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Custom Framing: Mat or No Mat for Your Artwork, Poster, or Print?

When it comes to custom framing, one of the most common questions people have is whether to use a mat or go without one. Mats can dramatically change the look and feel of your artwork, poster, or print—but they also serve important practical purposes beyond aesthetics.

If you’re trying to decide which option is right for your piece, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using a mat, along with tips for making the best choice for your space and style.

What Is a Mat in Framing?

A mat is a border—usually made of paper or board—placed around your artwork inside the frame. It creates a visual buffer between the piece and the frame itself, often enhancing the presentation and protecting the artwork.

Mats come in various colors, textures, and thicknesses, allowing for a wide range of creative options in your framing design.

Why Use a Mat?

1. Protection for Your Artwork
A mat keeps the artwork from directly touching the glass. This is especially important for valuable pieces, photographs, or prints, as direct contact can lead to sticking, warping, or moisture damage over time.

2. Enhanced Visual Appeal
A well-chosen mat can make the artwork pop. Light mats can create a clean, modern look, while bold colors or double mats can make a piece feel more dramatic or formal.

3. Balanced Proportions
For smaller pieces in larger frames, mats create breathing room and help the artwork look proportional to the space.

4. Flexibility in Display
Mats give you creative control. You can use wide mats for a gallery-style look or thin mats for a subtle, elegant touch.

When to Skip the Mat

While mats have many benefits, there are situations where going mat-free is the better choice.

1. Contemporary or Minimalist Style
If you’re going for a sleek, modern look, framing without a mat can create a clean, edge-to-edge effect that feels current and bold.

2. Oversized Posters or Prints
Large posters or prints often fill the frame naturally, so a mat isn’t always necessary. This can also keep the cost of custom framing down.

3. Budget-Friendly Option
Skipping the mat reduces the overall cost of framing, which can be helpful if you’re framing multiple pieces or working within a set budget.

Tips for Choosing the Right Look

  • Match the Art, Not the Room: While you want your framed piece to complement your space, always prioritize what enhances the artwork itself.
  • Consider Scale: Small pieces often benefit from wider mats to create visual presence, while large pieces typically stand strong without one.
  • Experiment with Color: Neutral mats are classic, but adding a hint of color can tie a piece into your décor or highlight a detail within the art.
  • Think About Longevity: If your piece is valuable or sentimental, adding a mat for protection can help preserve it for decades.

Custom Framing Makes the Difference

Whether you choose to use a mat or not, custom framing ensures your piece is displayed beautifully and safely. A professional framer can help you select the right materials, glass, and frame style to enhance the artwork and protect it over time.

By experimenting with different mat sizes, colors, or even going mat-free, you can create a presentation that feels uniquely yours.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the “mat or no mat” question. It all comes down to your style, the type of artwork, and how you want it to look in your space.

A mat can elevate and protect your piece, while a mat-free frame delivers a sleek, modern vibe. The key is choosing the option that highlights your artwork and fits the personality of your home.

When in doubt, consult a professional framer—they’ll help you find a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and budget so your artwork, poster, or print looks its absolute best.

The Benefits of Custom Picture Frames vs. Ready-Made Frames

Framing a special photo, artwork, or keepsake is about more than just protecting it—it’s about displaying it in a way that enhances its beauty and fits perfectly in your space. When deciding between custom picture frames and ready-made frames, many people focus only on cost. While ready-made frames are convenient, custom framing offers benefits that can make a world of difference, especially for meaningful or valuable pieces.

Here’s a closer look at why custom picture frames are worth considering—and when a ready-made option might still be the right choice.

1. Perfect Fit for Any Size or Shape

One of the biggest advantages of custom framing is that it works for any size or shape of artwork. Whether you’re framing an oversized poster, a panoramic photograph, or an unusual keepsake like a jersey or shadowbox collection, a custom frame is built to fit.

Ready-made frames only come in standard sizes, which often means cropping your piece or settling for a poor fit. With a custom frame, your piece is the star—no trimming or awkward gaps needed.

2. Endless Style and Design Options

Custom frames allow you to choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes so you can create a design that complements both your piece and your home décor.

Want a rustic wood frame for a landscape photo? A sleek black metal frame for a modern print? Or a bold color to make your artwork pop? A professional framer can help you pick the perfect combination of frame, mat, and glass to achieve your vision.

