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Great Big Canvas Review

Monday, February 10th

2025 Wall Art Reviews

Great Big Canvas Review 3.5 Star Rating

Great Big Canvas

3.5 Star Rating
  • Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializing in wall art like canvas prints, framed prints, and posters
  • Uses high-quality, environmentally safe materials and archival inks for durable, detailed art
  • All products are assembled domestically, though materials are from overseas
  • Occasional promotions for savings, including a 50% off banner noticed during our visit
  • Features collections like "Harmonies of Heritage" for impactful space decoration
  • Over 700,000 images available, including trendy categories and seasonal collections
  • Offers Canvas Print, Framed Canvas, Metal Print, and more, each tailored to fit customer specifications
  • High average rating on Trustpilot and "A-” from the BBB, praised for quality, selection, and customer service
  • Reasonable shipping rates and 30-day return policy with full refund or credit options

Great Big Canvas, founded in 2002 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializes in providing a range of wall art, including canvas prints, framed prints, and posters, available online and in retail stores. Their mission is to inspire and transform spaces with art that aligns with individual visions and styles, offering expertly curated collections for varied tastes. Emphasizing quality and eco-friendliness, they use high-quality, environmentally safe materials and archival inks to ensure durability and detail. Their products are all assembled in the USA.

Reasonably priced

During our visit to the Great Big Canvas website, we noticed a prominent banner announcing a 50% discount across their entire catalog (in certain styles) for a limited time. This offer included popular styles such as floating frame and solid-faced canvas prints. It's a good idea to regularly check their site for similar deals. These occasional promotions can provide significant savings on already quite reasonably priced wall art pieces.

Environmentally friendly

Great Big Canvas is really focused on ensuring the highest quality and being environmentally conscious when it comes to their wall art. They go the extra mile by using top-notch canvas wraps and archival inks in their prints, which guarantees that all the intricate details are preserved and that the colors won't fade over time. It's not just about creating visually stunning pieces, though. They also care about the environment and make sure that their canvas is artist-grade and free from any harmful additives that could harm the planet. So you can trust that they not only deliver amazing art but also do it in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.

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Curated series

If you're looking to make a significant impact on your space, whether by covering a large wall area or creating a cohesive design across multiple walls, the Gallery Walls and Curated Art Sets page on Great Big Canvas is worth exploring. When we last checked, they were featuring a photographic homage entitled "Harmonies of Heritage: Louis Armstrong, Carmen Jones, and West Indian Arrivals”. For the film geeks out there, there are curated movie poster sets, ideal for adding a cinematic touch to a home theater. These collections are thoughtfully assembled to create striking visual narratives in any room.

700,000 images

With more than 700,000 images on their site, you shouldn't have any trouble finding prints of well-known artwork at Great Big Canvas. If you have someone specific in mind, you can always use the search bar, but if you prefer to browse for a while, you can narrow this enormous catalog down by subject, color, style, room, and more. We took a look at the Featured tab. Under Curator's Choice were some on-trend categories such as Dark and Light Academia, Urban Elegance, Ancient Origins, and Pomegranate Noir. Below that, you'll find Seasonal Collections and Art & Decor Trends. One of our favorite featured pieces on this page was With All Senses by Treechild Art, a Switzerland-based digital artist who does colorful illustrations of florals, portraits, and animals.

Get your piece in any format

Wall art from Great Big Canvas can be applied to multiple formats, including Canvas Print, Framed Canvas, Framed Print, Metal Print, and Rolled Print. Canvas art prints are known for their durability and vibrant colors, while framed canvases bring an extra touch of elegance with handcrafted wood frames. If you're after something modern, their metal prints are a standout, especially for showcasing landscapes or digital art in striking detail. And for those who prefer something a bit more classic, their framed art prints and giclée poster prints offer a mix of timeless style and affordability. Each piece is customized to your specifications, making sure that what you choose fits perfectly in your space.

Save artwork to favorites

In the individual product pages, you'll be able to see product specifications like if it's ready to be hung, the materials used, sizing choices, and product reviews. You can use the heart icon to save things for later - and also see how many other people have added a given piece to their favorites.

