Matting & Frame Color FAQs
1. What does a mat do in picture framing?
A mat creates breathing room around the art, separates the print from the glazing, and helps visually transition between the artwork, frame, and surrounding wall color.
2. How wide should my mat borders be?
For small pieces, 2"-3" borders usually work. For larger pieces and commercial installations, 3"-5" borders feel more upscale and prevent the frame from looking cramped.
3. How do I choose a mat color for black-and-white photos?
Use white, off-white, or very light gray for a museum look. For drama, pair a black mat with a thin white inner mat to keep the print from visually sinking into the border.
4. What mat colors are safest for corporate and commercial spaces?
Neutrals—white, cream, gray and soft taupe are safest. They work with changing tenants, furniture and brand palettes without needing to be re-framed.
5. When should I use bright colored mats?
Use bright colors as narrow inner mats to echo a key color in the art or brand. They are great for schools, kids
rooms, sports themes and retail displays, but can overwhelm fine art if used too wide.
6. What mat colors work best with colorful artwork?
Choose a neutral mat and pull just one accent color into a thin inner mat or the frame itself. This keeps busy art from fighting with a busy mat.
7. How much larger should a mat opening be than the artwork?
Most framers undercut the opening by about 1/8"-1/4" on each side so the print sits neatly behind the mat and no raw paper edges show.
8. Can I mix multiple mats (double or triple matting)?
Yes. Double and triple mats add depth and color control. Use a neutral top mat with a colored inner mat to introduce brand colors or tie the art into surrounding furnishings.
9. Are white mats always the best choice?
White mats are the most versatile and gallery safe, but in warm interiors or hospitality projects, soft creams and warm neutrals can look less clinical and more inviting.
10. Which mat colors hide dirt best in high-traffic areas?
Mid-tone neutrals such as warm gray, mocha, or taupe hide fingerprints and minor scuffs better than bright whites in hallways, elevators and public corridors.
11. How do mat and frame colors affect the mood of a space?
Black and silver feel modern and crisp, brown and cherry feel warm and traditional, gold feels formal and luxurious, while white and natural woods feel airy and casual.
12. What mat size works best for posters?
Posters can handle generous mats. A 24" × 36" poster often looks best with at least a 3"-4" mat border, especially in commercial or gallery-style installations.
13. Do frames and mats need to match furniture and flooring exactly?
No. Aim to coordinate, not match. Choose frames and mats that harmonize with the overall palette (warm vs cool, light vs dark) rather than copying any one wood or fabric tone.
14. What's the difference between regular and archival mat board?
Archival mat board is acid-free and lignin-free, helping protect artwork over decades. It's recommended for original art, photography, limited editions and any long-term collection.
15. When should I use a black mat?
Black mats add drama and depth, especially for high-contrast photographs and graphic work. In commercial spaces, keep them balanced with lighter walls so the result doesn't feel too heavy.
16. How do I pick frame color when walls are already very colorful?
Go neutral: black, white, silver or simple wood tones with white or gray mats. This keeps the art readable against bold wall colors and avoids visual overload.
17. Can mat color help reinforce a brand palette?
Yes. Use brand colors in narrow inner mats or subtle frame accents, and keep top mats neutral. This keeps the look professional while still supporting brand identity.
18. How much bigger should the frame be than the artwork?
It depends on mat width, but as a rule the outside frame size can be 4"-10" larger than the print in each direction. Larger scale reads more premium in lobbies, corridors and public areas.
19. Are there different matting approaches for photography vs paintings?
Photography typically prefers cleaner, cooler neutrals; paintings can often handle warmer creams and bolder accent colors. Always test with the artwork under real lighting when possible.
20. What is a simple formula for framers and designers to start with?
Start with a neutral mat (white, cream or gray), pick a frame that matches the project's metal or wood finishes, then introduce a thin accent mat only when you need a color tie-in or extra depth.
