Sometimes a frame design needs a little extra pizzazz without going overboard. You don’t always need 22k gold fillets or museum-quality fabrics to make a statement.
Here are four “easy peasy” upgrades to take your matting from standard to standout.
1. The “Mat Sandwich” (Repeat the Top Color)
A double mat is classic, but a triple mat allows for a sophisticated twist. Try repeating the top mat color as the bottom layer.
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The Look: It creates a custom feel and opens up the image, giving tightly cropped art some much-needed breathing room.
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The Trick: By pushing the accent color away from the art with a neutral bottom layer, you can soften the look of bold colors.
2. Get Linear
Linear details draw the eye inward and add a touch of elegance. Thanks to modern CMCs, these are just a few clicks away.
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V-Grooves: These cut grooves create a rhythmic shadow line. They look especially sharp on solid-core mats where the groove matches the face color. * Debossed Lines: Instead of cutting, these lines are pressed into the surface for a gentle, subtle shadow that looks great on small pieces.
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Ruled Lines: Mimic the look of classic French matting with ink lines. This is perfect for antique botanicals, maps, or etchings.
3. Shape Up Your Windows
You don’t need wild, crazy corners to make a design sing. Sometimes, simplifying a complex template is the best move.
- The Soft Arch: Try reducing the radius of a standard arched mat template for a gentle, modern curve. * Simple Steps: Take a “stepped” corner design but reduce the count to just one step for a clean, architectural look.
4. Add Some Air (Spaced Mats) ️
Want instant drama? Create a “spaced mat” by placing a hidden spacer between the mat layers.
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The Vibe: This adds physical depth, dimension, and a cool drop shadow.
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The Method: You don’t need a full sheet of material; just pinwheel strips of scrap foam board or matboard between the layers to create the lift.
These subtle tweaks prove that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to make a frame design feel fresh and finished!
