18mm vs 38mm Canvas: Which Frame Depth Should You Choose?

When you order a canvas, one of the first choices is the frame depth. Both options are good; they just suit different rooms and budgets. Here's how to decide.

What frame depth means

A canvas is stretched over a wooden frame called a stretcher. The depth is how thick that frame is, and so how far the canvas stands out from the wall. Ours are kiln-dried pine in two depths: Standard 18mm and Gallery 38mm (1.5"). Both use the same 100% cotton canvas, the same inks and mirrored edges, and both arrive ready to hang.

Standard 18mm

• Slimmer, so it sits closer to the wall for a lighter, lower-profile look.
• Costs less than 38mm at every size.
• Lighter to hang, which helps on plasterboard walls.
• Available in sizes from 12 x 8" up to 48 x 32", plus panoramic sizes.

Best for: smaller canvases, groups of pieces, hallways and tight spaces, children's rooms and gifts on a budget.

Gallery 38mm

• Deeper, so it stands well off the wall and casts a soft shadow, giving the art more presence.
• The mirrored edges are more visible from the side, so the design wraps around the frame.
• The look you see in galleries and hotels, and our premium option.
• Available in every size, including 60 x 38" and our three-panel sets.

Best for: large canvases, statement pieces above a sofa or bed, feature walls and anything you want to look substantial.

Side by side

Our recommendation

For canvases up to about 24 x 16", either depth looks good, so choose on budget. From 36 x 24" upwards, 38mm usually looks better, because a big canvas on a slim frame can look flat from across the room. If you're hanging several canvases together, use the same depth for all of them.

You can see how every canvas is made, from print to frame, in how we make your canvas. Not sure about size? Try our canvas size guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 38mm canvas worth it?

For larger sizes and statement pieces, yes. The extra depth makes the art look more substantial and gallery-like. For small canvases, 18mm is often all you need.

Do both depths have mirrored edges?

Yes. The design is mirrored around the sides on both, so none of the artwork is lost.

Can I hang an 18mm and a 38mm canvas together?

You can, but they'll stand out from the wall by different amounts. For a neat group, stick to one depth.