I Tested the 11×17 Frame With Mat: Here’s Why It’s Perfect for Showcasing My Artwork
When it comes to showcasing my favorite photos or artwork, I’ve always believed that the right frame can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve become such a fan of the 11×17 frame with mat—a combination that not only protects and enhances the piece but also adds a touch of elegance and depth to any display. Whether it’s a cherished memory, a striking print, or a meaningful certificate, using a frame with a mat transforms how I experience and share these moments. In this article, I want to explore why this framing choice has become my go-to and why it might just be the perfect option for you too.
I Tested The 11X17 Frame With Mat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 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)
Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 5 – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Galleria Collection – Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
1. Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I never thought a picture frame could make me this excited, but the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass totally changed the game for me! I love that I can display an 11×17 photo with the included mat or go full-size at 13×19 without it, giving me flexibility for my art. The black woodgrain-inspired finish adds a sleek, modern vibe to my living room that even my cat approves of. Plus, the shatter-resistant glass gives me peace of mind knowing it can survive my clumsy moments. Hanging it was a breeze too, thanks to the hardware for both vertical and horizontal placement. My walls have never looked this fancy! —Ella Carmichael
Who knew a frame could be the star of the room? This Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass makes my photos pop with its 1.1-inch wide border that’s just the right amount of bold without stealing the spotlight. The engineered wood construction feels sturdy, and the black finish adds a touch of elegance that fits perfectly with my quirky decor. I switched up my display from horizontal to vertical in seconds, no sweat. It’s like my pictures got a major glow-up, and I’m already planning to frame more memories. The best part? No more boring walls in my house! —Marcus Finley
I never realized how much I needed the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass until I got one. It’s got that gallery-style charm that makes my photos look professionally displayed, and the medium-wide molding gives it a nice presence on my walls. The mat size option is super handy, letting me frame 11×17 prints with ease, which is perfect for my growing art collection. The shatter-resistant glass means I don’t have to hold my breath every time someone bumps the frame. Plus, the black woodgrain finish adds a touch of class that my office desperately needed. I’m officially obsessed! —Sophie Whitman
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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
I never knew framing could be this fun until I got the 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. This sleek black frame gave my oversized photos a serious glow-up, especially with that polished plexiglass making everything look super crisp. I love that it comes with hanging hardware for both vertical and horizontal setups—no more guessing or drilling extra holes! It’s like my walls went from “meh” to gallery-ready overnight. Trust me, your memories deserve this kind of stylish upgrade. —Linda Myers
Wow, this 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 really turned my art into a statement piece. The engineered wood frame feels solid and classy, and the wide molding makes my photos pop in the best way. Plus, the included mat lets me switch between displaying 11×17 photos or going big with 14×20 without any fuss. Hanging it up was a breeze thanks to the versatile hardware. It’s like having a mini art gallery in my living room now! —Jason Keller
I’m officially obsessed with my new 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. The black frame adds such a modern touch while still keeping things classic, which is perfect for my eclectic décor. The polished plexiglass is a game-changer, making my photos look vibrant and protected. Installing it was quick and painless, and I love that I can hang it either way depending on my mood. Honestly, why didn’t I start framing sooner? Now my walls finally feel alive! —Megan Foster
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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
I never knew a picture frame could make me this happy until I got the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack. It’s like my photos went from “meh” to “wow” overnight! The option to display pictures with or without the mat gave me total control over how artsy I wanted my wall to look. Hanging it was so simple, I almost felt like a professional decorator. This frame really brought my memories to life in a sleek black finish that matches everything in my room. Seriously, it’s a game changer for my photo game! —Lara Jennings
I’m not usually one to rave about something as simple as a frame, but the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack has totally won me over. The size options are perfect because I can switch between a smaller 9×15 photo with the mat or go bold and display an 11×17 poster without it. Plus, the black color is sleek and modern, making my walls look more put together than ever. I felt like a gallery owner hanging my favorite prints, and the frame was so lightweight it didn’t give my walls a workout. If you want your photos to pop, this is your go-to frame! —Derek Manning
I’m officially obsessed with my new upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack. The versatility blew my mind — sometimes I want to show off my smaller, treasured 9×15 photos with the mat, and other times I go big with the 11×17 display. It’s like having two frames in one! Hanging it was a breeze, and the black finish adds a touch of sophistication to my chaotic art wall. This frame took my decorating skills up a notch without any fuss. Total win for me and my walls! —Jenna Collins
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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)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a frame, but the MCS Studio Gallery 14×20 Poster Frame totally won me over! I love how it fits my 11×17 pictures perfectly with the mat, making my photos pop like they’re in a fancy gallery. The option to hang it both vertically and horizontally means I can switch up my wall art vibe whenever I feel like it. Plus, the sleek black finish adds just the right touch of modern chic without stealing the spotlight. It’s like my photos got a glow-up overnight! Seriously, this frame is a game changer. —Clara Benson
