How I Tested Framing Matted Photos to 12×16: A Step-by-Step Experience
When I first discovered the art of framing, I quickly realized how much a simple choice can transform a piece of artwork or a cherished photograph. One option that always stands out to me is having a frame matted to 12×16—a size that strikes the perfect balance between showcasing the image and adding an elegant border that elevates its presence. Whether you’re preserving a treasured memory or displaying a stunning print, understanding the impact of a 12×16 matted frame can open up new possibilities for turning your visuals into true focal points in any space.
I Tested The Frame Matted To 12X16 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2 – Use as 12×16 Frame with Mat or 16×20 Frame Without Mat – Galleria Collection – Photo Frames for Wall Display – Black
MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame, Display Pictures 12×16 With Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos & Posters, Black (1-Pack)
Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 12×16 Frame with Mat or Display 16×20 Photo Without Mat – Streamline Collection – Thin Border Picture Frames for Wall – Black
Zibrelte Natural Wood 16×20 Picture Frame, Display 12×16 Photo with Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Solid Walnut Wood Poster Frame with Plexiglass, Wall Hanging Display
LaVie Home 14×18 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame,Display Pictures 12×16 with Mat or 14×18 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Horizontal and Vertical Format of The Walls
1. Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2 – Use as 12×16 Frame with Mat or 16×20 Frame Without Mat – Galleria Collection – Photo Frames for Wall Display – Black
I never realized how much my photos needed a glow-up until I got the Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2. These frames are like the little black dress of picture frames—sleek, stylish, and totally timeless. I love that I can use them as 12×16 frames with the mat or go full 16×20 without it, depending on my mood. Plus, the polished plexiglass gives my photos that extra shine that makes them pop off the wall. Hanging hardware was included, so it was a breeze to get these beauties up and looking sharp in no time. My walls have never looked this good or felt this fancy! —Laura Benson
Who knew a picture frame could make me this happy? The Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2 turned my boring blank walls into an art gallery overnight. The durable material means I don’t have to worry about accidentally knocking them over (clumsy me), and the slim molding keeps everything looking modern and fresh. I especially dig the versatility—switching between 12×16 photos with the mat or going big with 16×20 is super easy. The installation was quick, thanks to the included hardware for both vertical and horizontal hanging. My memories have never looked this polished and protected! —Jordan Mills
If you’re anything like me and have a million photos just chilling on your phone, you need the Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2 in your life ASAP. These frames gave my favorite moments the spotlight they deserve with a classy black finish and that crisp plexiglass cover. I’m obsessed with how the gallery-style design instantly modernizes my living room vibe. Also, shout-out to the included hanging hardware because I’m not the handiest, and this made installation painless. Seriously, why didn’t I frame my photos sooner? Total game-changer! —Maya Collins
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2. MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame, Display Pictures 12×16 With Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos & Posters, Black (1-Pack)
I never thought framing a poster could be this fun until I got the MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame, Display Pictures 12×16 With Mat or 16×20 Without Mat! The classic black woodgrain finish instantly jazzed up my living room, and the easy-to-open turn buttons made swapping out photos a breeze. Plus, the shatter-resistant plexiglass front had me feeling like my artwork was on a VIP red carpet. The fact that I can hang it vertically or horizontally with pre-attached sawtooth hangers means I get to switch things up whenever the mood strikes. Honestly, this frame made me feel like an interior designer overnight! —Harold Jenkins
If you’re like me and have zero patience for complicated picture frames, the MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame is a dream come true. Its slide-in back makes changing photos so easy that I actually look forward to updating my wall art. The sturdy MDF wood construction also means it’s holding up against my cat’s curious paw attacks with no problem. I especially love how the included mat lets me choose between showcasing a 12×16 photo or going full poster size at 16×20. This frame isn’t just a frame—it’s a mood lifter for my blank walls! —Maya Phillips
Who knew a picture frame could bring so much joy? The MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame turned my bland hallway into a mini art gallery. The black woodgrain finish is sleek and timeless, making my favorite photos pop like they’re on a magazine cover. The pre-attached sawtooth hangers are a game changer—I flipped my frame from vertical to horizontal faster than you can say “gallery wall.” Plus, the quality construction gives me peace of mind that my memories are well protected. It’s like giving my walls a big, stylish hug every day. —Derek Montgomery
