Mat Ideas for Pictures

Now that you have the freedom and flexibility to frame what you love how you love for a price that you love, here are some options for the part that goes behind the picture and next to the actual frame. (If you have some leftover space). If not, great! It just depends on what you think looks better. Again, flexibility.

Here are some great options for what you can do:

1. No mat. This is something that I absolutely love. The see-through glass border around a picture is so contemporary and so unassuming, yet really adds a lot of interest and a professional touch. Also, if you have a picture and you have a wall picked out, but the picture may be too small to fit the space harmoniously, try it this way! It does nothing to detract from the actual picture but will fill the space nicely.

2. For a graphic, floral, or other pattern, try fabric! You can find thin stripes, chunky stripes, chevron, the sky is the limit on what is out there. Fabric is also great for texture behind a picture, try something weaved or embroidered, or even with some shine to it.

3. Scrapbooking paper. Another great way to get a color or design that you love but maybe don't know what to do with. It's all about finding what your taste is and incorporating it into your home in a unique way.

4. Wrapping paper. Probably one of my favorite ideas, because wrapping paper is often shiny, bold, and geometric. Spring for the nice quality stuff, and there are so many amazing options out there. Even if you want to make the design of the paper your picture, go for it! Using wrapping paper itself is also a wonderful way to create themed art for your home.You can even buy multiple square frames and group them to create an architectural element on your wall.  Here are just a few of the options I have found that I love:

Creating art like this I think tends to look more contemporary and fun compared to what I see with pictures that are already framed professionally. It will also be one of a kind. Another tip if you do try something graphic and colorful with a picture- try photographs. Take, or have a professional photographer take, pictures of you and your partner, your family, or just your children and print the ones you love in black and white or sepia-toned. Having a mat that is more colorful or graphic is unique and something I haven't really seen out there, but something that I have started in my own home and am dying to try more of. Here is one that I put together digitally with fabric behind a stock photo:

Have fun and have at it! You never know where inspiration will strike.