Ready-made frames are limited to whatever styles are on the shelf—often basic black, white, or wood tones—with little room for personalization.

3. Better Protection for Your Piece

For valuable, sentimental, or delicate items, protection is key—and this is where custom framing really shines. Professional framers use archival-quality materials that help preserve your piece for decades.

Custom frames can include:

  • Acid-free mats and backing to prevent yellowing
  • UV-protective glass to shield against sun damage
  • Spacers to keep the piece from touching the glass

These upgrades ensure that your artwork or keepsake stays in excellent condition for years to come.

4. Professional Quality and Craftsmanship

A custom frame isn’t just built to size—it’s built to last. The craftsmanship in custom framing provides a professional, polished finish that elevates the look of your piece. Corners are tight, mats are perfectly aligned, and the piece is securely mounted.

With ready-made frames, quality can be hit or miss. Over time, mass-produced frames may warp, discolor, or fail to keep your piece properly secured.

5. Showcase Sentimental or High-Value Items

If you’re framing a wedding photo, a child’s artwork, or an expensive print, a custom frame is worth the investment. It honors the importance of the piece while protecting it from damage.

For everyday prints or temporary décor, a ready-made frame can be fine. But for something you want to display long-term, custom framing ensures it looks as special as it feels.

When Ready-Made Frames Make Sense

There are situations where ready-made frames are a practical choice:

  • Temporary displays or inexpensive posters
  • Tight budgets for framing multiple prints at once
  • Standard sizes like 8×10 or 11×14, where ready-made options are plentiful

For quick, cost-effective solutions, a store-bought frame can work well.

The Bottom Line

While ready-made frames are convenient and affordable, custom frames offer unmatched fit, protection, and personalization. They’re an investment that not only elevates the look of your piece but also ensures it lasts for years without fading or damage.

When you want to showcase something truly special, custom framing is the way to go. With the help of a professional framer, you can create a display that’s both beautiful and built to last—a perfect reflection of the memories or art you’re preserving.

The Art of Framing — Why Custom Framing Matters More Than You Think

When it comes to showcasing art, photography, or memorabilia, a frame isn’t just a border — it’s part of the story. At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we believe custom framing elevates your pieces beyond aesthetics; it protects, preserves, and enhances the emotional connection to your artwork.

Why Go Custom?

Custom framing isn’t just for fine art or gallery walls. Whether it’s a child’s first drawing, a cherished concert poster, or a family heirloom, each piece deserves thoughtful presentation. Our designers work one-on-one with you to select materials that not only complement the art but also suit your personal style and space.

Archival Quality, Lasting Beauty

We use museum-quality, acid-free mats and UV-protective glass to ensure your artwork stands the test of time. Off-the-shelf frames may fade or warp — but custom frames are crafted with care and precision, offering both longevity and style.

It’s All in the Details

From handcrafted mouldings to meticulously measured mats, we obsess over every detail. And because we handle everything in-house at our Winston-Salem location, you get local expertise, exceptional craftsmanship, and service you can trust.

Want to see how the right frame can transform your space? Stop by the shop or schedule a consultation. Let’s give your favorite pieces the spotlight they deserve.

Shadow Boxes: The Perfect Way to Tell Your Story in 3D

Some memories are too special to tuck away in drawers or boxes. Whether it’s your grandfather’s war medals, a wedding bouquet, or a baby’s first shoes, shadow boxes offer a beautiful and meaningful way to turn keepsakes into lasting displays.

What Is a Shadow Box?

A shadow box is a deep, glass-front frame used to display and protect dimensional items. At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we specialize in designing custom shadow boxes that are as unique as the stories they hold.

More Than Display — It’s Preservation

Not only do shadow boxes turn your items into art, but they also help preserve delicate objects using archival materials and UV-protective glass. We carefully mount items without damaging them and design layouts that highlight each detail.

Popular Ideas for Shadow Boxes:

  • Military medals, flags, and badges
  • Sports memorabilia like jerseys or game balls
  • Wedding keepsakes: invitations, photos, dried flowers
  • Vacation mementos like maps, tickets, or seashells
  • Baby items: hospital bracelets, shoes, and photos

Handcrafted With Heart

Our team will guide you through the entire process — from layout and design to material selection and final assembly. Each shadow box we create is a one-of-a-kind piece, crafted with intention and care.

