Best 11×17 Mat for 16×20 Frame: Top 5 Precut Mats for 11×17 Art
The right mat can transform an 11×17 artwork into a clean, gallery-ready display for a 16×20 frame. This guide highlights five precut mats designed to fit a 16×20 frame while holding an 11×17 image securely. Each option emphasizes acid-free materials, bevel cuts, and precise openings to reduce framing errors. Read on to compare sizes, bevel quality, core color, and mounting compatibility to help you pick a mat that preserves color integrity and enhances presentation.
| Product | Brand | Opening (approx.) | Mat Size | Core/Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBC Mat Board Center, 5 Pack | MBC MAT BOARD CENTER | 10.5″ x 16.5″ | 16×20 frame, 11×17 art | White core, 4-ply |
| Giftgarden Black 16×20 Frame (Set of 4) | Giftgarden | 11×17 art with mat | 16×20 frame | Black frame, with mat included |
| 11×17 Mat for 16×20 Frame (Single) | Poster Palooza | 11×17 photo opening | 16×20 frame | Black core, 4-ply |
| Poster Palooza Cream Mat (Bevel) | Poster Palooza | 11×17 photo opening | 16×20 frame | White with black core, 4-ply |
| Golden State Art, Pack of 5 | Golden State Art | 10.5″ x 16.5″ | Black 16×20 mats | White core, 4-ply |
MBC Mat Board Center 5 Pack – 16×20 For 11×17 Opens
This set provides five precut white picture mats designed to fit a 16×20 frame while accommodating an 11×17 image. The mats feature a bevel cut and a white core, ensuring a clean edge that enhances the artwork. With a 4-ply thickness and acid-free construction, these mats help preserve photos and prints without chemical interaction. The opening measures roughly 10.5 inches by 16.5 inches, giving a slight overlap to secure the image within the frame.
Giftgarden Black 16×20 Frame with Mat (Set of 4)
This option combines a black 16×20 portrait frame with a mat tailored to display an 11×17 artwork. The frame is crafted from lightweight plastic molding, providing durability with a modern look. The kit includes a mat that creates a layered effect, enhancing visual depth for framed art or photos. The frame supports vertical or horizontal hanging and comes with mounting hardware for straightforward installation, enabling easy switching of displays in a living space or office.
Poster Palooza 11×17 Mat for 16×20 Frame (Single)
Designed to display an 11×17 image within a 16×20 frame, this single black mat features a 0.5-inch smaller opening than the artwork size to secure photos snugly. It is a 4-ply, acid-free mat with a bevel cut, ensuring precise corners. The mat is ideal for replacement in older frames or for new displays where a professional, museum-style presentation is desired.
Poster Palooza Cream Bevel Mat for 11×17 in 16×20 Frame
This cream-colored beveled mat is a bevy of classic style, offering a bright white surface with a conveyed cream edge. The mat opening is sized to fit an 11×17 photo within a 16×20 frame, with a precise 45-degree bevel and four-ply thickness. The acid-free construction helps maintain image longevity and reduces edge wear over time, making it suitable for archival framing of family photos or artwork.
Golden State Art Pack of 5 Black Mats for 16×20 Frames
This set includes five black mats designed for 16×20 frames with an 11×17 opening. The mats are black-core, white-behind, 4-ply thick, and acid-free, ensuring sturdy construction and archival safety. These mats offer a simple, high-contrast option that makes light-colored art or photos pop against the dark frame, while maintaining a clean, professional appearance across multiple displays.
Americanflat 14×20 Frame With Mat (11×17 Display)
This option uses an engineered wood frame with a polished Plexiglass front to display 11×17 art within a 14×20 frame. The included mat measures roughly 10.5×16.5 inches, aligning with the common 11×17 opening. The frame supports both vertical and horizontal hanging and is designed to be a stylish, compact display for larger art pieces or photos that benefit from a wider silhouette.
upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame with Mat (11×14 Entry)
This frame offers a dual-size display option, handling 11×14 with mat or 16×20 without mat. It features a sturdy black frame, a high-definition cover, and a spring-type backing for easy access. The design is suitable for a variety of wall spaces, allowing flexible display of 11×17 artwork when combined with the correct mat and frame choice, while providing reliable hanging hardware for both orientations.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Mat size and opening accuracy: Ensure the mat opening is slightly smaller than the artwork (commonly 0.5 inches) to overlap and secure the print without showing edges. Precise bevel cuts (45 degrees) improve corner alignment.
- Material and archival quality: Look for acid-free, 4-ply mats to minimize chemical interactions and provide adequate thickness for safe framing. White or white-core mats help image contrast while preserving longevity.
- Frame compatibility: Confirm the frame interior is large enough to accommodate the mat plus the opening. For an 11×17 image in a 16×20 frame, a typical opening is around 10.5″ x 16.5″.
- Color and presentation: Black, Cream, and White-core options offer different visual effects. Choose a color that enhances the artwork and matches room decor.
- Installation and mounting: Frames with included hardware simplify hanging. If purchasing mats separately, ensure they include or are compatible with a backing board or backing options to support the artwork.
- Value for sets: When buying in packs (e.g., 5 mats), consider whether you need multiple frames or potential replacement for future projects. Consistency in bevel and thickness helps maintain uniform appearance across displays.
- Care and handling: Handle mats by edges and store spare mats flat to prevent warping. Avoid exposing mats to high humidity or direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent discoloration.
Choosing the right 11×17 mat for a 16×20 frame involves balancing aesthetics, archival safety, and installation practicality. The options listed here cover a range of styles—from classic black-core mats to cream-bevel designs—each designed to display 11×17 art within a 16×20 frame with a clean, professional finish. Consider how much framing you do, the frames you already own, and the look you want when selecting the mat that best fits your space.
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