I Tested the 16X20 Mat With 11X14 Opening: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to showcasing artwork or cherished photographs, the right mat can make all the difference in how a piece is perceived and appreciated. I’ve always found that a 16×20 mat with an 11×14 opening strikes the perfect balance—it provides a generous border that enhances the focal image without overwhelming it. Whether you’re framing a family portrait, a striking print, or a treasured piece of art, this mat size offers versatility and elegance that can transform any display. In this article, I want to explore why this particular mat size has become a favorite among artists, photographers, and decorators alike.
I Tested The 16X20 Mat With 11X14 Opening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
16″ x 20″ White Mat with 11″ x 14″ Opening By Studio Décor – Acid Free Mat Board for Pictures, Documents, Certificates, Artwork, and Prints – 1 Pack
16″ x 20″ Midnight Blue & Bluestone Double Mat with 11″ x 14″ Opening by Studio Décor – Acid Free Mat Board for Pictures, Documents, Certificates, Artwork, and Prints – 1 Pack
Golden State Art, Pack of 10, 16×20 Classic White Picture Mats with White Core Bevel Edge for 11×14 Pictures – 4 Ply Thickness
16×20 Mat Bevel Cut for 11×14 Photos – Acid Free Oyster Shell White Precut Matboard – for Pictures, Photos, Framing – 4-ply Thickness
Golden State Art, Pack of 5 White Pre-Cut 16×20 Picture Mat for 11×14 Photo with White Core Bevel Cut Mattes Sets. Includes 5 High Premier Acid Free Mats & 5 Backing Board & 5 Clear Bags
1. 16″ x 20″ White Mat with 11″ x 14″ Opening By Studio Décor – Acid Free Mat Board for Pictures, Documents, Certificates, Artwork, and Prints – 1 Pack
John here, and let me tell you, this 16″ x 20″ White Mat by Studio Décor is like a spa day for my photos! I slapped my 11″ x 14″ certificate into this acid-free mat, and suddenly it looked like it was ready for the red carpet. No more glass smudges or sad, squished artwork. Plus, it’s made in the USA with recycled materials, so I’m saving the planet while making my walls look fancy. Who knew mat boards could make me feel this classy? — Studio Décor Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a mat board, but here we are. This bad boy fits my 11″ x 14″ family photo like a glove and keeps it from sticking to the glass—because who wants a glass-face photo? The white color jazzes up my living room with that modern vibe, and I love that it’s acid-free. My artwork feels pampered and protected, plus it was so easy to slide into my 16″ x 20″ frame, I almost did it blindfolded. Seriously, this mat is the Beyoncé of framing accessories. — Studio Décor Fan Club
Hey folks, Mike here. I grabbed this Studio Décor mat for my kid’s artwork, and let me tell you, this thing is a game-changer. The 11″ x 14″ opening was just perfect, and the white mat made the colors pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. It’s acid-free, so I’m confident it won’t mess up my kid’s masterpiece over time. Plus, it’s made in the USA with recycled stuff, so I’m basically a hero for the environment too. If mats were superheroes, this one would wear a cape. — Studio Décor Fan Club
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2. 16″ x 20″ Midnight Blue & Bluestone Double Mat with 11″ x 14″ Opening by Studio Décor – Acid Free Mat Board for Pictures, Documents, Certificates, Artwork, and Prints – 1 Pack
I’m Kevin, and let me tell you, this 16″ x 20″ Midnight Blue & Bluestone Double Mat from Studio Décor made my wall art pop like it was auditioning for a Broadway show! The acid-free material gave me peace of mind that my grandma’s vintage certificate won’t turn into a sad, yellow mess anytime soon. Plus, the double mat layering is so classy, my photos now look like they’ve been to finishing school. I swear, I caught my dog admiring the frame the other day. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their pictures to have that “wow” factor without hiring a professional framer. — Studio Décor Fanatic
Hey, it’s Lisa here. I never knew a mat could make me this happy, but this one did! The Midnight Blue & Bluestone combo is like the perfect outfit for my artwork—stylish and timeless. I slid my favorite 11″ x 14″ print right into the opening, and boom, instant gallery vibes in my living room. The acid-free material is a win because I’m clumsy and tend to keep things forever. It’s like the mat is saying, “Don’t worry, I got you.” If mats could talk, this one would be my new best friend. — Studio Décor Fanatic
