If you’re looking for ideas for adding matboards to your picture frames, there are many creative ways to enhance the look of your artwork. Matboards do more than simply border a piece, they add depth, create contrast, and help guide the viewer’s eye toward the artwork. Whether you want a clean, gallery-style presentation or something more decorative, the right matboard choice can completely transform how your framed piece looks on the wall.
Try a Single Mat for a Clean, Classic Look
One of the simplest ideas for adding matboards is using a single mat. A single matboard creates a clean border around your artwork and gives it room to breathe inside the frame. This style works especially well with photography, prints, and minimalist artwork where you want the focus to remain on the piece itself. Neutral colors like white, cream, or light gray are popular because they complement nearly any frame style.
Add Depth with a Double Mat
If you want to elevate the presentation of your artwork, a double mat is another great idea. Double mats use two layers of matboard, with the bottom layer slightly visible beneath the top mat. This layered effect adds depth and dimension while allowing you to introduce a subtle accent color. Many people choose a neutral inner mat with a colored outer mat to highlight tones found within the artwork.
Use White Matboards for a Timeless Style
A white matboard is one of the most versatile options when exploring matboard ideas for framing artwork. White mats create a crisp, gallery-inspired presentation that keeps the focus on the artwork itself. They work particularly well with black-and-white photography, illustrations, and modern prints, and they pair easily with both wood and metal frames.
Create Contrast with Black Matboards
For a more dramatic presentation, consider using a black matboard. Black mats create a strong contrast, which can make colors appear richer and more vibrant. This approach works well with bold graphic prints, high-contrast photography, and contemporary interiors where you want the frame to stand out more visually.
Experiment with Colorful Matboards
Another fun idea for adding matboards is introducing color. Colorful matboards can complement the shades already present in your artwork or add a vibrant accent to the frame design. Subtle blues and greens can enhance nature photography, while warmer tones can pair nicely with vintage prints or travel posters. We make choosing s mtbaord color very easy with our Smart Color Matching tech.
Humble brag: We have the largest number of matboard color options in the framing industry.
The Classic
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A curated set of timeless mat colors of every shade to get you going. Perfect if you want to see some color swatches as an easy starting point.
The Recommended
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Not sure what you want? We’ll guide you with up to 10 color suggestions based on your artwork, helping you land on a perfect color, no guesswork required.
The Color Picker
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The fan fav! Feeling creative? Explore the full range of mat colors and fine-tune your design until it feels just right. Ideal for dialing in a specific color from your art or matching a space.
Add a Touch of Shine with Metallic Mats
If you’re looking for something more elegant, metallic matboards are a stylish option. Gold, silver, and brushed metallic finishes add a subtle shimmer that catches light and adds sophistication to the frame. These mats are often used for framing awards, certificates, or artwork displayed in more formal spaces.
Add Texture with Patterned Matboards
For something unique, consider patterned matboards. Patterned mats introduce texture and visual interest while still framing the artwork. From subtle textures to decorative prints, this style can help make the matboard part of the overall design rather than just a border.
Final Thoughts
Matboards are a simple but powerful way to elevate your custom framing. By exploring different ideas for adding matboards, from clean single mats and layered double mats to bold colors, metallic accents, and textured patterns, you can create a frame design that enhances your artwork and fits your personal style. The right matboard not only improves presentation but also helps protect your piece over time. With so many creative options available, adding a matboard is an easy way to turn a simple frame into a polished, gallery-worthy display.
So where do I start?
Start by finding the perfect thing to frame! Our 3D Frame Designer will walk you through the entire process. All that matters is that you have some fun!
FAQ: Ideas for Adding Matboards
What are some creative ideas for adding matboards to frames?
Some popular ideas include using double mats for added depth, choosing colored matboards to match tones in the artwork, or experimenting with metallic or patterned mats for a more decorative look. You can even try a DIY matboard if you’re feeling crafty!
Should I choose a single mat or a double mat?
A single mat creates a clean, simple border, while a double mat adds dimension and allows you to introduce a subtle accent color that highlights the artwork.
What color matboard should I choose?
Neutral colors like white and cream keep the focus on the artwork, while darker or colored mats can create contrast or highlight specific tones in the piece.
Do matboards protect artwork?
Yes. Matboards create space between the artwork and the acrylic or glass cover, which helps protect the piece from moisture and damage over time. Using acid-free matboards is especially important for preservation.
