Does Your Picture Framing Need a Mat?

When you're choosing how to frame a picture, whether it’s a family photo, a certificate, a painting or a piece of artwork, you’ll likely focus on two key elements: the frame itself and the glazing—usually acrylic or glass. But there’s another part of picture framing that plays a big role in both presentation and protection: the mat board, also called a photo mat or frame mat. Many people skip it, thinking it’s optional or just decorative but in reality, a mat can completely change how your photo frame looks, how long your picture lasts and how well it fits with your space. Whether you're using wooden frames, metal frames or even basic poster frames, adding a mat can elevate the display and preserve your image better over time. In this post, we’ll explore whether or not your picture really needs a mat, what benefits it offers, when to use it, and when you can skip it. This guide will help you make the best framing choice for your photos, prints or artwork—so your display looks clean, professional and long-lasting.

What Is a Mat in Picture Framing?

A mat, also known as a mat board or mount board, is a thick piece of paper or cardboard with a cut-out window. Your photo, artwork or document sits behind the mat so the image shows through the window. The mat creates a border around your image inside the frame.

Mats come in different sizes, colors, textures and thicknesses. You can find plain white or off-white mats, which are popular because they don’t distract from the image. You can also find bold-colored mats or textured ones that add visual interest or match the room’s decor.

In framing, mats serve both a visual and functional purpose. They aren’t just for decoration—they help protect your artwork and give the whole piece a more finished look.

What Does a Mat Do in a Frame?

There are several reasons to use a mat when framing something. Let’s go through the key benefits one by one.

1. A Mat Keeps the Glass Off the Artwork

This is one of the most important reasons. When the artwork or photo touches the glass (or acrylic), it’s at risk. Over time, moisture can build up. This can cause the image to stick to the glass. It might tear, smudge or even grow mold.

A mat creates a small air gap between the image and the glazing. That little bit of space can make a big difference in how well your piece holds up over time.

2. It Makes the Image Stand Out

Mats create a visual pause between the artwork and the frame. This helps draw the eye to the image itself. Without a mat, the frame can feel too close or too harsh against the artwork.

This is especially helpful when the frame is a different color or very bold. A white or neutral mat can help tone things down and keep the focus on your photo or art.

3. It Adds Balance and Proportion

Let’s say you have a small photo and a larger frame. Without a mat, it might look awkward or off-balance. A mat fills in that space and helps the artwork feel centered.

A wider mat can give your image a gallery-style look. It makes even a small piece feel more important and more finished.

4. It Helps Protect and Preserve

Mats are especially important if you’re framing something valuable or sentimental. Archival mats—those that are acid-free—protect the image from yellowing, fading or chemical damage.

If you’re framing old family photos, original art or important documents, an acid-free mat can help keep them safe for years.

When Should You Use a Mat?

Mats aren’t always required but there are many cases where they’re recommended or even necessary. Here are a few situations where a mat makes sense.

When Framing Original Art

If you're framing a drawing, painting or print, a mat adds a clean visual space and also helps preserve the piece. Most fine art pieces benefit from matting.

When Framing Photographs

A mat can enhance a photo by giving it depth and helping it stand out. This is especially true for black-and-white images or minimalist photos. A white mat makes the image look crisp and professional.

When Framing Documents and Certificates

Certificates, diplomas and awards almost always look better with a mat. It adds a formal feel and makes the piece more presentable, especially in offices or gallery walls.

When You Want a Polished, High-End Look

If your goal is a clean, elegant frame that looks custom or gallery-ready, use a mat. It immediately upgrades the look of your piece, even if it’s something simple.

When Can You Skip the Mat?

Mats are helpful, but they’re not always needed. Here are a few cases where it’s fine—or even better—to frame without a mat.

Posters or Casual Art Prints

Many posters are designed to go edge-to-edge. A mat might break the flow or feel unnecessary. In this case, a mat-less frame keeps things simple.

Modern, Minimalist Framing Styles

Sometimes you want that sharp, frameless feel. Skipping the mat gives your piece a cleaner, sleeker look. This works well in modern homes or minimalist spaces.

Edge-to-Edge Art or Photos

If your artwork has color or detail right to the edge, a mat might cut off important parts. Unless you custom cut the mat opening, it could hide something you want to show.

Tight Budget

Mats—especially custom-cut or archival ones—can add cost. If you're framing on a budget, going without a mat saves money and still looks clean.

What About Single vs Double Mats?

Once you’ve decided to use a mat, you’ll face another choice: single or double mat.

A single mat is one layer of mat board with one cut-out window. It’s simple, clean and works for almost anything.

A double mat includes a second mat underneath the first. Often, the bottom mat is a contrasting color. This adds a thin line of color around your image and gives it extra depth.

Double mats are popular in high-end photo framing or professional galleries. They’re not always necessary but they can help the piece stand out even more.

What Size Should the Mat Be?

Mat size affects how your frame looks on the wall. The general rule is to leave at least 2 to 4 inches of mat around the image. For larger pieces, you might want more.

A wider mat gives a gallery-style feel. A narrow mat might feel too tight or cramped.

You can also play with proportions. Some framers leave the bottom of the mat slightly wider than the top. This can make the image feel more centered when hung.

If you're unsure, go with a standard 3-inch mat or ask for custom sizing.

Final Thoughts: Does Your Picture Framing Need a Mat?

In many cases, the answer is yes. Mats are more than just decoration. They add space, balance and style to your picture frames. More importantly, they protect your artwork from damage and aging.

Use a mat when framing original art, photos, certificates, or anything valuable. It gives your piece a finished, polished look and adds depth to your display.

However, don’t be afraid to skip the mat if your design calls for it. Posters, edge-to-edge prints, or modern designs may not need one. In fact, sometimes no mat is the better choice.

The key is to think about what you're framing and where it's going. Match the mat—or lack of one—to your style, space and purpose. Whether you go with a bold double mat or skip it entirely, make sure your framing choice helps your piece shine.

In the end, good framing isn’t just about the frame. It’s about how everything works together—glass, mat, image and style. So ask yourself: Does your picture framing need a mat? Now, you know how to answer.