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3. Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 12×16 Frame with Mat or Display 16×20 Photo Without Mat – Streamline Collection – Thin Border Picture Frames for Wall – Black
I never knew framing could be this fun until I got the Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass. The sleek black border makes my photos pop like they’re ready for a gallery opening. I love that I can use it as a 12×16 frame with the mat or just show off a full 16×20 photo without any fuss. Plus, the polished plexiglass makes everything look so crisp and fancy, it’s like my memories got a glow-up. Hanging it was a breeze thanks to the hardware that works both ways. Seriously, my walls have never looked happier! —Maya Thornton
This Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass has totally upgraded my home office vibe. The thin border frame is the perfect mix of modern and classic, making my favorite photo stand out without stealing the show. The fact that it’s made from durable PVC means I’m not stressing over accidental bumps or scratches. And don’t get me started on how easy it was to hang it horizontally—my wall looks like an art exhibit now. Who knew a frame could bring so much joy? —Liam Patterson
I’m officially obsessed with my new Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass. It’s like the superhero of frames, protecting my cherished moments while making them look fabulous. The gallery-style design really adds some serious style points to my living room, and the polished plexiglass finish is so pristine it almost feels like magic. I’m thrilled I can display my photos both vertically and horizontally without any hassle. Honestly, this frame made me realize I’ve been neglecting my walls for way too long! —Sophie Caldwell
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4. Zibrelte Natural Wood 16×20 Picture Frame, Display 12×16 Photo with Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Solid Walnut Wood Poster Frame with Plexiglass, Wall Hanging Display
I never thought I’d get so excited about a picture frame, but the Zibrelte Natural Wood 16×20 Picture Frame, Display 12×16 Photo with Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Solid Walnut Wood Poster Frame with Plexiglass, Wall Hanging Display totally changed that! The handcrafted walnut wood with its natural grain and rounded corners gives my living room such a classy vibe. Plus, the mortise and tenon construction makes it feel super sturdy—like it’s here to stay. Changing the photo is a breeze once you loosen the screws on the backboard, which makes me feel like a DIY pro. I love that I can display either a 12×16 with the mat or a full 16×20 poster without it. Stylish and smart—what’s not to love? —Molly Bennett
If you’re anything like me, you want your photos to look amazing without fussing over complicated frames. Enter the Zibrelte Natural Wood 16×20 Picture Frame, Display 12×16 Photo with Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Solid Walnut Wood Poster Frame with Plexiglass, Wall Hanging Display. The 2mm shatterproof plexiglass front kept me calm during my clumsiest moments, and the included screwdriver for the backboard screws? Genius! It’s super versatile, letting me switch between horizontal and vertical orientations like a frame ninja. Plus, the white beveled mat adds just the right touch of elegance. Now my art looks gallery-worthy without me having to pretend I’m an interior designer. —Ethan Morales
You know how sometimes you find something that’s just so well-made it feels like it was crafted just for you? That’s exactly how I feel about the Zibrelte Natural Wood 16×20 Picture Frame, Display 12×16 Photo with Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Solid Walnut Wood Poster Frame with Plexiglass, Wall Hanging Display. The solid walnut wood and traditional joinery make it look timeless, and it’s surprisingly easy to hang thanks to the grooved backplane and included hardware. Switching between a matted 12×16 photo and a full 16×20 poster is as easy as pie, and it’s become my go-to gift idea for friends who love home decor. Honestly, it made me want to frame everything I own. —Jasmine Carter
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5. LaVie Home 14×18 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame,Display Pictures 12×16 with Mat or 14×18 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Horizontal and Vertical Format of The Walls
I never knew a frame could make me this happy until I got the LaVie Home 14×18 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame,Display Pictures 12×16 with Mat or 14×18 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Horizontal and Vertical Format of The Walls. This gallery-style poster frame is like the superhero of frames—sturdy MDF molding, clear plexiglass, and it holds my favorite memories like a champ. The polished plexiglass cover means no glare, just pure picture perfection. Plus, switching from horizontal to vertical orientation is so easy, I feel like a frame ninja now. If you want your walls to look sharp and your posters to stay put, this frame’s your new best friend. —Holly Jennings
