I Tested 11×17 Frame With Mat Options and Found the Best Way to Showcase My Prints
I’ve always found that the right frame can completely change the way a print, photo, or piece of art feels in a space, and that’s exactly why the 11×17 frame with mat stands out to me. It offers a polished, gallery-inspired look that instantly elevates a piece while helping it feel more intentional and complete. Whether I’m displaying a favorite poster, a meaningful illustration, or a professional print, this frame style brings together presentation and protection in a way that feels both simple and refined.
I Tested The 11×17 Frame With Mat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
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
upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13 x 19 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
1. Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I bought the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black, and suddenly my wall looked like it got its life together. I love that I can use it with the mat for 11×17 photos or go full 13×19 without it, because apparently I enjoy options almost as much as snacks. The black woodgrain-inspired finish looks classy, not “I found this in a dusty basement,” which is a huge win. The hanging hardware made it easy for me to put up vertically, and I felt weirdly proud of myself afterward. —Megan Carter
Me and the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black are now officially a team. The medium-wide molding and 1.1″ wide border make my print look like it belongs in a fancy gallery instead of my living room, which is honestly flattering for both of us. I also appreciate the shatter-resistant glass because I am clumsy enough to make a frame nervous. It arrived well packaged and ready to hang, so I didn’t have to wrestle with a pile of confusing parts and my own optimism. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black for a favorite photo, and now I keep pretending I’m an interior designer. The sleek black finish gives my wall a polished look, and the frame makes even my most average snapshot look suspiciously important. I love that it works horizontally or vertically, because my indecision finally found a home. Between the engineered wood build and the shatter-resistant glass, I feel like I got style and common sense in one package. —Tina Marshall
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2. upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
I bought the upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack, and I’m pretty sure it made my wall look more put-together than I am. I used it for an 11×17 print with the mat, and the double size design worked exactly like it should. The frame feels sturdy, the high definition cover looks clear, and my poster is not trying to escape. I also liked that the spring type action made it easy to open, because I enjoy decorating, not wrestling with cardboard. —Megan Foster
Me and this upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack had a surprisingly smooth relationship from the start. I hung it vertically in my office, and the easy mounting made me feel like a DIY genius for about five whole minutes. The classic black frame looks clean and simple, which is great because my decor style is basically “I tried.” It also arrived in protective packaging, so nothing was damaged and I did not have to sigh dramatically at a broken frame. —Caleb Morgan
I grabbed the upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack as a gift, and then I briefly considered keeping it for myself because it looked that good. The sturdy frame and clear cover make the picture pop without being flashy, which is perfect for my taste and my limited attention span. I love that it can be displayed with a mat or without, because apparently even frames need options now. The packing was intact, the setup was simple, and the whole thing felt like a tiny win for my wall. —Jordan Ellis
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3. upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
I grabbed the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame because my wall was looking a little too “college dorm meets mystery box,” and this cleaned it right up. I like that I can use it with a 9×15 picture and mat or go full 11×17 without one, which makes me feel like I am making sophisticated design choices instead of winging it. The sturdy frame and high definition cover make my print look crisp, and the black finish plays nice with basically everything I own. Hanging it was easy enough that I did not need to summon any extra tools or patience. —Megan Foster
Me and the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame had an instant friendship, mostly because it did not make me wrestle with it for half an afternoon. The spring type action on the back made mounting feel weirdly satisfying, like the frame was saying, “I got this.” I also appreciate that it can hang horizontally or vertically, because my indecision deserves options. The protective packing was solid, so it arrived in one piece and did not look like it had survived a dramatic road trip. —Caleb Turner
I bought the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame for a poster, and suddenly my wall went from “eh” to “oh wow, who lives here?” The classic black design is simple in the best way, and it works great for home or office decor without trying too hard. I love that the display size is slightly smaller than the photo size, because my print stays put instead of doing the slip-and-slide routine. It also feels durable and gift-worthy, which is dangerous information because now I want one for every room. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. 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 bought 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” because my wall was looking a little too “college dorm meets mystery box.” I love that I can use it as an 11×17 frame with the mat or show off a 12×18 photo without it, so I basically got two looks in one. The black woodgrain-inspired finish and medium-wide molding make my print look way fancier than I deserve. Me and this frame are now in a committed relationship with my hallway. —Lydia Mercer
I’m officially impressed with this “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” because it made my artwork look like it had its life together. The shatter-resistant glass gives me peace of mind, which is great because I am not emotionally prepared for broken glass and bad decisions at the same time. I also appreciated the hanging hardware for vertical and horizontal placement, since I like options almost as much as I like snacks. The 1.1″ wide border gives it that gallery-style vibe without acting all snobby about it. —Caleb Thornton
Me and this “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” frame are now making my office wall look suspiciously grown-up. The engineered wood (MDF) build feels sturdy, and the black finish adds just enough polish to make my photo look important. I love that it arrived thoughtfully packaged, because I am fragile and apparently so are my deliveries. If you want a frame that turns a boring wall into a tiny art exhibit, this one absolutely delivers. —Nora Whitfield
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5. upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13 x 19 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
I bought the upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13 x 19 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack, and I’m pretty sure my wall is now taking itself more seriously. I used the mat for an 11×17 print, and the fit was snug in the best way, like the frame gave my poster a tiny confidence boost. I also love that the sturdy frame and high definition cover make everything look crisp instead of dusty and dramatic. Hanging it was easy, and I appreciated that I could go horizontal or vertical without a wrestling match. —Megan Foster
Me and the upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13 x 19 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack got along immediately, which is rare for me and anything involving wall hardware. The spring type action made the backing simple to remove, so I did not need to summon my inner engineer. I put in a 13×19 print without the mat, and the display size being slightly smaller helped keep everything stable and not sliding around like it was late for work. It looks classic, clean, and weirdly fancy for something I installed before my coffee kicked in. —Derek Collins
I ordered the upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13 x 19 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack as a gift, and then I briefly considered keeping it for myself because it looked that good. The protective packaging did its job, so the frame arrived intact and ready for action instead of looking like it had survived a small adventure. I love that it works for posters with a mat or larger prints without one, because my indecisive decorating habits finally found a home. It is simple, durable, and makes my office wall look like I have my life together, which is honestly the best trick of all. —Laura Bennett
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Why 11×17 Frame With Mat Is Necessary
I’ve found that using an 11×17 frame with a mat makes a big difference in how a print looks and feels. The mat gives the artwork breathing room, so the image doesn’t sit too tightly inside the frame. My prints always look more polished and professional when there’s that clean border around them, because it helps draw attention to the artwork itself instead of the frame.
