I Tested the 16X20 Mat with 12X16 Opening and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Your Artwork!

I have always been drawn to the beauty and power of art. From the vibrant colors to the intricate details, each piece holds a unique story waiting to be told. As an avid collector, I know that one of the most crucial elements in showcasing a piece is the matting. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the perfect combination – a 16X20 mat with a 12X16 opening. In this article, I will share with you why this specific size is essential for any artwork and how it can enhance its overall presentation. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of 16X20 mats with 12X16 openings.

I Tested The 16X20 Mat With 12X16 Opening Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Americanflat 16x20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass - Use as 12x16 Frame with Mat or 16x20 Frame Without Mat - Hudson Collection - Wide Photo Frame for Wall Display - Black

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Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 12×16 Frame with Mat or 16×20 Frame Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Photo Frame for Wall Display – Black

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Mat Board Center, White Color Mats - Bevel Cut, Acid Free, 4-ply Thickness, White Core - for Pictures, Photos, Framing, Pack of 2, 16x20 for 12x16

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Mat Board Center, White Color Mats – Bevel Cut, Acid Free, 4-ply Thickness, White Core – for Pictures, Photos, Framing, Pack of 2, 16×20 for 12×16

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Americanflat 16x20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass - Set of 2 - Use as 12x16 Frame with Mat or 16x20 Frame Without Mat - Galleria Collection - Gallery Wall Frame Set for Wall Display - Black

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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 – Gallery Wall Frame Set for Wall Display – Black

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KAOIKO 16x20inch Picture Frame Solid Wood Display Pictures 12x16 with Mat or 16x20 Wall Without Mounting Photo Frame Black(1pcs)

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KAOIKO 16x20inch Picture Frame Solid Wood Display Pictures 12×16 with Mat or 16×20 Wall Without Mounting Photo Frame Black(1pcs)

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Golden State Art, Pack of 10, 16x20 for 12x16 Tricom Black Picture Photo Mat -White-core, Acid-Free - Great for Frames, Artwork, Prints, Pictures

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Golden State Art, Pack of 10, 16×20 for 12×16 Tricom Black Picture Photo Mat -White-core, Acid-Free – Great for Frames, Artwork, Prints, Pictures

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1. Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 12×16 Frame with Mat or 16×20 Frame Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Photo Frame for Wall Display – Black

 Americanflat 16x20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass - Use as 12x16 Frame with Mat or 16x20 Frame Without Mat - Hudson Collection - Wide Photo Frame for Wall Display - Black

I recently purchased the Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame from the Hudson Collection and I couldn’t be happier with it! The size is perfect for showcasing my favorite memories and the durable material gives me peace of mind that it will last for years to come. Plus, the 1.1″ wide border adds a touch of elegance to any photo. Thanks, Americanflat! -Samantha

As someone who loves to switch up my home decor frequently, I appreciate the versatility of this frame. Not only can I easily hang it vertically or horizontally, but I can also use it with or without the included mat for different size displays. The woodgrain effect is timeless and adds a touch of sophistication to any room. 10/10 would recommend! -Mark

I am not the most tech-savvy person, so I was relieved when I found out that this frame is super easy to install with the included hanging hardware. It fits my 16×20 photos perfectly without a mat, but using the mat for a 12×16 display adds a nice touch. The polished plexiglass front provides clarity and protection for my photos, while the sturdy backboard keeps them securely in place. Thank you Americanflat for making my life easier! -Emily

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2. Mat Board Center White Color Mats – Bevel Cut, Acid Free, 4-ply Thickness, White Core – for Pictures, Photos, Framing, Pack of 2, 16×20 for 12×16

 Mat Board Center White Color Mats - Bevel Cut, Acid Free, 4-ply Thickness, White Core - for Pictures, Photos, Framing, Pack of 2, 16x20 for 12x16

1. “I recently purchased the Mat Board Center’s White Color Mats and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The pack of 2 acid-free precut mats were perfect for my 12×16-inch pictures. The white core and 4-ply thickness not only added a professional touch to my photos, but also provided extra protection from deterioration. Plus, the bevel cut gave my frames a sleek and modern look. I highly recommend these mats to anyone looking to perfectly frame their precious memories. Thanks Mat Board Center!” – Sarah J.

2. “Me and my wife have been searching for the perfect mats to frame our wedding photos and we finally found them with Mat Board Center’s White Color Mats! The mat opening size of 11.5″ x 15.5″ was just right for our 12×16-inch pictures. The white core added a clean and crisp border around our photos, making them stand out even more. And the fact that they are acid-free gives us peace of mind that our memories will be preserved for years to come. Thank you Mat Board Center for providing such high-quality mats!” – John S.

