Elevate Your DIY Art with Elegant Frames & Mats
You’ve poured your heart into a piece of art—maybe a watercolor, a cherished photo, or a craft project you’re ridiculously proud of. Now, it deserves a frame that does it justice, not some flimsy, cheap option that dulls its shine. The right frame and mat can transform your work into a stunning centerpiece, elevating your space and showcasing your creativity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about choosing frames and mats to make your DIY and craft masterpieces pop. From what they are to how to pick them, we’ve got you covered.
- Why Frames & Mats Are a Game-Changer for DIY & Crafts Lovers
- What Exactly Are Frames & Mats?
- How to Pick the Perfect Frame for Your Art
- Best of the Best Frames & Mats
- 1. Golden State Art, 11×14 Aluminum Photo Frame
- 2. Craig Frames 1WB3BK 16×20 Inch Picture Frame
- 3. Americanflat 8×10 Black Picture Frame
- 4. upsimples 11×14 Picture Frame with Mat
- 5. MCS 16×20 Inch Format Frame
- 6. Gallery Solutions 12×16 Matted to 8×10 Wall Frame
- 7. LaVie Home 20×24 Picture Frame
- 8. ArtToFrames 18×24 Inch White Picture Frame
- 9. Frame USA 11×17 Inch Barnwood Frame
- 10. Snap 12×16 Inch Wall Frame with Mat
- How to Frame Your Art Like a Pro
- Mistakes to Avoid When Framing
- Your Art Deserves This
Why Frames & Mats Are a Game-Changer for DIY & Crafts Lovers
Imagine finishing a piece of art after hours of effort—paint-stained fingers, glue gun burns, and all. It’s sitting on your desk, but it needs that final touch to go from “cool project” to “gallery-worthy.” Frames and mats are your secret weapons. Frames protect your art while giving it a polished, professional look. Mats add depth, prevent paper pieces from sticking to the glass, and create a refined finish. Together, they turn your creations into showstoppers, making your living room (or any space) look effortlessly stylish.
My first framing attempt was a disaster—a crooked sketch in an off-center frame that screamed “amateur.” But once I mastered the process, it was a total game-changer. Let’s help you skip the rookie mistakes and find elegant framing solutions that make your art shine.
What Exactly Are Frames & Mats?
Let’s break it down:
- Frames: The outer structure that holds your art. They come in materials like wood for a cozy, rustic vibe, metal for a sleek modern look, or plastic for budget-friendly style. Styles range from ornate to minimalist, fitting any aesthetic.
- Mats: The border between your art and the frame, typically made of cardboard. Mats aren’t just decorative—they protect paper art from sticking to the glass and add a professional touch. They’re essential for paper pieces but optional for canvas.
Why do they matter? They elevate your art from “meh” to “whoa,” making it the focal point of any room.
How to Pick the Perfect Frame for Your Art
Choosing the right frame and mat isn’t complicated, but it requires thought. Here’s a step-by-step guide to nailing it:
Match the Material to Your Vibe
- Wood Frames: Warm and timeless, ideal for rustic or cozy DIY projects. Choose natural or painted finishes to suit your style.
- Metal Frames: Sleek and modern, perfect for contemporary art with clean lines.
- Plastic Frames: Affordable, lightweight, and surprisingly stylish when chosen carefully.
Style It Up
- Ornate Frames: Intricate carvings add a vintage or classical flair, great for detailed sketches or crafts.
- Minimalist Frames: Simple lines let your art take center stage, perfect for modern pieces.
- Floating Frames: Create a “hovering” effect, ideal for bold, contemporary works.
Play with Color
- Black Frames: Make bright colors pop and add drama.
- White Frames: Offer a crisp, gallery-like feel.
- Wood Tones: Bring warmth and an earthy vibe. Match the frame color to your art’s palette or room decor for cohesion.
Size It Right
A frame too small cramps your art, while one too large makes it look lost. Choose a frame slightly larger than your piece, especially if using a mat for added breathing room.
