Ever wonder what that sleek border is around framed artwork—or whether your print even needs one? That little extra something is called a photo mat, and while it may seem like a small detail, it can make a big impact.
In this post, we’re breaking down the basics of photo mats, the pros and cons of using them, and how to choose the right option for your home or office wall art. Whether you're framing a tropical print from our shop or one of your own photos, this guide will help you decide if a mat is the right move.
Key Takeaways
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Photo mats add polish, protect your artwork, and help focus attention on the image.
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They’re great for gallery walls, traditional styles, and prints with fine details.
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Non-matted prints offer a sleek, modern look—and often cost less to frame.
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You can use a smaller print with a mat inside a larger frame to save on printing.
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Choose the style that works best with your decor and the emotion you want to evoke.
What Is a Photo Mat?
A photo mat is a flat piece of material—usually made from thick paper or fabric—that surrounds your image inside a frame. Think of it like a visual border or window that makes the image pop.
The image sits behind the mat, centered in a cut-out opening. The mat’s outer edges are larger than the picture, creating a clean buffer between your artwork and the frame.
At Caribbean Art Prints, some of our customers like to add mats to their favorite prints for a gallery-style finish, while others prefer a full-bleed look with no mat at all.
Why Use a Photo Mat?
Let’s break it down:
✨ 1. Aesthetic Appeal
Mats give your artwork a polished, professional feel. They add depth and help separate the image from the frame, which can be especially useful for prints with bold colors or busy details. Without a mat, you’ll get a more modern and direct look—great if you’re going for that minimalist island apartment vibe.
🎯 2. Focus on the Art
By adding a neutral border around your print, mats help draw the eye to what matters: the image itself. This is perfect for detailed artwork or pieces where you want to emphasize a certain element—like the shimmer of a hummingbird’s wings or the glow of a Caribbean sunset.
🖼️ 3. Versatility in Style
Mats come in all kinds of colors, thicknesses, and textures, so they’re easy to match with your room’s decor. They're also helpful when designing gallery walls—creating visual balance and spacing between different frames.
🛡️ 4. Protection & Preservation
A mat acts as a protective buffer between your artwork and the frame glass. This helps prevent the print from sticking to the glass over time, which can cause damage—especially in humid environments.
What About Frameless Prints or No Mats?
Going mat-free can give your space a cleaner, bolder aesthetic. It’s also more budget-friendly, since you won’t need to buy the mat or trim down the print. But keep in mind that without a mat, your image will sit directly against the glass—so be extra careful when framing.
Let’s Talk Size and Cost
Here’s a quick example from the video:
A 16x20 frame with an 11x14 mat means your actual image only needs to be 11x14 inches. That’s more affordable to print, and it still fits in a large, impressive frame.
On the other hand, if you don’t use a mat, you’ll need a full-size 16x20 print to fill the frame edge-to-edge—which will cost more to print, but deliver a more immersive look.
So… Should You Use a Mat?
That depends on:
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Your personal style
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The look you’re going for (polished vs. modern)
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The character of the image itself
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Your budget
At the end of the day, both matted and unmatted prints can look stunning. It’s all about what suits your space and energy best.
