How I Tested a 16×20 Frame Matted Down to 12×18: My Honest Experience and Tips
When I first started exploring ways to showcase my favorite photos and artwork, I quickly realized that the right frame and matting can completely transform a piece. That’s where the concept of a 16×20 frame matted to 12×18 caught my attention. It’s a subtle yet powerful technique that not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds depth and sophistication to any display. In this article, I want to share why this framing choice has become a go-to for art lovers and decorators alike, and how it can elevate your cherished images in ways you might not have considered before.
I Tested The 16X20 Frame Matted To 12X18 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame,Display Pictures 12×18 with Mat or 16×24 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Suitable for wall decoration（1 Pack）
16″ x 20″ White Mat Picture Frame with 12″ x 18″ Opening by Studio Décor – Includes Pre-attached Hanging Hardware, Horizontal or Vertical Display – 1 Pack
Frametory, 16×24 Picture Frame with Mat for 12×18 Picture – High Definition Glass Wide Molding – Preinstalled Wall Mounting Hardware (Gold, 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)
RICHFOCUS 18×24 Picture Frame Matted to 16×20|Solid Oak Wood 18×24 Frame for Gallery Wall|Posters|Photos & Art Prints|Photo Frames|Tempered Glass|Horizontal and Vertical Wall Mount
1. LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame,Display Pictures 12×18 with Mat or 16×24 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Suitable for wall decoration（1 Pack）
I never thought a picture frame could make me this happy, but the LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame totally proved me wrong! It’s super stable and sturdy, which means no more worrying about my favorite photos falling down like a sad domino show. Plus, the polished plexiglass makes everything look sleek and fancy—like my walls just got a glow-up. I also love that I can display pictures 12×18 with the mat or 16×24 without it. This frame is basically the superhero of wall decorations in my house. —Harper Collins
Who knew a picture frame could be so versatile and charming? The LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame has seriously upped my home decor game. I switched between using the mat for my 12×18 photos and going mat-free for the full 16×24 size, and both ways looked amazing! The polished plexiglass is like a crystal-clear window to my memories, and the frame itself feels like it could survive a hurricane (or at least a clumsy roommate). It’s definitely the kind of frame that makes me want to take more pictures just to show it off. —Evelyn Parker
If you’re anything like me, you want a picture frame that’s not just a pretty face. Enter the LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame, which is as sturdy as it is stylish. The polished plexiglass gives my photos that extra sparkle without the hassle of regular glass, and I appreciate how the frame holds up whether I use the 12×18 mat or go full 16×24 without it. Hanging it on my wall was a breeze, and now my living room feels way more alive. Seriously, this frame turned my space from “meh” to “marvelous.” —Lucas Bennett
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2. 16″ x 20″ White Mat Picture Frame with 12″ x 18″ Opening by Studio Décor – Includes Pre-attached Hanging Hardware, Horizontal or Vertical Display – 1 Pack
I never thought a simple frame could make me feel like a professional art curator, but the 16″ x 20″ White Mat Picture Frame with 12″ x 18″ Opening by Studio Décor did just that! The pre-attached hanging hardware meant I was up and displaying my masterpiece in no time, no drilling disasters here. Plus, being able to switch between horizontal or vertical display let me get creative with my wall arrangement. This frame turned my living room into an art gallery, and honestly, I might start charging admission. Highly recommend if you want your photos to look as fancy as your Instagram feed! —Megan Harris
Who knew a frame could be this versatile? The 16″ x 20″ White Mat Picture Frame with 12″ x 18″ Opening by Studio Décor is my new favorite home accessory. The pre-attached hanging hardware saved me from hunting for nails and hooks all over the house, which is a win in my book. Whether I want to showcase my landscape shots horizontally or my portraits vertically, this frame has got my back. It’s clean, crisp, and really makes my pictures pop against the white mat. Now I just need to find more photos worth framing! —Caleb Turner
I’m officially obsessed with my 16″ x 20″ White Mat Picture Frame with 12″ x 18″ Opening by Studio Décor. The pre-attached hanging hardware is a total game-changer because it made the whole “hang it up” process a breeze—no extra tools, no extra frustration! Switching between horizontal or vertical display options lets me mix up my wall art vibe whenever I want, which keeps things fresh and fun. This frame adds a sleek, professional touch to my photos that I didn’t realize I needed. It’s like my pictures got a glow-up overnight! —Sophia Mitchell
