A floating frame leaves a visible gap around a canvas, so accurate measurements matter for both fit and appearance. Before discussing a custom frame, gather the canvas’s outside width and height, its depth, and details that could affect how it sits in the frame. Measure the finished, stretched canvas—not just the image area. With a few careful checks, you can share useful information and avoid relying on a size printed on a label that may not match the actual canvas.
Measure Width and Height
Place the canvas face down on a clean, flat surface, taking care not to press on the painted surface. Measure from the outer edge of the canvas on one side to the outer edge on the opposite side. Then measure the other direction, keeping the tape measure straight and parallel to the edges.
Record width and height separately, and note which is which. Measure in inches or centimeters and include the unit. If the canvas is not perfectly square or rectangular, measure each side and the diagonals, then mention the variation when you discuss the frame. Don’t round measurements unless the frame specialist asks you to.
Check Canvas Depth
Measure from the front edge of the canvas to the back edge of its stretcher bars. This is the canvas depth, sometimes called the profile. Measure at a few points along the edge, since bars or canvas tension can vary slightly from one area to another.
Also check whether anything extends beyond the stretcher bars, such as staples, loose canvas, or corner hardware. Note the largest depth, including those projections. A frame needs enough clearance to hold the canvas securely without pinching the fabric or interfering with the artwork.
Note Shape and Details
Look closely at the canvas edges and back. Record whether the canvas is square, rectangular, or irregular, and whether the stretcher bars are evenly aligned. If the canvas has a bowed side, uneven corners, or a nonstandard shape, write that down rather than assuming the frame will be perfectly square.
Take clear photos of the front, side, and back, especially if the canvas has unusual construction or attachments. Photos help explain details that numbers alone may miss. Keep the measurements separate from any requested frame gap; a floating-frame specialist can advise on the visible spacing and fit.
Share a Clear Measurement List
Before requesting a quote or discussing a custom frame, prepare a short list: outside width, outside height, maximum depth, units, and any irregularities or projections. State whether the canvas is already stretched and whether you want the frame to accommodate anything attached to its back.
Measure twice and compare your notes before sending them. Avoid measuring only the painted image, since the frame must fit the full canvas. If you’re unsure where to place the tape or how to account for an uneven edge, share your photos and ask the frame specialist to confirm what measurements are needed.
Accurate outside width and height, maximum depth, and notes about unusual edges give a frame specialist a useful starting point. Keep your units consistent and include photos when construction is hard to describe. If you’re preparing a custom-frame request, London Float Frames can help clarify which details to provide.