Are There More Affordable Options for a Picture Frame TV?

For design lovers and art collectors alike, Samsung’s The Frame TV has become a cult favorite. It’s more than a television — it’s a digital canvas that displays stunning artworks when not in use. The appeal is undeniable: a sleek screen that blends into your decor and shows off curated visuals, from museum masterpieces to personal collections.

But let’s be honest: The Frame TV comes with a price tag to match its aesthetics. So the question naturally arises — are there more affordable options that offer similar features?

The good news? Yes. Several other smart TV brands now offer art mode functionality or customizable display options, letting you bring digital art into your space without breaking the bank.

Let’s look at the most popular alternatives — and how they measure up.

1. Samsung The Frame: The Gold Standard (But Costly)

Before we dive into alternatives, it’s worth understanding why Samsung’s Frame has made such waves.

• Matte, anti-reflection screen mimics real canvas texture.
• Built-in “Art Mode” displays artwork when the TV is off.
• Option to subscribe to Samsung’s Art Store or upload your own.
• Optional magnetic bezels in different frame finishes.
• Starts around $1,000+, depending on size and specs.

It’s beautiful. It’s premium. But not everyone needs all its bells and whistles — or wants to pay that much.

2. Hisense CanvasTV: A Bold, Affordable Challenger

Enter Hisense CanvasTV — one of the newest entries aiming to rival The Frame at a lower price point.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for displaying digital art.
• 4K UHD with Quantum Dot tech — vibrant color for art display.
• Customizable frames and wall-mount design.
• Built-in art mode that transitions automatically when not in use.
• Significantly lower price than Samsung, depending on the region.

Limitations:

• Fewer artwork sources built in.
• The interface may not be as polished as Samsung’s.

Who it’s for:

If you’re focused on digital art display and don’t need premium TV features like high-end gaming or Dolby Atmos, this is a great balance of aesthetics and price.

Pro tip: Julia Contacessi’s digital download collection works beautifully with CanvasTV’s vivid color spectrum — the perfect way to elevate your walls with minimal effort.

3. TCL Smart TVs: Budget-Friendly Flexibility

TCL recently added a canvas style art frame TV to their offerings, but many TCL smart TVs can be used to display digital art effectively using built-in screensavers or third-party apps.

Here’s what works:

• Google TV or Roku platforms support screen saver customization.
• Add your own photos/art from Google Photos, Roku Backdrops, or Plex.
• YouTube can be used to display long-play static art videos.
• Some models now include QLED panels, delivering better contrast for visual art.

Why it’s great:

• Extremely budget-friendly.
• Flexible screen sizes.
• Ideal for DIYers and casual art lovers.

What to watch out for:

• No built-in “Art Mode” — you’ll need to manually set screensavers or apps.
• Lower-end models may not render subtle textures as well as premium screens.

Who it’s for:

Tech-savvy decorators who want the look of an art TV without the premium markup — and don’t mind a few setup steps.

4. LG Gallery OLED: Stunning Display, Serious Design

LG’s Gallery Series OLED TVs aren’t marketed as art TVs, but they absolutely can perform that role — and beautifully.

Key features:

• Ultra-thin profile is meant for wall mounting.
• OLED display provides rich blacks and vibrant color, ideal for artwork.
• Gallery Mode includes a curated collection of scenic and art-inspired visuals.
• Supports personal media via USB or cloud.

Drawbacks:

• Still relatively expensive.
• OLED screens can be prone to image retention if static images are left too long.

Why does it work for digital art?

With a display this good, even subtle textures and gradients in art prints show up with incredible depth, especially suited to high-resolution works like those by Julia Contacessi.

Display tip: Rotate artworks frequently and avoid leaving the same piece up for extended hours to prevent OLED burn-in.

How to Use Any Smart TV for Art

Even if your TV doesn’t come with built-in Art Mode, you can still transform your screen into a digital art gallery. Here’s how:

For Fire TVs:

• Upload your art to Amazon Photos.
• Set it as a screensaver via settings > Display & Sounds > Screensaver.

For Chromecast TVs:

• Upload to Google Photos.
• Use Google Home app > Ambient Mode > Art Gallery > Custom Album.

For Roku TVs:

• Enable the Backdrops app or use the Photo View screensaver with Google Photos.

For Apple TV:

• Upload to iCloud > Set as screensaver in Photos > iCloud album.

Stay tuned — my first surface design collection is coming soon. It will include perfectly formatted digital art files designed specifically for TV display, mobile backgrounds, and large-scale printing.

Digital Art: The Secret to Making These TVs Shine

No matter what TV you choose, the key to creating that high-end, gallery-like feel is what you display.

That’s where Julia Contacessi’s digital downloads stand out.

Her abstract compositions, rich in texture and tone, were designed to evoke emotion without overpowering a space. They look equally compelling on a Samsung Frame as they do on a budget TCL screen, especially when paired with the right lighting and decor.

Why her work works so well for digital display:

• High-resolution, color-rich files made for screen and print.
• Abstract style suits both minimalist and maximalist interiors.
• Mood-driven palettes adapt to seasons, moods, or room types.
• Non-literal visuals don’t strain the eye when viewed for long periods.

Explore the full Digital Downloads Collection and find your perfect match for any screen in your home.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a ton on an Art TV to enjoy digital art in your home. Brands like Hisense, TCL, and LG are making it easier — and more affordable — to bring art into your living space through technology you already use daily.

With the right art, your TV isn’t just a black box anymore. It’s an evolving canvas. It’s the mood-setter. It’s the conversation piece.

And thanks to downloadable digital artworks — like those from Julia Contacessi — the possibilities are just getting started.

Subscribe to get exclusive early access to new digital collections, display tips, and creative styling ideas.