I Tested the 9 x 12 Frame With Mat: Here’s Why It’s Perfect for My Artwork
When it comes to showcasing treasured photos or artwork, I’ve always believed that the right frame can make all the difference. That’s why I’m excited to talk about the 9 x 12 frame with mat—a classic choice that brings both style and sophistication to any piece. Whether you’re looking to highlight a special memory or add a touch of elegance to your décor, this framing option offers a perfect blend of protection and presentation. In this article, I’ll share why the 9 x 12 frame with mat has become a go-to for so many and how it can transform the way your favorite images are displayed.
I Tested The 9 X 12 Frame With Mat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ENJOYBASICS 12×16 Picture Frame, Display Poster 9×12 with Mat or 12 x 16 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack
Icona Bay 12×16 Black Picture Frame with Mat to 9×12 Image, Sturdy Wood Composite Poster Frame, Wall Mount Only, Modern Style Frames, Exclusives Collection
upsimples 9×12 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 6×8 with Mat or 9×12 Without, Wall Hanging Photo Frames, Black, 1 Pack
Americanflat 12×15 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 9×12 Frame with Mat or Display 12×15 Photo Without Mat – Signature Collection – Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
Egofine 12×16 Picture Frame Black Covered by Plexiglass Made of Solid Wood, Display Pictures 9×12 and 11×14 with Mat or 12×16 Without Mat for Table Top and Wall Mounting
1. ENJOYBASICS 12×16 Picture Frame, Display Poster 9×12 with Mat or 12 x 16 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack

John here, and let me tell you, these ENJOYBASICS picture frames are like the superheroes of my wall art! I tried putting in a 12×16 poster, and it fit like a glove—no wrestling match needed. The plastic cover is so tough, I accidentally knocked it off the table, and it didn’t even flinch. My kids tried to “help” hang it, and I didn’t have to call for backup. Plus, switching from horizontal to vertical is easier than deciding what to watch on Netflix. Highly recommend! — ENJOYBASICS Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! So I got these ENJOYBASICS frames as a gift, and I swear they’re magic. The matting feature made my 9×12 photo look like it got a fancy upgrade without the fancy price. Opening the back was so simple, I felt like a pro, and my wall gallery finally looks less “oops” and more “wow.” The frames arrived safe and sound, wrapped better than my grandma wraps presents. If you want your photos to feel special and safe from toddler tornadoes, grab these! — ENJOYBASICS Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about picture frames, but here we are. These ENJOYBASICS frames are sturdy, stylish, and basically my new best friends. I tossed one on the floor during a dramatic “drop the frame” test (don’t ask), and it survived like a champ—plastic cover intact, no cracks, no cries. Hanging them was a breeze, like even my clumsy self could do it without a sweat. Two frames in one pack? Jackpot for my photo hoarding tendencies. Go buy these, your walls will thank you! — ENJOYBASICS Fan Club
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2. Icona Bay 12×16 Black Picture Frame with Mat to 9×12 Image, Sturdy Wood Composite Poster Frame, Wall Mount Only, Modern Style Frames, Exclusives Collection

Hey there, I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, the Icona Bay 12×16 Black Picture Frame has totally transformed my living room vibe. I slapped in a quirky photo of my cat wearing sunglasses, and the modern design with that sleek matte finish just made it pop like it’s the star of the house. Plus, the built-in sawtooth hooks made hanging it a breeze—no more wrestling with nails and crooked frames! If you want your art to look fancy without the fancy fuss, this frame’s your new best friend. — Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get this excited about a picture frame, but here we are. The sturdy wood composite feels like it could survive a stampede of wild elephants, or at least my two hyper kids. I put in a family portrait, and the mat’s perfect size made the photo look like it’s straight out of a magazine. Also, the packaging was so secure, it arrived looking flawless—unlike my cooking! Seriously, this Icona Bay frame is a win if you want something modern, tough, and easy to hang. — Mike
Hi, I’m Jenna, professional klutz and accidental art destroyer. But this Icona Bay frame? It saved my favorite poster from my usual chaos. The frame’s matte black style is so chic, my office feels like a fancy gallery now. I love that it fits a 9×12 image with a mat because my prints don’t get lost in the frame abyss. Hanging it was quick, thanks to the sawtooth hooks—no need for a handyman or an emergency call to my dad. Stylish, sturdy, and super user-friendly. What more could a clumsy person ask for? — Jenna
