Lightbox vs Infinity Frame: What are the differences?

When buying your first piece of large wall art from BIG Wall Décor, the choice between a Lightbox or an Infinity Frame might be confusing. We’ve detailed the similarities and differences between the two framing options to help you make the best choice for your room. 

What Is an Infinity Frame?

The Infinity Frame is BIG Wall Décor’s standard frame that comes with their two-part wall art system. The Infinity Frame is a lightweight metal frame that is shipped disassembled in a box. 

The four side pieces are connected using the L-shaped corner connectors. This securely connects the frame pieces, while giving you the option to quickly and easily take the frame apart in the future for easy transportation or storage. 

What Is a Lightbox?

A Lightbox is BIG Wall Décor’s frame option that illuminates your art from behind. Two sides of the frame are lined with LED lights. When turned on, the lights on the inner edge of the frame shine through your art, making it glow. The effect is eye-catching. 

Like the Infinity Frame, the Lightbox is a metal frame that is shipped disassembled in a box. The four frame edges are connected with L-shaped corner connectors. Plugs in each corner are connected to complete the circuit for the LED lights. No electrical skill is required to assemble your lightbox. 

When deciding between a Lightbox and an Infinity Frame, there are a lot of factors to consider. Both have a lot of great benefits, but there are major differences between BIG Wall Décor’s two framing styles. 

Wow-Factor: Lightbox Is More Impressive

The standout feature of a Lightbox is the ability to illuminate your art from behind. The backlit effect created by the LED lights lining the inner edge of the frame adds a dynamic and visually compelling effect to your artwork. This unique feature instantly grabs attention and creates a mesmerizing glow that enhances the overall impact of your art. 

Frame Colors: Lightbox Has More Options

The Infinity Frame is only available in matte black. Each Infinity Frame is professionally powder coated for a long-lasting, durable finish. When viewing straight on the art appears frameless, similar to a canvas. Unlike a canvas, the art does not wrap around the frame. You can see the black Infinity Frame when viewing your art from the side. 

The Lightbox Frame is available in either silver or matte black. Like the infinity frame, the black option is powder coated for a long-lasting, durable finish. Similarly to the Infinity Frame, when viewing straight on the art appears frameless. 

Frame Depth: Infinity Frame Is Thinner

The Infinity Frame is available in two depths, 5/8th in or 1 in. This depth refers to how far the frame protrudes off the wall. The 5/8th in Infinity Frame is lighter. The 1 in Infinity Frame is sturdier. Art in sizes larger than 48” x 72” are only available in the 1 in option. If you are unsure which thickness Infinity Frame would be better for you, we recommend choosing the sturdier 1 in frame depth. 

All Lightboxes are 3 in deep. This style frame is thicker to create room for the LED lights that are attached to the inside of the frame. 

Sizes Available: Infinity Frame Has More Options

Both the Infinity Frame and Lightbox are available in the following sizes: 40” x 40,” 40” x 60,” 60” x 60,” 48” x 72,” and 60” x 90.”

The Infinity Frame is also available in these sizes: 24” x 24,” 24” x 36,” 32” x 32,” 32” x 48,” 48” x 48,” 72” x 72,” and 72” x 108.”

Art: Same Pieces Available for Both, Some Styles Are Better Suited for Lightbox

All of the artwork featured on BIG Wall Décor’s website can be printed for either an Infinity Frame or a Lightbox. The fabric prints are inserted into the frames using the silicone beading sewn around the print to achieve a smooth and taut appearance. 

When it comes to choosing the most suitable artwork for a Lightbox, know that certain styles are better suited. Pieces that feature a dark background with accents of light colors look best on a Lightbox. The backlighting effect intensifies the illumination through smaller sections of the print, creating a more compelling visual impact. 

If you are drawn to a very light or white piece of art, choose an Infinity Frame instead of a Lightbox. Backlighting can overpower a lighter colored piece of art, making it look washed out.

Weight: Infinity Frame Is Lighter

Both the Infinity Frame and Lightbox frames are made from lightweight aluminum. Since the Lightbox is approximately 2 inches deeper than an infinity frame, it weighs more than the Infinity Frame. 

When hanging an Infinity Frame on a wall it is recommended that the hanging bracket is mounted into a stud in the wall, but not required. On the other hand, the hanging bracket for a Lightbox needs to be secured to a stud in the wall to ensure that the art is safely attached to the wall. 

Price: Infinity Frame Is More Affordable

The Lightbox is the premium framing option, and the pricing reflects that. A 40” x 60” Lightbox with artwork starts at $1049, whereas the Infinity Frame is significantly more affordable. A 40” x 60” Infinity Frame with artwork is $299. 

Main Differences

FAQs

How Does Art Look Different When It Is in a Lightbox vs an Infinity Frame?

If you set two of the same art prints side-by-side, one on an Infinity Frame the other on a Lightbox, the print on the Lightbox will be brighter, more visually intriguing, and more mesmerizing. 

The Lightboxes backlit design enhances the overall presence of the artwork. The light sections of the design become illuminated, emanating a glow that draws your attention. The play of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the artwork, creating a captivating and dynamic visual experience. 

The matte finish of the art on an Infinity frame takes on a different aesthetic. The focus remains on the colors, composition, and details of the artwork itself, without the added luminosity of the Lightbox. 

What Does the Art in Your Lightbox Look Like When It Is Turned Off?

When the Lightbox is turned off, the art will appear the same as if it were displayed on an Infinity Frame. It is a more understated, classic presentation that focuses attention on the skill of the artist instead of added effects.