Do you need a mat? Widths, types and when to skip one

A mat is the card border between the frame and your artwork. It's optional — but it changes how a piece looks, and how well it lasts.

What does a mat do?

• It gives the art breathing room, so your eye goes to the piece, not the wall.
• It keeps the art off the acrylic, so paper can't stick to it or trap moisture.
• It makes small pieces look bigger and more finished.

Our mats are acid-free conservation board, so they won't yellow or stain the artwork over time.

The three types of matting

Mat widths: thin, standard, wide or extra wide

When in doubt, go a little wider than you think. A mat that's too thin can look like an afterthought.

How a mat changes the frame size

The mat adds its width on every side. An 8×10 in photo with a 2 in standard mat becomes 12×14 in, before the frame. Keep this in mind if you're filling a specific space on the wall.

The best mat is the one you stop noticing.

From the studio

What colour mat should I choose?

White and off-white suit nearly every photo and wall. Darker mats work for artwork with strong contrast, or rooms with dark walls. You can preview mat colours and widths on your own photo when you customise your frame.

See mats side by side on our custom framing page, or read about float mounting.