Floating Frame

A floating frame is a type of picture, art or mirror frame that creates the visual effect of the artwork or object “floating” within the frame rather than sitting flush against it. In simple terms, a floating frame sits around the edges of your piece, leaving a narrow gap so the artwork appears to hover inside — adding depth, dimension and a premium gallery-like finish to your walls.

Here’s why this matters: floating frames bring elegance and visual separation to framed pieces — whether it’s a canvas, print, photograph or mirror — making them stand out without overpowering the content. The main reason Australians love floating frames is their versatility and sophistication, seamlessly blending with minimalist, classic, coastal or contemporary interiors. In simple terms, a floating frame elevates how your art and mirrors look in any room.

Types or Styles of Floating Frames

Floating frames come in a range of styles, materials and finishes — each offering a different look and feel to suit diverse Australian homes:

1. Timber Floating Frames

• Made from natural timber or engineered wood

• Warm, organic look that suits coastal, Scandinavian or classic interiors

• Works beautifully with earthy art and landscapes

2. Metal Floating Frames

• Sleek aluminium or steel designs

• Ideal for contemporary or industrial spaces

• Provides crisp, minimal lines

3. Painted Floating Frames

• Timber or MDF finished in painted colours (white, black, charcoal, taupe)

• Matches neutral palettes and modern décor

• Great for unified gallery walls

4. Deep or Shadowline Floating Frames

• Deeper profile creates a defined shadow and floating effect

• Adds architectural presence to larger pieces

• Perfect for feature art or oversized prints

5. Slim Floating Frames

• Minimal profile for understated elegance

• Works with smaller artworks or subtle displays

• Ideal in bedrooms, studies or compact living areas

6. Custom Floating Frames

• Made-to-measure frames tailored to specific artwork dimensions

• Allows bespoke finishes, stains or unique wood grains

• Excellent for collector pieces or meaningful art

7. Mirrored Floating Frames

• Floating frame designs specifically for decorative mirrors

• Enhances reflective surfaces while framing them as art

• Suits entryways and lounges

Across Australia, floating frames are used in homes, offices, galleries and retail spaces — always adding that refined designer touch.

How to Choose a Floating Frame

Choosing the right floating frame involves knowing your wall décor, artwork size, room style and lighting. Here’s a practical buyer’s guide:

1. Measure Your Artwork Precisely

• Include the artwork’s width, height and depth

• Confirm margins for the floating gap (usually 2–5mm around edges)

2. Consider the Artwork Type

• Canvases: Traditional use for floating frames

• Prints/Photographs: Use with or without mats

• Mirrors: Choose frames that complement size and reflect light

3. Choose Frame Material

• Timber for warmth and texture

• Metal for contemporary crispness

• Painted frames for colour coordination

4. Match Your Interior Style

• Minimalist rooms benefit from thin black or white frames

• Classic interiors pair well with timber or warm tones

• Urban/industrial spaces welcome brushed metal finishes

5. Think About Proportion

• Larger art needs a deeper profile for balanced scale

• Small pieces look best with slim frames that don’t dominate

6. Lighting and Wall Colour

• Bright walls + dark frames = strong contrast

• Neutral frames on pale walls = subtle sophistication

• Avoid reflections on glossy finishes if near direct light

7. Custom vs Off-the-Shelf

• Custom gives precision and tailored finishes

• Off-the-shelf frames are quicker and more budget-friendly

By following these steps, you’ll pick a floating frame that highlights your piece and harmonises with your home.

Benefits & Use Cases of Floating Frames

Floating frames are more than just attractive — they offer functional and aesthetic benefits that enhance your décor:

1. Gallery-Like Presentation

Floating frames mimic museum and gallery displays, making art feel curated, intentional and premium.

2. Enhanced Visual Depth

The “floating” gap creates a sense of dimension and focus, drawing the eye to the artwork or mirror.

3. Works with Many Art Types

From stretched canvas to framed prints, photographs to decorative mirrors, floating frames complement visuals without overpowering them.

