How to Choose a Frame and Mat for Any Art Print Size

Overview

Start with the artwork’s actual visible size, then decide how much visual breathing room you want around it. A frame is usually described by its inside opening or the size of print it accepts, while the outside dimensions include the frame molding and mat. These measurements are not interchangeable, so confirm what a product listing means before ordering.

For example, an 11 × 14-inch print can fit an 11 × 14-inch frame without a mat, but a frame advertised as 16 × 20 inches may be intended to hold an 11 × 14-inch print with a mat. Always check the stated image, mat, and outer dimensions.

How much mat space should you use?

There is no single correct border size, but a few practical ranges work well as a starting point:

• Small prints: A mat border of about 2 to 3 inches can keep a modest artwork from looking crowded.
• Medium prints: A 3- to 4-inch border often provides a balanced presentation, depending on the wall and frame.
• Large prints and posters: A narrower proportional border may be more practical, especially when the artwork already fills a substantial frame.
• Portrait-oriented artwork: A slightly deeper bottom margin can create visual balance, but the difference should be subtle.

These are starting points rather than rules. A highly detailed archival art print may benefit from more surrounding space, while a bold graphic poster may look stronger with a close, clean edge. If the print has important details near its perimeter, make sure the mat opening does not cover them.

Match the frame to the aspect ratio

Compare the proportions of the print with the opening of the frame. A 12 × 18-inch print has a 2:3 aspect ratio, while a 12 × 16-inch opening is wider in relation to its height. The print may still fit, but the mat borders will not be equal on all sides unless the design accounts for the difference.

When the aspect ratios differ substantially, choose a custom mat or a frame designed for the print’s exact proportions. This is especially useful for custom size poster prints, panoramic photographs, square artwork, and vintage poster reprints with unusual dimensions.

Reusable measurement worksheet

Record these measurements before shopping for a frame:

• Artwork or print width: ____
• Artwork or print height: ____
• Desired mat border: ____
• Mat opening width: ____
• Mat opening height: ____
• Preferred frame outside width: ____
• Preferred frame outside height: ____
• Available wall width and height: ____
• Distance from nearby furniture, trim, or switches: ____
• Glazing preference and lighting conditions: ____

For help selecting the print dimensions before framing, use the custom art print size calculator. If image quality is a concern, compare the file with the recommendations in the poster resolution calculator.

Checklist by scenario

Ready-made frame for a standard-size print

1. Measure the print, including any intended bleed or border.
2. Find a frame that explicitly accepts that print size.
3. Check whether the frame includes a mat and confirm its opening dimensions.
4. Test the print in the frame before removing protective packaging or applying hinges.
5. Use a backing board that keeps the print flat without forcing it into place.

Ready-made frames are convenient for common sizes and simple displays. They work particularly well for coordinated wall art for an office, a family photo arrangement, or several prints using the same frame profile.

Custom mat and frame for an unusual size

1. Provide the framer with the exact print dimensions, not just the image file dimensions.
2. Explain whether the artwork must remain fully visible, including signatures, deckled edges, or printed margins.
3. Choose the frame’s outside dimensions based on the wall, then set the mat opening around the artwork.
4. Request a paper-safe mounting method appropriate to the print.
5. Review the mat color and glazing under lighting similar to the display location.

Custom framing is usually the clearest solution for fine art prints, square work, panoramic images, oversized posters, and pieces that need a carefully controlled presentation.

Floating mount for deckled or textured edges

A floating mount places the artwork on top of, or slightly above, the backing so its edges remain visible. It can suit handmade paper, deckled edges, or prints where the margin is part of the design. Because the artwork may be exposed inside the mat area, confirm that the glazing, spacer, and mounting method provide adequate separation and protection.

Poster or large wall art without a mat

A poster frame without a mat can preserve more of the image and keep the overall profile lighter. Measure the frame opening carefully, since a narrow lip may cover a small portion of the poster edge. For large wall art prints, consider the frame’s weight, the wall surface, and the hanging hardware as part of the selection rather than as afterthoughts.

