Framing a piece of art or a cherished photograph is more than just a protective measure; it is a deliberate design choice that transforms how we perceive a space. A high-quality mat acts as a visual bridge between the artwork and the surrounding room, providing necessary breathing room that draws the eye inward. Whether you are aiming for a sleek modern look or a traditional gallery feel, the right matting can elevate a simple print into a sophisticated focal point. Understanding the various textures, colors, and widths available allows you to customize your wall decor to match your personal style and enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
1. Oversized white mat frame
Have you ever noticed how a tiny photograph can suddenly feel monumental when surrounded by a massive expanse of white? Using an oversized white mat is a classic interior design trick that mimics the sophisticated atmosphere of a high-end art gallery. This approach creates a clean, minimalist look that emphasizes the subject matter while adding a sense of luxury to any wall. It works exceptionally well in modern living rooms or hallways where you want to make a bold statement without overwhelming the space with color. The crisp white border provides a stark contrast that makes even the simplest sketches or black and white snapshots look professional and intentional.
2. Double mat picture frame
Layering two different mats is a fantastic way to add depth and a subtle pop of color to your framed pieces. Typically, the bottom mat shows just a tiny sliver of color, known as a reveal, which helps to accentuate a specific tone within the artwork itself. This technique creates a three-dimensional effect that draws the viewer deeper into the image. You might choose a neutral top mat with a bold accent color underneath to provide a sophisticated edge. It is an excellent choice for formal dining rooms or offices where you want the decor to feel layered, curated, and highly detailed.
3. Black mat gold frame
Combining a deep black mat with a shimmering gold frame creates a look of timeless elegance and high-contrast drama. This pairing is particularly effective for showcasing vibrant paintings or antique documents, as the black border absorbs light and makes the colors pop. The gold frame adds a touch of warmth and luxury, making the entire piece feel like a precious heirloom. This style fits perfectly in traditional or transitional homes, offering a sophisticated way to anchor a room’s decor. It is a bold choice that commands attention, turning any wall into a gallery-worthy display that feels both classic and modern.
4. Linen matting for art
If you want to introduce a soft, organic texture to your wall decor, linen matting is a beautiful and sophisticated option. Unlike standard paper mats, linen provides a subtle fabric weave that adds warmth and a tactile quality to the frame. This material is perfect for botanical prints, sketches, or vintage maps, as it complements natural themes and adds a layer of quiet luxury. The soft texture of the fabric softens the transition between the art and the frame, making the entire piece feel more approachable and cozy. It is a favorite for coastal or farmhouse-style interiors where natural materials are key.
5. Floating mat frame
A floating mat creates the illusion that your artwork is suspended in mid-air within the frame, adding a modern and artistic touch. Instead of the mat overlapping the edges of the print, the art is mounted on top of a raised surface, revealing the entire piece, including any unique deckled edges. This technique is ideal for original works on paper where the texture of the material is part of the art itself. It provides a sense of depth and shadows that change throughout the day, making the display feel dynamic. This style is highly popular in contemporary homes and high-end art galleries.
6. Deep bevel mat frame
Choosing a deep bevel mat, often made from extra-thick 8-ply board, adds a significant sense of quality and architectural depth to your framing. The angled cut of the mat window is much more pronounced than a standard mat, creating a dramatic shadow line that leads the eye toward the artwork. This small detail makes a huge difference in the perceived value of the piece, giving it a professional and expensive look. It is an excellent choice for minimalist art or black and white photography, where the focus is on clean lines and structure. The extra thickness also provides better protection for the art.
7. Circular mat frame
Breaking away from traditional rectangular shapes, a circular mat opening offers a soft and graceful way to frame portraits or small sketches. This style, sometimes referred to as a spandrel, draws the viewer's focus directly to the center of the image, creating an intimate and classic feel. It works beautifully for vintage-inspired photography or delicate pencil drawings, adding a touch of romance to the wall. When placed within a square frame, the circular cutout creates an interesting geometric contrast that feels both unique and intentional. It is a wonderful way to add variety to a gallery wall filled with standard rectangular frames.
