Rolled Canvas vs. Mounted Canvas
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When it comes to displaying artwork or photography, canvas prints are one of the most popular choices for achieving a timeless, gallery-quality look. But before you order, you’ll face an important decision: rolled canvas vs. mounted canvas.
Both options have unique advantages, depending on your budget, display goals, and shipping needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each so you can confidently choose the best option for your space or project.
What Is Rolled Canvas?
Rolled canvas (also called unmounted canvas) is a canvas print delivered without stretcher bars or a frame. Instead, the artwork arrives carefully rolled inside a protective tube.
Key Features of Rolled Canvas:
- Shipped unmounted and rolled in a tube
- Lightweight, compact, and affordable to ship
- Flexible for future framing or stretching
- Often includes extra “wrap margins” for gallery wrap framing
Rolled canvas is ideal for:
- Customers looking to save on shipping costs
- Artists or collectors who want to choose custom framing locally
- International buyers where bulk shipments need to stay compact
What Is Mounted (Stretched) Canvas?
Mounted canvas (also called stretched canvas) is a canvas print that has already been stretched over a wooden frame (stretcher bars) and is ready to hang upon delivery.
Key Features of Mounted Canvas:
- Delivered stretched and mounted on wooden bars
- Arrives ready to hang on your wall
- Provides an immediate “gallery finish”
- No additional work required
Mounted canvas is ideal for:
- Customers who want ready-to-display art without extra steps
- Gifts that need to be ready out of the box
- Homes, offices, or galleries with immediate installation needs
Rolled Canvas vs. Mounted Canvas: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Rolled Canvas | Mounted Canvas |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Cost | Cheaper – lightweight and compact | Higher – bulky and fragile |
| Risk of Damage in Transit | Low (rolled securely in a tube) | Higher (can be dented, punctured) |
| Framing Flexibility | High – you can choose local/custom frame | Limited – frame or wrap already chosen |
| Storage & Bulk Orders | Easy to store, cost-effective for large orders | Takes up more space |
| Ready-to-Hang | No – requires stretching or framing | Yes – hang straight from the box |
| Price Point | Lower initial cost |
Higher cost due to framing labor & shipping |
Benefits of Choosing Rolled Canvas
-
Save Money on Shipping
Rolled canvases are lighter and take up less space, significantly reducing shipping fees—especially for oversized prints or international orders. -
Lower Risk of Damage
Because they’re shipped rolled in sturdy tubes, canvases are less likely to get scratched or punctured during transit. -
Flexible Framing Options
You can choose a frame style that perfectly matches your décor or stretch the canvas on custom bars for a professional finish.
Benefits of Choosing Mounted Canvas
-
Ready to Display
No extra steps needed—mounted canvas is delivered stretched and ready to hang immediately. -
Professional Finish
Mounted canvases offer a clean, gallery-style look that’s perfect for homes, offices, or as gifts. -
Time-Saving
Great for customers who don’t want to handle framing or stretching themselves.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose Rolled Canvas If:
- You want to save on shipping costs
- You prefer to select custom framing locally
- You’re ordering oversized or bulk prints
Choose Mounted Canvas If:
- You want ready-to-hang wall art delivered to your door
- You’re gifting the canvas and want it presentation-ready
- You don’t want the hassle of stretching or framing
Both rolled canvas and mounted canvas offer beautiful, gallery-quality prints. Your decision comes down to whether you value flexibility and cost savings (rolled) or convenience and ready-to-hang display (mounted).
At ATL Canvas, we offer both options—so whether you’re an artist, collector, or homeowner, you’ll find the perfect solution for your walls.