FRAMING TIPS & HOW-TO

5 Ways to Make Art Pop Using Custom Picture Mats

Published Date : 17th Aug 2026

When a print is mounted on the wall and looks dull, adding the right mat can turn it into something truly special. That is the magic of a custom picture mat. It's the frame for the artwork frame that no one notices, but which does most of the hard work of making the piece stand out

At Art To Frames, we get asked about mats nearly as much as we get asked about the frames themselves. The right mat can rescue a dull piece, while the wrong one can ruin something special. Here are 5 ways to use your picture mats to maximum effect

What a Good Picture Mat Can Do

A picture mat can do more than just add style to your framed artwork. By putting space between your art and the glass, it can also prevent damage due to moisture. The Library of Congress has some great guidelines on their website about the Acid Free Board and the importance of using the right kind of board for preserving works of art. Picture mats made from the right materials can do more than protect, they can look good while doing it

5 Ways to Make Art Pop Using Custom Picture Mats

1. Go Bigger

A small border on your picture mat can make the artwork look cramped. Go for something larger that will give the illusion of more space on the wall. You may be surprised how adding an extra inch or two makes all the difference. Check out our photo mats to see how much difference width can make

2. Use Colors From the Artwork

If you are looking for something that will make your picture stand out on the wall, go with a color that you see in the image itself. Rather than going for white (or any other neutral color), use a soft color that blends in with the background of the image you are framing. This Pinterest board is a good place to find some ideas

A Quick Trick for Choosing Colors

Hold a few different mat swatches up to the artwork in natural light. The one that makes the colors in the image appear to be the brightest is almost certainly the right choice

3. Layer Two Mats on Top of Each Other

Using two mats together is a great way to add visual interest without altering the appearance of the artwork. It is simple to do, just put a mat in front of another one, leaving just a small amount of the bottom mat showing through. Photographers use this trick all the time to add subtle depth to black and white images

4. Make Sure the Mat Matches the Room

If you want to create a gallery wall or put a framed image in a space where it will be seen, make sure to use a mat in a color that will match the room. This can be harder than it sounds for pieces that are put together as part of a larger display. For more options on choosing the right style for your custom wood frames, check out our guide to matching your custom wood frames with the rest of your decor.

5. Use an Acid-Free Picture Mat for Anything Valuable

If you are looking to frame something valuable like a wedding photo or a diploma, avoid cheap mats and go for something archival quality instead

The right mat can make all the difference when it comes to displays and custom wood frames. By using just a few simple tricks, you can dramatically improve how your pictures look and feel in your home.