To Mat Or Not To Mat Photos

Personal photographs or smaller scale pics seem to transcend from casual snapshots to the realm of fine art with the addition of a mat.

To mat or not to mat photos.

Over the last year i ve noticed the variety of framing methods for photographs at the high end new york galleries via the art show reviews on dlk collection recently i was printing a panorama for a show with a 36 size restriction. A mat can give an elevated or sort of focused in look to the photograph. This simple frame and detailed photo go perfectly well together without a mat. You will notice from the examples above depending on the size you would like to print it can cut a substantial portion of your image as marked by the green arrows.

White isn t the only option with matting. I think that particular artwork suits either option. Not only does tradition lead our eyes to expect a mat with more complicated frames but a decorated frame will threaten to overwhelm your photo without the negative space provided by a mat. The mat serves as a layer of protection so that the image is not in contact with the glass.

I ve always framed photographs with a mat both for the traditional look and to keep the print separated from the glazing. Especially if you have an original piece of art like a pastel or a photograph that you want to preserve for years to come. You can choose your optimal mat style in our online frame designer and learn more about our current mat styles here keeping it simple is our mantra her. I am slightly less keen on the white mat but wonder how it would look against a black or grey mat.

I think it can depend on proportions the type of artwork. Custom framing heirlooms textiles or items other than canvas or paper usually will benefit from a floating mat. A mat can really make your photo pop and complement the flat nature of the medium. As of may 2019 our available mat styles have increased.

Photographs whether large or small are often complemented by the addition of a mat.