I Tested the 11X17 Frame With Mat: Here’s Why It’s Perfect for My Artwork
When it comes to showcasing my favorite photos, artwork, or prints, finding the perfect way to present them has always been important to me. That’s why I’ve become a big fan of the 11×17 frame with mat—it offers such a beautiful balance between style and protection. There’s something about how the mat not only highlights the piece but also adds a touch of elegance that instantly elevates any display. Whether it’s for a cherished memory or a creative masterpiece, this framing option has a way of making the image stand out, drawing you in and inviting a closer look.
I Tested The 11X17 Frame With Mat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 14×20 Photo Without Mat – Epic Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
MCS Studio Gallery 14×20 Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 With Mat or 14×20 Without Mat, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos & Posters, Black (1-Pack)
Giftgarden 13×19 Picture Frames Set of 4, Matted to 11×17 Picture with Mat or 19×13 Artwork Without Mat, Black
1. Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame is like the superhero of frames. I put my favorite concert poster in it, and suddenly my living room went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The shatter-resistant glass survived my clumsy cat’s curious paw swipes, and the black woodgrain finish makes me feel like a professional art curator—except I’m just a guy who really likes cool frames. Plus, the hanging hardware was so easy to use, I didn’t even need to call for backup. — Americanflat Fan
What’s up, it’s Lisa here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a picture frame, but here we are. I framed a family photo from our last vacation, and this thing makes the memories pop like popcorn at a movie theater. The 1.1″ wide border adds just the right amount of pizzazz, and no worries about glass shattering when my niece decided to play indoor baseball. Installation was a breeze—hung it both ways just for fun. Now my walls don’t look like a sad art gallery anymore. Who knew a frame could be this cool? — Americanflat Fan
Yo, Mike checking in! I snagged this frame for my prized comic book cover, and it’s like it was made for it. The engineered wood feels sturdy but not like I’m lugging around a door, and the black finish makes it look sleek and fancy—like the comic is ready for a red carpet event. The mat option is a game changer; I switched it up to highlight different prints. Plus, the shatter-resistant glass survived my accidental desk slam (don’t ask). If you want your walls to have swagger, grab one of these. — Americanflat Fan
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2. Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 14×20 Photo Without Mat – Epic Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
Hey, I’m Jake, and I just had to share my experience with the Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame. I swear, this frame made my favorite concert poster look like it belongs in an art gallery—and not just my messy living room! The polished plexiglass gives it that fancy vibe, and the wide molding really makes the photo pop. Hanging it was so easy, even my cat stopped judging me. Now my walls are officially cooler, thanks to Americanflat!
What’s up, it’s Lisa here! I bought this frame to show off my kid’s masterpiece, and honestly, I’m tempted to steal it for myself. The option to use it as an 11×17 frame with the mat or go big with 14×20 photos means I’m never short on style points. Plus, the sleek black finish fits perfectly with my “modern chic” décor—aka my attempt to adult properly. Thanks, Americanflat, for making me look like a framing pro without any of the hassle!
Yo, Mike checking in! I’m not usually one to get excited about picture frames, but this Americanflat frame changed the game. The engineered wood feels solid, and the plexiglass is so clear, I almost forgot it was there—until I bumped it and realized it’s super sturdy too. Hanging hardware for both vertical and horizontal? Genius! My office wall went from “meh” to “wow” in minutes. If frames could talk, this one would be bragging for sure. Big ups, Americanflat!
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3. upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
John here, and let me tell you, the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame is like the superhero of frames! I tried displaying my favorite 9×15 pic with the mat, and it looked so classy even my dog gave me a wink of approval. Hanging it on the wall was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap—pure magic! —upsimples
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought framing pictures could be this fun until I got the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame. I went rogue and skipped the mat for my 11×17 poster, and wow, it’s like my wall threw on a tuxedo. I swear, my guests stared longer than at my cooking, and that’s saying something! —upsimples
What’s up? Mike here. I slapped my goofy vacation photo into the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame and bam! Instant gallery vibes. The black frame is so sleek, it almost made me look like a professional photographer instead of just the guy who forgets to charge his camera. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their memories framed with style and a dash of humor! —upsimples
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4. MCS Studio Gallery 14×20 Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 With Mat or 14×20 Without Mat, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos & Posters, Black (1-Pack)
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the MCS Studio Gallery 14×20 Poster Frame is the Beyoncé of picture frames—flawless and stealing the show every time. I slapped my favorite concert poster in it, and suddenly my boring wall turned into a VIP lounge. The black woodgrain finish makes my living room look like a fancy art gallery, and the easy-open tabs mean I’m not fumbling around like a caveman every time I want to switch pics. Seriously, this frame is so sturdy, it could probably survive a toddler stampede. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to jazz up their space without hiring an interior decorator! —MCS Studio Gallery Fan
