For most people viewing artwork, wider rugs help provide a visual “breathing space” between the picture frame and the art that appears more comfortable. Art collectors and museums used to use wide mat borders on their high value pieces, but now they are quite popular for many types of framed art.
The best choice of mat borders is mostly a personal preference that can change over time. It’s a good idea, when trying to determine your preference, to consider framed art in magazines, museums, in other people’s homes, or anywhere art is found.
In addition to the width of the rug border, you’ll find variations that have developed over the years, some to match art and decor variations. Create the mood of the art you display with different varieties of rug borders.
Equal Edges, Single Mat
The most basic standard mat is the same width all around and provides an easy display for almost any art form. The surface texture and color of this board can make up the overall character of your artwork.
Numerous opening mats.
This type of mat is generally used for photography, a single mat has multiple openings that allow it to display more than one image. The openings may all have a variety of shapes and sizes, or may have the same shape and size. This type of rug can also be used to display collections, such as trading cards or stamps. When you’re displaying many items within a frame, it’s usually a good idea to choose simple frames, such as solid-colored wood picture frames or silver-plated picture frames.
The double mats
The double mat is actually two mats that are on top of each other. Half an inch to 1/8 inch of the bottom mat is revealed within the opening in the top mat. Mats are usually two different colors, but this is not necessary. This type of map creates visual and physical depth. If the artwork uses a double mat, it is thought of as a more finished, professional-looking piece.
A weighted bottom mat.
A weighted bottom mat is one that includes a wider or slightly extended bottom edge. Some people believe that it fits a person’s eye as it gives the feeling of a solid foundation. It is a very popular style for various types of art frames.
Museum mat style
This type of rug has significant borders on the top and sides and a distinctly wider bottom border. Art museums often use this type of mat to display drawings, prints, and watercolors, hence the name. The traditional color preference of museums is neutral rugs in grey, off-white and white; however, when used in home decor, some people like more density with their rug colors.
the eastern rug
This type of mat has two narrow opposite sides, with the remaining edges being much wider, and is meant to mimic the proportions of art found in scrolls. The narrow sides are usually one-third or one-fourth the width of the other sides. This type of rug works well with elongated art, but is usually seen with Asian art prints and paintings.
arched mat
If you’re looking to get a traditional, romantic, or classic feel, go for a curved arch rug. This style of mat makes artwork feel antique and is a great option for old photographs. It’s also a wonderful option when you have romantic photos, such as an anniversary or wedding.
Printing mat A
This mat gives your art a contemporary character and works well for prints that are on large sheets of paper, and the mat has a narrow top and bottom and wider sides.
the oval rug
A mat that has an oval opening imparts a romantic and old-fashioned feel. This type of mat works best for a centered image, since the corners of the art you’re framing will be hidden. Oval doilies can be used to frame silhouette portraits, wedding photos, and old photographs.
Use cloth-covered rugs
It’s easy to add depth and dimension with the texture of the fabric rug. These are usually found covered with linen, silk, suede, and velvet.
french mats
The opening of the French mat is outlined by lines of ink, with panels of watercolor washes between these lines. These can have just two lines with a color wash, or they can have multiple lines and color panels.
embellished matte
It is possible to apply stickers or other decoration to the surface of a rug, such as a simple monogram in one corner or possibly a small decorative design in all four corners. The type of embellishment you choose will take your artwork from fun to formal to chic.
Now that you’ve learned about some of the many mat shapes you can choose from, have fun framing your photos. You can really enhance your photos with the type of mat you use.
