Matte vs Glossy Prints
Updated 15 Jun 2026
Finish changes how a print reads on the wall as much as the image does. Matte and glossy each have a place — here's how to choose.
| Matte | Glossy | |
|---|---|---|
| Glare | None — readable in bright rooms | Reflects windows and lamps |
| Colour & contrast | Soft, true, museum look | Punchy, deeper blacks |
| Fingerprints | Hides them | Shows them |
| Framing | Pairs with any frame and mat | Can double-reflect behind glass |
| Best for | Most rooms, framed art, line work | Vivid photography in low light |
The verdict: For framed wall art in a normal room, matte wins — no glare, a true museum look, and it pairs with any frame. That's why every Wallimilist print is museum-grade matte by default.
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Frequently asked
- Is matte or glossy better for wall art?
- Matte, for most rooms — it kills glare from windows and lamps and gives a museum look. Glossy only edges ahead for vivid photography in controlled low light.
- Does matte reduce reflections behind glass?
- Yes. A matte print behind glazing reflects far less than a glossy one, so the image stays readable from any angle.