Healing Spaces: Choosing the Right Substrates for Healthcare Environments

We talk a lot about how nature art can help people feel better, but how art is printed and framed is just as important.  We’ve been doing this long enough that we’ve worked with a lot of providers and know the ins and outs of what works and what doesn’t.

A lot goes into choosing the right substrates for healthcare environments: the type of environment, where the art will be placed, and if it needs to serve multiple purposes, like wayfinding or creating privacy.  Fire alarms, TVs, and lighting also need to be considered.  Is there natural or overhead lighting? Maybe no lighting at all (been there, and yes, there’s a solution for even that!).

Whether you’re designing a pediatric clinic, a behavioral health space, or an oncology waiting room, the materials you choose for wall art impact everything from safety and durability to cleaning protocols and visual harmony.

That’s why we offer a wide range of healthcare-ready substrates, each tailored to different environments, budgets, and styles.

We also work with a network of trusted partners (including skilled framers, printers, and specialty material experts) to make sure everything we deliver is functional, beautiful, safe, and will stand the test of time.

Choosing the right substrates for healthcare environments doesn’t have to be a headache.  In fact, we promise to do all of the heavy lifting.  So, if you’re looking for options, here are some of the usual suspects:

Canvas Wraps: Built to Last

These aren’t your average gallery wraps. Our canvases are backed with rigid MDF to make them puncture-resistant (a must in healthcare settings) and coated with three layers of laminate that can be cleaned with a 10% bleach solution, making them ideal for spaces that require extra hygiene measures.

We love them for patient rooms, corridors, and anywhere that needs a calming, textured feel.

Want to take it up a notch? Our new corner wraps have been making a splash, especially in wayfinding applications. These custom, hand-built frames connect multiple canvases to create the illusion of one continuous piece, adding visual impact while guiding people through spaces with ease.

Framed Prints: Endless Styles

From warm wood grains to clean, modern lines, we’ve got a frame for every space and style.  Pediatric wing?  Let’s go playful and bright.  Staff meeting room?  Calm and refined.  Whatever the vibe, we’ve got the look to match.

And if your to-do list is already a mile long (we see you, designers!), our art placement services make things easy from mockups to installation day.

REX Frames by Renze: No windows? No problem.

The REX Frame is a stunning backlit option that uses low-energy LEDs to bring printed nature scenes to life in even the darkest hallways. It’s modular, scalable, and unforgettable.

We recently installed a 90-foot nature walk in the basement of CHI Immanuel Hospital using this system, turning a previously overlooked hallway into a destination for patients, visitors, families and staff.  Choosing the right substrates for healthcare environments can be surprising sometimes, and REX Frames are definitely an example of how that can be a good thing.

Acrylic: Glossy and Gorgeous

Acrylic prints offer crystal-clear detail and a modern finish that really pops. We often recommend this for high-traffic areas that need both a visual punch and tough durability.  They’re also impact-resistant and easy to clean, making them a great fit for lobbies, waiting areas, and nurse stations.

An added bonus?  Their glassy finish adds depth and dimension to nature scenes, giving viewers a sense of immersion and making them great positive distractions.

Film on Glass: Pretty Privacy

Need a little separation but still want that sunny, open feel? Film on glass is the perfect middle ground. We print calming nature scenes right onto translucent film, then apply it directly to glass doors, panels, or dividers.

It’s a win-win: you get privacy and daylight, without the need for bulky curtains or blinds. Plus, it’s cleanable, removable, and fully customizable, perfect for places where wall art won’t work, but great design still matters.

Dibond Metal: Clean and Contemporary

Want something that says modern without feeling cold? Dibond’s your match. This aluminum composite gives our nature art a clean, contemporary edge.  Sleek, stylish, and tough as nails.

It’s lightweight, won’t warp, and can handle the hustle of busy areas like entrances, corridors, and check-in desks.  Colors really shine on this surface, making skies brighter, flowers bolder, and textures pop.

Vinyl Wallcovering: Big Impact, Seamless Style

Looking for large-scale impact?  Got a giant blank wall just begging for some love? Our vinyl wallcoverings turn empty spaces into immersive nature moments. Think calm forests, blooming florals, or sweeping landscapes that instantly set the tone.

They’re tough enough for high-traffic areas (scrub-resistant and healthcare-rated!) but stylish enough to feel like art. Whether you’re designing a welcoming lobby or a long corridor in need of personality, vinyl wallcoverings bring the wow.

Every project has different needs. Whether you’re designing a calming retreat or a high-traffic corridor, choosing the right substrates for healthcare environments can make all the difference.  We’re here to help you match the right materials to your goals without sacrificing beauty, durability, or budget.

Need help choosing the right substrates for your next project?  Let’s connect.  We’re happy to recommend materials, send samples or chat through ideas with your design team.