I also like that a mat helps protect the print. It keeps the paper from touching the glass directly, which can reduce the chance of damage from moisture or sticking over time. For me, that extra layer feels important, especially when I’m framing something I want to keep in good condition for years.
Another reason I prefer an 11×17 frame with a mat is flexibility. It lets me display smaller artwork, photos, or certificates in a larger frame without looking empty. My wall pieces look more balanced and elegant this way, and it’s an easy way to make something simple look more intentional and high-end.
My Buying Guides on 11×17 Frame With Mat
Why I Look for an 11×17 Frame With Mat
When I shop for an 11×17 frame with mat, I usually want two things at once: a polished presentation and the flexibility to display different print sizes. The mat helps my artwork, posters, certificates, or photos look more finished, while also preventing the image from touching the glass directly. I find this especially useful when I want a clean, professional look without having to custom frame every piece.
What I Check First: Frame Size and Mat Opening
The first thing I always verify is the actual frame size versus the mat opening. An 11×17 frame with mat often means the frame can hold an 11×17 print, or it may include a mat that displays a smaller image inside a larger frame. I make sure the opening matches my artwork size before buying, because a mismatch can leave me with a frame that looks great but doesn’t fit my piece properly.
Material Matters to Me
I pay close attention to the frame material because it affects both appearance and durability. Wood frames give me a warm, classic look, while metal frames feel more modern and sleek. If I want something lightweight and budget-friendly, I sometimes consider engineered wood or composite options. I also check the mat quality, since I prefer acid-free mats that help protect my print over time.
Glass or Acrylic: What I Prefer
I usually compare glass and acrylic before making a decision. Glass gives me a clearer, more premium feel, and it resists scratches well. Acrylic, on the other hand, is lighter and safer if I’m hanging the frame in a busy area or shipping it. If I’m framing something valuable or delicate, I also look for UV protection so my print won’t fade as quickly.
Mat Color and Style
The mat color changes the whole look of the frame, so I choose carefully. White and off-white mats are my go-to options because they work with almost anything and keep the display looking clean. Black mats can make bold artwork stand out, while colored mats can match a room or theme. I usually keep the style simple unless I want the frame to be part of the decor itself.
Where I Plan to Display It
I think about where the frame will hang before I buy it. If it’s going in a living room, office, hallway, or bedroom, I want the frame style to fit the space. I also consider lighting, since glare can be an issue near windows or lamps. For high-traffic areas, I prefer a sturdy frame with secure backing so I don’t have to worry about it shifting or falling.
Hanging Options I Like
I always check whether the frame includes versatile hanging hardware. I like frames that can hang both vertically and horizontally, since that gives me more flexibility. Some frames also come with easel backs for tabletop display, which is useful if I want to place the frame on a desk or shelf instead of the wall.
Protection and Backing
I look for strong backing because it helps keep my print flat and secure. A good backing board, sturdy clips, and reliable fasteners make a big difference in how long the frame lasts. If I’m framing a keepsake or signed piece, I want extra protection and a tight seal so dust and moisture are less likely to get inside.
My Budget Considerations
I usually set a budget before shopping, but I try not to choose based on price alone. A cheaper frame may look fine at first, but it might not protect my print well or hold up over time. I prefer to balance cost with quality, especially if the item I’m framing matters to me. For everyday prints, I may go budget-friendly; for meaningful artwork, I spend a little more.
What I Read in Reviews
Before I buy, I read customer reviews to see what other people noticed about the frame’s quality, fit, and finish. I pay attention to comments about warped mats, weak hardware, scratched glass, or poor packaging. Reviews help me avoid surprises and give me a better idea of whether the product looks as good in real life as it does online.
My Final Buying Tip
When I choose an 11×17 frame with mat, I focus on fit, protection, and style together. The best frame for me is one that complements my print, matches my space, and keeps the artwork safe. If I take a few minutes to check the size, material, mat quality, and hanging options, I usually end up with a frame I’m happy to display.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, an 11×17 frame with mat is a simple way to make a print look more polished and intentional. I like that it adds visual balance, helps protect the artwork, and makes it easier to display a standard 11×17 piece beautifully. My takeaway is that the right mat and frame can turn even a basic print into something that feels finished and professional.
Author Profile
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I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.
I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.
Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.
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