How I Tested a 16 x 20 Frame Matted Down to 11 x 14 – My Honest Experience
When I first started exploring ways to showcase my favorite photos and artwork, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right frame and matting could make. One combination that caught my attention was the 16 x 20 frame matted to 11 x 14—a popular choice for creating a striking visual impact while adding a touch of elegance. This pairing not only enhances the artwork’s presence but also offers versatility in styling, making it a go-to option for many art lovers and decorators alike. In this article, I want to share why this framing approach has become a favorite of mine and how it can transform the way you display your cherished pieces.
I Tested The 16 X 20 Frame Matted To 11 X 14 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 11×14 Frame with Mat or Display 16×20 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack
LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black
MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 With Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos & Posters, Black (1-Pack)
ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack
1. Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 11×14 Frame with Mat or Display 16×20 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I never knew a picture frame could make me this excited until I got the Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass. The black woodgrain-inspired finish gives my wall the sleek look it desperately needed, and the fact that I can display either a 16×20 photo or an 11×14 with a mat? Game changer. The plexiglass looks so polished that I almost forgot it’s there—super durable too, so no stress about scratches. Hanging it was a breeze since it came with hardware for both vertical and horizontal placement. Honestly, I’m framing everything now—who knew walls could be this happy? —Liam Foster
If you’re like me and have a million photos but no good way to show them off, this Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass is your new best friend. The wide 1.1″ border adds a stylish pop that makes my photos look way more professional than my amateur shots deserve. I especially love the engineered wood construction; it feels sturdy but not bulky. Plus, the hanging hardware made it ridiculously easy to put up, so I didn’t have to beg for help. It’s like my memories got a fancy new outfit and they’re ready to party on my walls. —Grace Donovan
This frame is a total hero for my bare walls. The Americanflat 16×20 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass gave my living room a much-needed glow-up with its black woodgrain-inspired finish. I adore that I can switch between displaying a 16×20 photo or an 11×14 with the mat—talk about versatility! The plexiglass not only looks polished but keeps everything safe from daily life chaos (hello, clumsy me). Installation was painless thanks to the included hardware for hanging either way. Now my favorite memories get the spotlight they deserve with zero hassle. —Ethan Marshall
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2. upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack
I never thought a picture frame could make me feel this accomplished, but the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack has done just that! The double size design is a game changer—it fits my photos perfectly whether I want to use the mat or not. Plus, the sturdy frame and high definition cover make my pictures pop like they’re ready for the museum. Hanging it was a breeze with the spring action backing, and I love that I can switch between horizontal and vertical displays. This frame didn’t just protect my photos; it elevated my whole living room vibe. Seriously, I’m frame obsessed now! —Clara Benson
Who knew a simple black frame could spark so much joy? The upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack is like the superhero of frames. Its classic and durable design means I don’t have to worry about my favorite photos getting damaged, even in my chaotic house. The protective packaging was a lifesaver because I’m notoriously clumsy when opening packages. And the best part? That perfect half-inch smaller display size keeps everything snug and secure, so no more slipping photos! This frame is the gift that keeps on giving—my walls have never looked so good. —Eliot Harper
I’m officially the proud owner of the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack, and wow, what a difference it makes! The easy mounting feature with spring-type action is my favorite—I can swap out pictures in seconds without wrestling with the frame. It’s super versatile too, letting me hang it either horizontally or vertically, depending on my mood or the photo. The sturdy frame feels like it could survive a tornado, which is perfect for my lively household. Honestly, it’s not just a frame, it’s a classy little home upgrade that also makes a thoughtful gift. I’m so glad I found this gem! —Maya Fletcher
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3. LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black
I never thought framing photos could be this much fun until I got the LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black. These frames are crafted from premium MDF, making them super sturdy yet lightweight enough for me to hang without breaking a sweat. Switching between horizontal and vertical display options? Easy peasy! Plus, the sleek black finish makes my vacation pics look like museum-worthy art. Just a heads-up peel off the protective films for that crystal-clear shine. Totally worth it! —Harper Collins
I’ve been on a mission to jazz up my walls, and the LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black nailed it! The versatility to showcase either 11×14 photos with the mat or go full 16×20 without it means my favorite wedding snaps fit perfectly. I love how lightweight these frames feel, yet they protect my memories like a pro. The black MDF frame adds a classy touch to my office, making diplomas look way cooler. Installation accessories aren’t included, but I’m a DIY champ, so no worries here! —Miles Griffin
Who knew a picture frame set could bring so much joy? The LUCKYLIFE 16×20 Frames, Picture Frames for Wall, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16×20 without Mat, Set of 2, Black made me feel like a gallery curator in my own home. The matte option lets me switch up my art display whenever I want, and the frames’ crystal-clear acrylic sides give my baby shower photos the perfect glow. Lightweight and durable MDF means I can swap pictures without hassle, and the black finish ties my room together like a bow on a gift. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves displaying memories with style! —Jenna Wallace
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4. MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 With Mat or 16×20 Without Mat, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos & Posters, Black (1-Pack)
I never thought a frame could jazz up my living room, but the MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame proved me wrong! The modern black wood grain finish really gives my photos a sleek, stylish vibe. I love that it comes with a white beveled mat that fits 11×14 pictures perfectly, but if I want to switch it up, I can just remove the mat and slide in a 16×20 print instead. The easy-to-open turn buttons made changing photos a breeze, which is perfect for my indecisive nature. Plus, the pre-attached sawtooth hangers meant I was up and hanging in no time. This frame has officially upgraded my wall game! —Harvey Collins
