The Art of Matting - How to Choose the Perfect Mat
Unlock the secrets to choosing the ideal mat for your artwork. Enhance your masterpiece's appeal and protection with expert tips on color, style, and texture in the art of matting. Dive into our guide to elevate your art display!
The Art of Matting: How to Choose the Perfect Mat for Your Artwork
Whether you are an artist, photographer, or a passionate art collector, the way you present your artwork can greatly influence its perception. A crucial element in art presentation is matting. Matting not only provides a buffer between the artwork and the frame but also enhances its visual appeal. This blog post dives deep into the art of matting and offers expert guidance on choosing the perfect mat for your masterpiece.
The Role of Matting in Framing
Matting is a key component in the framing process. It serves several functions, including protection, aesthetics, and transition, creating a harmonious blend between the artwork and its environment. Understanding its role can help you appreciate why choosing the right mat is critical.
Protection
First and foremost, matting acts as a protective barrier. It prevents the artwork from coming into direct contact with the glass or frame, which can cause damage over time. The air gap created by the matting allows the artwork to breathe while shielding it from contaminants.
Aesthetic Enhancement
Matting enhances the visual appeal of art or photography by providing a backdrop that highlights the artwork's features. When chosen carefully, the mat helps draw attention to the colors, lines, and composition of the piece, elevating the entire presentation.
Visual Transition
The mat board acts as a transition between the artwork and the frame, softening the contrast and creating a sense of unity. This can help the piece blend seamlessly into its surroundings, making it an integral part of the interior decor.
Different Mat Styles
Choosing the right mat involves selecting from a variety of styles. Each style offers a different aesthetic and can impact the overall impression of the artwork.
Single Mat
A single mat is classic and straightforward, emphasizing simplicity and focus. It consists of one layer of mat board that separates the artwork from the glass, making it an excellent choice for minimalistic presentations where the art takes center stage.
Double Mat
A double mat involves two layers of mat boards. The underlay mat typically features a distinct color that peeks through, adding depth and dimension to the piece. This style is ideal for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication, especially for high-end art.
Floating Mat
The floating mat technique gives the impression that the artwork is suspended within the frame. This is achieved by mounting the art atop a mat board with a margin that mirrors the outer mat or frame. Floating mats are popular in contemporary settings, where the presentation is as much a part of the art as the piece itself.
Selecting Colors and Textures
When it comes to choosing mat colors, there's an art to balancing complement and contrast. The mat color should enhance the art without overpowering it. Here are some guidelines for selecting the perfect mat color and texture.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors can enhance the key hues within your piece. Picking a mat that harmonizes with the dominant tones of the artwork will create a cohesive look. For instance, a light blue mat for a primarily blue ocean photograph allows the piece to feel unified and serene.
Contrasting Colors
Sometimes, a bold contrast can be effective, particularly when you want an element of the artwork to pop. A dark mat can make light hues stand out, while a bright mat can draw the eye to shadowed areas of a piece. Use contrasting colors judiciously to prevent overbearing the art.
Textured Mats
Textured mats add a tactile element to the presentation, enriching the sensory experience. Linen, suede, or fabric-wrapped mats are commonly used to introduce an element of texture, which can complement the style of the artwork.
Choosing Mat Widths
The width of the mat border can dramatically impact the artwork's presentation. Selecting the right width involves considering the size of the artwork, the size of the frame, and the visual weight required.
Standard Width
A standard mat width ranges between 2 to 4 inches, offering a balanced presentation for medium-sized artworks. This width is sufficient to draw the viewer’s eye to the art while maintaining a polite distance that allows the viewer to appreciate the entire piece.
Wide Mat
A wider mat, often extending beyond 5 inches, can create an impressive visual statement. It's particularly useful for small or intricate artworks, as the additional space can give the artwork room to breathe, thus making it a focal point of the room.
Narrow Mat
Narrow mats, typically less than 2 inches, are employed when limited framing space is available or when the artwork demands a tighter presentation. Minimalistic pieces often pair well with narrower mats, where the artwork itself carries the decorative appeal.
Custom Vs. Pre-Cut Mats
Another decision point in matting is whether to opt for custom cut or pre-cut mats. Each option has its advantages and limitations.
Custom Cut Mats
Custom-cut mats are tailored to fit specific dimensions and aesthetic preferences. They provide great flexibility in artistic experimentation, allowing you to handpick colors, textures, and dimensions. While often pricier, they are invaluable for presenting irregularly sized or original artworks with precision.
Pre-Cut Mats
Pre-cut mats are budget-friendly and readily available in standard sizes. They are perfect for common print sizes or when a quick framing solution is desired. However, they offer limited customization, which can restrict creative presentation options.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect mat for your art or photography is an essential step in completing a work's presentation. It involves a delicate balance of style, color, texture, and width, each playing a vital role in showcasing the piece in its best light. An expertly selected mat will not only protect and highlight your art, but it will also enhance its overall impact on viewers, making it an integral part of both the artwork and its environment. Whether you opt for the classic single mat or explore double and floating styles, the key lies in understanding the profound role matting plays in the art of framing. With this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to select the mat that elevates your artwork to new heights.