A mat is the card border between a photo and its frame. It keeps the print from touching the glass and gives the eye space to rest. Choose a mat by deciding how wide the border should be, which color supports the photo, and whether the material is made for long-term display.
Why Add a Mat
Besides looks, a mat creates a small air gap so the print does not stick to the glazing if moisture builds up. It also lets you frame a small photo in a larger frame, which makes modest prints feel more substantial on a wall.
Width and Proportions
Wider mats feel gallery-like and calm; narrow mats feel tight and informal. A common approach is to make the border roughly one and a half to three times wider than the thin frame, with larger borders for small prints. Some people make the bottom edge slightly deeper than the sides and top, a traditional touch that makes the picture look settled and balanced.
Color Choices
| Mat color | Good with | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| White or off-white | Most photos | Clean and bright, never distracts |
| Warm cream | Sepia, vintage and family images | Soft and nostalgic |
| Black or charcoal | High-contrast black and white | Dramatic and strong |
| A color from the photo | Images with one clear accent | Ties the pieces together, but use sparingly |
If in doubt, hold a few sample cards against the print in daylight and in the room where it will hang.
Material and Cut
- Acid-free board. Made for prints you want to keep. Ordinary craft card can discolor and stain paper over time.
- Bevel cut. The opening edge is angled and shows a thin core line. It looks refined.
- Single or double layer. A second thin mat in another shade adds depth.
Cutting or Buying
- Measure the visible area of the print you want to show, not the whole sheet.
- Decide on your border width, then add it to all sides to find the outside size.
- Confirm the outside size matches your frame opening.
- Buy a ready-cut mat if sizes line up, or order a custom opening for unusual dimensions.
- Attach the print with hinges of archival tape on the top edge only, so paper can move naturally. Avoid sticking all four sides.
FAQ
Do all photos need a mat?
No. Large bold prints can look better without one. Small prints usually gain from it.
Can I use a white mat in a white room?
Yes. A slightly different white or cream often reads as pleasant rather than flat.
The Short Version
Choose a neutral mat first, make the border generous, and use acid-free board. Hinge the print gently and keep the opening sized to the part of the image you want to show.