4. Flexible for Different Rooms

• Living rooms: Feature pieces that anchor seating zones

• Bedrooms: Soft artworks for restful ambience

• Hallways: Series or gallery walls

• Offices: Motivational prints and sophisticated mirrors

5. Easy to Coordinate

Floating frames in classic finishes pair well with furniture, lighting and textiles, making them ideal for layered interiors.

6. Protects Artwork Edges

Unlike some flush framing, floating frames avoid pressing directly against canvas edges — preserving longevity.

7. Customisation Options

You can tailor the finish, width, depth and colour to suit unique art or décor needs.

In simple terms, a floating frame doesn’t just display art — it amplifies the visual and emotional impact of what’s on your walls.

House of Isabella Recommendations

While floating frames beautifully showcase your art and mirrors, House of Isabella Australia offers curated interior décor and accessories to complete the look around them:

Why Choose House of Isabella

• Buy Now, Pay Later with Afterpay & Zip — spread the cost of designer décor

• Fast delivery Australia-wide — delivered to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond

• East & West Coast warehouses — efficient dispatch and stock availability

• Large in-stock catalogue — frames, mirrors, wall décor, furniture and accents

• Exclusive, unique designs perfect for layered styling

• Australian-based customer care to help with selection and styling

Perfect Pairings for Floating Frames

• Florabelle Collection: soft textiles and throws to enhance lounging spaces near framed art

• Zaffero: sleek side tables and console units to anchor gallery walls

• Emac & Lawton: decorative trays, sculptures and objects to complement wall displays

• Gallery Home: curated wall décor and sculptural pieces to mix with framed art

• Café Lighting & Living: ambient and feature lighting that highlights your framed works

• OneWorld Collection: globally inspired accents that add context and character around framed pieces

With House of Isabella pieces, your floating frame installations become part of a cohesive interior story, not just standalone art.

Trends for 2025 (Australia)

Interior styling and wall décor trends for 2025 in Australia show rising preferences that make floating frames especially relevant:

1. Gallery Walls with Mixed Media

Combining floating frames with mirrors and photo prints for curated, textured walls.

2. Neutral & Earthy Frames

Soft timber, matte blacks and warm neutrals that complement dune, greige and coastal palettes.

3. Oversized Framed Canvases

Statement pieces with deeper floating frames as focal anchors in living areas.

4. Minimalist Framing

Slim, monochrome profiles for contemporary, minimalist homes.

5. Integrated Lighting

Directional picture lighting and LED strips that accentuate framed artwork.

6. Layered Interiors

Floating frames paired with sculptural décor, rugs, and lighting create depth and visual layering.

In simple terms, 2025 styling focuses on thoughtful art presentation, texture layering and cohesion between walls and furnishings — and floating frames play a central role.

Styling Advice

Use these professional tips to integrate floating frames into your home beautifully:

1. Establish a Focal Zone

• Hang a large floating framed canvas above sofas or beds

• Use symmetry or intentional asymmetry to anchor the space

2. Curate a Gallery Wall

• Combine multiple floating frames with consistent spacing

• Mix prints, photos and small mirrors for visual rhythm

3. Complement with Lighting

• Add soft lighting from Café Lighting & Living to highlight artwork

• Use picture lights or wall washers for dramatic effect

4. Balance with Furniture

• Position framed pieces above sideboards or console tables from Zaffero

• Keep furniture tones complementary to frame finishes

5. Add Textural Layers

• Floor rugs and cushions from Florabelle Collection bring softness around framed art

• Introduce sculptural objects from Emac & Lawton for curated vignettes

6. Consider Proportions

• Large art needs deeper or wider frames

• Small pieces can work with slim profiles or cluster walls

Practical tip: Plan wall layouts with paper templates before hanging frames — it helps visualise spacing and alignment without extra holes.

Related Glossary Terms

• Gallery Wall Ideas

• Canvas Framing Options

• Wall Décor Accessories

• Designer Mirrors & Frames

• Interior Lighting for Art

• Living Room Styling Essentials

Disclaimer

Mentions of brands such as Florabelle Collection, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton and others are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands.

This glossary entry is for informational and interior-styling guidance. Product availability and specifications may vary by retailer.