Framed vs Unframed Prints: Which Should You Choose for Coastal Wall Art?
This is probably the question I get asked most. And honestly, it's a good one. When you're spending money on a print you genuinely love, the last thing you want is to get the format wrong. So let me break it down in plain terms, because the answer really does depend on where you're at and what you're after.
The Case for Unframed Prints
An unframed print is exactly what it sounds like. I print your image onto 250gsm premium matte art paper using giclee archival inks, roll it carefully, and ship it in a protective tube. That's it.
This option makes a lot of sense if you already have a frame you love. Maybe you've got an existing frame on the wall that needs a fresh print inside it. Maybe you're an interior designer who sources frames locally. Or maybe you're happy to take a print to a local framer and get exactly the mount and border you want.
Unframed is also the most affordable starting point. Prints start from $89, which gives you a high quality archival print without committing to a framing style upfront. If you're buying coastal wall art for the first time and still figuring out your space, this can be a smart way in.
The only honest downside? You've got to sort the framing yourself. For some people that's no problem. For others, it's the thing that means the print sits in a tube for six months before it makes it onto the wall.
The Case for Framed Prints
Here's where most people end up, and I think for good reason. Getting a framed coastal wall art print means it arrives ready to hang. No extra trips to a frame shop, no measuring twice, no drama. You pull it out of the box and it goes straight on the wall.
All my frames are made from solid FSC certified plantation timber and come with a 10-year warranty. I offer three frame styles.
Classic Frame
This is a straightforward framed print on 250gsm art paper with 2mm clear glass (or shatterproof acrylic at XL size). Available in black, white, or oak. It's clean, classic, and works well in most rooms. A solid choice for framed beach prints Australia-wide, especially if you want something that fits naturally into a traditional or Hamptons-style interior.
Floating Frame Canvas (Shadow Box Frame)
This is my most popular option and honestly the one I'd point most people toward. The print sits on 270gsm fine art paper behind glass that sits 20mm off the print, which creates a subtle floating shadow effect that looks genuinely different to a regular frame. There's real depth to it. Available in black, white, or oak, with D rings and a braided polymer hanging cable included.
If you're putting together a coastal home, a holiday house, or just want something that looks a step above a standard frame, this is worth considering. Something like the Point Addis Art Print I in a shadow box looks seriously good on a wall.
Premium Shadow Box Frame
This one is for specific situations. It uses museum quality 308gsm Hahnemuhle Rag Mount Smooth fine art paper, 11-colour giclee archival inks, and Tru Vue Museum Glass with 99% UV protection and virtually zero glare. If you've got a bright room with a lot of natural light bouncing off the walls, this is worth the upgrade. Otherwise, the standard shadow box does the job beautifully.
Check out the Bells Beach Art Print I in this format if you want an idea of how the premium finish looks with a high contrast coastal image.
What About Floating Frame Canvas?
The floating frame canvas is a bit of a different category. It uses museum quality 400gsm Hahnemuhle Daguerre stretched canvas with no glass at all. That means zero reflections, which makes it a great pick for rooms flooded with natural light. The canvas texture also gives it a slightly different feel to a print under glass, a bit warmer and more tactile. Comes with D rings and braided polymer cable, ready to hang.
So Which One Should You Actually Choose?
Here's my honest take. If you've already got a frame, go unframed and save some money. If you want something ready to hang straight out of the box, go for a shadow box frame. If your room gets a lot of glare or direct light, consider the premium shadow box or the floating frame canvas. And if you're still not sure, the product guide walks through every option in more detail.
For most people buying framed beach prints in Australia, the standard shadow box hits the sweet spot of quality, finish, and value. That's what I'd put on my own walls, and often that's exactly what I do.
If you're still thinking through sizing as well, the practical size guide for coastal homes is worth a read before you commit.
Take the Coast Home
Whether you go unframed or framed, what matters most is that you end up with a print you actually love looking at every day. Every image in my collection was shot by me personally at a real location I know well. No stock imagery, no generic beach scenes. If you've got a favourite beach in mind, chances are I've shot it.
Browse the full collection at localbreaks.com.au. Free shipping anywhere in Australia, printed to order in Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a framed print and an unframed print?
An unframed print is printed on art paper and shipped rolled in a protective tube, ready for you to frame yourself. A framed print arrives with the frame attached, ready to hang straight away. If you already have a frame or want to choose your own, go unframed. If you want a complete, ready-to-hang piece, a framed option is the easier choice.
What is a shadow box frame for wall art?
A shadow box frame is a style of frame where the glass sits 20mm above the print rather than directly against it. This creates a subtle floating effect and gives the finished piece a sense of depth. It's a popular choice for framed coastal wall art because the layered look adds character without being flashy.
Do I need museum glass for coastal wall art?
Not usually. Museum glass with Tru Vue is worth considering if your wall gets a lot of direct sunlight or harsh glare, since it provides 99% UV protection and virtually eliminates reflections. For most rooms, the standard shadow box frame does an excellent job. Think of the premium shadow box as an upgrade for specific situations, not a necessity for every space.
Are framed beach prints in Australia shipped ready to hang?
Yes. All framed prints from Local Breaks arrive with everything you need to hang them, including a metal hanger and steel wire on classic frames, or D rings and braided polymer cable on shadow box and canvas options. They ship Australia-wide for free and are printed and dispatched from Victoria.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out at localbreaks.com.au and I'm happy to help you find the right format for your space.
