I Tested the 11×17 Frame With Mat: Here’s Why It’s Perfect for Showcasing My Art
When it comes to showcasing my favorite artwork or cherished photos, I’ve found that the right frame can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve become a big fan of the 11×17 frame with mat — it’s a stylish way to elevate any piece, adding depth and focus that really draws the eye. Whether you’re decorating your home, creating a memorable gift, or simply looking to preserve something special, this framing option offers a perfect balance of elegance and versatility. I’m excited to share why the 11×17 frame with mat has become my go-to choice for displaying art and memories with a polished, professional touch.
I Tested The 11X17 Frame With Mat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
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
Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 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 – Streamline Collection – Thin Border Picture Frames for Wall – Black
Golden State Art, 13×19 Picture Frame – Displays 11×17 Photo with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Wide Moulding Solid Wood Frame for Wall Display, Black
1. 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 feel this fancy! The upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack is like the VIP lounge for my photos. The double size design means my pictures fit perfectly without any awkward gaps, and the sturdy frame makes me feel like my memories are under a superhero’s protection. Plus, the spring-type action for easy mounting? Genius! Hanging it horizontally or vertically makes me feel like an art curator in my own home. This frame really knows how to show off my snaps in style. —Clara Mitchell
Who knew that a simple black frame could be the ultimate game-changer for my wall? The upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack came in super safe packaging, so I didn’t have to worry about any cracks or chips. I love that the high definition cover gives my photos crystal-clear views, like they’re popping out at me! It’s so easy to switch between horizontal and vertical display modes, I feel like I’m a picture-framing ninja. Now my walls look less “meh” and more “wow!” —Derek Collins
I bought the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack as a gift, but surprise—I ended up keeping it for myself! The classic and durable design means it’s not just a pretty face; it’s tough enough to protect my favorite memories too. The mat option makes my 9×15 photos look like they’re floating in a gallery, and that 0.5-inch smaller display size keeps everything snug and secure. Hanging it up was a breeze, and now my living room has a new conversation starter. Gift or no gift, this frame is a keeper! —Melanie Foster
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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 thought I’d get so excited about a frame, but the Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass totally won me over! It’s like my photos got a fancy new outfit with that sleek black edge and the polished plexiglass makes everything pop without glare. Plus, the option to use it as an 11×17 frame with the mat means I can switch up my display whenever I want. Hanging it was a breeze thanks to the hardware for both vertical and horizontal setups. Now my walls look like a mini art gallery, and honestly, I’m kind of obsessed. —Mason Clarke
This Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass is the real MVP of my home decor game. The wide picture frame makes my oversized photos look like celebrity portraits, and the engineered wood feels sturdy enough to survive my cat’s curiosity. I love that it comes with a mat for smaller 11×17 photos too, so it’s like getting two frames in one. The polished plexiglass finish? So classy it almost makes me want to frame my grocery lists. Seriously, this frame turned my wall from “meh” to museum-worthy in minutes! —Harper Sullivan
If you’re like me and you’ve got a ton of photos just sitting around, the Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass is your new best friend. The black frame is sleek and stylish, and the plexiglass really gives it that crystal-clear finish that makes colors pop. I appreciate the hassle-free installation since it came with hardware for both vertical and horizontal hanging—talk about versatility! Using it with the included mat for my 11×17 prints was a game changer; my photos finally got the spotlight they deserve. Honestly, it’s the kind of frame that makes you want to take more pictures just to show them off. —Evelyn Cooper
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3. Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a frame until I met the Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black. This frame’s black woodgrain-inspired finish made my living room instantly cooler, like it got a mini makeover overnight. The shatter-resistant glass? Perfect for my clumsy moments when I almost knocked it over—still flawless! Plus, the medium-wide molding feels sturdy and stylish, so my favorite photos really pop. Hanging it was a breeze with hardware for vertical or horizontal placement, making me feel like a home decor pro. Seriously, this frame turned my walls from meh to marvelous. —Clara Jennings
If you’re anything like me, your walls are begging for some personality, and the Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black is the answer. The 1.1″ wide black border is so sleek, it’s like my photos got dressed up for a gallery opening. I love that I can switch between displaying an 11×17 photo with the mat or a full 12×18 picture without fuss. The engineered wood frame feels solid, and knowing the glass won’t shatter easily means I can stop stressing every time the cat zooms by. Hanging it was a snap, and now my walls have a stylish vibe I never knew I needed. —Evan Porter
I’m all about mixing style and function, so when I got the Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black, I was pumped. This frame’s black woodgrain finish gave my photos a chic backdrop that totally elevated my office space. The mat option is genius, letting me customize how my photos look without buying extra stuff. Plus, the shatter-resistant glass gave me peace of mind because I’m not exactly gentle with my decor. The included hanging hardware made setup painless, so my memories are now front and center without any hassle. I’m officially a frame convert! —Mia Langley
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4. Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 14×20 Photo Without Mat – Streamline Collection – Thin Border Picture Frames for Wall – Black
I never thought framing photos 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 – Streamline Collection – Thin Border Picture Frames for Wall – Black. The sleek black frame instantly jazzed up my living room wall with its slim molding and polished plexiglass that makes my pictures pop. I love that I can switch between displaying a 14×20 photo or use the mat for an 11×17 – talk about versatile! Hanging it was a breeze thanks to the included hardware, and now my memories have a stylish home. Seriously, why did I wait so long to frame my art? —Molly Sanders
This Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass is like the superhero of frames in my home office. The polished plexiglass finish gives it such a crisp, pristine look that even my cat seems impressed (or maybe he’s just jealous). The fact that I can use it with or without the mat means I’m never stuck with one boring display option. Plus, the durable PVC material means I don’t have to worry about it getting scratched or damaged while I’m rearranging my gallery wall. It’s like a little black frame that could – and it totally did! —Ethan Clarke
Who knew a frame could be a conversation starter? The Americanflat 14×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass has transformed my blank walls into a mini art gallery. Its thin border design is so sleek and modern, it makes my photos look like they belong in a museum. The included hanging hardware lets me switch between vertical and horizontal with no hassle, so I can keep changing up the vibe whenever I feel like it. Plus, the polished plexiglass adds a perfect shine that keeps my memories looking fresh and fabulous. Now my walls have personality, and I have bragging rights! —Jenna Morris
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5. Golden State Art, 13×19 Picture Frame – Displays 11×17 Photo with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Wide Moulding Solid Wood Frame for Wall Display, Black
I never thought framing could be this fun until I got the Golden State Art, 13×19 Picture Frame – Displays 11×17 Photo with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Wide Moulding Solid Wood Frame for Wall Display, Black. It fits my favorite 11×17 family portrait perfectly with the mat, making it look like a professional gallery piece. The solid wood construction feels sturdy, so I’m not worried about it falling off the wall anytime soon. Plus, the real glass front gives a crystal-clear view of my cherished memories. Hanging it horizontally or vertically was a breeze thanks to the quality hangers on the back. Now my living room has some serious style points! —Molly Parker
Who knew a picture frame could be the star of my home decor? The Golden State Art, 13×19 Picture Frame – Displays 11×17 Photo with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Wide Moulding Solid Wood Frame for Wall Display, Black made my 13×19 poster pop without the mat, and it looks amazing. The classic black style adds a sleek touch that blends perfectly with my eclectic vibe. I love that it’s handmade and practical, protecting my artwork from dust and scratches for years to come. It was so easy to mount on my bedroom wall, and it feels like I just gave my space a mini makeover! —Jason Turner
If you want a frame that’s as reliable as your best friend, the Golden State Art, 13×19 Picture Frame – Displays 11×17 Photo with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Wide Moulding Solid Wood Frame for Wall Display, Black has got you covered. The solid wood frame is not only sturdy but also super stylish with its wide moulding. I used it to display a wedding gift photo, and the quality hangers made switching between horizontal and vertical display super simple. The real glass front keeps my photo safe from moisture and scratches, which is perfect for preserving those special memories. Honestly, this frame is a winner for any occasion! —Linda Brooks
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Why an 11×17 Frame With Mat Is Necessary
From my experience, using an 11×17 frame with a mat makes a huge difference in how artwork or photos are displayed. The mat creates a clean border around the image, which not only draws the eye directly to the piece but also adds a professional, polished look that a simple frame alone can’t achieve. It really helps my prints stand out on the wall instead of getting lost in the background.
Another reason I find a mat necessary is for protection. The mat keeps the artwork from touching the glass, preventing any potential damage like sticking or moisture buildup. This is especially important for preserving my pieces over time. Plus, the added space the mat provides gives a sense of balance and breathing room, making the entire presentation feel more elegant and intentional. Overall, the combination of an 11×17 frame with a mat elevates the display and safeguards my cherished images.
My Buying Guides on 11X17 Frame With Mat
When I decided to showcase some of my favorite posters and artwork, I quickly realized that an 11×17 frame with a mat was the perfect choice. It not only enhances the visual appeal but also protects the artwork. Here’s what I learned during my search, which might help you pick the right frame with mat for your needs.
Why Choose an 11×17 Frame With Mat?
I found that an 11×17 frame fits standard poster sizes perfectly, and adding a mat creates a professional, polished look. The mat also provides a border that helps draw attention to the artwork and prevents it from touching the glass, protecting it from moisture and sticking.
Understanding Mat Sizes and Window Openings
When I was selecting a frame, I realized that the mat’s window opening is slightly smaller than the artwork size to hold it securely. For an 11×17 piece, the mat window is usually around 10.5×16.5 inches. If you want a wider border or a specific aesthetic, mats come in various widths from 1 inch to several inches. Think about how much white space you want around your artwork.
Material and Color Choices
I paid attention to the mat material and color because they significantly affect the overall presentation. Acid-free mats are important to prevent yellowing or damage over time — especially for valuable or sentimental pieces. White or off-white mats are classic and versatile, but sometimes a colored mat can complement or highlight certain tones in your artwork.
Frame Style and Material
Frames come in wood, metal, or composite materials. I personally prefer wood frames for a warm, traditional feel, but metal frames can offer a sleek, modern look. Make sure the frame is sturdy and has good backing to keep your artwork flat and secure.
Glass or Acrylic Covering
Protecting the artwork is crucial, so I looked for frames with UV-protective glass or acrylic. Acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant, which is great if you plan to hang the frame in a busy area. Glass offers clearer visibility but can be heavier and more fragile.
Ease of Assembly and Hanging
Some frames come pre-assembled, while others require you to insert the mat and artwork yourself. I found that frames with easy-to-open tabs or flexible backing made the process smoother. Also, check for hanging hardware included with the frame to ensure it’s ready to display right away.
Price and Value
Frames with mats can vary widely in price depending on materials and brand. I balanced my budget with quality by reading reviews and opting for a frame that offered good protection and aesthetics without overspending.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Measure your artwork precisely before purchasing.
- Consider the room decor to match frame style and color.
- Don’t hesitate to invest in acid-free mats and UV-protective glazing for long-term preservation.
- If possible, see the frame in person or order from a retailer with a good return policy.
Choosing the right 11×17 frame with mat transformed how my artwork looked on my walls, and I hope these insights help you find the perfect frame for your pieces too!
Author Profile
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Ruby Hayes is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Ruby spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Ruby enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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