Gallery, exhibition, or multiple-print display

Consistency often matters more than using the same frame for every artwork. Match the outer frame profile, mat color, or baseline alignment across the group, while allowing each print its appropriate opening. For an exhibition, create a simple inventory listing each artwork’s print size, framed size, orientation, hanging hardware, and installation location. The gallery and exhibition print checklist can help coordinate the production side before framing begins.

What to double-check

Paper, glazing, and light

Choose glazing according to the room and the value of the artwork. Regular clear glazing may be suitable where reflections are manageable. Anti-reflective glazing can improve visibility in rooms with windows or direct lighting, but it may change the appearance and cost of the finished piece. For archival art prints or original artwork, ask whether the glazing offers the level of light protection appropriate for the display location.

Paper choice also affects the result. Matte and textured papers generally reduce reflections and can complement fine art reproduction, while glossy surfaces may produce stronger contrast but show more glare. Review the matte versus glossy and fine art paper guide before ordering a print intended for a bright room.

Mounting and materials

Use a mat and backing board made for artwork when long-term presentation matters. Avoid materials that can press directly against the print, trap moisture, or leave residue. The artwork should be supported without being stretched, crushed, or permanently altered. For valuable, signed, or especially delicate work, discuss reversible mounting with a qualified framer.

Placement and scale

Hold a paper template of the proposed framed size against the wall before drilling. Check it from the room’s usual viewing position and from the entryway. Above furniture, leave enough visual separation for the piece to read as a composition rather than appearing attached to the furniture. For a grid or salon wall, map the complete group first, including frame widths and gaps.

Print preparation

Before framing custom art prints or photo poster prints, inspect the finished print for trimming, color, surface marks, and edge details. If you are preparing the file yourself, review the professional print file checklist and the guidance on fine art reproduction preparation.

Common mistakes

• Ordering by outer frame size: A 16 × 20-inch frame does not necessarily accept a 16 × 20-inch print. Verify the opening and mat dimensions.
• Ignoring aspect ratio: A print can fit inside a larger frame while ending up with awkward, uneven borders.
• Covering important edges: Check signatures, captions, borders, and intentional paper margins before approving the mat opening.
• Choosing a glossy surface for a reflective wall: Glare can make an otherwise well-produced print difficult to view.
• Using a frame that overwhelms the art: A very wide or ornate molding can compete with a quiet image; a narrow frame may disappear beside a bold poster.
• Skipping a wall mock-up: A frame that seems appropriate at a shop can look too small or too dominant in the intended room.
• Forcing the print into place: If the artwork bends, buckles, or catches on the frame, stop and reassess the dimensions.
• Assuming every paper needs the same treatment: Textured, glossy, thin, and heavyweight papers may require different mounting and spacing decisions.

When to revisit

Reuse this guide whenever you order a new print, change rooms, build a gallery wall, or move from a ready-made frame to a custom presentation. Recheck product dimensions before each purchase because frame ranges, glazing options, and mat availability can change. Seasonal planning is also a useful time to review displays in offices, hospitality spaces, galleries, and retail environments.

Before placing your next order, complete this short action checklist:

1. Measure the artwork and the available wall area.
2. Write down the print, mat opening, frame, and final outside dimensions separately.
3. Compare the print’s aspect ratio with the proposed frame.
4. Decide whether the artwork needs a mat, floating mount, or close frame fit.
5. Select paper and glazing based on viewing distance, room lighting, and handling needs.
6. Mock up the finished size on the wall.
7. Confirm the frame’s hanging hardware and weight are suitable for the wall.
8. Keep the completed worksheet with the print order for future replacements or matching pieces.

A thoughtful frame-and-mat plan makes custom size wall art easier to order, easier to install, and more cohesive with the room. It also gives each print enough space to be seen on its own, whether it is displayed as a single statement, part of a collection, or in a professional exhibition.