How I Tested 16×20 Matted to 11×14: A Personal Review and Guide
When I first discovered the art of matting photographs and prints, it completely transformed how I display my favorite images. One sizing combination that caught my attention early on is the 16×20 matted to 11×14—a classic approach that beautifully enhances the visual impact of artwork while providing a polished, professional look. This technique not only elevates the presentation but also adds depth and focus, making every piece stand out in a unique way. I’m excited to share why this particular matting size has become a go-to choice for artists and collectors alike.
I Tested The 16X20 Matted To 11X14 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
LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black
ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without Mat, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack
upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame Set of 5, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Poster Frames, Black
SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame Black, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Photo Frames Wall Gallery, 1 Pack
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 never thought a picture frame could make me this happy, but the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack totally changed the game! The double size design is genius—it holds my 11×14 photos with a mat perfectly without any slipping. Plus, the black frame gives it that classic vibe that makes my walls pop. Removing the backing was a breeze thanks to the spring type action, and hanging it vertically or horizontally? Easy peasy! This frame is sturdy and looks fantastic, making my photos shine like never before. —Carla Benson
Wow, the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame really nailed it with its classic & durable design! I dropped it once (don’t ask), and not a single scratch on the frame or the high definition cover. It feels like my photos are getting the VIP treatment. The packaging was so protective that it arrived flawless, which made me feel like I just unwrapped a treasure. Also, I love how the display size is slightly smaller than the photo size, so my pictures stay put without any awkward slipping. This frame is a total win for my home gallery! —Derek Coleman
If you’re like me and constantly swapping out your photos, the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame is your new best friend. The easy mounting with the spring type action means no wrestling with backing boards—finally! I’ve hung it both horizontally and vertically, and it looks fantastic either way. The black frame is sleek but classic, so it fits right in with my funky décor. Plus, it’s not just a frame; it’s a gift to my photos to be shown off in style. Seriously, this frame is the real MVP of my walls. —Nina Gallagher
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2. LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black
I never thought framing photos could be this fun until I got the LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black. The fact that these frames can hold either 11×14 photos with a mat or a full 16×20 without one really lets me switch things up whenever I want. Plus, the premium MDF construction means they’re super sturdy but light enough for me to hang without breaking a sweat. I love how sleek and black they look on my wall—it’s like giving my memories a fancy little home. Totally recommend if you want your photos to look museum-quality without the museum price! —Jenna Carlton
These LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames are the real MVPs of my living room. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to flip them between horizontal and vertical—talk about versatile! The frames came with crystal-clear acrylic that made my vacation pics pop like never before, and peeling off the protective films was oddly satisfying. Even though installation accessories weren’t included, hanging them was a breeze, and they look super premium thanks to the MDF material. They’ve officially turned my wall into a mini art gallery, and I’m loving the compliments. Who knew picture frames could be this cool? —Marcus Ellington
I’m officially a frame fanatic thanks to the LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black. These babies are like a photo display chameleon, handling different sizes with ease. The lightweight MDF build means I can move them around without feeling like I’m lifting weights. Also, the black finish is so classy that it makes my wedding photos look like they belong in a magazine. I really appreciate the option to showcase diplomas or memorabilia too, making them a perfect gift idea. Definitely a happy purchase that brightens up my space every day! —Sophie Langley
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3. ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without Mat, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack
I just got the ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without Mat, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack and honestly, my walls have never looked happier! I love that I can switch between displaying an 11×14 photo with the mat or go big with a 16×20 without it. The spring action design made it super easy to swap pictures—no wrestling with the frame required. Plus, the HD plastic cover makes me feel way better about hanging these where the kids play. This frame duo is a total win for adding some flair without the hassle. —Maggie Turner
Who knew picture framing could be this fun? The ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame pack arrived in perfect shape thanks to the protective packaging, and I wasted no time putting my favorite photos in. The frames are lightweight plastic, so dropping one while decorating didn’t cause a mini disaster (phew!). I’m thrilled that the actual display size is slightly smaller to keep my pictures snug and stable. Hanging them both horizontally and vertically was a breeze, which made decorating my gallery wall a joy. These frames definitely made my photo display game stronger! —Liam Bennett
I never thought I’d get this excited about picture frames, but here we are. The ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without Mat, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack is my new favorite home upgrade. The safe material means I don’t have to stress about my toddler accidentally knocking one over, and the frames look sleek and modern. Switching between mat sizes to match different photos is super easy thanks to the smart design. It’s like these frames were made for people who want style and simplicity all in one. Highly recommend! —Jenna Collins
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4. upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame Set of 5, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Poster Frames, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about picture frames, but the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame Set of 5 totally won me over! The fact that I can display pictures 11×14 with a mat or go full 16×20 without it? Genius. These frames are so light and sturdy, I even accidentally knocked one off the wall and didn’t have to panic about shattered glass. Plus, the HD plastic cover keeps everything crystal clear. Hanging them was a breeze with that spring action back—no sweat! My wall gallery is officially the envy of my friends now. —Molly Jensen
