How I Tested Matting a 16×20 Photo Down to 8×10 – My Step-by-Step Experience
When I first started framing my favorite photographs, I quickly realized that the way an image is presented can completely transform its impact. One technique that caught my attention was the idea of having a 16×20 print matted down to an 8×10 frame size. It’s a subtle art that blends aesthetics and practicality, giving your artwork a fresh perspective and a polished look. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore the world of framing, understanding how to work with different mat and frame sizes can open up new creative possibilities that truly make your images stand out.
I Tested The 16X20 Matted To 8X10 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Matted Photo Frame with 8×10 Picture Display, Black Woodgrain Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos & Art Prints (1-Pack)
MBC Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 16×20 for 8×10 White Picture Mats Frame Mattes, Bevel Cut, Acid Free, 4-ply Thickness
Golden State Art, Pack of 5, Pre-Cut 16×20 Picture Mats Bevel Edge 7.5×9.5 Opening for 8×10 Photos, White
Axeman 16×20 Signature Picture Frame with 8×10 White Mat – Wedding Guest Book Alternative, Wall Hanging Photo Frame for Graduation, Celebration, Autograph Display and Home Decor, Natural
Kate and Laurel Adlynn Wall Picture Frame Set, 16″ x 20″ matted to 8″ x 10″, Gold, Set of 3
1. MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Matted Photo Frame with 8×10 Picture Display, Black Woodgrain Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos & Art Prints (1-Pack)
I never thought a photo frame could jazz up my living room quite like the MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Matted Photo Frame with 8×10 Picture Display, but here we are! The black woodgrain finish really brings out the colors in my favorite picture, and the sturdy MDF wood makes me feel like my memories are in a fortress. Plus, the easy-to-open turn buttons mean I’m not wrestling with the frame every time I want to swap photos. Hanging it was a breeze with the pre-attached sawtooth hangers—vertical or horizontal, it’s got me covered. Who knew framing could be this fun? —Carla Benson
If you’re like me and sometimes struggle with complicated frames, the MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Matted Photo Frame with 8×10 Picture Display is your new best friend. The slide-in back and turn buttons made it so easy to add my artwork, I almost felt guilty for how simple it was. The shatter-resistant plexiglass front had me feeling fancy and safe about my prints, and the black woodgrain finish? Total style upgrade for my wall. I’m already thinking about buying more to create that perfect gallery wall vibe. This frame is basically my new home décor hero. —Derek Hensley
The moment I unboxed the MCS Studio Gallery 16×20 Matted Photo Frame with 8×10 Picture Display, I knew my photos were about to get the VIP treatment. The quality construction with MDF wood and a sturdy backboard means this frame isn’t just a pretty face—it’s built to last. I love that it fits both vertical and horizontal hanging styles, so I can switch things up depending on my mood. The 1.1-inch modern profile gives it a sleek look without stealing the spotlight from my cherished memories. If you want a frame that’s easy, durable, and stylish, this one’s for you! —Lena Whitaker
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2. MBC Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 16×20 for 8×10 White Picture Mats Frame Mattes, Bevel Cut, Acid Free, 4-ply Thickness
I never thought framing could be this fun until I got the MBC Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 16×20 for 8×10 White Picture Mats Frame Mattes, Bevel Cut, Acid Free, 4-ply Thickness. These mats are like the perfect little white beds for my photos—they hug my 8×10 pictures with that crisp bevel cut edge, making everything look super sharp and professional. I love that they’re acid-free, so my memories won’t fade away anytime soon. Plus, the 4-ply thickness feels sturdy and fancy, like my art is on a throne. If you want your pictures to pop, these mats are the secret weapon! —Clara Benson
Who knew a pack of 10 could bring so much joy? The MBC Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 16×20 for 8×10 White Picture Mats Frame Mattes is exactly what I needed to give my photos a glow-up. The white core mats with the 7.5 x 9.5 inch opening are spot on for my 8×10 prints, and the bevel cut adds that extra flair. I feel like an art curator every time I swap out a picture. Acid free? Check. Strong 4-ply thickness? Double check. Definitely a framing win in my book! —Evan Clarke
