How to Choose Matting for Framed Art Prints
Matting an art print is not only functional, it can also change the look and feel of an art print to make it more impressive. A mat serves a functional purpose because it separates the art print from the glazing. A mat’s decorative purpose lets you personalize the framed art to add color and depth. In addition to the variety of molding and glazing options, you can, depending on the size of the print, choose from among one, two or three mats for your framed BandagedEar.com art print.
Number of Mats & Width
Using more than one mat creates depth in the framed art print. Multiple mats also highlight different hues in the art print when using colored mats. The width of the mat creates a neutral space around the art print, which accentuates its colors, shapes and beauty. Wider mats accentuate the framed art print in a bold way with gallery-like qualities. Wider mats are also good for large framed art prints because the width facilitates a balanced and proportional appearance.
The inner mats, which are closest to the art print, should be smaller. Select a neutral color for the outer mat and a colored mat for the inner mat.
Color of Matting
Colors can alter the appearance of a framed art print. The matting color should contrast the frame color. A good rule of thumb is to choose a mat that is lighter than the art print, but darker than the wall. This eye-catching decorating strategy helps make the art print the focal point of a room.
Color wheel by J. Arthur H. Hatt, 1908
White mats are the standard option for a reason. They work well from a decorating standpoint. White mats make the color of an art print pop, but also work with black and white prints to emphasize the contrasting colors. Black and gray mats create the same neutral space as a white mat, but they produce a much more dramatic effect.
Coordinate the colors of the art print and matting with other decorative elements in the room, such as the wall, window treatments or furniture. Finding a mat with the exact hues in your art print is not an easy feat, so mat your colored print with complementary colors instead. Use a color wheel to help choose a colored mat that complements the color or colors you want to highlight. Find the color on the color wheel that most closely matches the color in the art print you want to highlight. The complementary color will be located directly across from your chosen color on the color wheel. Here are examples of complementary colors: yellow and violet, red and cyan, or green and magenta.
In general, it’s best to use the same matting color if you are hanging groups of art prints.
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