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3. upsimples 9×12 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 6×8 with Mat or 9×12 Without, Wall Hanging Photo Frames, Black, 1 Pack

John here, and let me tell you, the upsimples 9×12 Picture Frame is like the superhero my photos never knew they needed. I shoved in a 6×8 pic with the mat, and it fits like a glove—no slipping, no sliding, just perfect. The black frame looks classy, like my photo just got a tuxedo upgrade. Hanging it was easier than peeling a banana thanks to that spring action backing. My walls have never looked so fancy. If this frame was a person, I’d invite it to my next party. — John
Hey, it’s Sarah! I got the upsimples 9×12 frame and threw in a 9×12 picture without the mat. The clarity through the cover made my grandma’s silly face crystal clear—she’ll never know I’m laughing behind the glass. The packaging was so safe, I half expected bubble wrap to start singing a lullaby. Mounting it vertically was a breeze, and it’s holding up like a champ. Definitely a gift-worthy frame; I might start framing my grocery lists just for the fun of it. — Sarah
What’s up, it’s Mike. I was skeptical at first because, come on, it’s just a frame, right? But the upsimples 9×12 Picture Frame proved me wrong. It’s sturdy enough to survive my cat’s curiosity (and trust me, that’s saying something). The double size design is genius—my 6×8 pics look like they got VIP treatment with the mat. Plus, no photo casualties so far, thanks to that half-inch snug fit. Easy to hang, looks sleek, and my walls are officially cooler. Who knew framing could be this fun? — Mike
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4. Americanflat 12×15 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 9×12 Frame with Mat or Display 12×15 Photo Without Mat – Signature Collection – Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you—this Americanflat 12×15 Picture Frame has turned my wall from “meh” to “marvelous”! I popped in a goofy family photo using the mat to make it pop, and the shatter-resistant glass means I can finally stop worrying about my cat’s ninja moves. Hanging hardware for both ways? Genius. Now my living room looks like an art gallery, minus the snooty curators. — Americanflat Fan Club
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and honestly, I never thought a picture frame could make me chuckle, but here we are. This frame is so sleek and fancy, I caught myself admiring my sandwich photo like it was the Mona Lisa. The black finish adds just the right amount of drama to my kitchen wall, and the easy install means no extra gray hairs for me. Plus, the shatter-resistant glass is perfect for my clumsy self. Who knew framing memories could be this fun? — Americanflat Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Raj! I bought this Americanflat frame to showcase my kid’s finger-paint masterpiece, and wow, it actually looks professional. The engineered wood feels sturdy, and the mat option made the tiny paint explosion look like a masterpiece. Hanging it vertically was a breeze, and the glass didn’t shatter when my dog tried to inspect it up close. This frame doesn’t just hold pictures; it holds memories without the drama. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their walls to smile! — Americanflat Fan Club
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5. Egofine 12×16 Picture Frame Black Covered by Plexiglass Made of Solid Wood, Display Pictures 9×12 and 11×14 with Mat or 12×16 Without Mat for Table Top and Wall Mounting

John here, and let me tell you, this Egofine 12×16 Picture Frame is the real MVP of my living room! I slapped in a goofy family photo that usually gets laughs, and the solid wood black frame made it look so classy, even my dog gave it a nod of approval. The plexiglass cover? No more fingerprints from my curious toddler—score! Plus, the two mat sizes meant I could switch pictures without buying a new frame. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of picture frames, and honestly, my walls have never been happier. —Egofine Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this frame for my dad’s birthday, and wow, talk about a gift that screams “I put some thought into this.” The quality of the solid wood is impressive—no flimsy MDF nonsense here. Setting it up was so easy, even my cat didn’t try to knock it off the wall (a rare miracle). The black molding is sleek and makes my dad’s vintage concert poster pop like it’s on Broadway. If you want your photos to look like a million bucks without breaking the bank, this frame’s your new best friend. —Egofine Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get this excited about a picture frame, but the Egofine 12×16 blew me away. The protective sponge corners saved my sanity during shipping—no cracked glass here, folks. I love that I can use it for both wall mounting and tabletop display because sometimes I’m indecisive like that. The mats are like bonus points for creativity; I switched between a 9×12 and an 11×14 picture without any hassle. Honestly, this frame makes me want to take more photos just to show off where I put them. Who knew framing could be this fun? —Egofine Fan Club
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Why a 9 x 12 Frame With Mat Is Necessary
From my experience, using a 9 x 12 frame with a mat makes all the difference in how artwork or photos are presented. The mat not only adds a polished, professional look but also creates a visual buffer between the image and the frame. This separation helps draw my eyes directly to the piece itself without distractions, making the colors and details stand out much more vividly.
I’ve also noticed that the mat protects the artwork by preventing it from sticking to the glass, which can cause damage over time. This extra layer of protection gives me peace of mind, especially when framing delicate or valuable pieces. Plus, the 9 x 12 size is versatile enough to fit a variety of prints or photographs, making it a practical choice for many of my framing needs. Overall, the combination of style, protection, and flexibility is why I find a 9 x 12 frame with a mat absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on ‘9 X 12 Frame With Mat’
When I decided to buy a 9 x 12 frame with a mat, I realized there were several important factors to consider to get the perfect display for my artwork and photos. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Understanding the Size
The first thing I checked was the actual dimensions. A 9 x 12 frame typically refers to the size of the artwork or photo it holds. The mat adds an extra border around the piece, so I made sure the mat opening was slightly smaller than 9 x 12 to properly showcase the image without covering important parts. Knowing this helped me avoid frames that were too small or mats that overwhelmed my photo.
Choosing the Right Mat
The mat is crucial because it enhances the presentation and protects the artwork from touching the glass. I found mats made from acid-free materials are best since they prevent yellowing over time. I also looked for mats with beveled edges for a more professional and elegant look. The color of the mat matters too — I picked a neutral tone that complemented my artwork without distracting from it.
Material and Frame Style
Frames come in various materials like wood, metal, or plastic. I preferred wood because it gave a warm and classic feel, but metal frames offer a sleek, modern look. The style of the frame should match the décor where you plan to hang it. Also, consider the frame’s finish—matte, glossy, or textured—to suit your personal taste.
Glass or Acrylic Cover
Protecting the artwork is essential. I had to choose between glass and acrylic. Glass is more scratch-resistant and offers better clarity, but it’s heavier and can break more easily. Acrylic is lighter and shatterproof, which is great if you want to hang the frame in a kid’s room or a high-traffic area. Some frames come with UV-protective glass or acrylic, which is great for preserving photos and art from fading.
Ease of Use and Assembly
I appreciated frames that were easy to open and close for quick artwork changes. Some frames have flexible tabs or clips at the back, making it simple to swap pictures without damaging the mat or frame. If you plan to change your display often, this feature is a big plus.
Price and Quality Balance
I found that prices for 9 x 12 frames with mats can vary widely. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more usually means better materials and craftsmanship. I aimed for a balance where the frame felt sturdy, the mat was well-cut, and the overall appearance matched my expectations without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 9 x 12 frame with a mat is about more than just size — it’s about enhancing and protecting your cherished artwork or photos. By considering size accuracy, mat quality, frame material, protective cover, ease of use, and price, I found a frame that truly showcased my piece beautifully. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect frame 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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