8. Square mat for rectangle photo
Using a square mat to house a rectangular photograph is a clever design move that creates an interesting play of negative space. This technique often involves placing the rectangular image in the center of a large square frame, leaving wider margins on the top and bottom or sides. The resulting look is modern, balanced, and visually intriguing, as it challenges the typical proportions of standard framing. It is a great way to make small, everyday photos look like curated pieces of art. This style is particularly effective in grid-style gallery walls, where the uniform square frames provide a clean and organized aesthetic.
9. Colored matting for gallery wall
While white and cream are standard choices, using colored matting can completely transform the mood of a room and tie your gallery wall together. By selecting a mat color that reflects a secondary tone in your artwork, you can create a cohesive and vibrant display. For example, a soft sage green or a dusty blue mat can add a calming influence to a collection of nature prints. Colored mats allow you to be more playful with your decor, making the frames themselves part of the artistic expression. This approach is perfect for eclectic homes where personality and color are celebrated in every corner.
10. Wood frame with cream mat
There is something incredibly soothing and timeless about the combination of a natural wood frame and a warm cream mat. This pairing leans into a more traditional and rustic aesthetic, making it a perfect fit for cozy living rooms or bedrooms. The cream mat offers a softer transition than a bright white, which helps to highlight the natural grain and warmth of the wood. It is an ideal choice for family portraits, landscape photography, or any art that features earthy tones. This look is versatile enough to work in almost any interior style, from mid-century modern to classic country cottage decor.
11. Multiple opening mat frame
A multiple opening mat is the perfect solution for telling a story through a collection of related photographs or small art pieces. By housing several images within a single large frame, you create a focused and organized collage that feels much more polished than individual small frames. This style is excellent for displaying vacation photos, a series of botanical sketches, or even a timeline of family portraits. The uniform matting between the openings provides a clean and professional look, ensuring the display doesn't feel cluttered. It is a space-saving and stylish way to fill a large wall with meaningful memories.
12. Navy blue mat frame
Incorporating a navy blue mat into your framing design adds a sense of depth, sophistication, and a touch of the unexpected. Darker mats like navy act as a dramatic backdrop that can make light-colored art or silver-toned prints truly stand out. This color choice is particularly effective in nautical-themed rooms or formal studies where you want to create a moody and masculine atmosphere. The rich, saturated tone of the blue provides a luxurious feel that pairs beautifully with both silver and gold frames. It is a bold design move that feels grounded and classic, offering a unique alternative to traditional neutrals.
13. Suede matting for photos
For a truly luxurious and tactile experience, suede matting offers a soft, velvety texture that adds incredible richness to any framed piece. The matte finish of the suede absorbs light, which helps to eliminate reflections and draws all the focus onto the artwork. This material is often used for high-end portraits, sports memorabilia, or valuable documents that require a more substantial and elegant presentation. The subtle nap of the fabric creates a sense of depth and quality that paper mats simply cannot replicate. It is a sophisticated choice for those who want their wall decor to feel expensive and uniquely textured.
14. Thin metal frame with wide mat
The combination of a very thin metal frame and an exceptionally wide mat is the epitome of modern minimalist design. This style emphasizes the art by surrounding it with a vast amount of clean, quiet space, making even the smallest sketch feel significant. The slim profile of the metal frame adds a sleek, industrial edge that doesn't distract from the subject matter. This look is perfect for contemporary apartments or gallery-style hallways where you want a clean and unobstructed aesthetic. It allows the artwork to breathe and creates a sense of openness on the wall, making the room feel larger.
15. Shadow box with matting
A shadow box combined with professional matting is an excellent way to frame three-dimensional objects or art with significant texture. The mat provides a flat, clean border that helps to transition from the wall to the deeper space within the frame. This technique is often used for displaying items like pressed flowers, antique keys, or layered paper art. The depth of the shadow box creates natural shadows that change as the light in the room shifts, adding a dynamic quality to the display. It is a creative and protective way to showcase cherished mementos while maintaining a polished and sophisticated look.
