Both options elevate your artwork, but they do it in different ways. Let\u2019s break down the visual impact, sizing considerations, thickness factors, and when each option makes the most sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
![\"kids](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8514_jpg-960x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"gallery](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Tayler-Cook-artist-collaboration-2025-02-03-05-37-49-manual0-930x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat Is a Single Mat in Picture Framing?<\/h3>\n\n\nA single mat<\/strong> is one layer of mat board placed between your artwork and the frame. It creates breathing room around your piece, separates the art from the frame, and draws the eye inward.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBenefits of a Single Mat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Clean, modern look<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Budget-friendly option<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keeps the focus on the artwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Great for minimal or contemporary spaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Adds visual space without overwhelming the piece<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
A single mat is perfect when:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Your artwork is already bold or detailed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You\u2019re framing photography or graphic prints<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You want a streamlined, gallery-style presentation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"sunflower](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_4188-2-960x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"vintage](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9260-1-960x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat Is a Double Mat?<\/h3>\n\n\nA double mat uses two mat boards layered together. The top mat has a slightly larger opening, revealing a thin border (called a \u201cmat reveal\u201d) of the bottom mat. That reveal is where the magic happens.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\nBenefits of a Double Mat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Adds depth and dimension<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Creates subtle contrast<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Highlights a specific color in the artwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gives a more traditional or elevated look<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Makes smaller artwork feel more substantial<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Double matting is especially effective for:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Vintage prints<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Watercolors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Black-and-white photography<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Smaller pieces that need more visual weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sentimental items (concert tickets or documents)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"coastal](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_7005-1280x960.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Choose Between a Single Mat vs Double Mat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how to decide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Consider the Style of the Room<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"dining](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jeanne-Zamith-@becominghomebody_6-853x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
modern & minimal<\/em><\/strong>
single mat keeps it simple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"thin](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/DSC_7561-853x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
eclectic style room
<\/em><\/strong>double mat adds boldness<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"wide](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_2797-1-960x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
traditional & layered
<\/strong><\/em>double mat adds dimension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Think About Visual Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"botanical](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_4619-1-960x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
A double mat makes a statement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"gallery](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_2777-936x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
A single mat quietly supports the artwork.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you want subtle, go single. If you want depth and design, go double.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"orange](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/alonda12-938x1280.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n3. Use Smart Color Matching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest advantages of double matting is color play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Smart Color Matching<\/a>, you can pull any color directly from your artwork and use it as the inner mat reveal. This creates cohesion without overpowering the piece.
A double mat gives you that extra layer of customization.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nTips for adding colorful matboards:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n- pull a soft blue from a landscape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n- highlight warm tones in a vintage print<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n- add drama with a black bottom mat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMaximum Sizing: How Big Can Your Mat Be?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sizing matters, especially if you\u2019re framing a larger piece of artwork<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Larger frames can support wider mat borders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extremely large frames may have structural limits depending on frame style.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Double mats add thickness and layering, which may slightly affect max sizing allowances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re framing oversized art, photography, or posters, be sure to check frame and mat sizing limits before finalizing your design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Large Can The Matboards Go? <\/strong>Our 4-ply mat boards go up to 42″ x 62″ (outer dimensions). Thicker 6-ply, 8-ply, metallic, and patterned mats go up to 32″ x 40″, giving you the freedom to frame large prints, posters, or originals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThickness Matters: What Are You Framing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nNot all artwork is flat paper, and matting plays a role in how everything fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider the following: the thickness of the item you\u2019re framing, the thickness (ply) of your matboard, and the amount of artwork depth your chosen frame can accommodate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standard mat boards<\/a> are typically 4-ply, but can go up to 8-ply. Keep in mind, when layering double mats, you\u2019re effectively adding more depth inside the frame.<\/p>\n<\/div>![\"matboard](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/matboard-ply-comparison.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIf opting for thicker ply matboards, you\u2019ll want to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- If you’re using thick paper, such as watercolor paper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Float-mounted prints<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fabric or specialty materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Documents on heavier paper stock<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Non-traditional photos, such as Polaroids<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If your piece is thicker than standard paper, make sure your frame depth can accommodate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n- the artwork thickness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n- one or two mat layers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n- foamcore backing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhen to Choose a Single Mat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"small](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ashley_Morris_@sweethomevalley_001-1280x960.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\nChoose a single mat if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A single mat<\/strong> is one layer of mat board placed between your artwork and the frame. It creates breathing room around your piece, separates the art from the frame, and draws the eye inward.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n A double mat uses two mat boards layered together. The top mat has a slightly larger opening, revealing a thin border (called a \u201cmat reveal\u201d) of the bottom mat. That reveal is where the magic happens.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Here\u2019s how to decide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest advantages of double matting is color play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Smart Color Matching<\/a>, you can pull any color directly from your artwork and use it as the inner mat reveal. This creates cohesion without overpowering the piece. Sizing matters, especially if you\u2019re framing a larger piece of artwork<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re framing oversized art, photography, or posters, be sure to check frame and mat sizing limits before finalizing your design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How Large Can The Matboards Go? <\/strong>Our 4-ply mat boards go up to 42″ x 62″ (outer dimensions). Thicker 6-ply, 8-ply, metallic, and patterned mats go up to 32″ x 40″, giving you the freedom to frame large prints, posters, or originals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all artwork is flat paper, and matting plays a role in how everything fits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider the following: the thickness of the item you\u2019re framing, the thickness (ply) of your matboard, and the amount of artwork depth your chosen frame can accommodate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standard mat boards<\/a> are typically 4-ply, but can go up to 8-ply. Keep in mind, when layering double mats, you\u2019re effectively adding more depth inside the frame.<\/p>\n<\/div> If opting for thicker ply matboards, you\u2019ll want to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your piece is thicker than standard paper, make sure your frame depth can accommodate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a single mat if:<\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits of a Single Mat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
A single mat is perfect when:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat Is a Double Mat?<\/h3>\n
Benefits of a Double Mat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Double matting is especially effective for:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Choose Between a Single Mat vs Double Mat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Consider the Style of the Room<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
single mat keeps it simple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/em><\/strong>double mat adds boldness<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/em>double mat adds dimension<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Think About Visual Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you want subtle, go single. If you want depth and design, go double.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>3. Use Smart Color Matching<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A double mat gives you that extra layer of customization.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nTips for adding colorful matboards:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n\n\n\nMaximum Sizing: How Big Can Your Mat Be?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nThickness Matters: What Are You Framing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n\n\n\nWhen to Choose a Single Mat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>
![\"art](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Elizabeth-Gonzalez-@flossy.arts_002-1-1280x1107.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>![\"double](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_2820-3-1280x965.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"design](\"https:\/\/www.frameiteasy.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/design-your-frame-1.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n