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Mainly reproductions

Great Big Canvas primarily focuses on reproductions rather than original artwork, offering a wide selection of prints but with limited options for original, one-of-a-kind pieces from emerging or established artists. Their standard offerings include custom-crafted art in various formats such as gallery-wrapped canvas, framed canvas, framed art prints, metal prints, and more, but these are typically not original paintings or drawings.

Supported young artists in the past

Previously, Great Big Canvas had a collaboration with ArtStartArt. The ArtStartArt x GBC collection supported student artists by providing a platform for them to sell their original pieces. This initiative helped art students reach the art-buying market and succeed as creators and makers post-graduation. The collection featured works in various styles and mediums, including oil paintings, photography, acrylics, and pen and ink. Students were directly involved in pricing, packing, and shipping their work, with ArtStartArt providing support. Although this collaboration financially supported and introduced artists to the business side of art, it appears that the program is no longer active, as the link to the ArtStartArt catalog now leads nowhere.

Shipping cost depends on the piece

Great Big Canvas offers reasonable shipping rates based on the size and quantity of items ordered. The estimated shipping cost is visible in the shopping cart, with the final total calculated at checkout. When we added a 20”x10” Solid-Faced Canvas to our cart, shipping was only $9.99. The 48”x24” size cost $29.99.

Delivery timelines for art

At Great Big Canvas, each print is custom-made, resulting in varying production times. While customers can choose a preferred arrival date at checkout, the exact arrival time prior to this point is unclear. Production for large or multiple items may take longer. Although they offer expedited shipping, it's not specified on their FAQ page whether the stated shipping times for US (3-5 business days) and Canadian/Australian (5-10 business days) orders refer to expedited or standard shipping, leading to some ambiguity in expected delivery times for different shipping options.

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Returns and exchanges

Within 30 days, unsatisfied customers can opt for an exchange, store credit, or refund. The full amount, including shipping, is offered for exchanges and store credits. For refunds, the item's cost is returned, but shipping is non-refundable. Returns or exchanges are not processed after 30 days. The canvas workmanship is guaranteed for one year. Note that color differences may occur due to monitor variations, and they print colors as per the artist's specifications.

Customers love GBC

Customers generally have positive experiences with Great Big Canvas, as reflected in their 4.6-star rating average on Trustpilot across 14,000 reviews and an "A-” rating from the Better Business Bureau. Reviews highlight the reliability and quality of their products, with customers expressing satisfaction in the artwork's appearance and the honest pricing. Occasional issues like shipping complications are noted, but the company's responsiveness in resolving such matters, like replacing lost items, is praised. Customers appreciate the selection and customization options, finding the framing varieties particularly useful for personalizing their space. The quality of communication, secure packaging, and timely delivery also receive compliments.

Great, but not amazing

Great Big Canvas offers a robust selection of prints, comparable to similar competitors, but they don't feature original artworks, which might be a deciding factor for some. Their ethical practices are commendable, yet their closest competitors excel with better ethics and ongoing initiatives to support artists, as opposed to Great Big Canvas's discontinued programs. However, if you find something appealing on their site, there's no reason not to go for it. They boast a solid reputation and are a reliable choice. In essence, while Great Big Canvas is a good option, it doesn't particularly stand out in a crowded market for wall art.

Where Can You Find the Best Wall Art?

Are you looking for a particular piece of art to decorate your wall space? Perhaps you're redecorating your living room and want to add a striking piece above your sofa. Or, maybe you're designing the interior for a whole house and want to achieve a beautiful, cohesive look. Art stores are an essential place to go when providing that finishing look for a home or space.

In today's digital age, the way people shop for wall art has undergone a profound transformation. Online platforms have become increasingly popular for art enthusiasts and interior decorators alike. This surge in online art shopping can be attributed to several factors that have created a compelling and convenient experience for consumers.

