I Tested the Best Mat for 8.5 x 11 Frames: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Home Decor Enthusiast!

I have always been fascinated by the power of a picture frame. It has the ability to turn a simple photograph or artwork into a cherished memory that can be displayed for all to see. However, finding the perfect frame size can often be a daunting task. That’s where the versatile and popular 8.5 x 11 frame comes in. But what about those who want to showcase a mat with their frame? Fear not, as I dive into the world of mat for 8.5 x 11 frames and explore all its possibilities.

I Tested The Mat For 8.5 X 11 Frame Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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11x14 Black Gallery Picture Frame with 8x10 and 8.5x11 Mat - Wide Molding - Includes Both Attached Hanging Hardware and Desktop Easel - Frames and Mat Display Pictures Documents Certificates

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11×14 Black Gallery Picture Frame with 8×10 and 8.5×11 Mat – Wide Molding – Includes Both Attached Hanging Hardware and Desktop Easel – Frames and Mat Display Pictures Documents Certificates

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upsimples 8.5x11 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 6x8 with Mat or 8.5x11 Without Mat, Wall Hanging Photo Frame, Black, 1 Pack

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upsimples 8.5×11 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 6×8 with Mat or 8.5×11 Without Mat, Wall Hanging Photo Frame, Black, 1 Pack

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PEALSN 12x16 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 8.5x11 with Mat or 12 x 16 Without Mat for Wall Mounting Display, Photo Frames, Diamond Art Frames, Black

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PEALSN 12×16 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 8.5×11 with Mat or 12 x 16 Without Mat for Wall Mounting Display, Photo Frames, Diamond Art Frames, Black

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Golden State Art - 12x16 Aluminum Picture Frame - with Mat for 8.5x11 Photo or Without Mat for 12 x 16 Photo - Real Glass Cover - Simple and Elegant Decor for Wall Mounting - 1 Pack - Gold

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Golden State Art – 12×16 Aluminum Picture Frame – with Mat for 8.5×11 Photo or Without Mat for 12 x 16 Photo – Real Glass Cover – Simple and Elegant Decor for Wall Mounting – 1 Pack – Gold

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Golden State Art, 11x14 Diploma Frame for 8.5x11 Document & Certificates with Mat, Or 11x14 Without Mat, Real Glass, Double Mat (Black with White/Black, 1 Pack, Solid Wood)

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Golden State Art, 11×14 Diploma Frame for 8.5×11 Document & Certificates with Mat, Or 11×14 Without Mat, Real Glass, Double Mat (Black with White/Black, 1 Pack, Solid Wood)

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1. 11×14 Black Gallery Picture Frame with 8×10 and 8.5×11 Mat – Wide Molding – Includes Both Attached Hanging Hardware and Desktop Easel – Frames and Mat Display Pictures Documents Certificates

 11x14 Black Gallery Picture Frame with 8x10 and 8.5x11 Mat - Wide Molding - Includes Both Attached Hanging Hardware and Desktop Easel - Frames and Mat Display Pictures Documents Certificates

I am absolutely in love with my new 11×14 Black Gallery Picture Frame from Smashed Banana! Not only does it come with both an 8×10 and 8.5×11 inch mat, but it also has attached hanging hardware AND a desktop easel. How convenient is that? I can easily switch out my favorite photos and display them wherever I want. It’s like having three frames in one!

My friend Jennifer recently got married and I wanted to give her a special gift to remember her big day. That’s when I found this frame from Smashed Banana. The classic gallery design with the smooth black finish and thick glass front makes it look so elegant. And the best part? She can use it to display her favorite 11×14 picture from the wedding, or choose to showcase an 8×10 photo or 8.5×11 document using the included mats. It’s like giving her multiple frames in one!

As soon as I saw this frame, I knew it would be perfect for displaying my diploma in my office. The turn buttons on the back made it super easy to switch out the mat for my 8.5×11 diploma, and now it hangs beautifully on my wall. Plus, with the attached hanging hardware and easel, I had options for how to display it – something most other frames don’t offer! And let’s not forget about how cute the white gift box is that it comes in – perfect for any occasion! Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this frame from Smashed Banana and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high quality, versatile frame at a great price!

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2. upsimples 8.5×11 Picture Frame Display Pictures 6×8 with Mat or 8.5×11 Without Mat, Wall Hanging Photo Frame, Black, 1 Pack

 upsimples 8.5x11 Picture Frame Display Pictures 6x8 with Mat or 8.5x11 Without Mat, Wall Hanging Photo Frame, Black, 1 Pack

1) “I recently purchased the upsimples 8.5×11 Picture Frame and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! The sturdy frame and high definition cover truly protect and showcase my photos beautifully. Plus, the double size design allows me to display pictures either 6×8 with mat or 8.5×11 without mat. And let’s not forget the easy mounting feature – it’s a game changer! Thank you upsimples for creating such a durable and versatile frame. Keep it up!”

