What Is a Picture Frame Mat? Enhancing Your Art and Memories

When you frame a photo, art print or cherished keepsake, you might think the frame is the star of the show—but often, it’s the picture frame mat that elevates the whole presentation. A picture frame mat is a subtle yet essential component that adds structure, protection and style to your framed pieces. Far from being just a decorative border, it plays a functional role in safeguarding your artwork and influencing how it's perceived.

Framing without a mat can sometimes make the display feel flat or cramped. Mats introduce space, contrast and balance between the image and the frame, allowing your eyes to focus on what truly matters. They also prevent potential damage by keeping prints and photographs from coming into direct contact with the glass, which can trap moisture and ruin your artwork over time. Whether you're framing for home décor, a gallery wall or an archival project, understanding the purpose and types of mats can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down what a picture frame mat is, why it matters and how to choose and use it effectively

What Is a Picture Frame Mat?

A picture frame mat—sometimes called a mat board or simply a photo mat—is a flat, thick paper-based or foam board placed inside a picture frame between the glass and the artwork. It features a cut-out window that reveals the central image while providing a visual buffer between the artwork and the edge of the frame.

Mats come in various sizes, colors and materials and they serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. A well-chosen mat not only enhances the visual appeal of the framed piece but also acts as a layer of protection. By spacing the artwork away from the glass, mats help prevent issues like smudging, sticking, mold or discoloration caused by trapped moisture.

Additionally, mats can make smaller artworks appear more substantial, provide balance in larger frames and offer a custom look that ties together the frame, wall color and the piece itself

Why Use a Mat in a Picture Frame?

1. Enhances Visual Appeal

Mats create a “breathing space” around the artwork, allowing the eye to focus on the subject rather than being distracted by the frame’s edge. This is particularly important when displaying photographs or art with busy backgrounds. The clean, uniform border helps the viewer connect with the central image more easily.

They also give a more professional, gallery-style finish that makes any piece feel more intentional. Double or triple mats can add layers of color and sophistication, creating an elevated presentation that's perfect for exhibitions, formal portraits or interior design.

2. Provides Essential Protection

When artwork is pressed directly against glass, it can lead to problems over time—especially with photographs and delicate prints. Moisture and temperature changes may cause condensation, which can damage your artwork through mold, ink bleed or sticking. A mat board prevents this by creating a small air gap, which allows the piece to "breathe" and remain dry.

Additionally, acid-free or archival mats help prevent yellowing, brittleness and deterioration, extending the life of your treasured photos and documents.

3. Adds Depth and Dimension

Mats are not just flat borders—they add visual depth to framed pieces. The window cut creates a recessed effect, making the artwork feel layered and more dynamic. This added dimension is particularly useful when you want to make a small photo feel more impactful or when displaying multiple items within a single frame.

Stacking mats (double or triple matting) allows you to play with contrasting colors or textures, which adds more personality and emphasis to your display.

4. Supports Customization and Creativity

With a wide range of colors, core styles, textures and thicknesses, mat boards offer plenty of room for personalization. Whether you want to highlight specific colors within a piece, match the mat to your room decor or add a unique artistic flair, the right mat can help you achieve your desired visual effect.

Types of Mat Boards

Understanding the different kinds of mat boards is important, especially when you're framing valuable or sentimental items. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Standard Mat Boards

Standard mat boards are typically made from wood pulp and are suited for decorative framing. While they're budget-friendly and widely available, they are not ideal for long-term or archival use. Over time, they may release acids that can damage the artwork, causing yellowing or fading.

Use standard mats for items like posters, temporary art or inexpensive prints where long-term preservation isn’t a top priority.

2. Acid-Free or Archival Mat Boards

These mats are treated to be pH-neutral and free from harmful acids that can degrade artwork. Acid-free mats are ideal for preserving valuable items like family photographs, certificates and limited-edition prints. They help prevent fading, discoloration and chemical reactions over time.

This type is often used in galleries, museums and homes where longevity matters. They are slightly more expensive than standard mats but offer much greater protection.

3. Museum-Grade Mat Boards

The highest quality available, museum-grade mats are made from 100% cotton rag or alpha cellulose materials. They provide the best long-term protection and are completely free from lignin, acid and other contaminants. These mats meet strict conservation standards and are ideal for rare artwork, signed documents and other irreplaceable items.

If you're framing a valuable heirloom or artwork with significant historical or emotional value, museum-grade matting is the gold standard.

How to Choose the Right Mat for Your Frame

1. Select the Right Color and Finish

Choose a mat color that complements both the frame and the artwork. Neutral colors like white, cream or gray are versatile and timeless. For bolder looks, use a colored inner mat to highlight accents in the artwork. Some mats come with textures (linen, suede) that add a tactile element to the frame.

2. Consider the Mat Border Size

Standard mat borders are 2" to 4" wide, depending on the size of the frame. Larger frames often require wider mats to maintain visual balance. The mat opening should be slightly smaller than the artwork (usually by about 1/8 inch on each side) so it can hold the piece securely without gaps.

3. Decide on Single vs Double Matting

Double matting involves layering two mats—a main (top) mat and a secondary (inner) mat that shows as a narrow border. This technique can create depth, highlight certain colors and add elegance to the frame.

4. Choose the Right Thickness

Mat boards are typically available in 4-ply (standard), 6-ply or even 8-ply thicknesses. Thicker mats create a stronger dimensional effect and can be more striking in larger frames or formal settings.

Common Uses for Picture Frame Mats

Mats are used in a wide range of framing projects. Here are a few popular applications:

• Family Portraits – Give your cherished photos a clean, elegant presentation that matches your home décor.

• Certificates and Diplomas – Enhance professionalism and protection using acid-free mats.

• Art Prints and Watercolors – Use mats to draw attention and protect delicate artworks from environmental damage.

• Decorative Wall Displays – Create symmetry and consistency on gallery walls using matching mat styles and colors.

• Memorabilia and Keepsakes – Preserve ticket stubs, medals or autographs using museum-grade mats for archival longevity.

How to Mat a Picture for Framing

If you’re doing it yourself, follow these steps to mat a picture correctly:

1. Measure your artwork and select a mat with a slightly smaller window to keep it secure.

2. Attach the artwork to the mat using acid-free tape or mounting corners.

3. Place the matted piece inside the frame, ensuring it lies flat and centered.

4. Secure the frame backing, clean the glass and hang it in a cool, dry location.

Always handle the mat with clean hands or gloves to avoid fingerprints or stains.

Conclusion

A picture frame mat is more than just a decorative addition—it's a powerful design tool and a key protector for your most cherished artwork and memories. Whether you’re framing for aesthetics, preservation or presentation, understanding how mats work and how to choose the right one can completely transform the way your images are displayed.

By using high-quality, properly chosen mats, you not only protect your artwork from damage but also give it the spotlight it deserves. Whether you're curating a home gallery or framing a precious keepsake, investing in the right mat board is always worth it.