If you’ve got a box of keepsakes waiting for a second life on your wall, let’s make something beautiful together. Reach out or stop by to start designing your custom shadow box today.

Why Custom Framing Matters: Preserving Art and Memories the Right Way

At Tanglewood Art and Frame, we believe that every piece of art—whether it’s a fine painting, a beloved photo, or a cherished keepsake—deserves to be displayed with care, intention, and style. Custom framing isn’t just about putting something in a frame; it’s about enhancing, protecting, and celebrating the things that matter most.

In a world full of ready-made frames and mass-produced décor, it can be easy to overlook the value of custom craftsmanship. But when it comes to something meaningful—like a wedding photo, a child’s first painting, a diploma, or an original piece of art—there’s no substitute for a frame that’s made just for it.

Custom Framing Protects What You Love

The materials used in cheap, store-bought frames often contain acids and chemicals that can slowly damage your artwork or photographs. At Tanglewood, we use archival-quality materials that prevent yellowing, fading, and deterioration over time. We offer UV-protective glass, acid-free mats, and conservation-grade mounting methods—so your piece not only looks beautiful but stands the test of time.

Design Is Personal—Your Frame Should Be Too

Framing is about more than preservation. It’s about presentation. The right frame complements the colors, textures, and emotion of a piece. It also reflects your personal style and the space where it will live. Whether your taste leans modern, traditional, rustic, or bold and eclectic, we help you choose the perfect combination of frame, mat, and glass to elevate the artwork and make it truly yours.

Our experienced team takes the time to listen, explore design options, and offer expert advice. We view each piece as a collaboration with our clients—something we create together.

We Frame More Than Just Art

Some of the most meaningful pieces we frame aren’t traditional art at all. Jerseys, concert tickets, medals, baby shoes, handwritten letters—we’ve seen it all. If it matters to you, we can frame it with creativity and care. Shadow boxes and dimensional displays are some of our favorite projects, because they tell a personal story in a beautiful and lasting way.

Local, Trusted, and Experienced

Tanglewood Art and Frame is proud to be locally owned and rooted in the community. With decades of experience in custom framing, we’ve built a reputation for quality, creativity, and friendly service. We’re not just here to sell frames—we’re here to help you honor your memories and celebrate your style.

So whether you’re looking to frame a gallery-worthy canvas, a sentimental photograph, or something entirely unexpected, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.

Framing for Design: How Custom Frames Elevate Your Space

Framing is about more than preserving art—it’s also a powerful tool for enhancing the design and personality of your home or workspace. At Tanglewood Art and Frame, we specialize in custom framing that not only protects your treasured pieces but also elevates the look and feel of the room they’re displayed in.

A thoughtfully chosen frame acts like an interior design element in itself. It adds depth, structure, texture, and visual interest to any wall—whether you’re showcasing a fine art print, family photo, or vintage map. By combining form and function, custom framing brings harmony to your décor while highlighting the character of what you’re displaying.

Your Art, Your Space, Your Style

When you work with a professional framer, you’re not just picking a frame—you’re crafting a look. Our team at Tanglewood works closely with homeowners, designers, and collectors to create frame designs that suit both the artwork and the environment it will live in. We consider wall color, lighting, furniture style, and even how the piece relates to other artwork nearby.

Have a minimalist aesthetic? A sleek black or natural wood frame might be the perfect fit. Want something more classic or ornate? We offer a wide selection of carved and gilded mouldings that can transform a piece into a statement. The options are endless—and we’re here to help you find the perfect balance.

Frame a Gallery Wall with Intention

Gallery walls are a popular trend in home design—and one of our favorite projects. Whether it’s a collection of black-and-white family portraits, eclectic art prints, or travel mementos, we help you frame each piece in a way that complements the others and contributes to a cohesive whole.

A well-designed gallery wall can bring personality and sophistication to a space—especially when the frames are custom-matched in scale, color, and proportion. Let us help you curate and frame your collection so it tells your story with style.

Framing for Businesses and Offices

Custom framing isn’t just for homes. We also work with local businesses, interior designers, and real estate professionals to bring a polished, professional touch to office environments, lobbies, and meeting spaces. Whether you’re framing certificates, artwork, or custom prints, we create pieces that reflect your brand, culture, and design goals.

