Have a special piece you’ve been meaning to frame? Maybe it’s a favorite photo, a meaningful print, a diploma, or a family keepsake.

When custom framing, most people think about the frame first: the color, finish, style, and how it will look on the wall.

But one of the most important parts of a framed piece is often the mat.

At first glance, a mat may seem like a decorative border. In reality, it helps protect your piece, gives the image room to breathe, and creates a more intentional presentation.

Here’s why adding a mat can make a big difference in your next framing project.

Artwork Preservation

One of the main reasons to use a mat is protection.

Moisture builds up over time when a photo or piece of art sits directly against glass. This is especially common with paper-based artwork, prints, photographs, and documents. When condensation forms on the inside of the glass, that moisture can transfer into the art, causing water marks, staining, or even making the piece stick to the glass.

A mat creates space between the glass and the artwork that helps prevent direct contact and gives the piece an added layer of protection.

For sentimental, one-of-a-kind, or paper-based pieces, that protective space can make a big difference.

Mats Give an Image Breathing Room

A mat also changes the way a framed piece is viewed.

Think of it like a comma in a long-winded sentence. Just as a comma gives a pause to a long thought, a mat gives your eye a visual break and pause that helps the viewer slow down and focus on the image.

Mat width plays a big role here. A narrower mat can feel clean, slim, and modern, while a wider mat evokes a more dramatic feel and gives the artwork more presence.

A mat can also help balance artwork with uneven borders or awkward spacing. Instead of trimming the piece, the mat can adjust how the art is presented within the frame.

Do You Always Need a Mat?

Not always.

While mats are often recommended, there are times when a different approach makes more sense. If wall space is limited, or if the piece calls for a cleaner edge-to-edge framed look, liners, stacked frames, or glass spacers can create a protective buffer without using a traditional mat.

Another option is a printed border. Instead of adding a separate mat, the mat border can be printed directly with your image, creating a clean, polished look with less added size. They are sturdy, durable, and available in custom sizes, making them a great option for graphics, signage, presentations, retail displays, and event pieces.

Like every custom framing decision, it depends on the artwork, the frame, the space, and the final look you want.

The Right Mat Can Change the Whole Piece

Sometimes, the smallest matting choices can completely change how a framed piece is viewed.

One Pictures Plus customer came in with three samurai prints, each featuring a different pose and weapon. He wanted to display them as a series, with one print taking focus in the center.

To keep the collection cohesive, our team used the same frame and the same mat colors for all three pieces: cream, purple, and red. The two outer prints followed the same mat order, while the center print reversed the purple and red accents.

It was a subtle change, but it made the middle piece stand out just enough. The three prints still felt connected, but the slight variation helped guide the viewer’s eye toward the center image.

That is what the right mat can do. It can create balance and add intention without overpowering the artwork.

Custom Matting at Pictures Plus

A mat may seem like a small detail, but it can completely change how a framed piece looks, feels, and holds up over time.

At Pictures Plus, our expert Design Consultants can help you choose mat colors, widths, and layouts that work for your artwork, your space, and your style.

Whether you want something clean and classic, bold and dramatic, or subtle enough to let the art do the talking, the right mat can make your framed piece feel complete.

Visit us in-store to explore custom matting and framing options for your photos, artwork, documents, and keepsakes.