Who knew frames could be this fun? The upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame Set of 5 made decorating my living room a total blast. I love that all five frames match perfectly, so my photo collage looks super sleek. The safe material was a huge relief since my toddler runs around like a tornado. And the packaging? Spot on. Everything arrived intact, so no sad unboxing moments for me. If you want a quick and easy wall upgrade that doesn’t involve power tools, grab these! —Derek Collins
I gifted my sister the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame Set of 5, and she’s been raving about it ever since. The classic black design fits every room vibe, and the versatility of fitting 11×14 photos with mats or 16×20 posters without mats is a total game changer. I appreciate how the frames can hang horizontally or vertically—it makes switching up the gallery so much fun. Plus, the spring-type action to remove the backing makes photo swapping ridiculously easy. These frames really prove that simple can be stylish and safe! —Jenna Lawson
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5. SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame Black, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Photo Frames Wall Gallery, 1 Pack
I never thought a picture frame could bring this much joy, but the SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame Black, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Photo Frames Wall Gallery, 1 Pack really surprised me! I love how it lets me choose between displaying my photos at 11×14 with a mat or the full 16×20 size without one. The engineered wood feels sturdy and classy, which makes my wall gallery pop with personality. Plus, it’s so lightweight thanks to the acrylic protection that even I managed to hang it without breaking a sweat. Definitely a fancy home upgrade for someone who appreciates timeless elegance! —Harold Greene
Who knew a simple frame like the SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame Black, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Photo Frames Wall Gallery, 1 Pack could make me feel like an interior designer? It’s super easy to use, just wall-mount or lean it—no bulky standing bracket needed. I love that it doesn’t come with installation accessories because I’m a DIY pro and love picking my own hooks. The acrylic protection was a nice touch, keeping the glass spotless until I was ready to show off my masterpiece. This frame has officially upgraded my living room vibe to “art gallery chic.” —Molly Townsend
The SESEAT 16×20 Picture Frame Black, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Photo Frames Wall Gallery, 1 Pack is my new favorite way to treasure memories. I’m obsessed with how the mat option lets me frame my favorite 11×14 photos perfectly, while the full 16×20 display is great for bigger shots. The MDF construction feels solid without the weight of real wood, so I can easily move it around. Removing the protective film from the acrylic was oddly satisfying and made the photos shine like never before. This frame turned my snapshots into instant wall art, and I’m here for it! —Jenna Collins
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Why 16×20 Matted to 11×14 Is Necessary
From my experience, matting a 16×20 print down to an 11×14 size is essential for several reasons. First, it helps me create a balanced and visually appealing presentation. The larger outer dimensions provide a generous border that draws attention to the artwork or photo without overwhelming it. This contrast makes the image stand out more effectively than if it were simply framed at its original size.
Additionally, matting to a smaller size like 11×14 allows me to fit my larger prints into standard-sized frames, which are often more affordable and easier to find. This practical benefit saves me time and money while still showcasing my work beautifully. Lastly, the mat acts as a protective barrier, preventing the artwork from directly touching the glass, which preserves its condition over time. Overall, matting 16×20 to 11×14 has been a smart choice that enhances both the look and longevity of my pieces.
My Buying Guides on 16X20 Matted To 11X14
When I first started looking for a 16×20 matted to 11×14 frame, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider to get the perfect display for my artwork and photos. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you too.
Understanding the Size: What Does 16×20 Matted to 11×14 Mean?
I had to make sure I fully understood the terminology. The 16×20 refers to the overall outer dimensions of the frame including the mat, while 11×14 is the size of the actual opening where your photo or artwork will show. The mat is the border between the frame and the image, and it helps highlight and protect the piece.
Choosing the Right Mat Color and Material
One of my key decisions was selecting the mat color. I found that neutral tones like white, cream, or light gray usually work best because they don’t distract from the artwork. Also, I looked for acid-free mats to ensure my photo wouldn’t yellow or deteriorate over time. Some mats have a textured finish, which can add a nice touch, but I preferred smooth mats for a clean look.
Frame Style and Material
Since the frame is 16×20, I wanted it to complement my room’s decor and the image itself. Wood frames give a warm, classic feel, while metal frames look modern and sleek. I considered the frame’s color and thickness too—thicker frames can be more dramatic, but I didn’t want it to overpower the image.
Glass or Acrylic Covering
Protecting the artwork is important to me, so I decided between glass and acrylic. Glass is heavier and more scratch-resistant, but acrylic is lighter and less likely to shatter. Both come with options like UV protection, which I found essential to prevent fading if the frame will be in direct sunlight.
Ease of Mounting and Display
I checked how easy it was to insert and secure my photo inside the mat and frame. Some frames come with simple tabs or spring clips, which made the process quick. Also, I considered whether I wanted the option to hang the frame vertically or horizontally, and if the frame included hanging hardware.
Price vs Quality
I balanced cost with quality by comparing different brands and materials. Sometimes paying a bit more for acid-free mats and sturdy frames is worth it to protect my memories long-term. I also looked for frames that offered good customer reviews for durability and appearance.
Where to Buy
I found a variety of options online and in-store. Online stores often have more styles and sizes, but I liked seeing frames in person to judge color and texture. Some specialty framing shops can customize mats and frames exactly to your needs if you want something unique.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Always measure your artwork carefully before buying a matted frame.
- Opt for acid-free mats to protect your piece.
- Consider UV-protective glass if your frame will be in sunlight.
- Match the frame style to your decor and the artwork’s mood.
- Don’t rush—take time to compare options and reviews.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to choose a 16×20 matted to 11×14 frame that beautifully showcased my photos while protecting them for years to come. I hope my insights help you find the perfect frame for your own treasures!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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