If the option of selecting a wrap style for the sides of your canvas leaves you scratching your head, you are not alone. Most of us approach the process of ordering a photo canvas with excitement and delight, but suddenly find ourselves bewildered by complicated options we didn't know existed.

Most of us know that canvas prints are designed to be displayed without a frame, transform ordinary snapshots and photographs into works of art, arrive ready-to-hang, and so on. But what about image wraps and solid sides, and how do you know which one to choose?

Gallery Wrap

Gallery Wrap - Image Wraps Around the Sides. Also referred to as Image Wrap and Canvas Wrap. Choose a gallery wrap style if you want the image to wrap when you place an order.

What are "Image Wraps"?

This seems to be the most common term for canvases where the image extends from the front to the edges (top, bottom, and left and right sides) of the print.

Are those the same as "Canvas Wraps"?

Yes. Some consider this to be the correct wording for a canvas in which the image wraps around the sides. Professional photographers often call image wrapped canvases "Canvas Wraps", as do some of the print labs who are offering canvas print services.

Solid Sides

Solid Sides - The sides of the canvas are a solid color. The default is white but can be any color. The color can be selected when ordering your canvas print online.

What does "Solid Sides" mean?

Instead of wrapping the image around the print, "Solid Sides" enable you to keep the image entirely on the face of the print and use a solid color for the top, bottom and sides. This is commonly referred to as gallery wrapping. This option is also sometimes chosen to accommodate the photo being printed, such as photos which do not have the proper composition (layout) for an image wrap.

What's the best canvas wrap style for my print?

There are a number of factors that can help you determine the best for your canvas wrap style. But the first thing you need to take into consideration, is your photograph. Some photographs are simply not composed for image wraps, whereas others are and will make more of an impact with the image wrapped than not.

If you don't already have a specific style in mind, the best way to choose is by taking into consideration the setting and decor in the area you intend to display your canvas. Image wrapped canvases work quite nicely with most design themes, while canvas prints with solid sides go well with modern and contemporary themes. Also consider what your design may be 5-10 years from now.

When Solid Color Sides (Gallery Wrap) Works Best

You may have your heart set on an image wrap, but the consider the subject matter in your photograph. If it is extremely close to the edge(s), it will likely end up on the sides of the print and not the face of the print. Portraits can end up looking cropped, with foreheads or hair lines cut short, and feet and legs can end up on the bottom of the print.

Even still, you may not be able to bear the thought of not getting  an image wrap, or canvas wrap as some call it. In fact, the entire reason many customers purchase canvas prints is because they love the image wrap style and how wonderful these prints look hanging on their walls without frames.

But a canvas with solid sides can look just as beautiful. Some actually believe these canvases look sharper and more formal, with black sides being the most common color choice. Because  any color can be selected for a canvas print with solid sides, they are also very popular with modern and contemporary designs. Kids also love the solid color sides for canvas prints in their bedrooms and game rooms.