Question 6 of 18 · Chapter 2: Choosing
Paper is traditional, quiet and subtle. Metal is modern, bold and dynamic. Neither one is better, and I have a mix of both in my own home. It comes down to the feeling you want in the room, and only you can answer that. Here is how I think about it.
The paper feeling
Paper is the traditional choice. It makes you want to take the print off the wall and hold it. It makes me think of a craftsman in a lab, making prints by hand. It has been the go-to since before a guy named Ansel set the standard for prints, and it suits people who prefer that classic feeling. You will want to frame it.
The metal feeling
Metal is the modern choice. It is bold and dynamic, and it can be the statement piece you design a whole room around. It arrives ready to hang, and I like to give it a little extra space to live in, since there is no frame to contain the image.
How I would think about it
Honestly, I can’t make this call for you. To me it is a personal choice, and that is why I live with both. If you are still stuck, picture the wall. Do you want something that sits quietly and rewards a closer look, or something that announces itself from across the room?
One more thing. Whichever you pick, do a little homework on where it will hang. Light bouncing straight off a print can get in the way of enjoying it.
When you want the details
Once you know which way you are leaning, the details are on their own pages: is a paper print right for me? and is a metal print right for me? The next question in this guide is about size.