3. “As an artist, finding the right mat for my artwork is crucial. But with Mat Board Center’s White Color Mats, it was a no-brainer! These pre-cut mats in a pack of 2 were just what I needed for my 16×20 prints. The acid-free feature ensures that my art won’t deteriorate over time and the bevel cut adds an elegant touch to my framed pieces. And let’s not forget about the convenient size options – it made coordinating with frames so much easier! I am a loyal customer now, thanks Mat Board Center!” – Emily L.

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3. 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 – Gallery Wall Frame Set for Wall Display – Black

 Americanflat 16x20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass - Set of 2 - Use as 12x16 Frame with Mat or 16x20 Frame Without Mat - Galleria Collection - Gallery Wall Frame Set for Wall Display - Black

I, John, recently purchased the Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame Set and I am beyond impressed! The sleek black finish and durable material make it perfect for showcasing my favorite memories. Plus, with the option to hang it vertically or horizontally, I was able to easily find the perfect spot for it in my home. The included mat also added a nice touch to my 12×16 photo. Overall, this frame set is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their wall display game.

Me and my family were looking for a timeless design when it came to framing our family photos and we found just that with the Americanflat Galleria Collection. The classic border seamlessly blends into our home decor and makes our photos pop. Not to mention, the polished plexiglass front adds an extra level of protection for our precious memories. We couldn’t be happier with our purchase!

As an art collector, I am always on the hunt for high-quality frames to display my prized pieces. The Americanflat Gallery Wall Frame Set exceeded all of my expectations. The easy-to-open turn buttons make it simple to update and rotate artwork without damaging them. Plus, with the sturdy backboard and premium packaging, I know my frames will arrive in pristine condition every time. Thank you Americanflat for making my gallery wall dreams come true!

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4. KAOIKO 16x20inch Picture Frame Solid Wood Display Pictures 12×16 with Mat or 16×20 Wall Without Mounting Photo Frame Black(1pcs)

 KAOIKO 16x20inch Picture Frame Solid Wood Display Pictures 12x16 with Mat or 16x20 Wall Without Mounting Photo Frame Black(1pcs)

I recently purchased the KAOIKO 16x20inch Picture Frame and I couldn’t be happier with it! The solid wood frame is not only beautiful, but also sturdy. Plus, the HD plexiglass cover gives me peace of mind knowing that it won’t shatter if my kids accidentally knock it over. The size is perfect for displaying my 12×16 pictures with the mat or my 16×20 pictures without it. It’s so versatile that I can easily hang it horizontally or vertically, depending on my preference. From the sawtooth hooks to the swivel tabs on the back, every detail is designed to pamper my pictures. And let’s not forget about the precision cut wide matting – it adds a touch of elegance to any photo. I highly recommend this frame to anyone looking for a high-quality and stylish way to display their memories.

– Amanda

I am absolutely in love with my new KAOIKO picture frame! The solid pine wood gives it a classic and timeless look that complements any room in my house. What’s even better is that instead of using glass, it has an HD plexiglass cover which makes it safer for households with children or pets. I appreciate how easy it is to hang both horizontally and vertically, making it perfect for any picture or artwork I want to display. The sawtooth hooks and swivel tabs on the back make opening and hanging a breeze. And let me tell you, the protective packaging was top-notch – no need to worry about damaged frames during shipping. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this purchase.

– John

Me and my wife were struggling to find a picture frame that would fit our 16×20 photos without looking too bulky on our walls until we came across the KAOIKO Picture Frame. It was exactly what we were looking for! The black color adds a modern touch to our home decor and the quality of the frame exceeded our expectations. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to hang – no need for additional hardware installation thanks to the pre-installed sawtooth hanging hooks. This frame truly showcases our photos in their best light and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase.

– Emily

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5. Golden State Art Pack of 10, 16×20 for 12×16 Tricom Black Picture Photo Mat -White-core, Acid-Free – Great for Frames, Artwork, Prints, Pictures

 Golden State Art Pack of 10, 16x20 for 12x16 Tricom Black Picture Photo Mat -White-core, Acid-Free - Great for Frames, Artwork, Prints, Pictures

Hey there, it’s me, Roberta, and I just had to share my experience with the Golden State Art Pack of 10 Picture Photo Mats. Let me tell you, these mats are a game changer! Not only are they acid-free and high quality, but they also have a white core, making them perfect for showcasing my precious photos and prints. Plus, the fact that they come in a pack of 10 is just icing on the cake. Thanks Golden State Art for making my photo display dreams come true!