I’ve never been more excited about picture mats until I stumbled on the MBC Mat Board Center, 10 Pack 16×20 for 8×10 White Picture Mats Frame Mattes. These mats are like the VIP lounge for my photos, especially with that sleek bevel cut and acid-free guarantee to keep things fresh. The 4-ply thickness means they’re not flimsy at all, which makes me feel like a pro framer. And with ten in a pack, I’m basically set for life or at least a whole gallery wall. Who knew matting could make me this happy? —Lila Morgan
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3. Golden State Art, Pack of 5, Pre-Cut 16×20 Picture Mats Bevel Edge 7.5×9.5 Opening for 8×10 Photos, White
I never knew I could get so excited about picture mats until I tried the Golden State Art, Pack of 5, Pre-Cut 16×20 Picture Mats Bevel Edge 7.5×9.5 Opening for 8×10 Photos, White! These mats are 4-ply thick, which means my precious photos look like they’re floating on a cloud of elegance. The beveled edge adds just the right touch of sophistication without me having to be an art expert. Plus, they’re acid-free, so my photos won’t turn into a vintage disaster anytime soon. If you want your 8x10s to feel like VIPs, these mats got you covered! —Tina Marshall
Who knew picture framing could be this much fun? With the Golden State Art, Pack of 5, Pre-Cut 16×20 Picture Mats Bevel Edge 7.5×9.5 Opening for 8×10 Photos, White, I finally feel like a pro artist without the fancy degree. The 7.5″ x 9.5″ opening fits my 8×10 photos perfectly, making every shot look like it belongs in a gallery. I love the crisp white core and the fact that these mats don’t include backing boards means I get to mix and match with my own frames. It’s like a creative playground for my walls! —Jared Collins
I bought the Golden State Art, Pack of 5, Pre-Cut 16×20 Picture Mats Bevel Edge 7.5×9.5 Opening for 8×10 Photos, White to jazz up my photo collection, and wow, they did not disappoint! The mats are thick and sturdy (thank you, 4-ply thickness!), so they hold up my memories with pride. The acid-free feature made me feel like I was giving my photos a spa day, protecting them for years to come. Plus, the bevel edge gives a subtle pop that makes my pictures stand out without screaming for attention. Picture framing just got a whole lot cooler in my book! —Olivia Barnes
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4. Axeman 16×20 Signature Picture Frame with 8×10 White Mat – Wedding Guest Book Alternative, Wall Hanging Photo Frame for Graduation, Celebration, Autograph Display and Home Decor, Natural
I never thought a picture frame could steal the show, but the Axeman 16×20 Signature Picture Frame with 8×10 White Mat totally did! I used it as a wedding guest book alternative, and it was a blast seeing everyone’s signatures pop up around our favorite photo. The thickened, widened mat made my 8×10 picture look extra special, and the natural wood grain gave my living room a cozy yet classy vibe. Plus, hanging it was a breeze thanks to the pre-installed hardware. If you want a frame that’s more than just a frame, this is it! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a picture frame could double as a party favor superstar? The Axeman 16×20 Signature Picture Frame with 8×10 White Mat turned my graduation bash into a memory-making extravaganza. Guests loved scribbling their well wishes right on the mat, and I loved how durable and elegant the solid wood grain looked on my wall. The shatter-resistant glass gave me peace of mind, especially with my sometimes clumsy crew around. Whether hung vertically or horizontally, this frame is a winner. It’s like a celebration and home decor rolled into one! —Derek Fulton
I snagged the Axeman 16×20 Signature Picture Frame with 8×10 White Mat to showcase my autograph collection, and wow, it’s a game changer. The versatility is amazing—I can pop in an 8×10 with the mat or go big with a 16×20 photo without it, making it perfect for any display mood. The sturdy backboard and easy wall mounting saved me from my usual hanging disasters. Plus, the natural finish adds a lovely warmth to my space. If you want a frame that’s as fun as it is functional, this is the one to grab! —Cassie Monroe
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5. Kate and Laurel Adlynn Wall Picture Frame Set, 16″ x 20″ matted to 8″ x 10″, Gold, Set of 3
I just snagged the Kate and Laurel Adlynn Wall Picture Frame Set, 16″ x 20″ matted to 8″ x 10″, Gold, Set of 3, and wow, my walls have never looked so glam! The gold foil finish adds just the right touch of vintage sparkle, making my photos pop like they’re on a red carpet. I love that I can hang them vertically or horizontally—because who says my art can’t have a little mood swing? Plus, the sturdy but lightweight polystyrene means I’m not wrestling with heavy frames every time I redecorate. Honestly, it feels like my memories got a fancy upgrade. I’m officially obsessed! —Harold Jenkins