Why Choose Tanglewood Art and Frame?

With decades of experience and a commitment to craftsmanship, Tanglewood Art and Frame is Fort Worth’s trusted destination for custom framing. We combine artistic expertise with a designer’s eye to help our clients create pieces that look beautiful, feel meaningful, and stand the test of time.

Ready to transform your walls? Stop by our showroom or book a consultation—we’d love to help you frame something incredible.

The Art of Custom Framing Diplomas: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

A diploma is more than just a piece of paper — it’s a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and achievement. Whether it’s a high school diploma, a college degree, or an advanced certification, the time and dedication it represents deserve more than a dusty spot in a drawer or a generic frame from the store. That’s where custom framing comes in.

Custom framing a diploma is about honoring your success while preserving it for years to come. In this blog, we’ll explore why custom framing is worth the investment, what makes it different from off-the-shelf options, and how to get it right with style and meaning.

Why Custom Framing Your Diploma Matters

1. Preservation of Your Document

Diplomas are printed on paper that can fade, yellow, or become brittle over time — especially if exposed to sunlight, humidity, or acidic materials. Custom frames are designed with archival-quality materials, including acid-free mats and UV-protective glass, which help protect your diploma from environmental damage. This ensures your document will stay in great condition for decades to come.

2. Professional Presentation

A custom frame elevates your diploma’s appearance instantly. Whether it’s hanging in an office, home library, or study, a professionally framed diploma sends a message of professionalism and pride. It adds credibility and a sense of accomplishment — especially in spaces where clients or colleagues may see it.

3. Personalization

Unlike store-bought frames, custom framing gives you the freedom to choose materials, colors, and design elements that reflect your personality, school colors, or the space where the frame will be displayed. Want a sleek black frame for a modern office? Or a rich walnut with gold accents to match traditional décor? A custom framer can make it happen.

What to Consider When Custom Framing Your Diploma

1. Frame Style and Material

The style of the frame should complement both the diploma and the room where it will be displayed. Wood frames provide a classic, warm feel, while metal frames offer a sleek, contemporary look. High-gloss finishes, ornate edges, or minimalist lines — the options are endless, and a good frame shop can walk you through them.

2. Matting

Matting not only adds visual depth to the display but also protects the document by preventing direct contact with the glass. Choose colors that enhance your diploma — school colors, neutrals like ivory or black, or even double matting with an accent color for extra flair. Be sure the mat is acid-free to preserve the paper’s integrity.

3. Glass or Acrylic Glazing

Your diploma frame should include glazing that protects against UV rays, which can cause fading. You can opt for regular glass, non-glare glass, or even museum-quality glass for the best clarity and protection. Acrylic options are lighter and shatter-resistant, ideal for high-traffic areas or shipping.

4. Additional Elements

Some people choose to frame more than just the diploma. You might include a graduation photo, a tassel, or a medallion. This adds a personal touch and tells more of the story behind your achievement.

Finding the Right Framing Professional

While there are online custom framing services, working with a local frame shop can be a more personalized experience. A professional framer will help you choose the right materials, walk you through design options, and make sure your diploma is mounted and sealed properly.

Ask to see examples of their work, and don’t be afraid to request archival materials. This is a piece of your personal history, and it’s worth doing right.

A Lasting Investment

Custom framing a diploma may seem like a luxury, but it’s an investment in preserving one of the most significant accomplishments of your life. Whether it’s for your own wall or a graduation gift for someone special, a well-framed diploma becomes a piece of décor that inspires pride and tells a story.

In a world that moves fast and favors digital everything, there’s something timeless and meaningful about framing a diploma. It’s a reminder that behind every achievement is a journey — and that journey deserves to be seen, remembered, and celebrated.

So if you’ve got your diploma tucked away somewhere, now might be the time to bring it out and give it the showcase it deserves. After all, you earned it.

Why Custom Framing Is Worth the Investment: More Than Just a Frame

When it comes to showcasing your favorite art, photos, or memorabilia, not all frames are created equal. At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we know firsthand that custom framing is about so much more than just surrounding your piece with wood and glass — it’s about protecting, enhancing, and celebrating the things that matter most.