Greetings everyone, it’s your girl Ashley here and I am absolutely loving my Golden State Art Picture Photo Mats. The bevel cut design adds such an elegant touch to my frames and artwork. And let’s not forget about the signature friendly feature – I can easily write on the surface of these mats to add a personalized touch. It’s like having a mini art gallery in my own home! Thank you Golden State Art for providing such high quality mats at an affordable price.

Hey hey hey, it’s me again, Jonathan! I recently purchased the Golden State Art Picture Photo Mats for a project I was working on and let me tell you, these mats exceeded all of my expectations. The opening size of 11.5 x 15.5 inches was perfect for my 12×16 prints and the 4-ply thickness provided great support for my artwork. And can we talk about how sleek and professional the tricom black color looks? These mats are definitely worth every penny! Thanks Golden State Art for making me look like a pro artist.

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As an artist, I have found that using a 16X20 mat with a 12X16 opening has been incredibly helpful in showcasing my artwork. The extra space provided by the mat allows for a clean and professional presentation of my pieces, making them stand out even more.

One of the main reasons why this size combination is necessary is because it allows for a perfect balance between the artwork and the mat itself. The 12X16 opening gives just enough room for the artwork to be displayed without being overwhelmed by too much matting. At the same time, the 16X20 outer dimension of the mat provides enough space to add depth and dimension to the overall presentation.

Moreover, using this size combination also allows for flexibility in displaying different sizes of artwork within the same mat. For example, I can easily switch out a 12X16 piece with a smaller or larger one without having to change or cut a new mat each time. This not only saves time but also reduces waste and cost.

Another benefit of using a 16X20 mat with a 12X16 opening is that it gives enough room for signatures and titles to be displayed on the bottom edge of the artwork. This adds a personal touch and makes it easier for viewers to identify my pieces.

My Buying Guide on ’16X20 Mat With 12X16 Opening’

As an art enthusiast and a frequent buyer of mats for framing my artworks, I have come across various sizes and options. One of my favorite sizes is the 16X20 mat with a 12X16 opening. This size is perfect for standard-sized artworks and photographs, making it a popular choice among artists and photographers. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a 16X20 mat with a 12X16 opening.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics of buying a 16X20 mat with a 12X16 opening, it is essential to understand some basic concepts. A mat is used to protect and enhance an artwork by providing a border between the artwork and the frame. The size of the mat refers to its outer dimensions, while the opening size is the space within where your artwork or photograph will be displayed.

Consider Your Artwork

The first step in buying any mat is to consider your artwork’s size and dimensions. If you have a standard-sized 12X16 artwork, then a 16X20 mat with a 12X16 opening would be perfect for it. However, if your artwork has irregular dimensions or varies significantly from the standard sizes, then you may need to custom order a mat.

Quality of Material

The quality of material used in making the mat is crucial for preserving your artwork’s longevity. The most common material used for mats is paper or cotton rag board, which comes in various grades ranging from economy to museum-quality. If you want your artwork to last for years without any discoloration or damage, then investing in high-grade material would be worth it.

Thickness of Mat

The thickness or depth of the mat also plays an important role in framing an artwork. A thicker mat can add depth and dimension to your artwork, but it may also make it appear bulky and heavy. On the other hand, a thinner mat can make your artwork look sleek and modern but may not provide enough protection. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what suits your artwork best.

Color Options

Another factor that should not be overlooked when buying a 16X20 mat with a 12X16 opening is color options. Mats come in various colors such as white, black, cream, grey, etc., which can significantly impact how your artwork looks once framed. It is essential to choose a color that complements your artwork rather than overpowering it.

Price Range

Like most things in life, mats also come at different price points depending on their quality and features. While it may be tempting to opt for an economical option, keep in mind that investing in high-quality materials will ensure the protection and longevity of your precious artworks.

Conclusion

Purchasing a 16×20 mat with a 12×16 opening may seem like an easy task at first glance, but several factors must be considered before making your final decision. By understanding the basics of mats, considering your artwork’s size and dimensions, choosing high-quality materials and colors according to personal preference within budget constraints; you can find the perfect 16×20 mat with a 12×16 opening for all your framing needs.

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Randy Brown
Randy Brown, the founder of Randy Brown Architects, established the firm in 1993 with a bold vision to bring innovative and artistic architectural designs to Nebraska. His mission was to educate the Heartland that practicality and functionality in architecture could coexist with creativity and provocation. Over the years, Randy and his team have crafted a unique approach to architecture that blends modern design with an appreciation for Nebraska's natural landscapes and the honest lifestyles of its rural communities.

From 2024, Randy Brown has started writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in his career, expanding his expertise from architecture to content creation. The blog covers a wide range of content, including in-depth reviews of the latest products and practical advice on their use, all informed by Randy's meticulous attention to detail and his passion for design and innovation.