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Matting Matters - How to Choose the Right Mat Style for Framed Art: 4 Best Options
Selecting the right mat for your framed art is a crucial decision that can dramatically enhance its presentation and longevity. While choosing a frame style often gets the most attention, the mat you select plays an equally important role in showcasing your artwork at its best. The proper mat elevates your piece, creates visual harmony, and even helps preserve your art for years to come.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore four professional matting styles that can transform how your art appears on the wall. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a classic gallery-style presentation, understanding these options will help you make the perfect choice for your artwork and space.
1. The Full-Bleed (No Mat) Approach
The full-bleed or no-mat style creates a bold, contemporary presentation where your artwork extends directly to the edges of the frame. This minimalist approach puts all the focus on your art itself, making it ideal for striking modern pieces that command attention. The clean lines and seamless transition from art to frame work particularly well in contemporary interiors where simplicity reigns supreme.
However, this style does come with some considerations. Without a mat to create separation, your artwork may visually blend with the wall behind it, especially if they share similar colors. Additionally, the lack of a mat means your art sits directly against the glass, which could lead to moisture damage over time if not properly framed with conservation materials. This style works best with bold graphic prints, vibrant photographs, or any artwork where you want maximum visual impact without distraction.
Best for: Bold, contemporary artwork
✔️ Pros:
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Creates a seamless, edge-to-edge look
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Ideal for large, high-impact pieces
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Works well in modern and minimalist spaces
❌ Cons:
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Art may blend into the wall without contrast
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No protective barrier between art and glass
Ideal for: Abstract paintings, photography, posters
2. The Classic Single Mat
A single mat provides a timeless, elegant border around your artwork that gently elevates its presentation. This traditional approach creates a visual buffer between the art and frame, allowing the eye to naturally focus on the piece while adding a touch of sophistication. The single mat style offers tremendous versatility, working equally well with both modern and traditional frames.
The beauty of this style lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can choose a mat color that subtly complements your artwork or opt for a crisp white that lets the colors in your piece truly pop. Mats also serve the practical purpose of keeping your artwork separated from the glass, which is especially important for original pieces or delicate works on paper. This makes the single mat an excellent choice for watercolors, pencil drawings, family photographs, or any artwork where you want a clean, professional presentation.
Best for: Traditional and transitional decor
✔️ Pros:
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Adds a clean, polished border
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Enhances focus on the artwork
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Provides slight protection from glass
❌ Cons:
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Less depth compared to double mats
Ideal for: Watercolors, sketches, family phot0s
3. Mats with Reveal for Added Depth
For those seeking a more refined presentation, mats with a reveal add an extra layer of visual interest. This technique involves using either a single thick mat or multiple mats where a small portion of the lower mat remains visible, creating a subtle accent line around your artwork. The reveal might show a contrasting color or a hint of white, adding depth and sophistication to your framing.
This style works particularly well when you want to incorporate an accent color from your artwork into the matting without overwhelming the piece. The reveal creates a polished, custom look that suggests careful consideration and attention to detail. It’s an excellent choice for important certificates, fine art prints, or any piece where you want to add a touch of elegance without going for a full double mat. The reveal technique can make even simple artwork feel more substantial and valuable.
Best for: Adding subtle dimension
✔️ Pros:
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Features a thin accent border (often white or colored)
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Creates depth without overwhelming the art
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Elevates high-end artwork
❌ Cons:
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Slightly more complex than a single mat
Ideal for: Fine art prints, vintage posters, diplomas
4. Luxurious Double Matting
Double matting creates the most formal and luxurious presentation, perfect for valuable artwork or pieces you want to showcase like museum-quality works. This style uses two mats layered together – typically a wider bottom mat with a narrower top mat – to create a beautiful window effect. The depth created by the double mat adds richness and importance to your artwork, making it ideal for special pieces that deserve extra attention.
The double mat offers excellent opportunities for creative expression. You can use complementary colors to highlight certain tones in your artwork, or choose neutral tones for a classic look. The space between mats also provides additional protection for your art by keeping it further from the glass. This style works wonderfully for oil paintings, heirloom photographs, diplomas, or any artwork where you want to create a sense of importance and permanence. While it’s the most expensive matting option, the dramatic effect is often worth the investment for special pieces.
Best for: Luxurious, gallery-style framing
✔️ Pros:
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Adds a layered, high-end look
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Allows for color contrast and customization
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Best for preservation (keeps art away from glass)
❌ Cons:
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Can be expensive
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May overpower small artworks
Ideal for: Oil paintings, heirloom photos, museum-quality pieces
Expert Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Mat
When selecting a mat style, first consider the artwork itself. The mat should enhance, not compete with, your piece. Neutral mats in white, cream or gray work with most artworks, while colored mats should carefully complement the dominant tones in your art. Take into account where the artwork will hang – modern spaces often suit full-bleed or single mats, while traditional rooms can handle more elaborate double matting.
The size of your artwork should guide your mat width decisions. A generous mat border can make smaller pieces appear more substantial, while large artworks often look best with narrower mats that don’t overwhelm the wall space. Always remember that mats serve an important preservation function by preventing your artwork from touching the glass, so even if you prefer a minimalist look, consider using at least a slim mat for protection.
For those wanting to add extra sophistication, consider textured mats like linen or silk, which can provide subtle visual interest without distracting from the artwork. When in doubt, consult with a professional framer who can show you samples and mock-ups to help visualize how different mat styles will look with your specific piece.
Making Your Final Decision
The right mat style can transform how your artwork is perceived and enjoyed. A well-chosen mat creates the perfect visual transition between your art and its surroundings, while also providing important protection. Whether you opt for the bold simplicity of full-bleed, the classic elegance of a single mat, the refined detail of a reveal, or the luxurious depth of double matting, each style brings its own unique character to your framed piece.
Remember that framing is both an art and a science – while these guidelines will steer you in the right direction, trust your instincts about what looks best with your specific artwork and in your space. Your framed art should bring you joy every time you see it, so choose a mat style that makes your piece shine while reflecting your personal taste.
For those needing professional assistance, our custom framing experts are always available to help you select the perfect mat and frame combination to showcase your treasured artwork at its absolute best. With the right mat choice, your framed art will become a focal point that enhances your space for years to come.