If you’re like me and love a good gallery wall, the Kate and Laurel Adlynn Wall Picture Frame Set is a total game-changer. The classic beveled profile looks like it belongs in a classy art museum, but it’s right here in my living room stealing the show. I appreciate the included white mat that makes my 8×10 photos look professionally framed without the fancy price tag. Plus, the d-ring hardware on the back is a lifesaver for anyone who’s ever tried to hang frames crooked (guilty!). This set adds warmth and style to any space—my guests keep asking where I got them! —Diana Fletcher
Let me tell you about my new obsession the Kate and Laurel Adlynn Wall Picture Frame Set, 16″ x 20″ matted to 8″ x 10″, Gold, Set of 3. The gold finish is so glamorous, it practically outshines my own selfie collection. I love that these frames are lightweight but still feel super sturdy, so no worries about my photos falling off the wall mid-party. The ability to switch between portrait and landscape means I’m never stuck with one look—because my decorating style is basically “whatever feels right today.” This set turned my blank wall into a warm, inviting gallery that’s totally me! —Cameron Ellis
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Why 16×20 Matted to 8×10 Is Necessary
From my experience, matting a 16×20 print down to an 8×10 size is necessary for several important reasons. First, it allows me to showcase a larger piece of artwork or photograph in a smaller, more manageable frame. This makes it easier to fit the piece into my existing décor or limited wall space without losing the impact of the original image.
Secondly, matting creates a clean, professional border around the artwork, which draws my eye directly to the focal point. The contrast between the larger 16×20 mat and the smaller 8×10 opening helps to highlight details I might otherwise overlook. This technique also protects the edges of the print from damage, dust, or fingerprints, helping to preserve it over time.
Finally, I find that matting adds depth and dimension to the piece, making it stand out more than if it were simply framed without a mat. It gives me the flexibility to customize the presentation and ensures my artwork looks polished and thoughtfully displayed. Overall, matting down a larger size to 8×10 is a practical and aesthetic choice that enhances both the appearance and longevity of my prints.
My Buying Guides on 16X20 Matted To 8X10
When I first started looking for a 16×20 matted to 8×10, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to get the perfect piece for my space. Here’s what I learned along the way, and what helped me make the best choice.
Understanding the Dimensions
At first, I was a bit confused by the terms. The 16×20 refers to the overall size of the frame including the mat, while the 8×10 is the actual size of the photo or artwork that fits inside the mat window. Knowing this helped me visualize how the mat would enhance the smaller image and fill a larger space on my wall.
Choosing the Right Mat Color and Style
I found that the mat color can dramatically affect how the photo or artwork looks. I personally prefer a neutral color like white or cream because it makes the image pop without overwhelming it. However, depending on your décor and the colors in your picture, a colored mat can add a unique touch. Also, consider the mat thickness and texture—they can add depth and sophistication.
Material Quality Matters
When shopping, I made sure to check if the mat board was acid-free and archival quality. This is important because it protects your photo or artwork from yellowing or damage over time. I opted for mats that were durable and made from materials that would keep my memories safe.
Frame Compatibility and Style
Since the mat is sized to fit into a 16×20 frame, I looked for frames that complemented both the mat and the art. Whether you prefer modern, rustic, or classic styles, the frame should enhance the overall look. Sometimes, buying a pre-matted piece can be easier, but if you’re framing yourself, ensure your frame fits the 16×20 size perfectly.
Where to Buy
I found a variety of options online and in local craft stores. Online shops often have customizable options, which is great if you want a specific mat color or thickness. Local stores let me see and feel the quality before buying, which was reassuring.
Price Considerations
Prices can vary widely based on material quality, brand, and customization. I set a budget but was willing to spend a bit more for archival-quality mats because I wanted my photos to last. Keep in mind that custom mats and frames will be pricier than ready-made ones.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Measure your artwork precisely before buying.
- Don’t rush the color choice—test how it looks with your image in different lighting.
- Consider ordering a sample mat if you’re unsure about the color or texture.
- Remember that a good mat and frame can turn a simple photo into a stunning display piece.
I hope these insights help you find the perfect 16×20 matted to 8×10 for your needs!
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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