16. Textured paper mat frame
Using a textured paper mat is a subtle way to add visual interest without the boldness of fabric or bright colors. These mats often feature a slightly pebbled or hammered surface that catches the light in interesting ways, providing a more artisanal feel. This style is perfect for handmade prints, watercolors, or charcoal drawings, as it mimics the organic nature of the art itself. The texture adds a layer of craftsmanship to the framing, making the final piece feel more custom and unique. It is a great choice for those who appreciate the fine details and want a more nuanced look.
17. Dark green mat frame
Dark green matting has become a popular trend for those looking to add a touch of nature-inspired elegance to their home. This rich, forest-like tone works beautifully with botanical prints, landscape photography, or gold-accented artwork. The deep color provides a sophisticated contrast that feels both moody and refreshing, making it an excellent choice for a cozy library or a botanical-themed bedroom. When paired with a dark wood or brass frame, a green mat creates a look that is grounded and timeless. It is a versatile color that brings a sense of the outdoors inside, adding life to your walls.
18. Weighted bottom mat frame
A weighted bottom mat, where the lower border is significantly wider than the top and sides, is a classic framing technique rooted in traditional gallery standards. This design choice is based on the optical illusion that the center of a frame appears lower than it actually is; by adding more space at the bottom, the art looks perfectly balanced to the human eye. This style adds a sense of stability and importance to the piece, making it feel more professional and curated. It is a great way to add a vintage or museum-like quality to your favorite photographs or small art prints.
19. Offset matting for art
If you are looking for a more contemporary and avant-garde approach, offset matting involves placing the artwork off-center within the mat window. This asymmetrical design creates a sense of movement and visual tension that is perfect for modern or abstract art. By leaving more space on one side or in a corner, you can highlight specific elements of the piece or simply create a more dynamic composition on your wall. This technique is a great way to show off your personal style and create a conversation piece. It works best when used sparingly as a focal point in a minimalist room.
20. Silk matting for portraits
Silk matting is the ultimate choice for those seeking a high-end, classic look for formal portraits or wedding photography. The subtle sheen of the silk fabric adds a layer of elegance and sophistication that enhances the special nature of the image. The delicate texture of the silk provides a soft and shimmering border that reflects light beautifully, making the entire frame feel like a luxury item. This style is often found in traditional homes or formal living areas where every detail is carefully considered. It is a beautiful way to honor important life moments with a frame that feels equally significant.
21. Gray mat frame
Choosing a gray mat offers a modern and neutral alternative to standard white or cream, providing a cool and sophisticated backdrop for your art. Gray is incredibly versatile, ranging from light misty tones to deep charcoal, allowing you to choose the perfect shade to complement your room's color palette. It works exceptionally well with black and white photography, as it bridges the gap between the two extremes and adds a soft, atmospheric quality. A gray mat feels contemporary and understated, making it an excellent choice for a home office or a minimalist bedroom where you want a calm and focused environment.
22. Deckled edge float mat
For original artworks or prints with beautiful, hand-torn deckled edges, a float matting technique is the best way to showcase the material's natural beauty. Instead of hiding the edges behind a mat, the art is mounted on top of a backing board, allowing the irregular borders to be fully visible. This creates a sense of depth and highlights the handcrafted nature of the piece. When combined with a deep frame, the art appears to hover, casting subtle shadows that add to the visual appeal. This style is highly sought after for its artistic and professional look, perfect for a modern gallery feel.
23. Metallic matting for prints
Adding a touch of shimmer with metallic matting is a fun and stylish way to make your artwork stand out. Whether you choose a subtle champagne gold, a sleek silver, or a warm copper tone, metallic mats catch the light and add a sense of glamour to your walls. This style is particularly effective for modern abstract prints, fashion photography, or even certificates and awards. The metallic border provides a crisp and polished edge that feels both festive and sophisticated. It is a great way to introduce small metallic accents into your room's decor without being too overwhelming or flashy.
