Athens Art and Frame
Most custom framing designs start with the selection of mats.

Physically, the purpose of matting is to protect the artwork. Changes of temperature and humidity may cause moisture to condense on the inside of the glass and damage the artwork. By creating a small air pocket between the picture and the glass, the matting prevents this condensation from settling on the paper and eventually growing mold.

Esthetically, its function is to support the picture by isolating it from its surroundings and to provide a neutral space for the eye between the art and frame. By selecting matting for a piece of artwork the designer creates an overall visual continuity between the artwork and the framing materials so that the artwork is enhanced.
Ok but not enough neutral space
Good mat proportions
Mats to narrow
There is a misconception that wide mats will overpower a picture and bring more attention to the frame than the art. But matting that is too narrow will make the frame look out of proportion and will draw undue attention to the frame.

There are no steadfast rules for the proportions of matting, width of the margin or placement of the window. There are, however, a few rules dictated by common sense, general practice and basic rules of design:
  • The width of a mat may vary according to the size of the picture and the effect you want to achieve. It should however, be wide enough to serve its esthetic purpose.
  • There should be a marked difference between the width of the mat and frame. It stands to reason that 2 inches of matting between a picture and a 1-1/2 or 2-inch wide frame will look cramped and ungraceful. Inside a 3-inch frame, it does not fulfill its function and becomes a liner.
  • Because of an optical illusion that tends to make the bottom of a mat appear narrower if the window is centered, a wider bottom margin is sometimes used- referred to as a drop bottom.
While a single mat is all that is needed to provide the protective and esthetic properties; double and triple mats are used to accent certain colors or hues and brings depth to the image. Depth and drama can also be achieved by layering fabric and texture mats.
Single mat Double mat Triple mat with dark top mat
Proportions
Good proportion is the visual balance between the art, mats and frame. When you have designed a piece and have achieved good a good balance of proportion your eye will gravitate towards the art and the artwork will "POP". Don't be afraid of large mat borders. They can create a visually pleasing "breathing space" between the artwork and frame.

Weighted mats
are mats that are with the top and side equal and the bottom wider.

Traditionally all mats were cut this way because when the art was the bottom looked smaller if it wasn't weighted because of the angle the artwork was viewed. But now more people are hanging their artwork lower making this illusion less noticeable.

Weighted mats can add a dramatic look to certain types of art work; like black and white photos, square prints that you want to make vertical or a small etching that needs to be framed larger.
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