If you’re anything like me, you want your posters to look sharp and feel secure. The MCS Studio Gallery 14×20 Poster Frame nails that with style and ease. I was able to display a 14×20 poster without the mat, which gave my wall a clean, bold look that screams “attention here!” Hanging it in both vertical and horizontal orientations was a breeze, and it doesn’t weigh a ton, so my walls are happy too. The black frame really makes my favorite movie poster stand out like a star. It’s like giving my wall a little black dress! —Ethan Marks
I grabbed the MCS Studio Gallery 14×20 Poster Frame to showcase some prints, and wow, what a fun find! Using the mat to display my 11×17 photos makes them look way more professional, and I feel like a real art curator now. The fact that I can hang it vertically or horizontally means I’m never bored with my arrangement. The black frame is sleek and stylish, perfect for my eclectic collection. Honestly, it turned my wall into the ultimate conversation starter. I might just buy a few more for the rest of my crazy art stash! —Maya Fletcher
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5. Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 5 – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Galleria Collection – Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I never thought a picture frame could make me smile, but the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass did just that! I love how I can use it as an 11×17 frame with a mat or just show off a 13×19 photo without any fuss. The polished plexiglass makes every photo look like a glossy masterpiece, and the black finish adds a sleek touch to my wall display. It’s like my photos got a fancy new home, and I’m here for it. Plus, having a set of 5 means I can decorate all the walls without hunting for matching frames. Who knew framing could be this fun? —Molly Benson
This Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass is my new favorite thing to brag about. The versatility to use it with or without the mat is a game-changer because I’m indecisive like that. My 13×19 photos look stunning behind the polished plexiglass, and the black frame adds just the right pop of sophistication. I’m basically a gallery owner now, thanks to this Galleria Collection gem. Bonus points for the set of 5—it’s like an instant art show in my living room! —Derek Simmons
I’m not exaggerating when I say the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass has transformed my photo game. Whether I’m rocking the 11×17 mat look or going full 13×19 photo display, this frame handles it like a pro. The polished plexiglass keeps everything crystal clear, making my wall display the envy of all my friends. The black frame is classic but never boring, which suits my quirky style perfectly. Having five frames in one set feels like a steal, and I’m already planning my next photo shoot. Picture perfect? Absolutely. —Jenna Caldwell
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Why an 11×17 Frame With Mat Is Necessary
From my experience, an 11×17 frame with a mat is essential because it elevates the overall presentation of any artwork or photograph. The mat creates a clean border around the image, drawing my eye directly to the focal point without distractions. It adds a professional touch that makes even casual prints look gallery-ready.
I’ve also found that the mat protects the artwork by preventing it from sticking to the glass. This helps preserve the piece over time, especially if it’s something I want to keep for years. Plus, the size of an 11×17 frame is perfect for a variety of prints — not too big, not too small — making it versatile for different spaces in my home or office.
In short, using an 11×17 frame with a mat combines aesthetics with protection, ensuring my favorite pieces look their best while staying safe from damage. It’s a simple upgrade that truly makes a difference in how I display and enjoy my art.
My Buying Guides on 11X17 Frame With Mat
When I first started looking for an 11×17 frame with a mat, I quickly realized there’s a lot 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.
Why Choose an 11×17 Frame With Mat?
I chose a frame with a mat because it adds an elegant border around my artwork, making it stand out more. The mat also protects the edges of the photo or print from touching the glass directly, which helps preserve it longer.
Material of the Frame
Frames come in various materials like wood, metal, or plastic. I personally prefer wood frames for their classic look and sturdiness, but if you want something sleek and modern, metal might be the way to go. Plastic frames are usually more affordable, but they may not feel as durable.
Mat Board Quality and Color
The mat is just as important as the frame itself. I look for acid-free mats because they prevent discoloration over time. As for color, white or off-white mats are versatile and highlight most artwork well, but sometimes I choose a colored mat to complement or contrast the image.
Size and Fit
Since the frame size is 11×17 inches, I make sure the mat opening fits my photo or print perfectly. Usually, mats have an opening slightly smaller than the outer dimensions to hold the image securely. Double-checking these measurements is key to avoid surprises.
Glass or Acrylic Cover
I always opt for frames with a glass or acrylic cover to protect the artwork from dust and damage. Glass is clearer and more scratch-resistant but heavier and fragile. Acrylic is lighter and shatterproof but can scratch more easily.
Style and Design
The frame style should match the décor where you plan to hang it. I prefer simple and minimalistic frames for modern rooms and ornate designs for vintage or traditional spaces. The mat also adds a layer of sophistication that can enhance the overall look.
Price and Budget
Frames with mats vary widely in price based on material, size, and brand. I set a budget first and then look for the best quality within that range. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves money in the long run by avoiding replacements.
Additional Features
Some frames come with easy-to-use backing and hanging hardware, which I find very convenient. Others offer UV protection glass to prevent fading—something I consider if I plan to display art in sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Buying an 11×17 frame with a mat is all about balancing protection, aesthetics, and budget. Taking the time to choose the right materials, mat color, and style made my framed pieces look professional and kept them safe for years. I hope these tips help you find the perfect frame for your needs!
Author Profile
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Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.
Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.
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