After deciding on a piece of art you want to hang in your home, there are several more decorative touches to consider. One of these is a decision that comes before the piece of art is made, that consideration is gallery wrap versus framing your piece of art.

Painting on a gallery-wrapped canvas	Back and front of gallery-wrapped canvas	Oil Painting in a French, antique style frame.	Oil Painting in a wooden, black frame.

If you've never heard of a gallery wrap, don't worry. It is not a term that is often thrown around outside of artist's homes or between insiders at galleries. Yet it does concern you, the art buyer. So what is a gallery wrap? A gallery wrap is an artist's method of stretching the canvas so it it wraps around both sides of the painting. The result is no unsightly hardware (such as nails or staples) or raw canvas or wood on the sides of the painting, producing a frame-less gallery ready look.

There are two options for the sides of your frame-less painting. Some artists paint the sides a solid color to not take away from the painting, while others keep the painting going on the sides, producing a slight three dimensional effect to the artwork.

The Gallery Wrap is about smart presentation. While you want the face of of the painting to look totally pristine, a good wrap also includes a smooth back without bunching or fraying edges or bent unsightly staples.

Framing is the more traditional way to present a painting. Oil Painting Express offers beautiful antique style frames in a rich gold color as well as minimal frames in wood or black and white. Framing can tie the painting to your aesthetics and décor.

A frame can really complete the package. Afterall what is a 15th century reproduction like a Vermeer without a heavy gold frame? Or even the work of an impressionist without a frame? Do museums hang these pieces without frames? I think not. When ordering more traditional styles of art, it would seem that framing a piece might be the more appropriate option.

The gallery wrap frameless option is perfect for people whose aesthetics tend to be more minimal. In the absence of a frame, there is nothing to detract from the painting. This style is a natural for cleaner, more minimal spaces.

While the gallery wrap presents the option to hang the painting frameless, a frame can still be used for gallery wrapped paintings. This makes the gallery wrap the perfect option for gifting, so the gift recipient can choose whether or not they prefer the look of a frame.

Whatever your style, be sure to consider your options when ordering your piece of art.