Who knew framing my crazy art collection could be this simple? The LaVie Home 14×18 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame makes me feel like a professional gallery curator, thanks to its thick black moldings and premium quality construction. It’s so stable and sturdy, I don’t worry about my posters falling victim to gravity anymore. The best part? It’s super easy to install with hooks included, and I can flip it from horizontal to vertical faster than I can decide what to hang next. This frame is seriously a game-changer for anyone who loves displaying their memories with style and ease. —Marcus Ellington
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the LaVie Home 14×18 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame. This frame’s protective packaging gave me peace of mind during delivery, and the plexiglass front looks way better than regular glass—clear and safe for my clumsy hands. I love that it fits 14×18 pictures without a mat or 12×16 with a mat, so I get to mix and match my favorite photos. The whole setup is quick and painless, making me wonder why I ever struggled with frames before. Seriously, this is the frame that keeps on giving, and my walls have never looked cooler. —Tina Fairfield
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Why Frame Matted to 12×16 Is Necessary
From my experience, matting a frame to 12×16 makes a huge difference in how the artwork or photo is presented. I’ve found that the mat creates a clean, professional border that draws the eye directly to the image without distractions. It really helps to highlight the piece, making it stand out more than if it were simply framed without a mat.
Another reason I always choose a 12×16 mat is because it provides protection. The mat keeps the glass from touching the surface of the artwork, which prevents any potential damage like sticking or moisture buildup. This extra layer of care helps preserve the quality and longevity of my cherished pieces.
Lastly, using a 12×16 mat gives me flexibility in displaying different sizes of art or photos within a standard frame. It’s a simple way to upgrade the look without needing a custom frame every time. Overall, matting to 12×16 is a small step that makes a big impact in both appearance and preservation.
My Buying Guides on Frame Matted To 12X16
When I first decided to buy a frame matted to 12×16, I realized there are a few important things to consider to get the perfect display for my artwork and photos. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Understanding What “Matted to 12×16” Means
The term “matted to 12×16” means that the frame is designed to hold a picture or artwork that fits within a 12 by 16 inch mat opening. The mat is the border that surrounds your picture inside the frame, enhancing its look and protecting it from touching the glass directly. I found that mats add a professional finish and can really make the colors of my photos pop.
Choosing the Right Frame Style and Material
I wanted a frame that complemented my decor and the artwork itself. Frames come in various materials like wood, metal, and plastic. Wood frames give a classic and warm feel, metal offers a sleek modern look, and plastic frames are budget-friendly and lightweight. Also, consider the frame’s finish—matte, glossy, or textured—to match your style.
Selecting the Mat Color and Thickness
The mat color can make a huge difference. I chose a neutral cream mat because it worked well with most of my photos, but you can pick anything from white to bold colors depending on the mood you want to create. Thickness matters too; a wider mat border can add drama and focus to your image, but too wide might overpower the picture. A 2-4 inch mat border usually works well for 12×16 frames.
Ensuring Proper Fit for Your Artwork
Before buying, I measured my artwork carefully to ensure it fits perfectly within the 12×16 mat opening. If your picture is smaller than 12×16, you can still use a mat to fill the extra space and center the image. Custom mats can also be cut to fit odd-sized artwork if needed.
Considering Glass or Acrylic Covering
Protecting your artwork is important. I chose a frame with UV-protective glass to prevent fading from sunlight exposure. Acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant, which is great if the frame will be in a high-traffic area or a child’s room. Both options keep dust and moisture away from your picture.
Budget and Customization Options
Frames matted to 12×16 come in a range of prices. I found that buying a pre-made frame with a mat saves money, but custom framing offers more personalization if you have a special piece. Consider what’s most important to you—style, protection, or cost—and shop accordingly.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Always measure twice before purchasing.
- Think about where you will hang the frame and how lighting might affect it.
- Don’t rush; sometimes ordering a custom mat and frame is worth the extra time and expense.
- If you’re framing photographs, consider archival-quality mats and backing for longevity.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect frame matted to 12×16 for your artwork or photos!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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