Cut a Mat Board or Frame Without One? Here’s How to Choose

Do I Need a Mat Board? Here's How the Right Mat Can Change Your Frame

Do I need a mat board? It is one of those picture framing questions with a slightly annoying answer: it depends.

A mat can completely change how a photo, print or piece of art looks within the frame. Sometimes it adds the perfect finishing touch. Other times, a frame without a mat lets the artwork do all the talking.

So, how do you choose?

What Is a Mat Board?

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A mat board is the border that sits inside the frame, surrounding your photo or artwork. The window opening is cut slightly smaller than the artwork, so the mat will usually overlap the image just enough to keep it in place.

You might also hear it called a matboard or mount board. Whatever you call it, its job is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

A high quality acid free mat can also create space between the artwork and the glazing, helping to reduce direct contact with the frame glazing. This is particularly useful when you want to ensure the artwork is framed with longevity in mind.

Why Use a Mat Board?

The biggest reason for using a mat is simple: breathing room.

A mat gives smaller artwork and photos more presence inside the frame. It can make a simple family photo look more considered, or give an illustration the subtle visual space it needs to shine.

There is also a practical side. Creating space between the artwork and glazing may help reduce issues caused by condensation and moisture damage. Think of the mat as a very stylish buffer. Quietly doing its job while looking good.

When Does a Mat Board Work Best?

Matboards are a great choice for family photos, smaller prints, illustrations, watercolours and gallery walls.

A wider mat can make a smaller piece of art feel more substantial without adding visual clutter. It is also handy when your artwork is smaller than the frame size and you want it to look intentional rather than slightly lost.

For gallery walls, photo frames with a consistent mat style can help different images, colours and textures complement one another.

When Should You Skip the Mat?

Not every frame needs a mat.

Bold prints, posters and artwork designed to fill the entire frame can often look better without one. If the artwork has strong texture, deckled edges or a composition that runs to all four sides, a traditional mat may cover details you actually want to see.

The general guideline? If the artwork already has plenty to say, you do not always need to give it a mat shaped microphone.

Black or White Mat Board?

A bright white mat creates a clean, light and classic look. Our white core mat boards work beautifully with family photos, illustrations and softer artwork.

A black mat creates stronger contrast and can give artwork a bold, contemporary feel. It is particularly effective when you want darker details or colours to stand out.

There is no strict rule here. The best mat for framing is the one that complements the artwork rather than competing with it.

So, Do I Need a Mat Board?

No, a mat board is not essential. But it can completely change how a frame looks and feels.

Whether you choose a standard mat, top mat or decide to skip it entirely, consider the artwork, the space around it and the overall look you want to create.

At Mulbury, our picture frames with mat boards combine acid free matting with recycled timber frames handmade in Melbourne. It is our way of giving your artwork a beautifully finished home while making better use of timber that already exists.

Browse Mulbury's picture frames with mat boards and find the right frame for your artwork: www.mulbury.com.au

Get in touch - we'd love to help you!

To make an enquiry, please head to our Shadow Box Frame page, Custom Framing Page or Floating Frame Page and fill out the form or head straight to our standard size picture frames.

Prefer to pick up the phone? Call us on 03 9532 3424

Email: hello@mulbury.com.au