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Wall Art FAQ

Before purchasing wall art, consider the space where it will be displayed, including wall size, color scheme, and room style. Also, think about your personal taste and the artwork's theme, color, and size. It's important to measure your wall space to ensure the art fits perfectly.
To ensure that the wall art matches your room's decor, look at the colors and style of your room and choose art that complements these elements. Many online stores offer virtual tools to visualize how the artwork will look in your space. Additionally, you can seek advice from interior design experts or use augmented reality apps to preview the art in your room.
Buying wall art online is generally safe if you use reputable websites and check their return policies, customer reviews, and authentication processes. Secure payment options and customer support availability are also important factors to consider for a safe purchase.
The size of your wall art should be in proportion to the intended wall and room size. A common rule is that the art should cover about 2/3 to 3/4 of the wall space available. For large walls, consider larger pieces or a gallery wall of smaller pieces. Always measure your wall space before ordering.
Most online art stores have a return policy, but it varies. Check the return policy before purchasing, including the time frame for returns, condition of the art required for a return, and who covers return shipping costs. Custom or personalized art might not be returnable.
Original art is a one-of-a-kind piece created by the artist, while prints are reproductions of original artwork, often more affordable. Reproductions are copies of famous artworks. Originals are usually more expensive but can be a valuable investment.
Wall art is usually shipped in sturdy packaging with protective materials. Check the shipping policy of the store, including how they handle damage during shipping. Upon arrival, inspect the artwork immediately for any damage and report it to the seller as soon as possible.
Additional costs may include shipping fees, taxes, and in some cases, customs duties for international purchases. Some sellers offer free shipping, but it's always good to check all potential additional costs - like for the frame - to avoid surprises.
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Continued from above...

First, the vast and diverse range of art available online is a key driver of their popularity. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores, online art marketplaces offer an extensive array of styles, genres, and artists from around the globe. This immense variety caters to diverse tastes and preferences, letting you explore and discover pieces that resonate with your own personal aesthetic taste.

The convenience of browsing and purchasing art from the comfort of your home has also significantly contributed to the widespread appeal of online art shopping. The online realm eliminates geographical constraints, letting you explore artworks without the need to travel to actual physical galleries. This is particularly helpful for people with busy lifestyles, as it allows them to explore art in their daily routines. Moreover, online platforms often provide sophisticated search and filtering tools, which let you navigate vast collections in order to find the exact piece that you want.

If you want to know more about the art pieces or artists, you can usually find a wealth of information in your online art shopping experience. Online platforms typically offer detailed descriptions, artist biographies, and customer reviews, which can provide valuable context and insight for your decision. This transparency connects you to the artwork which enriches the overall purchasing experience.

When browsing, you'll get to choose from many different art styles and types - like photography, prints, and dimensional art pieces, to name a few. You might stumble upon an original painting that speaks to you, capturing a moment or emotion in a way that's both personal and unique. Original pieces might be a bit pricier, but they're one-of-a-kind. On the flip side, if you're decorating on a budget, there are plenty of prints and reproductions that can add a touch of elegance or quirkiness to your space without breaking the bank. And let's not forget about the stunning photographic prints and digital art that can transport you to different worlds.

For those who want a bit more guidance, some sites even offer art consultation services. Also, if supporting artists is close to your heart, you can look for platforms that give a fair share of the sales to the creators.

Before choosing a wall art retailer, we suggest you keep the following criteria in mind:

  • Customization. Imagine finding a piece you love, but it's just not the right size for your space. No problem - many of these sites let you play around with sizes and frames. Want a sleek, modern look? Go for a canvas print. It's affordable and can change the whole vibe of a room.
  • Extra costs. While it's easy to get carried away in the excitement of finding that perfect piece, remember to factor in extra costs like shipping and framing. Prices can quickly go from the "oh, that's reasonable” to "that's a splurge,” so keeping your budget in mind - and maybe shopping with sites that offer free shipping - is a good idea.
  • Quality and authenticity. These are crucial, especially when investing in original art. Many sites ensure authenticity with artist signatures or certificates - a nice touch that adds to the value of your purchase. For prints, quality can vary, so it's wise to check out the site's quality policies and customer reviews.
  • Shipping timeframe. Maybe you've found the perfect piece for your friend's housewarming next week. Check those delivery times to avoid any last-minute surprises, or the chance of showing up empty-handed.
  • Return policy. What if the art doesn't look as great in person as it did online? A good return policy can be a lifesaver, so keep an eye out for that.

To help you identify the best sites to purchase wall art, Top Consumer Reviews has ranked and reviewed today's most popular options. We hope this guide helps you find that perfect piece that resonates with you, fits your budget, and complements your space, all while offering a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience. Happy art hunting!

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