All Categories

News

News

Home /  News

What are acrylic floating frames?

Feb 02, 2026

Have you ever looked at a frame and thought how neat it looked and that it floated? That is the effect an acrylic floating frame gives off. The frame doesn't work like other traditional frames as it does not hold anything from the front. Instead, art is placed between two acrylic sheets, giving the art an illusion of floating. This technique is used by other backing boards that give the front a clear board. The acrylic floating frame gives art a modern and gallery look. This technique can also be used with posters, canvas prints, and documents.

What are acrylic floating frames?

The Design Behind the "Floating" Effect

The magic is all in the design! An average acrylic frame consists of a back piece (usually MDF or a thicker piece of acrylic), and a front piece of acrylic (usually clear). The artwork is sandwiched between these two. The trick with these frames is the recessed edges of the frame, so the art piece is actually not touching the sides of the frame. This creates the illusion that the artwork is floating. Since the edges of the frame are clear, the frame recedes into the background. You see the artwork first, and then see the frame, making the artwork seem like it is floating. This style draws attention to the artwork, giving it a clean backdrop to work with.

Acrylic vs. Glass

Acrylic glass frames have several advantages over traditional glass frames. First of all, acrylic frames offer a significantly lighter option than glass. For this reason, larger frames are easier to carry, hang, and may even mitigate damage to your walls. Another advantage is the durability and safety of acrylic frames with regard to shattering glass. This may make acrylic a more favorable option for homes with children, or for busy galleries or offices, as there are no risks of sharp, broken glass being a safety hazard. Lastly, XYBP acrylic is manufactured with a high quality acrylic, offering exceptional optical clarity and not distorting the colors or details of your artwork.

Protection from UV Rays and Fading

The biggest enemy of art and photos is light, especially UV rays from the sun. UV rays from the sun can degrade and fade the materials and colors of your photos. That's why the floating frames we use have high quality acrylic sheets with some degree of UV filtering. Think of it like sunscreen for your artwork, only allowing a small percentage of UV rays through. This is a great added feature for keeping your valuable prints or signed photos and sentimental papers safe for years. This feature adds to the great protection that is offered to your display.

A Modern and Versatile Aesthetic

Acrylic floating frames are modern, chic, and versatile. The clear design allows them to fit various decors, such as minimalist, modern, classical, and more. Floating frames do not take away from the artwork and can be selected from numerous thicknesses and finishes to give the desired look. Floating frames also offer a contemporary look, style, and design to thick canvases. These frames can be utilized in a multitude of ways, such as creating a family photo wall, gallery, and document frames.

Tailored Options for Your Unique Needs

No two pieces of art are the same, and for that reason, you might need to have a custom-fit frame. This is where customization options come in handy. Any manufacturer that is worth your time and money will provide completely bespoke options. Whether it's a large limited-edition print or a small, delicate watercolor, you can get an acrylic floating frame made to your exact specifications. You can also customize the thickness of the acrylic, and the color or material of the backing board, to accommodate your artwork. Your artwork deserves the best, and for businesses, this is what ensures uniformity across custom-branded artwork displays. Skilled design and sampling manufacturers, like XYBP, even offer the possibility to create prototypes in record time to give you the exact outcomes you want.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

Acrylic floating frames may seem difficult to use, however, that is quite the opposite. These frames usually come with very mild and simple, tool-less mounting. Usually, the artwork inside can be switched out easily, which is great for galleries or people who enjoy changing their decor seasonally. The artwork can be cleaned easily. Since the cover is smooth and non-porous, you can wipe it easily with a soft, damp cloth. Cleaning the artwork will be very effective and will help to keep the artwork looking crystal clear. Just because you have to dust it and clean it every once in a while, you do not have to do it very often. You also have to be careful and do not use cleaning supplies that will damage the cover.

The Difference is in the Quality

Acrylic quality will impact the final look of the framed art. Acrylic of poor quality may cause visual distortion or have a slight yellow tint. You want clear and pristine acrylic. It is important to work with a manufacturer who is recognized for quality control throughout the entire process, from raw materials to finished products, and who uses premium SGS tested materials. Those with nearly 20 years of experience and advanced equipment know how to create acrylic products and have the will to do it. With their quality assurance, you can be certain that your floating frame will be a beautiful and long lasting home for your artwork.

Bringing Art to Life

An acrylic floating frame displays your picture securely and allows you to experience your art in a new way. You can remove distractions from the display and build a sense of depth and modernity to the pictures, and, rather than hiding your art behind glass, you can protect it from damage and fading and show it to your space's best advantage. You can use acrylic floating frames to showcase your artwork if you are an artist, to create an exhibit if you are a business owner, or to display lovely home decor if you are a picture lover.