Matting Made Simple: How to Choose the Right Size for Your Frame
Matting is one of those small details that makes a big difference. A well-proportioned mat can elevate a print, give it breathing room, and turn a simple photo into a focal point. But choosing the right mat size can feel confusing—especially when you’re also deciding on frame styles, print dimensions, and wall space. At Atlas Wood Company, we build every frame to order, and we’re happy to guide you through the matting process. Whether you're going for a bold modern look or a clean gallery-style display, here’s a simple breakdown to help you make the right choice.
Things to Think About With Matting
When it comes to choosing the right mat size, there’s no single “correct” answer—but there are a few helpful things to keep in mind:
The size of your artwork matters. Smaller prints often benefit from wider mats to give them more presence. A 5x7 photo with a 2" mat feels intentional, not lost on the wall.
Your space plays a role. A larger mat feels more formal and gallery-inspired, while a thinner mat keeps things tight and modern—great for smaller spaces or casual displays.
Matting changes the final size of the frame. A 2” mat adds 4” in both width and height. That means an 8x10 print with a 2” mat becomes a 12x14 frame—important to know if you're planning a gallery wall or working within a specific space.
Visual balance is key. A mat gives the artwork breathing room and helps draw the eye inward. If the mat is too narrow, the piece can feel cramped. Too wide, and it might overpower the art.
What Works Best With Our Frame Profiles
Each of our frames has a unique personality—and the mat you choose should complement that. Here’s what we’ve found works best with each of our three profiles, based on the proportions and presence of the frame face itself:
Modern Profile
1.5" wide x 0.75" tall
Our boldest frame. With its wide face and low profile, the Modern frame brings a strong architectural feel to the wall. It pairs well with slimmer mats—around 1.5”—for a clean, contemporary look. That said, we often use 2” mats for smaller prints to help them stand out. If you’re going for a confident, modern display, this profile plus a medium mat width is a go-to combination.
Gallery Profile
0.5" wide x 1.5" tall
Tall and narrow, the Gallery profile is designed to echo the refined look of professional art spaces. Because the face of the frame is slim, it pairs beautifully with wider mats—think 2” to 2.5”—especially for medium or large prints. This gives the mat room to shine while the frame adds depth without distraction. It’s a favorite for black-and-white photography or fine art.
Minimal Profile
0.75" wide x 1" tall
The Minimal profile strikes a balance—narrower than our Modern frame but with more presence than the Gallery. It’s extremely versatile, working well with mat widths between 1.5” and 2”, depending on the size of the artwork. If you want something clean, understated, and adaptable to almost any aesthetic, this profile is a safe and stylish choice.
How Matting Changes the Final Frame Size
One of the most important (and most overlooked) aspects of matting is how it affects the overall size of the frame. A mat isn’t just a border around your print—it expands the dimensions of the entire piece.
For example, let’s say you have an 8x10 photo and choose a 2” mat. That mat adds 2 inches on all four sides, making the total frame size 12x14. A 3” mat on that same 8x10 would result in a 14x16 frame.
This matters if you're trying to fill a specific space, hang multiple pieces in a grid, or fit a frame above furniture or within architectural details. It’s also something we always double-check with customers before finalizing matting—just to make sure the finished size works for the wall.
A Quick Note About Bottom Weighting
Sometimes, even when everything is measured perfectly, a framed piece can still look slightly off—like it’s sitting too low. That’s because of a natural optical illusion. To fix it, galleries often use what's called bottom weighting: making the bottom mat border just a bit thicker than the top and sides. It’s a small detail, but it helps the artwork look properly centered once it’s up on the wall.
Most of the time, we add about ¼ inch to the bottom compared to the top and sides—for example, if your top and side borders are 2", the bottom would be 2.25". It’s a subtle adjustment, but it makes a real difference. If that sounds like the right fit for your piece, just let us know—we’re happy to include it.
Need Help? We're Happy to Guide You
Every frame we make is built to order, and that includes the matting. If you’re not sure what size mat works best with your artwork or your space, just reach out—we’re happy to help. We can suggest a few options based on the print size, your style preferences, and the frame profile you’ve chosen.
Whether you're framing a special photograph, a new art print, or building a gallery wall, we’ll make sure it feels intentional, balanced, and beautiful.