Here’s why custom framing is always worth the investment:

1. Preservation and Protection
UV rays, moisture, dust, and time can all take a toll on photographs, prints, and artwork. Custom framing uses archival-quality materials designed to protect your piece for years to come. From acid-free mat boards to conservation glass, your memories and artwork deserve to be shielded properly.

2. Tailored Design for Your Space
Your frame isn’t just there to hold your art — it’s part of the art. Our expert team will help you select the perfect combination of frame style, matting, and glass to complement your décor and highlight the piece itself.

3. Perfect Fit, Every Time
Whether you’re framing a canvas, a family portrait, a sports jersey, or an heirloom document, custom framing ensures a precision fit. No gaps, no awkward cropping — just clean, professional results.

4. Long-Term Value
Mass-produced frames might be cheap upfront, but they often lead to damage or disappointment over time. Custom framing protects your investment while adding lasting beauty to your space.

Ready to Frame Something Special?

At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we treat every piece with the care it deserves — whether it’s a priceless original or a cherished family photo. Let’s bring your walls to life!

👉 Stop by our shop today or contact us online for a free design consultation.

5 Creative Ideas for What to Frame — It’s More Than Just Photos!

When most people think of framing, they picture family portraits or art prints. But custom framing can bring so much more personality and meaning to your walls! At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we’ve seen just about everything walk through the door — and we love helping people turn their treasures into display-worthy art.

Here are five unique ideas for your next framing project:

1. Wedding Invitations & Keepsakes
That beautiful invitation you carefully picked out for your wedding? Frame it! Pair it with a photo, dried flowers, or other keepsakes from the big day for a meaningful piece of art you’ll enjoy forever.

2. Vintage Maps and Documents
Old family records, handwritten letters, or historic maps make fantastic wall art when professionally framed. These pieces tell a story and add character to any space — especially when paired with the right matting and frame.

3. Concert Posters & Tickets
Music lovers, unite! Instead of stashing concert tickets in a drawer, create a framed display to commemorate a favorite band, artist, or unforgettable night.

4. Jerseys & Memorabilia
Whether it’s your child’s first sports jersey or a signed piece from your favorite team, shadowbox framing can turn clothing, equipment, and collectibles into real conversation starters.

5. Childrens’ Artwork
Those hand-painted masterpieces your kids bring home deserve more than a spot on the fridge! Custom framing gives them the presentation they deserve while preserving them for years to come.

What’s Hanging on Your Walls?

At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we believe every piece has a story. Whether it’s big, small, old, or new — we’d love to help you turn your keepsakes into art.

👉 Visit us today or reach out for a free quote at www.tanglewoodartandframe.com.

Metal vs. Wood Frames

When you’re browsing or shopping for store-bought photo frames, you will commonly see both wooden and metal frames. If you’re designing and buying a custom frame, then you’ll need to choose the material of your frame, too. So, if you’re deciding between metal and wood frames, let’s look at some of the differences and benefits of the aesthetics of each.

Metal picture frames

Metal picture frames are a good choice if you’re looking for a modern aesthetic or even an industrial one depending on the materials and finishes you use. So, if the piece you’re framing has a modern look and feel to it, then a metal frame could complement it perfectly. Or perhaps the modern aesthetic matches the design and décor of the room you are placing the frame in.

A variety of metals can be used for picture frames, including aluminum, silver, and bronze. Each will have its own style and benefits. Aluminum is a particularly lightweight option for framing as well as a more affordable one than silver and bronze. These are all durable options and can be more cost-effective than wood frames. And you’ve got lots of choices when it comes to choosing colors and finishing your frame.

Wood picture frames

Wood is a classic look for your photo frames and can have a wide variety of styles and shades. MDF is a common material used for wooden frames, although a range of hardwoods and softwoods can also be used for different aesthetics and greater durability. Both engineered and natural wood can be used as well.

Applying different finishes to the wood will also have a big impact on how it looks. You can opt for a frame with a rustic appeal or something a little more polished. You can have pretty much any shade of brown imaginable between different types of wood and finishes, as well as the option to paint it a completely different color to match the palette of the room and its décor.

Compared to metal, wood frames add a little more warmth to the room and can be more unique due to the slight variations in grain from natural wood. Wood is a durable material, although they can be more expensive than metal frames depending on the material you choose.

Visit Tanglewood in-store or contact us online to find out more about our custom framing services. We can frame almost anything you want, from 2D art to 3D memorabilia and lots more.