24. Extra thick museum mat
An extra thick museum mat, typically 8-ply or even thicker, provides a substantial and architectural look that screams professional quality. The deep, beveled edge creates a dramatic transition from the mat to the art, drawing the eye inward and providing a sense of luxury. This style is often used in high-end galleries and museums to give small works of art more presence on a large wall. The thickness also provides a significant physical barrier between the art and the glass, ensuring long-term protection. It is a timeless choice for anyone who wants their home decor to have a curated and expensive feel.
25. Oval mat frame
An oval mat opening is a classic and graceful design choice that brings a touch of antique charm to your wall. This shape is particularly well-suited for traditional portraits, delicate watercolors, or vintage family photos, as it provides a soft and intimate frame for the subject. The curved lines of the oval contrast beautifully with the straight edges of a square or rectangular frame, adding visual interest and a sense of history. It is a wonderful way to create a focal point within a larger gallery wall or to add a romantic, feminine touch to a bedroom or a cozy reading nook.
26. Minimalist oak frame with white mat
The combination of a minimalist light oak frame and a crisp white mat is a staple of Scandinavian and modern interior design. This look is all about simplicity, natural materials, and a bright, airy aesthetic. The light wood adds warmth without the heaviness of darker stains, while the white mat provides a clean and fresh border that lets the artwork shine. This pairing is incredibly versatile and works well with everything from abstract line art to colorful travel photos. It is the perfect choice for creating a calm and cohesive look in a modern living space or a bright, sunlit hallway.
27. Archival matting for vintage photos
When framing precious vintage photographs or original documents, using archival-quality matting is essential for long-term preservation. These mats are acid-free and lignin-free, meaning they won't cause the art to yellow or deteriorate over time. Beyond the practical benefits, archival mats often come in a range of beautiful, muted tones that complement the aged appearance of old paper. Choosing a museum-grade rag mat ensures that your memories are protected while looking professional and polished. This is an investment in both style and preservation, making it the right choice for any item with sentimental or historical value that you want to display.
28. Custom colored bevel mat
For a subtle and sophisticated detail, a custom colored bevel mat features a mat window where the angled cut reveals a different color than the surface of the mat. This creates a tiny, precise line of color that outlines the artwork, providing a delicate and professional touch. You might choose a neutral cream mat with a gold or black bevel to add just a hint of contrast. This technique is a favorite among professional framers because it adds a layer of customization that feels very intentional and high-end. It is a great way to tie in a specific color from your room's decor.
29. Patterned matting for artwork
If you want to add a playful and eclectic touch to your walls, patterned matting offers a unique way to incorporate more personality into your framing. From subtle stripes and polka dots to bold floral or geometric prints, patterned mats can complement the theme of your artwork or add a surprising twist. This style works best with simple, minimalist art that won't compete with the busy border. It is a fantastic choice for a child's bedroom, a creative home office, or any space where you want to showcase your fun and imaginative side. Patterned mats turn the frame itself into a piece of art.
30. Large format mat frame
Framing large-scale art requires a substantial mat to provide the necessary visual balance and breathing room. A large format mat frame often features wide borders that help to anchor the massive piece on the wall, preventing it from feeling cramped or overwhelming. This approach is essential for oversized photography or abstract paintings that need space to be fully appreciated. The wide mat also helps to draw the viewer's eye into the center of the large composition. This style creates a bold and impressive focal point in a large room, giving the art a grand and professional presence that commands the entire space.
Conclusion:
Selecting the perfect mat for your frames is an essential step in creating a home that feels curated, personal, and visually balanced. As we have explored, the variety of textures, colors, and styles available—from the classic oversized white mat to more modern floating techniques—offers endless possibilities for customization. The right matting not only protects your precious art and photographs but also enhances their beauty and integrates them seamlessly into your interior design. By taking the time to consider these different ideas, you can transform your walls into a stunning reflection of your style, ensuring that every framed memory is displayed with the care and sophistication it deserves.
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