Matted or Unmatted Frames: All you need to know

When you order frames from us at Framegidi, an important question we ask is: "Would you like to have your frames matted or unmatted?"

This question is important because your answer helps us determine how you want your frames to look. So, with this article, we're going to explain what a matting is and what it does (or doesn't do) to your frames.

Matted Frames Vs Unmatted Frames?

Matted frames are frames where a matboard is used during the production, and will end up with a (white) border between the image/art and the frame moulding. Likewise, an Unmatted frame implies no matboard will be used in the production of your frames.

What is a matboard?

A matboard is a thin flat piece of paper or cardboard that sits between a framed item and the frame/glass. It has both protective and aesthetic qualities. A mat board effectively shields the framed item from damage and degradation while drawing attention to it and giving the entire frame a finished look. While matboards are available in many colours, the most popular colour is white because it complements every item.

Matboard styles to explore.

The good thing is that matboards are very customisable, so you can explore different matting styles for each of your frames.

Standard-sized Matboard

If you love simplicity and class, this style is for you. This frame matting style makes your framed item the centre of attention and it adds a unique quality to your frame. A feature of this matting style is that the borders surrounding the picture or art are usually of the same width.

Bottom-weighted Matboard

As the name implies, bottom-weighted mat boards are mat boards with bigger and wider bases. If you're going for unique-looking frames that capture attention immediately, this style is for you because it's not as popular as the standard matting style. Frames with bottom-weighted mat boards have bases that are usually wider than their tops and sides.

Double/Layered Matboard

The double or layered matting style gives you a perfect blend of depth and uniqueness. A double mat has two mat boards called the top mat and the bottom mat stacked together. The top mat will have a larger window that allows a small part of the bottom mat's borders to peek out. This small border is called the reveal. You can also have a triple mat, which consists of 3 differently-sized mat boards arranged together to border your framed item.  

The great thing about this style is that you can experiment with different mat board colours in the same frame. It provides a very unique and personal aesthetic.

Wide Matboard

Dear minimalists, this one's for you! This style gives you a very simple way to draw attention towards your framed item. It's mostly used for small pieces in large frames.

Multi-opening Matboard

Do you know that you can create a real-life collage with your frame? Well, you can! With the multi-opening matting style, you can have different pictures within the same frame because the mat board contains more than one opening. It's great for picture strips, antique stamps, vintage pictures and other collectibles. Also, what better way to preserve your fondest memories than to organise them into one frame?

Final thoughts

When choosing matting styles for your frames, you should ensure that your preferred style will enhance the overall look of your frame and space. Remember that with Framegidi, the process is entirely customisable and you're free to pick whatever mat board colour you want.

If you need help deciding the best matting style for your space or item, the Framegidi team is always ready to help. Talk to a Framegidi professional now or book a physical consultation.