Large Canvas Print Buying Guide For 2024

As part of our on-going work to update and refresh our blog for 2024, we're updating articles and adding fresh, exciting new content that brings a unique perspective as we see things in the market right now.

When I originally wrote this blog post I was focused on describing what made our 40mm deep stretcher bars so suitable for large canvas prints. That's still completely accurate and all our bigger photo canvas prints over for 120x80cm and above are exclusively offred on our 40mm deep stretcher bars. 

But I now realise I didn't address a couple of important questions that should be in any large canvas print buying guide.  The first question relates to image quality and the second point is what's large in 2024? Read the updated blog here and take a look at our new dedicated page for large canvas prints here which we've just added to the website in March 2024. 

The Most Important Requirement to Print a Large Canvas Print in 2024?

 A large digital file of course! I'm not sure why I didn't point that out when I wrote about large canvas prints origianlly - it seems very obvious now.  It's a very frequent qestion we are asked - how big can I print this photo? There are a lot of variables and modern AI technology is making it easier to make large canvas prints from photos that previously might not have been suitable for big sized photos on canvas but that said, you really should be aiming to use the highest quality files you can find if you want to print large canvas prints.

What I mean by that is you should ideally be aming to use photos that have been captured on a full frame digital slr and shot in RAW mode or TIFF.  If you're purchasing a digital photo or file, make sure you buy the very biggest size available - don't try to print a large canvas print from the smallest size file just because it was cheap or free to buy. 

 As far as AI goes, in 204 you will find a whole host of very impressive photo upscaling software that will allow you to make very good quality large photos on canvas from files that would not otherwise be suitable for large canvas prints. 

What Constitutes "Large" in 2024?

What's large in today's terms? I'd say anything over 90x60cm.  Below that size if your photo has been taken on the most recent smart phones it should be pefectly fine to print with no issues at all.  If you're looking for a canvas print over 90x60cm, we'd classify those sizes as large canvas prints and you need to start thinking carefully about your photo quality. 

Why Our Block Canvas is Best For Large Canvas Sizes

When it comes to buying photos on canvas online, one question we get asked a lot is “Why Should I Order a Block Canvas rather than a Classic Canvas?”.

Now, in the majority of cases, the answer is really just about personal preference. A Block Canvas, as the name suggests, is mounted on a much thicker set of stretcher bars.  We use two profiles for our stretcher bars: the block profile is a chunky 40mm deep, whilst the classic profile is a fairly slender 19mm.

Large Canvas Prints Need a More Robust Frame

Many people simply prefer the thicker look of a block canvas as it sits on the wall. It protrudes out further from the wall - so it has more of a presence on the wall. I also think Block Canvas Prints look more robust and imposing and feel reassuringly heavy in the hand.

Large Canvas Prints Look Better With a Bleed Edge

Another reason I hear often for going with a Block Canvas Print relates to the edge style. We offer two types of edge finish - either a white edge or a bleed edge where the image extends over the sides of the canvas print.  In the case of a Block Canvas print, there is double the amount of edge. So for example, where you are printing a lovely scenic image of a landscape or a seascape or even a cityscape, the extra depth of the block makes the bleed edge all that more impressive.

Large Canvas Prints for Artists and Photographers

For artists and photographers looking to make a big impact with large sized prints of their work need to pay particular attention to the quality of their files.  We often speak to artists who are very keen to produce big canvas prints but have not invested in taking high resolution photos or scans of their artwork.  Our advise is to get the file quaiity correct first before thinking about printing your artwork at larger sizes. 

Best Locations to Hang Large Canvas Prints

The most popular locations for large canvas prints in a house are the living room over a sofa and the bedroom over a headboard. Both locations lend themselves to printing large format, big sizes.  If you're hanging a large canvas print over a headboard, just make sure it's very securely fixed in place!! To that end, all our extra large canvas prints come with multiple hanging brackets on the reverse so they can be safely hung. 

One area to avoid haning larger sized canvas prints - especially on the thicker profile is on the stairs or landing.  We'd advise sticking to smaller sizes here on the thinner 19mm profile. 

Need Advice?

As always, we’re happy to help and advise. If you’re not sure about which option to choose, feel free to send us the photo first. Mention you’ve read this blog post and you might even get a tiny surprise!