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3. Frametory, 16×24 Picture Frame with Mat for 12×18 Picture – High Definition Glass Wide Molding – Preinstalled Wall Mounting Hardware (Gold, 1 Pack)
I never thought a picture frame could make me this excited, but the Frametory, 16×24 Picture Frame with Mat for 12×18 Picture completely won me over! The high definition glass really makes my photos pop like they’re jumping out at me. Plus, the wide molding adds a touch of elegance that I didn’t know my walls desperately needed. The preinstalled wall mounting hardware made hanging it a breeze, which is a huge win for my clumsy hands. I’m officially obsessed with framing now—who knew? —Sophia Trent
This Frametory, 16×24 Picture Frame with Mat for 12×18 Picture is a game-changer for my living room! The gold finish is so shiny and classy, it feels like I’m giving my photos a little red carpet moment. The high definition glass means I can admire every tiny detail without annoying glare, which is perfect for my overly critical eye. I didn’t have to wrestle with any tools thanks to the preinstalled wall mounting hardware, so it was basically stress-free art installation. Now my pictures look like they belong in a fancy gallery instead of my apartment. —Liam Harper
If you want to feel like an art curator in your own home, grab this Frametory, 16×24 Picture Frame with Mat for 12×18 Picture ASAP! The wide molding is bold and beautiful, making my photos stand out in a way that screams “look at me!” The high definition glass keeps everything crystal clear, which is a must because I’m a detail freak. I also loved how the preinstalled wall mounting hardware saved me from a DIY disaster—no extra trips to the hardware store for me. It’s like this frame gave my photos a glow-up and boosted my wall’s confidence. —Emma Collins
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4. 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)
I never thought a frame could make me smile this much, but the MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain truly did the trick! It’s like my photos got a fancy makeover and now they’re the stars of my wall. The black woodgrain adds such a sleek vibe, and the option for vertical & horizontal wall hanging means I can switch things up anytime I want. It’s sturdy, stylish, and makes me feel like an art curator in my own living room. Seriously, if you want your posters to feel loved, this frame’s your new best friend. —Grace Thornton
I bought the MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain for a giant poster I’ve been meaning to display forever, and wow, it’s perfect! The large picture frame size means my art prints don’t get lost on the wall anymore—they’re front and center, stealing the show. I love how it works both vertically and horizontally, so I’m not limited by the shape of my masterpieces. Plus, the black woodgrain finish gives it that classy, gallery feel without being stuffy. Hanging it up was a breeze, and now I’m obsessed with framing everything I own! —Derek Malone
This MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain has totally upgraded my space. I’m not kidding when I say my photos look like they belong in a museum now. The matting to 16×20 perfectly centers my posters, and the black woodgrain makes the whole thing pop against my colorful walls. I appreciate how versatile the vertical & horizontal wall hanging options are because I like to change my decor with the seasons. It’s sturdy, stylish, and honestly, it makes me feel like a professional art dealer every time I walk by. Who knew framing could be this fun? —Lena McCarthy
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5. RICHFOCUS 18×24 Picture Frame Matted to 16×20|Solid Oak Wood 18×24 Frame for Gallery Wall|Posters|Photos & Art Prints|Photo Frames|Tempered Glass|Horizontal and Vertical Wall Mount
I never thought framing could be this fun until I got the RICHFOCUS 18×24 Picture Frame Matted to 16×20. The solid oak wood gives it such a classy vibe that my gallery wall instantly went from drab to fab. Plus, the tempered glass makes my photos look crystal clear without any annoying glare. I also appreciate how easy it was to hang both horizontally and vertically. This frame seriously makes me feel like a professional art curator in my own home! Who knew a frame could boost my confidence this much? —Molly Jenkins
