Canvas vs Aluminum vs Acrylic Prints: Which Wall Art Material is Right for You?

You've found the perfect photograph — a breathtaking Norwegian fjord, the Northern Lights over Lofoten, or a dramatic mountain landscape. Now comes the next decision: which print material is right for you? Canvas, aluminum, and acrylic each offer a completely different look and feel. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each so you can choose with confidence.

Canvas, aluminum and acrylic print materials comparison for wall art

Canvas Prints — The Classic Choice

Canvas prints are the most traditional form of photographic wall art. The image is printed directly onto a fabric canvas and stretched over a wooden frame, giving it a painterly, three-dimensional quality that works beautifully with landscape photography.

Pros of Canvas Prints

  • Warm, artistic feel — The texture of the canvas adds depth and character that suits landscape and nature photography perfectly
  • Lightweight — Easier to hang and move than metal or acrylic prints
  • No frame needed — The wrapped edges look clean and finished straight out of the box
  • Versatile — Works in virtually any interior style, from rustic to contemporary
  • Affordable — Generally the most budget-friendly option for large format prints

Cons of Canvas Prints

  • Less vibrant colours than metal or acrylic — the fabric absorbs some ink
  • Not ideal for very humid rooms (bathrooms, some kitchens)
  • Can sag slightly over time if humidity fluctuates significantly

Best for

Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and anywhere you want a classic, warm look. Our canvas prints of Norwegian landscapes are particularly popular for Scandinavian-style interiors where texture and natural tones are key.

Norwegian landscape canvas print hanging on white living room wall

Aluminum Prints — The Modern Statement

Aluminum (metal) prints are created by infusing dye directly into a specially coated aluminum sheet. The result is a print with incredible colour saturation, a subtle metallic sheen, and a contemporary look that makes a strong visual statement.

Pros of Aluminum Prints

  • Vivid, saturated colours — The metallic substrate makes colours pop like nothing else
  • Extremely durable — Scratch-resistant, waterproof, and fade-resistant
  • Easy to clean — Simply wipe with a damp cloth
  • Moisture-resistant — Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens
  • Float mounting — Printed with a gap between the print and wall, creating a sleek floating effect

Cons of Aluminum Prints

  • Heavier than canvas — requires solid wall fixings
  • The metallic sheen can cause glare in certain lighting conditions
  • Less "warm" feeling — better suited to modern, minimalist interiors

Best for

Modern and minimalist interiors, offices, kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. Aluminium prints of dramatic Norway landscape prints — especially Northern Lights and winter scenes — look stunning with the metallic sheen enhancing the ethereal quality of the light.

Acrylic Prints — The Premium Choice

Acrylic prints (also known as Plexiglas or Diasec prints) are created by printing a high-resolution image on photographic paper and then face-mounting it behind a clear acrylic sheet. The result is an incredibly vivid, glass-like print with extraordinary depth and brilliance.

Pros of Acrylic Prints

  • Stunning colour depth and vibrancy — The acrylic magnifies and intensifies the image, giving it almost 3D depth
  • Gallery-quality finish — The look and feel of a high-end fine art gallery print
  • UV protection — The acrylic sheet protects the print from fading and UV damage
  • Impressive presence — Makes a strong impact in any room

Cons of Acrylic Prints

  • The most expensive option
  • Heavy — requires proper wall fixings
  • Can show fingerprints and needs careful cleaning
  • Reflections can be an issue in very bright rooms

Best for

Statement pieces in living rooms, reception areas, and anywhere you want maximum visual impact. An acrylic print of Lofoten wall art or a dramatic fjord scene commands attention like a piece of fine art.

Quick Comparison

Feature Canvas Aluminum Acrylic
Colour vibrancy Good Excellent Outstanding
Durability Good Excellent Excellent
Moisture resistance Low High High
Interior style Any Modern Any
Price €€ €€€ €€€€

Which Should You Choose?

Our recommendation: if you're looking for a warm, classic look that works in any room — go canvas. If you want vivid, modern impact and a durable finish — go aluminum. If you want the absolute best quality and a gallery-worthy centrepiece — go acrylic.

All three materials are available for every image in our collection of Norway landscape prints and Norwegian nature photography. Browse our collection and choose the format that works best for your space — with free shipping across Europe on all orders.

Still unsure? Start with a canvas print — it's the most versatile and the most popular choice among our customers.

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