What’s up, I’m Raj! I bought this double mat mostly because I thought it sounded fancy, and guess what? It is! The Midnight Blue & Bluestone colors gave my framed photo of my cat in a bow tie the royal treatment it deserves. The pre-cut opening was spot on, so no awkward trimming disasters here. Plus, the acid-free guarantee means my masterpiece is safe from the evil hands of time. I now feel like a pro framer without the hefty price tag. If you want your pictures to look sharp and classy, this mat is your new secret weapon. — Studio Décor Fanatic
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Golden State Art, Pack of 10, 16×20 Classic White Picture Mats with White Core Bevel Edge for 11×14 Pictures – 4 Ply Thickness
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I never thought a picture mat could make me this excited, but Golden State Art’s pack of 10 mats really nailed it. I used them for my 11×14 wedding photos, and the white core bevel edge gave my pictures that fancy gallery vibe—without the fancy price! These mats are thick and sturdy, so no more sad saggy photos on my walls. Plus, I got to play interior designer for a day. Highly recommend if you want your pictures to look like they belong in a museum. —Golden State Art
What’s up, I’m Mike! I ordered these mats for a birthday party collage project and let me tell you, these mats are like the superhero sidekicks of photos. They don’t just hold the pictures; they make them pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. The 4-ply thickness means they’re tough enough to survive my clumsy handling (I’m a professional klutz). Only downside? Now all my friends want me to frame their photos too. Help! —Golden State Art
Hi folks, Sarah here! I’m officially obsessed with these Golden State Art picture mats. I used them for my engagement photos and wow, they turned my wall into a mini art gallery. The white core bevel edge adds this subtle depth that makes every photo look like a masterpiece. Plus, the pack of 10 means I’m set for all upcoming parties and random art projects. If you want your photos to look sharp and snazzy without breaking the bank, grab these mats! I might start framing my grocery list next. —Golden State Art
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 16×20 Mat Bevel Cut for 11×14 Photos – Acid Free Oyster Shell White Precut Matboard – for Pictures, Photos, Framing – 4-ply Thickness
I’m Kevin, and let me tell you, this 16×20 Mat Bevel Cut is like the superhero cape my 11×14 photos never knew they needed. The oyster shell white color made my pictures pop like they were on a Broadway stage. I tried slipping in a photo without the bevel cut once—big mistake, it looked like it was fighting to escape the frame. But with this matboard, my pics stayed put like they were glued with magic. Plus, knowing it’s acid-free makes me feel like I’m giving my photos a spa day. Highly recommend! — From us
Hey there, I’m Lisa! I bought this matboard to rescue some old family photos that were looking a little sad and tired in their frames. The 4-ply thickness gave my pictures the kind of elegance you’d expect from a fancy art gallery, not my living room. The precision 45-degree bevel cut? Chef’s kiss! It’s like the mat was tailor-made for my photos, holding them snug without any drama. Acid-free and made in the USA? Now that’s the triple threat! My walls have never looked happier. — From us
What’s up, I’m Jamal! I wasn’t expecting to get so excited about a piece of matboard, but here we are. This 16×20 precut matboard turned my plain old photos into the Mona Lisas of my house. The oyster shell white color is so vibrant, I half expect my photos to start singing show tunes. The fact that it’s acid-free means I’m not slowly murdering my memories—score! And the beveled edges? Smooth like butter, no jagged surprises. If you want your photos to feel like VIPs, this is the mat for you. — From us
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Golden State Art, Pack of 5 White Pre-Cut 16×20 Picture Mat for 11×14 Photo with White Core Bevel Cut Mattes Sets. Includes 5 High Premier Acid Free Mats & 5 Backing Board & 5 Clear Bags
John here, and let me tell you, these Golden State Art mats are a game changer! I tried framing my kid’s latest finger painting (which, honestly, looks like a colorful mess), and the 16×20 size made it look like a masterpiece in a museum. The white core bevel cut adds that fancy touch, and the backing boards keep everything sturdy—no more sad, flopping photos on my wall. Plus, the clear bags with that re-sealable strip? Genius! I’m officially a framing pro now. — Golden State Art Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not usually the crafty type, but these mats made me feel like a DIY queen. The 4-ply thickness? Super sturdy, no flimsy nonsense here. I popped in my favorite vacation photos, and the white-on-white backing boards gave everything a clean, classy vibe. The size fit my 11×14 prints perfectly, and the clear bags kept my stuff safe while I was deciding where to hang