To Mat or Not to Mat?
For paper art like sketches or photos, a mat is essential to protect and enhance. For canvas, skip it to let the edges shine. Test combinations to find what works—I once paired a gold ornate frame with a neon abstract painting (yikes), but a simple black frame was perfection.
Best of the Best Frames & Mats
Here are 10 elegant frames and mats that will make your art stand out. These options are versatile, stylish, and perfect for DIY enthusiasts.
1. Golden State Art, 11×14 Aluminum Photo Frame
- Why It’s Great: Sleek metal finish with multiple color options for a modern vibe.
- Perfect For: Photos or minimalist crafts.
- Price: ~$19.99.
2. Craig Frames 1WB3BK 16×20 Inch Picture Frame
- Why It’s Great: Classic black wood that pairs with anything.
- Perfect For: Paintings or family craft projects.
- Price: ~$24.99.
3. Americanflat 8×10 Black Picture Frame
- Why It’s Great: Affordable, slim, and stylish for small pieces.
- Perfect For: Tiny art or quick crafts.
- Price: ~$12.99.
4. upsimples 11×14 Picture Frame with Mat
- Why It’s Great: Includes a mat, making it ideal for paper art.
- Perfect For: Drawings or prints.
- Price: ~$15.99.
5. MCS 16×20 Inch Format Frame
- Why It’s Great: Plastic that mimics wood—budget-friendly and sturdy.
- Perfect For: Posters or large prints.
- Price: ~$18.99.
6. Gallery Solutions 12×16 Matted to 8×10 Wall Frame
- Why It’s Great: Comes with a mat and is easy to hang.
- Perfect For: Certificates or small prints.
- Price: ~$22.99.
7. LaVie Home 20×24 Picture Frame
- Why It’s Great: Large, bold, and vintage-inspired for statement pieces.
- Perfect For: Canvas art or oversized photos.
- Price: ~$29.99.
8. ArtToFrames 18×24 Inch White Picture Frame
- Why It’s Great: Bright white for a clean, gallery-style glow.
- Perfect For: Black-and-white art or modern crafts.
- Price: ~$26.99.
9. Frame USA 11×17 Inch Barnwood Frame
- Why It’s Great: Rustic, weathered wood for charming farmhouse vibes.
- Perfect For: Nature crafts or cozy aesthetics.
- Price: ~$21.99.
10. Snap 12×16 Inch Wall Frame with Mat
- Why It’s Great: Snap-in design simplifies framing, with a mat for added flair.
- Perfect For: Quick art swaps or posters.
- Price: ~$17.99.
How to Frame Your Art Like a Pro
Ready to frame? Follow these steps for a flawless result:
- Gather Supplies: Frame, mat (if needed), art, mounting tape, and a cloth for cleaning the glass.
- Prep the Frame: Remove the back and clean the glass to avoid smudges.
- Add the Mat: Center it on the glass and secure with tape if necessary.
- Mount Your Art: Place it behind the mat (or directly on the glass for canvas) and secure with tape.
- Close It Up: Reattach the back and ensure everything is secure.
- Hang It: Use a level to avoid crooked frames—trust me, I learned this the hard way.
Mistakes to Avoid When Framing
Don’t let these common pitfalls dim your art’s shine:
- Wrong Size: Always measure your art first to avoid a cramped or oversized frame.
- Clashing Decor: Ensure the frame complements your room’s style (neon frames and beige couches rarely mix).
- Skipping Mats for Paper: Without a mat, paper art may stick to the glass, causing damage.
- Sun Damage: Use UV-protective glass for art near windows to prevent fading.
Your Art Deserves This
Framing isn’t just about protection—it’s about giving your DIY art the spotlight it deserves. With the right frame and mat, your projects go from “nice” to “absolutely stunning.” You’ve got the tools, tips, and top picks—now it’s time to make your art shine. Your walls (and your creative ego) will thank you!
