How Thick Is 230gsm Paper? A Beginner’s Guide to Quality Art Prints
If you’re browsing for art prints, you’ve probably noticed shops mentioning things like 230gsm, matte finish, or premium paper. But what does that actually mean? And why does paper thickness matter for your wall art? Let’s break it down in simple, friendly language - because choosing prints should be fun, not confusing.
12/2/20252 min read
What is gsm?
GSM stands for grams per square meter. It’s a measurement that tells you how thick and sturdy a piece of paper is. The higher the number, the better and denser the paper feels in your hands.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
80–120gsm — typical office printer paper
170–200gsm — poster paper, thin prints
230gsm–300gsm — premium art print territory ✔
In other words: 230gsm = solid, gallery-ready quality.
Why choose 230gsm matte for art prints?
Matte paper is beloved for art prints because it:
absorbs color evenly
reduces glare and reflection
looks clean and soft in natural light
photographs beautifully for social media
If you’ve ever bought a shiny poster that was difficult to frame because of glare… matte solves that.
Matte + 230gsm makes a print feel premium, smooth, and durable without being overly thick or heavy.
Who benefits from thicker art prints?
230gsm prints are perfect for:
Dorm rooms & student apartments
Small office spaces
Bedroom gallery walls
Bookshelves & cozy reading nooks
Nursery decor
Cottagecore / woodland aesthetic fans
You don’t need expensive frames — just some simple clips or a washi tape border and you have an instant room transformation.
How our animal prints use 230gsm paper
At WigglyLinesStudio, every animal print — whether it’s a ragdoll cat on purple, a hedgehog on orange, or the cutest little Westie — is printed on 230gsm matte paper.
That means:
colors are rich and true
lines stay crisp
the print feels thick and high quality
edges don’t curl or bend easily
There’s something special about unboxing a print that actually feels substantial in your hands.
Tips for framing 230gsm prints
1. No glass needed
Matte prints photograph nicely without reflection — so you can skip glass frames if you want a soft look.
2. Use neutral frames
Black, white, or wood frames let the animals shine.
3. Try clusters
3 or 5 prints in a cluster = instant gallery wall.
4. Mix background colors
Orange + green + purple backgrounds create effortless color harmony.
Shop 230gsm animal prints
If you’re ready to upgrade your wall decor with thick, premium prints, explore our full collection:
>> Browse animal art prints
Small art changes can completely reset a room. Start with one thick matte print you love - and build your cozy space around it.
You deserve art that feels good to touch and look at.