How to Choose the Right Mat Board for Your Picture Frame: A Simple Guide to Mats & Framing
If you’ve ever looked at a framed photograph or art print and thought, “Why does this one feel so much more polished?” — the secret might just be the mat board.
Mat boards (also called matboards, mount boards, or frame mats) are those border layers you see around artwork inside picture frames. They're not just there for looks. The right mat adds space between your artwork and the glass, helps protect your artwork, and enhances the overall framing experience.
But when exactly should you use a mat? What’s the best type of mat? And how do you choose the perfect mat for your photo frame or framed art?
Let’s break it down.
What Mulbury Frames Work with Mat Boards?
Not all frames are created equal. If you’re keen to use mat boards, start with the right frame size and style.
Compatible Mulbury frames:
- Chunky
- Wide
- Original
- Slim
- Multi-photo
These frame styles are designed to hold a matboard, allowing your photograph or artwork to sit comfortably and securely.
You can also add matting to:
- Custom framing
- Shadow box frames
- Canvas floating frames
And yes, all made using recycled timber, of course.
Why Use a Mat Board?
A mat board isn't just decorative – it has a practical purpose. It creates space between artwork and glazing (the glass or acrylic layer), which helps prevent yellowing and deterioration by keeping the artwork away from direct contact with the glass. This also helps prevent moisture build-up and preserve your image over time.
Professional framers and the framing industry often use acid-free mat boards or rag mat boards to ensure the artwork doesn’t get damaged over the years. Regular paper-based, wood pulp or acidic mats can cause long-term discolouration.
At Mulbury, we only use high-quality mat boards made with acid-free materials — including cotton rag mats and white core options — so your art prints, photos, and documents are protected and presented beautifully.
Mat Board Colours and Textures
We keep things timeless and flexible with two classic mat board colours:
Available colours and textures:
- Off-white: suits colour photography and bright-toned pieces
- Black: ideal for monochrome or moodier images
Each colour comes with a subtle texture, helping your image feel grounded and elevated. We’re also working on adding more variety of colours in future releases — stay tuned!
How Wide is a Mat Board Opening?
Standard mat board openings vary, but we offer thick mats and precise measurements to suit your chosen frame size. The core of the board is carefully cut to reveal just the right amount of your photograph or artwork, without swallowing important edges.
We can also cut a designer mat or spacer option for trickier or oversized pieces, or if you're looking for that perfect gallery aesthetic. Want something special? Ask us about custom mat cutting.
Choosing the Right Mat for Your Artwork
Now, the good stuff — how to actually choose the right mat or to not mat.
Black Mat Boards
Perfect for:
- Black and white photography
- Moody or high-contrast images
- Dark-toned art prints
Black mat boards create depth and drama. They draw your eye inward, making them a popular choice for minimalists and contemporary styles.
Off-white Mat Boards
Great for:
- Colourful photographs
- Illustrations and fine art prints
- Warm-toned or neutral artworks
Off-white mats offer breathing space and let colour images shine. The lighter tone pairs beautifully with both rustic and modern picture frames.
No Mat? Sometimes That’s Spot-On
For bold graphic prints or edge-to-edge designs, a mat may actually interrupt the visual. In these cases, going without a frame mat keeps the focus squarely on the artwork.
Just remember — without a mat, your artwork and the glass are in direct contact, which isn’t ideal long-term. If you’re skipping a mat, consider adding a spacer or glazing upgrade to help prevent damage.
Aesthetic & Protective: The Best of Both Worlds
Using a quality mat not only enhances the aesthetic of your framed piece — it also protects your artwork.
- Keeps image away from the glass
- Adds space between artwork and backing board
- Helps prevent yellowing
- Makes your photo frame look complete
Whether you're using a regular mat, acid-free mat, or a rag mat, the goal is to balance colour and style with practical longevity.
Still Not Sure? Let the Image Guide You
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule in the framing industry, but here's a good rule of thumb:
📌 Let the image guide your mat board decision.
- Want contrast? Go black.
- Need space and softness? Choose off-white.
- Going bold? Consider no mat at all (but use a spacer if possible).
Still stuck? Our team is always happy to help pick the right frame should be chosen based on your artwork’s needs.
Shop Quality Mat Boards at Mulbury
Whether you're after a cotton rag mat, acid-free backing, or just want to try a mat board made to suit your favourite framed art, we’ve got you covered.
Everything we offer is handcrafted in Melbourne, using sustainable practices and materials that last.
🛒 Shop online or visit us in-store to explore our full range of high-quality mat boards, picture frames, and all things framing.