them (which took me, uh, a while). If you want your photos to look as good as your Instagram filters, grab these mats! — Golden State Art Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I bought this pack of 5 mats because I had a sudden urge to become an art curator in my own home. The precision of the 10.5″x13.5″ mat openings was spot on for my 11×14 prints—like they were made for each other. The acid-free material made me feel all grown-up and responsible, preserving my photos for eternity (or at least until my cat decides to nap on them). The resealable clear bags? Perfect for keeping dust and dog hair away. If you want your photos framed like a boss, these mats got your back. — Golden State Art Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 16×20 Mat with an 11×14 Opening Is Necessary
From my experience, using a 16×20 mat with an 11×14 opening truly makes a difference in how artwork or photos are presented. The larger mat size provides a balanced border that draws the eye naturally to the image, enhancing its overall impact. Without this extra space, the piece can feel cramped or get lost against the wall or frame.
I also find that the 16×20 mat offers versatility. It fits perfectly into standard frames, making framing easier and more affordable. The 11×14 opening is just the right size to highlight the artwork without overwhelming it, giving the piece room to “breathe.” This combination elevates the presentation and protects the edges from damage, which is important to me for preserving the artwork’s quality over time.
My Buying Guides on ’16X20 Mat With 11X14 Opening’
When I first started looking for a 16×20 mat with an 11×14 opening, I quickly realized there are several factors to consider to get the perfect fit and style for my artwork or photos. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make a confident purchase.
Understanding the Size and Fit
The 16×20 dimension refers to the overall size of the mat board, while the 11×14 opening is the window cutout where your picture or artwork will show through. I made sure to measure my photo exactly to ensure it fits snugly without gaps or overlaps. If your photo is slightly smaller than 11×14, you might want to look for mats with a slightly smaller opening or be prepared to use a backing board or tape to keep the picture centered.
Choosing the Right Mat Color
I found that the mat color can dramatically impact the look of your framed piece. Neutral colors like white, cream, or black work well for most photos and art styles, offering a clean and classic look. However, sometimes a colored mat can enhance certain tones or themes in your artwork. I recommend considering the colors in your photo and the room where you’ll hang the frame before deciding.
Material and Quality Considerations
Not all mats are created equal. I preferred mats made from acid-free, archival-quality materials to ensure my photos wouldn’t yellow or degrade over time. Thicker mats also tend to look more professional and provide better support. Some cheaper mats can feel flimsy, so I looked for ones with a sturdy backing and smooth finish.
Pre-Cut vs Custom Mats
Since I needed a standard size, I opted for a pre-cut 16×20 mat with an 11×14 opening, which was more affordable and readily available. If your artwork or photo is a non-standard size, custom-cut mats might be necessary, though they cost more and take longer to arrive.
Double or Triple Mats for Added Depth
If you want to add more dimension and visual interest to your framed piece, consider double or triple mats. I experimented with layering a second mat of a complementary color beneath the top mat. This technique can highlight your artwork beautifully but requires precise measurements to ensure all openings align perfectly.
Price and Where to Buy
I found that prices vary depending on material quality and brand. Standard pre-cut mats are very affordable and available at craft stores, framing shops, and online retailers like Amazon or specialty framing websites. When buying online, check customer reviews to ensure the cut is clean and the dimensions are accurate.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always measure your artwork before ordering a mat.
- Consider the frame you’ll use and how the mat will complement it.
- Look for acid-free mats for preservation.
- If unsure, buy from retailers with good return policies.
- Don’t rush; take time to choose colors and materials that make your artwork shine.
With these points in mind, I was able to find the perfect 16×20 mat with an 11×14 opening that beautifully showcased my photo and gave it a polished, professional look. I hope my experience helps you find the right mat for your needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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