For most people viewing artwork, wider mats help provide a visual “breathing space” between the picture frame and the more comfortable looking art. Wide mat borders used to be used by art collectors and museums on their high-value pieces, but are now quite popular for many types of framed art.

The best choice of mat borders is mostly a personal preference that can change over time. It’s a good idea, when trying to determine your preference, to consider framed art in magazines, museums, in other people’s homes, or anywhere art is found.

In addition to the width of the mat border, you will find variations that have developed over the years, some to match variations of art and decor. Create the mood of the art you display with different varieties of rug borders.

even edges, single mat

The most basic standard mat is the same width all around and provides a simple presentation for almost any art form. The texture and color of the surface of this board can make the overall character of your artwork.

Numerous opening mats.

This type of mat is generally used for photography, a single mat has multiple openings that allow you to display more than one image. The openings may all have a variety of shapes and sizes, or they may be the same shape and size. This type of mat can also be used to display collections, such as trading cards or stamps. When you’re displaying many items within a frame, it’s generally a good idea to choose simple frames, such as solid-colored wood picture frames or silver-plated picture frames.

double mats

The double mat is actually two mats that are on top of each other. Anywhere from 1/2 inch to 1/8 inch of the bottom mat is revealed within the opening in the top mat. Usually the mats are two different colors, but this is not necessary. This type of map creates visual and physical depth. If the artwork uses a double mat, it is thought to be a more finished and professional looking piece.

A weighted bottom mat.

A weighted bottom mat is one that includes a wider or slightly extended bottom edge. Some people believe that it suits a person’s eye as it gives the feeling of a solid foundation. It is a very popular style for various types of art frames.

Museum Mat Style

This type of mat has significant borders on the top and sides and a clearly wider bottom border. Art museums often use this type of rug to display drawings, prints, and watercolors, hence the name. The traditional color preference for museums is neutral gray, off-white, and white mats; however, when used in home décor, some people like more density with their rug colors.

the oriental rug

This type of mat has two narrow opposite sides, with the remaining edges being much wider, and is intended to mimic the proportions of the art found on the scrolls. Typically, the narrow sides are one-third or one-fourth the width of the other sides. This type of mat works well with elongated art, but is usually seen with Asian art prints and paintings.

arched mat

If you’re looking to get a traditional, romantic, or classic feel, choose a curved arch rug. This style of mat makes artwork feel vintage and is a great choice for old photographs. It is also a wonderful option when you have romantic photos, such as an anniversary or a wedding.

Printing Mat A

This mat gives your art a contemporary feel and works well for prints that are on large sheets of paper, and the mat has a narrow top and bottom and wider sides.

the oval rug

A mat that has an oval opening imparts a romantic, old-fashioned feel. This type of mat works best for a centered image, since the corners of the art you’re framing will be hidden. Oval doilies can be used to frame silhouette portraits, wedding photos, and vintage photographs.

Use cloth covered mats

It’s easy to add depth and dimension with the texture of the fabric rug. Typically, these are covered with linen, silk, suede, and velvet.

french mats

The opening of the French doily is outlined by lines of ink, with panels of watercolor washes between these lines. These may have just two lines with a wash of color, or they may have multiple lines and panels of color.

matte embellished

It is possible to apply stickers or other decoration to the surface of a mat, such as a simple monogram in one corner or possibly a small decorative design in all four corners. The type of embellishment you choose will take your artwork from fun to formal and chic.

Now that you’ve learned about some of the many rug shapes you can choose from, have some fun framing your photos. You can really enhance your photos with the type of mat you use.