Metal Prints vs Canvas: Choose Your Perfect Wall Art

Quick tip: If you love black and white photography, a metal print enhances contrast. If you prefer a painted vibe, a canvas print is your friend.

How do durability and care compare?

Metal prints are hard wearing, easy to clean, and resist humidity. Canvas prints are durable with reasonable care, but they prefer dry environments and gentle dusting.

Where each thrives

Canvas works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, nurseries, and hallways where you want a soft, textured look that feels like fine art. Metal thrives in kitchens, bathrooms, and busy entryways since the surface is simple to wipe and resists moisture. For covered outdoor spaces, metal is often the safer pick compared to paper based prints.

Prefer damage-free hanging? Our stickable canvas prints offer the classic texture you love without the nails and are perfect for creating a custom look.

What about price and size options?

Canvas is typically the more affordable path to large scale wall art. Metal is a premium option that you choose for longevity, vibrant colors, and a sleek finish. Both come in a wide range of sizes, and Mixtiles also offers canvas tiles that you can mix into gallery walls for a custom look.

Use this quick guide if you are deciding where to invest.

• Splurge on metal for a single statement piece or a hero image with high detail and bold color;
• Maximize value with custom canvas prints for gallery walls, portraits, and big formats that deliver scale without stretching your budget.

Not sure which dimensions fit your space? Use our canvas size chart to compare popular sizes and plan a balanced layout before you order.

Which is easier to hang and move?

Canvas prints are lightweight and among the easiest wall art options to hang. Most come with a sawtooth hanger, wire, or built-in frame hook on the back. You can use simple picture nails or adhesive wall hooks, depending on the size and wall type. For larger pieces, two evenly spaced hooks help keep the frame level. Because canvas is light, adjusting the position or swapping artwork is quick and usually leaves minimal marks on the wall.

Metal prints, on the other hand, tend to be heavier and more rigid. They often include a float mount, cleat, or backframe system that sets the print slightly off the wall for a modern “floating” effect. This mounting style looks sleek but usually requires screws or anchors to support the weight securely. When installed properly, metal prints feel solid and gallery-worthy, but they’re less flexible to move around frequently.

If you rent or love to refresh your decor, consider adhesive alternatives. Mixtiles frames and canvas tiles use a stick-and-restick system that holds firmly yet removes cleanly. No nails, no tools, and no wall damage. You can try different layouts, reposition pieces, or move them to another room anytime, making them perfect for renters and design enthusiasts alike.

Is there a third option that’s renter friendly?

Yes! Meet Mixtiles. Our adhesive, repositionable framed photo tiles let you create gallery walls in minutes, then restick when inspiration strikes. Upload from your phone, pick a frame style or canvas tile, and arrange a set that fits your space. Gallery wall kits include templates that take the guesswork out, and you can also add fine art prints or a wall sign for a polished finish.

Both canvas and metal prints deliver beautiful results. The right choice depends on your photo, your style, and the room. Canvas gives you warmth, texture, and value. Metal offers brilliant color, detail, and durability. If you want the impact of curated wall art without tools or wall damage, Mixtiles makes it easy to design and rearrange stunning photo walls in minutes. 

Turn your favorite photos into a beautiful, damage-free picture wall. Explore our full collection of wall arts and create your Mixtiles today.