Choosing a frame is an important part of displaying a photograph, artwork, certificate or cherished memory, but the matboard you select can be just as crucial. A well-chosen matboard creates space around your image, adds depth to the finished design and helps focus attention on the artwork itself.   At Just Picture Framing Online, custom matboards can be tailored to suit different artwork sizes, colours and framing styles. With a variety of options available through the online framing process, you can create a finished piece that feels balanced and thoughtfully designed.   But with different colours, layouts and sizes on offer, how do you choose the right matboard for your frame?  

Consider the Artwork First

The best place to begin is with the artwork, photograph or print you want to frame. Your matboard should complement the artwork rather than compete with it. For colourful photographs or artwork, a neutral matboard such as white, off-white or light grey can provide breathing space and allow the image to remain the main focus. If your artwork features a particular colour you want to highlight, selecting a complementary matboard can help bring that tone forward. For black and white photography, a crisp white matboard can create a classic, gallery-style look. More traditional artwork may suit warmer or softer tones, while contemporary pieces often work well with clean, minimal matting. There’s no single matboard colour that suits every project. The key is to consider the colours, mood and style of the piece you are framing.  

Think About the Frame Style

Your matboard should harmonise with your frame as well as your artwork. A simple white matboard pairs beautifully with timber frames, creating contrast between the clean mat and the warmth of the wood. It also works well with black, white or silver frames for a modern finish. Just Picture Framing Online offers a wide selection of custom picture frames, including timber and other styles, so you can consider the frame and matboard as part of the overall design. The online framing process lets you select your frame and matboard options together, making it easier to visualise the finished look.  

Choose the Right Matboard Width

The width of your matboard can dramatically alter the appearance of your finished frame. A narrow mat provides a subtle border around a larger image, while a wider mat can give a smaller photograph or artwork more presence within a larger frame. Wider matting also creates a more traditional, gallery-inspired look. When choosing the width, consider the size of both your artwork and the overall frame. A mat that’s too narrow may not provide enough visual separation, while one that’s disproportionately wide could distract from the image. The proportions of the room and the location where the frame will be displayed can also influence your choice.  

Single or Double Matboard?

Just Picture Framing Online offers both single and double matboard layouts. A single matboard provides a clean and straightforward presentation. It’s an excellent choice for family photographs, prints, certificates and artwork where you want the image to remain the focus. A double matboard adds another layer to the design. The second mat introduces subtle contrast around the opening, creating additional depth and visual interest. Double matting works particularly well for artwork that benefits from a more sophisticated or decorative presentation. It can also highlight a secondary colour from the artwork without making the overall frame too bold.  

Remember That Matboards Have a Practical Purpose

Matboards aren’t just decorative. They also provide an important layer between the artwork and the glazing. By creating separation between the image and the glass, a matboard helps reduce the risk of the artwork coming into direct contact with the glass. Just Picture Framing Online uses acid-free matboards, providing extra protection for photographs and artwork over time. This makes matboards especially worth considering when framing sentimental photographs, original artwork, certificates or other pieces you want to preserve.  

Get Your Measurements Right

Acquiring accurate measurements is essential when ordering a custom matboard. You’ll need to know the dimensions of your artwork as well as the desired matboard size and opening. The mat opening is the visible section through which your photograph or artwork can be seen. At Just Picture Framing Online, the opening is generally cut slightly smaller than the artwork so the mat can overlap the edges and hold the piece securely. If you’re unsure about measurements, taking the time to double-check the width and height in millimetres can help avoid sizing issues when placing your order.  

Consider Multi-Window Matboards

Matboards don’t have to be limited to a single photograph. Just Picture Framing Online offers different matboard layouts, including options designed for multiple openings. Multi-window matboards are an excellent choice for displaying several family photos, a collection of smaller artworks, certificates or related images in a single frame. A three- or four-window layout can create a cohesive display without needing several separate frames, while a two-window mat is ideal for pairing two photographs or artworks.  

Create Your Custom Matboard Online

One of the benefits of choosing Just Picture Framing Online is that you can customise your framing project from home. The online framing module allows you to upload your image, select your picture frame, choose a matboard and preview the finished design before ordering. Custom matboards come in a range of sizes, with the online matboard tool letting you specify the outer dimensions and window size to suit your project. Whether you’re framing a family photograph, artwork, certificate or meaningful keepsake, taking the time to select the right matboard can make a noticeable difference to the final result.  

Contact Just Picture Framing Online

Not sure which matboard will work best with your artwork or frame? Just Picture Framing Online can help you choose an option that suits your image, measurements and preferred style. Explore the range of custom matboards, picture frames and framing options available online, or contact Just Picture Framing Online for assistance with your project. With custom options available Australia-wide, you can create a framed piece tailored specifically for your artwork and space.