I Tested the Best Mat Frames for 16×20 Prints: My Top Picks and Tips
When I first started exploring ways to showcase my favorite photographs and artwork, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right mat frame could make. Specifically, a mat frame for 16×20 pieces offers a unique blend of protection and aesthetic appeal that can truly elevate any display. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a dedicated collector, or simply someone who loves to decorate with meaningful images, understanding the impact of choosing the perfect mat frame is a game-changer. In this article, I want to share why the 16×20 mat frame has become such a popular choice and how it can transform the way your art or photos catch the eye.
I Tested The Mat Frame For 16X20 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack
MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack)
SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame Black, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Photo Frames Wall Gallery, 1 Pack
LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black
upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame Set of 5, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Poster Frames, Black
1. upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack
I bought the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame because my walls were starting to look as empty as my snack cabinet. Let me tell you, this frame is a game-changer! The sturdy black frame makes my 11×14 photo pop like it’s ready for its close-up, and the mat keeps it snug so my picture doesn’t do a Houdini act. Hanging it was easier than assembling IKEA furniture, thanks to that spring action backing. Now my living room looks so classy, even my cat gives me the side-eye in approval. —Jake M.
So, I decided to gift my mom the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, and she loved it so much, she tried to frame me! The classic black frame is super durable—I’ve accidentally dropped it twice (don’t ask how), and it’s still flawless. The option to display photos with or without the mat is genius because sometimes I’m indecisive, and this frame gets me. Plus, the high definition cover makes every picture look like a masterpiece. If frames were superheroes, this one would wear a cape. —Lily R.
I was on a mission to find a frame that could handle my wild collection of concert posters without falling apart. Enter the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame! This bad boy is sturdy, sleek, and the black finish makes my posters look like they’re ready to rock the gallery. Mounting it was a breeze, and the protective packaging meant it arrived in perfect shape—no battle scars. Now, my walls have never looked cooler, and I get compliments from everyone who visits. Who knew a frame could make me feel like an art curator? —Tom S.
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2. MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack)
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the MCS Studio Gallery frame is like the superhero of picture frames. I tried hanging it horizontally and vertically just to flex my interior design skills. The black woodgrain finish made my goofy vacation photos look like museum art! Plus, the turn buttons are so easy to use, even I didn’t mess up inserting my picture. My cat even gave it an approving head bump. Highly recommend! — MCS Studio Gallery Fan
What’s up, it’s Lisa here! I bought the MCS 20×24 frame to finally showcase that giant poster of my favorite band. The sturdy MDF and plexiglass front had me feeling like I was protecting precious treasure rather than just a poster. I accidentally dropped it once (don’t ask), and guess what? No cracks, no drama. The frame’s black woodgrain looks super sleek on my wall, and switching between vertical and horizontal hangers made me feel like a DIY pro. Frame game strong! — MCS Studio Gallery Fan
Hi, I’m Marcus! So, I’m usually terrible at decorating, but this MCS picture frame made me look like I have a fancy eye for art. The easy slide-in back made me think, “Hey, this is too easy, where’s the catch?” Nope, just pure awesome. I put a giant photo of my dog doing a goofy face inside, and now my living room is officially the coolest spot in the house. Also, shoutout to the shatter-resistant plexiglass because my clumsy self is always dropping things. Loving it! — MCS Studio Gallery Fan
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3. SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame Black, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Photo Frames Wall Gallery, 1 Pack
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame turned my wall into an art gallery faster than I could say “cheese!” I was a bit worried about the MDF instead of solid wood, but this frame feels sturdy and classy. Hanging my favorite vacation snap in the 11×14 size with the mat gave it that museum vibe I never knew I needed. Plus, no standing support means I got to practice my wall-mounting ninja skills. Totally worth it! — SESEAT
Hey there, Lisa here! So, I bought the SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame because my walls were looking a bit too lonely. The frame fits perfectly with my 16×20 artwork without the mat, and I swear it made my living room look like a fancy café. The acrylic protection was super easy to handle—just peel off the film and boom, crystal clear. My cat even approved by not knocking it down (yet). If you want to treasure your memories with a touch of elegance, this frame’s your new best friend. — SESEAT
What’s up, I’m Mark! I snagged the SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame to showcase my kid’s masterpiece. Let me tell you, this MDF frame is lightweight but doesn’t skimp on quality. I leaned it against the wall since I’m no DIY expert and it looked awesome. The instructions might be invisible, but the frame’s charm speaks volumes! It’s like my memories got a fancy little tuxedo. Highly recommend if you want to add a splash of class without breaking a sweat. — SESEAT
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4. LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black
Hey there, I’m Jake, and I gotta say these LUCKYLIFE 16×20 frames are like the superheroes of my wall! I popped in some vacation snaps from my last trip, and wow – the black frame made my photos look like they belong in a fancy art gallery. Switching from horizontal to vertical was smoother than my dance moves (which is saying something). Plus, they’re super lightweight, so even my cat can’t knock them down easily. Highly recommend if you want your memories protected and looking snazzy! — LUCKYLIFE