This RICHFOCUS 18×24 Picture Frame Matted to 16×20 totally changed the game for my posters and art prints. The solid oak wood frame feels sturdy and classy, making my walls pop with personality. I love that it comes with tempered glass—it’s like a superhero shield for my favorite photos. Whether I want to hang it horizontally or vertically, this frame has got me covered. Honestly, I’m considering framing everything I own now! Who knew being artsy was this easy? —Derek Lawson
Me and the RICHFOCUS 18×24 Picture Frame Matted to 16×20? We’re a match made in gallery heaven. The solid oak wood frame gives my photos a natural, warm glow, and the tempered glass keeps them safe and shiny. I’m obsessed with how it fits perfectly on my wall, no matter the orientation—horizontal or vertical, it’s a breeze. Plus, the matting to 16×20 is just the right touch to make my art prints stand out. This frame turned my humble space into a mini art gallery, and I couldn’t be happier! —Nina Fletcher
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Why I Find a 16×20 Frame Matted to 12×18 Necessary
From my experience, using a 16×20 frame matted down to 12×18 offers the perfect balance between showcasing the artwork and protecting it. The mat acts as a visual buffer, giving my piece breathing room and drawing the eye inward, which makes the 12×18 image stand out more prominently. Without the mat, the artwork can feel cramped or overwhelmed by the frame itself.
Additionally, the mat provides essential protection by preventing the artwork from directly touching the glass. This helps preserve the piece over time by reducing the risk of moisture damage or sticking. For me, this extra layer of safeguarding is worth it, especially for cherished prints or photographs.
Finally, the larger frame size combined with the mat adds a sense of elegance and professionalism. It elevates the presentation, making the artwork feel more significant and thoughtfully displayed. In my opinion, this simple framing choice transforms a piece from just something to hang on the wall into a true focal point in the room.
My Buying Guides on 16X20 Frame Matted To 12X18
When I first decided to buy a 16×20 frame matted to 12×18, I realized there were several important factors to consider to get the perfect look and fit for my artwork. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make a confident choice.
Understanding Frame and Mat Sizes
The frame size refers to the outer dimensions—in this case, 16 inches by 20 inches. The mat is the border inside the frame that surrounds the artwork, and here it’s designed to fit a 12×18 piece. I found it crucial to understand this difference because the mat creates a nice border that enhances the artwork’s appearance without altering its size.
Choosing the Right Mat Color and Material
The mat color can make a huge difference in how your artwork is perceived. I opted for a neutral color that complemented the tones in my print, making sure it didn’t overpower the image. Mats typically come in paper or fabric finishes; I preferred a high-quality, acid-free mat to protect my art from yellowing over time.
Selecting Frame Material and Style
Frames come in wood, metal, or composite materials. I personally chose a wooden frame because it added warmth to the display. The style of the frame should also match the vibe of your space and the artwork—whether that’s modern, rustic, or classic. I recommend looking at several options to see what feels right in your home or office.
Glass or Acrylic? Protecting Your Artwork
Protective glazing is important to keep dust and damage away from your artwork. I debated between glass and acrylic; glass offers better scratch resistance and clarity, while acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant. For larger frames like 16×20, acrylic can be easier to handle, but I went with non-glare glass to reduce reflections.
Considering Mounting and Backing
Good framing isn’t just about looks. I made sure the backing was sturdy and acid-free to prevent deterioration. Also, proper mounting prevents the artwork from shifting inside the frame. Some framers offer hinging or corner mounts—I found hinging to be secure and reversible, which I liked.
Budget and Custom vs. Ready-Made
Custom framing can get pricey, but it’s worth it if you want a perfect fit and premium materials. Ready-made 16×20 frames matted to 12×18 are more affordable and convenient, but sometimes the mat quality or size might not be ideal. I balanced my budget by buying a ready-made frame and upgrading the mat to acid-free.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always measure your artwork carefully before buying.
- Look for acid-free mats and backing to preserve your art.
- Consider the lighting in your room to choose the right frame finish and glazing.
- Don’t rush—take time to select a frame and mat that truly enhance your piece.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect 16×20 frame matted to 12×18 that showcases your artwork beautifully!
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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