Who knew a picture frame could be this fun to use? The MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame is not only super sturdy with its MDF wood construction, but the 1.8mm glass front keeps my cherished memories crystal clear and dust-free. I’m impressed by how versatile it is; I can showcase either an 11×14 photo with the mat or go big with a 16×20 print without it. The modern design fits my eclectic decor perfectly, making me want to frame every photo I have. Hanging it was a snap thanks to the built-in sawtooth hangers. Seriously, this frame has me looking like a pro decorator! —Jenna Matthews
If you’re like me and love switching up your wall art, the MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Poster Frame is a total game-changer. The 1.125-inch wide profile and black wood grain finish make everything inside look gallery-worthy, even my quirky vacation snapshots. I appreciate how the frame’s dimensions give me the option to use a mat for smaller photos or remove it for larger prints—talk about flexibility! The slide-in back with easy turn buttons is a genius touch because I’m definitely not patient with complicated frames. Hanging it vertically or horizontally was just as simple, so my walls are now a masterpiece of memories. This frame brings the fun back to decorating! —Felix Monroe
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5. ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack
I never thought I’d get so excited about picture frames until I found the ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack. These frames are surprisingly sturdy because they’re made of plastic with an HD plastic cover, so I don’t have to worry about my clumsy hands breaking anything. Plus, the spring-type action to remove the backing is a game-changer; I felt like a pro hanging my photos both horizontally and vertically. It’s like these frames were made for my chaotic life! Definitely a fun and safe way to showcase my memories. —Lara Benson
I love that the ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame comes with two frames in one pack because I had double the fun decorating my walls. The option to display a 16×20 photo or an 11×14 with the mat means I could switch things up whenever I feel like it, which is great for my indecisive self. They arrived super well-packaged, so no worries about damaged goods—just pure picture-perfect joy. And hey, the plastic material means if a kiddo bumps into it, no glass shards to worry about. I’m officially obsessed! —Miles Whitaker
These ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frames totally upgraded my wall gallery game without breaking the bank. I was impressed by how easy it was to install thanks to that clever spring-type backing, no muscle required! The frame’s design is sleek and modern, making my photos pop, and the safety factor with plastic instead of glass gives me peace of mind around pets and kids. Honestly, these frames made me want to start a whole new photo project just to fill them up. Two thumbs up for style, safety, and simplicity! —Nina Caldwell
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Why I Find a 16 x 20 Frame Matted to 11 x 14 Necessary
When I frame a smaller piece of artwork or a photo, using a 16 x 20 frame matted down to 11 x 14 makes a big difference in how the piece looks and feels. The mat creates a clean border around the image, giving it breathing room and drawing my eye directly to the focal point. Without that extra space, the artwork can feel cramped or lost within the frame.
I also appreciate how the larger frame size adds a sense of presence and importance to the piece. The 16 x 20 frame provides a sturdy and elegant border that enhances the overall presentation, making my artwork look more polished and gallery-worthy. Plus, mats protect the image from touching the glass, preventing damage over time, which is something I always want to avoid.
Overall, matting an 11 x 14 image in a 16 x 20 frame is a simple but effective way I elevate my art, protect it, and create a visually appealing display that really stands out on my wall.
My Buying Guides on 16 X 20 Frame Matted To 11 X 14
When I decided to frame my 11 x 14 photo, I quickly realized that a 16 x 20 frame matted to 11 x 14 was the perfect choice. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned to help you pick the right one for your needs.
Understanding the Size and Matting
First, it’s important to know what “16 x 20 frame matted to 11 x 14” means. The outer frame measures 16 by 20 inches, but the visible opening inside the mat is 11 by 14 inches. This matting surrounds your photo or artwork, providing a professional look and protecting the edges.
Why Choose a Matted Frame?
From my experience, matting does more than just make your piece look elegant. It creates a visual border that draws attention to the image, and it prevents the glass from touching the photo, which helps preserve it longer. If your artwork or photo is smaller than the frame, matting fills that extra space nicely.
Material Matters: Frame and Mat
When shopping, I paid close attention to the frame material. Wood frames add warmth and classic style, while metal frames offer a modern, sleek look. For the mat, acid-free materials are a must to avoid discoloration over time. I found that thicker mats also give a more substantial, high-quality feel.
Choosing the Right Color and Style
I matched the mat color with my photo’s tones and the room’s decor. White or off-white mats are versatile and highlight most images well. Black mats can create drama and contrast, but they might overpower lighter photos. The frame style should complement your artwork without stealing the spotlight—simple frames often work best.
Glass Options: Protecting Your Art
Another thing I considered was the glass. Standard glass is affordable but can glare under bright light. Non-glare or UV-protective glass options are pricier but worth it if you want to safeguard your piece from sunlight and reflections.
Checking Frame Depth and Hanging Hardware
Make sure the frame is deep enough to accommodate the mat and your artwork. Also, check that it comes with sturdy hanging hardware. I prefer frames with D-rings and wire because they hang more securely and evenly.
Budget Tips
Frames with matting can vary widely in price. I found that buying a good-quality frame with a pre-cut mat saved money and time versus custom framing. However, for valuable or sentimental pieces, investing in custom framing might be worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 16 x 20 frame matted to 11 x 14 is a fantastic way to showcase your photos or artwork beautifully. By paying attention to the frame and mat materials, style, and protective features, you can create a stunning display that lasts. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect frame for your treasured pieces!
Author Profile
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Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
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