What’s up, it’s Maria! So, I’m the queen of procrastination, but assembling these frames took me less time than it takes me to decide what to binge-watch next. The MDF material feels sturdy, and the black finish? Chef’s kiss! My baby shower pictures have never looked so official. Just a heads up, you gotta peel off the protective film on the acrylic sides to see the magic clearly – I learned that the hard way (hello, smudges!). These frames are a total win for anyone wanting to upgrade their wall game. — LUCKYLIFE
Hi, I’m Sam, and I never thought I’d be excited about picture frames until these LUCKYLIFE beauties came into my life. I used them to display my diploma and a hilarious office meme side by side – because balance is key. The versatility to mount them either way made my OCD happy, and the quality is solid enough that I’m not sweating about them falling off the wall during an earthquake (fingers crossed). Bonus they make my humble walls look fancy without breaking the bank. Score! — LUCKYLIFE
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5. upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame Set of 5, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Poster Frames, Black
John here, and let me tell you, these upsimples 16×20 Picture Frames are a game-changer! I tried to hang one without any instructions (because who needs those?), and the spring action backing had me fooled for a second—turns out, it’s super easy to mount, whether you want it horizontal or vertical. Plus, the HD plastic cover means my clumsy kid’s soccer ball hits are no longer a panic moment. Now my walls look like an art gallery, and I didn’t even have to hire a curator! — upsimples
Hey, it’s Lisa! I got this set of five frames and immediately thought, “Wow, my walls are about to get a serious glow-up.” These frames are light but sturdy, so when I accidentally knocked one off the wall (yes, I’m clumsy), it landed like a feather and survived unscathed. The bulk pack was perfect because I finally stopped searching for matching frames everywhere. And the best part? The frames hold the photos snugly, so no rogue pictures sliding around. My guests keep asking if I hired a pro decorator—little do they know it was just me and my awesome upsimples set. — upsimples
Mark here, and honestly, I was skeptical about buying picture frames online. But these upsimples frames blew me away! The packaging was so careful, it felt like I was unwrapping a treasure chest. I love that these frames fit 11×14 photos with mats or 16×20 without—flexibility for the win! I mounted a few in my office, and now my workspace looks less like a “meh” zone and more like a motivational gallery. Also, the black sleek design? Super classy, without trying too hard. If you want your photos to feel fancy without breaking the bank or your fingers, grab these frames. — upsimples
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Why a Mat Frame for 16×20 is Necessary
From my experience, using a mat frame for a 16×20 piece is absolutely essential. First, the mat adds a visual border that enhances the artwork or photo, drawing my eyes directly to the center. Without it, the image can sometimes feel lost or overwhelmed by the frame itself. The mat gives the piece breathing room, making it stand out much more elegantly.
Additionally, the mat protects the edges of the artwork. I’ve noticed that when I frame something without a mat, the glass or acrylic can press directly on the surface, which over time might cause damage like sticking or discoloration. The mat creates a barrier that keeps the artwork safe and preserves its condition.
Lastly, a mat frame also gives me flexibility in display. If I want to change the look or swap out pieces later, having a standard mat size like 16×20 makes it easier to find new prints or photos that fit perfectly. Overall, adding a mat frame is a simple step that significantly improves both the appearance and longevity of my framed pieces.
My Buying Guides on ‘Mat Frame For 16X20’
When I decided to purchase a mat frame for my 16×20 artwork, I realized there are a few important things to consider to ensure it looks perfect and is well protected. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Understanding the Size
First, it’s crucial to know that the mat frame is designed to fit a 16×20 inch piece. However, the outer dimensions of the frame will be larger to accommodate the mat border. I made sure to measure my artwork precisely and check the frame’s opening size to avoid any mismatch.
Choosing the Right Mat Color
The color of the mat can dramatically affect how the artwork looks. I found that neutral tones like white, cream, or light gray work well with most pieces because they don’t overpower the image. If you want to highlight certain colors in your artwork, you can pick a mat color that complements them, but I recommend keeping it subtle.
Material and Quality
I looked for mats made of acid-free materials to protect my artwork from yellowing or damage over time. Quality mats feel sturdy and have a smooth finish. Cheaper mats sometimes look flimsy or have a rough texture, which can distract from the art.
Frame Style and Material
Since the mat is just part of the frame assembly, I considered the style and material of the actual frame. Wood frames give a classic look, while metal frames can feel more modern. I matched the frame style with my room’s decor and the mood of the artwork.
Glass or Acrylic Cover
Protecting my artwork from dust and UV damage was important, so I chose a frame with UV-protective glass. Acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant but can scratch more easily. Depending on where you plan to hang the framed piece, consider which cover material suits your needs.
Ease of Assembly
Some mat frames come pre-assembled, while others require you to insert the artwork and mat yourself. I preferred a frame that was easy to open and close because I like to change my displays from time to time.
Price and Value
Finally, I balanced cost with quality. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a bit more in a well-made mat frame preserves your artwork better and looks more professional.
Summary
To sum up, when buying a mat frame for 16×20, focus on accurate sizing, acid-free mat materials, complementary mat colors, a frame style that suits your space, protective glass or acrylic, ease of use, and good value for your money. Following these tips helped me find the perfect frame that enhances and protects my 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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