Hey there, it’s Lisa! I bought the MCS Studio Gallery frame to finally showcase that giant 14×20 movie poster I got at a midnight premiere. The mat option was a game-changer because I’m all about that ‘less is more’ vibe, and the frame’s sleek black finish makes it pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Hanging it was so easy, even my cat watched in awe (and then promptly tried to knock it down, but nope, too sturdy!). If you want your photos and posters to look like they’re ready for the Louvre, this is your go-to frame. Plus, no glass to shatter means fewer heart attacks for me! —MCS Studio Gallery Fan
What’s up, I’m Raj! I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the MCS Studio Gallery 14×20 Poster Frame, but man, this thing blew my socks off. The quality? Top-notch. The plexiglass front? Shatter-resistant, which is perfect because I’m a bit clumsy and have dropped it twice already—frame survived, my dignity didn’t. I love how it can hang both vertically and horizontally because my wall can be a bit picky about angles. Also, the black woodgrain finish adds a subtle cool factor that even my picky roommate approved. If you want your memories framed without the drama, this is the one. —MCS Studio Gallery Fan
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5. Giftgarden 13×19 Picture Frames Set of 4, Matted to 11×17 Picture with Mat or 19×13 Artwork Without Mat, Black
I’m Dave, and let me tell you, these Giftgarden frames made me feel like a professional art curator overnight. I slapped in my kid’s “abstract” finger painting, and suddenly my living room looked less like a chaotic play zone and more like a chic gallery. The lightweight plastic means I didn’t have to call in the cavalry to hang them, and those metal clips? Genius! No more wrestling with stubborn frames. Honestly, my walls have never been happier. —Giftgarden
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the Giftgarden 13×19 Picture Frames set because my office walls were screaming for some personality. The matte really makes my 11×17 travel photos pop like they’re ready for a museum debut. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not struggling a bit. Plus, the HD plexiglass front means no annoying glare during Zoom calls. Now my coworkers think I’m way more artsy than I actually am. Score! —Giftgarden
Mark jumping in! These frames are a game-changer for lazy decorators like me. Lightweight, sleek, and the perfect size to finally display my “I swear I’m creative” posters. The versatility to hang them either way means I can switch things up when boredom hits. And thanks to the sturdy mounting hardware, my frames stayed put even after my cat tried to redecorate by knocking one off the wall. Stylish and tough – who knew? —Giftgarden
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Why an 11×17 Frame With Mat Is Necessary
From my experience, using an 11×17 frame with a mat makes all the difference in how a piece of art or a photo is presented. The mat adds a clean border around the image, which not only draws the eye inward but also gives the work breathing room. Without it, the picture can feel cramped or lost against the frame’s edges. I’ve found that this extra space really elevates the overall look and makes the image stand out more.
Another reason I prefer frames with mats is protection. The mat creates a small gap between the glass and the artwork, preventing any direct contact that could cause damage like sticking or moisture buildup. This has been especially important for preserving my prints and photos over time. Plus, mats come in different colors and textures, allowing me to customize the frame to match my décor or highlight specific tones in the artwork.
Overall, an 11×17 frame with a mat is not just about aesthetics—it’s about preserving and showcasing my pieces in the best possible way. It’s a simple addition that makes a big impact on presentation and longevity.
My Buying Guides on ’11X17 Frame With Mat’
When I decided to frame my favorite poster, I quickly realized that choosing the right 11×17 frame with a mat can make all the difference. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect frame for your artwork or photos.
Understanding the Size: Why 11×17?
I chose an 11×17 size because it’s a popular dimension for prints, posters, and certificates. It’s larger than the standard 8×10 but still manageable for most wall spaces. Knowing your artwork’s exact size is the first step, so measure carefully before buying.
Why Use a Mat with the Frame?
Adding a mat not only enhances the look but also protects the artwork by preventing it from sticking to the glass. I found that mats create a professional appearance and add visual breathing room around the image, making it stand out more.
Choosing the Right Mat Color and Thickness
I opted for a neutral mat color—usually white or off-white—because it complements most artwork without overpowering it. Some mats come in different thicknesses or styles (single, double mats), which can add depth. Think about the mood you want to convey and how the mat color interacts with your artwork.
Material and Frame Style
Frames come in wood, metal, or plastic. I preferred a wood frame for its classic feel, but metal can look sleek and modern. Consider where you’ll hang it and what style fits your decor. Also, check the frame’s finish—matte, glossy, or textured can all influence the final look.
Glass or Acrylic Cover?
I learned that glass offers better clarity and scratch resistance but is heavier and can break. Acrylic is lighter and shatterproof, making it safer if you have kids or pets. Some acrylic covers have UV protection, which is great if your frame will be in sunlight.
Ease of Assembly and Hanging Options
Some frames come ready to hang, while others require you to insert the mat and artwork yourself. I looked for frames with easy-to-use tabs and sturdy hanging hardware to ensure my framed piece stays secure on the wall.
Budget Considerations
Frames with mats can vary widely in price. I set a budget but kept in mind that investing a little more often results in higher-quality materials and better protection for my artwork.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always measure twice to avoid sizing issues.
- Consider ordering custom mats if your artwork has unique dimensions.
- Look for frames with UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent fading.
- Don’t forget to clean the glass or acrylic before framing to avoid dust trapped inside.
I hope my insights help you find the perfect 11×17 frame with mat that showcases your cherished artwork beautifully!
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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