with Tru Vue Museum Glass is the next best choice, as it virtually eliminates glare while also protecting the print from UV light.