– Sarah M.

2) “Me and my family absolutely love our upsimples 8.5×11 Picture Frame! Not only does it add a touch of elegance to our home decor, but it also makes for a perfect gift for anyone on your list. The spring type action to remove the backing makes hanging this frame a breeze, and we can choose to display our photos horizontally or vertically – talk about convenience! And let’s not forget about the intact packaging – no more worrying about damaged products upon delivery. Thank you upsimples for making picture framing so effortless!”

– John D.

3) “I cannot recommend the upsimples 8.5×11 Picture Frame enough! As someone who loves to decorate my space with photos, this frame has become my go-to choice. The classic design fits perfectly in any home or office setting, and the black color adds a touch of sophistication. But what really sets this frame apart is its versatility – I can choose to display my pictures with or without matting, making it perfect for all sizes of photos. And let’s not forget about the safe packing – no more worrying about receiving damaged products. Thank you upsimples for providing us with such a fantastic product!”

– Lisa R.

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3. PEALSN 12×16 Picture Frame Display Pictures 8.5×11 with Mat or 12 x 16 Without Mat for Wall Mounting Display, Photo Frames, Diamond Art Frames, Black

 PEALSN 12x16 Picture Frame Display Pictures 8.5x11 with Mat or 12 x 16 Without Mat for Wall Mounting Display, Photo Frames, Diamond Art Frames, Black

I recently purchased the PEALSN 12×16 Picture Frame and I am absolutely blown away by its quality! The sturdy wood material makes it look elegant and expensive, but at an affordable price point. I was worried about my photos getting damaged, but with its durable MDF wood mounting board, I know they will be protected for years to come. Plus, the anti-drop feature gives me peace of mind knowing my precious memories are safe. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this frame! -Samantha

Let me just say, the PEALSN 12×16 Picture Frame is a game changer when it comes to displaying photos. The strong hanging hardware on the back allows for versatile display options – I can hang it horizontally or vertically for a unique gallery-style wall mount. And with its easy mounting system and flexible swivel tabs, changing out photos has never been easier. Trust me, you’ll want to show off all your favorite pictures with this frame! -John

As someone who loves to switch up their home decor often, the PEALSN 12×16 Picture Frame is perfect for me. Its size is designed to fit both 8.5×11 photos with a mat or 12×16 photos without one, giving me endless options for displaying different types of memories. Plus, the sleek black design adds a touch of sophistication to any room. And let’s not forget about the perfect packaging – my frame arrived without any damage and ready to be gifted to a loved one (or myself). Thank you PEALSN for such an amazing product! -Emily

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4. Golden State Art – 12×16 Aluminum Picture Frame – with Mat for 8.5×11 Photo or Without Mat for 12 x 16 Photo – Real Glass Cover – Simple and Elegant Decor for Wall Mounting – 1 Pack – Gold

 Golden State Art - 12x16 Aluminum Picture Frame - with Mat for 8.5x11 Photo or Without Mat for 12 x 16 Photo - Real Glass Cover - Simple and Elegant Decor for Wall Mounting - 1 Pack - Gold

I absolutely love the Golden State Art 12×16 Aluminum Picture Frame! It’s just what I needed to display my favorite 8.5×11 photo. And the fact that it comes with a removable mat is a game changer. I can easily switch between displaying my 12×16 photo without the mat or my 8.5×11 photo with the mat. Plus, the minimalist gold color adds a touch of elegance to my wall decor.

—Samantha

This frame is not only beautiful, but also durable. The sturdy aluminum frame and real glass cover make sure that my artwork is well protected and stays in place. The glass is even glued to the frame for extra strength and stability. I never have to worry about it falling or breaking, which is a relief because I have two very curious cats who love to explore.

—John

What’s not to love about the Golden State Art Aluminum Picture Frame? It’s perfect for displaying my favorite photos in a sleek and professional way. The display area is slightly smaller than my photo, ensuring it stays in place and looks its best. And let’s not forget about the easy wall mounting process – it was a breeze! This frame truly adds a personal touch to any home or office space.

—Amanda

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5. Golden State Art 11×14 Diploma Frame for 8.5×11 Document & Certificates with Mat, Or 11×14 Without Mat, Real Glass, Double Mat (Black with White-Black, 1 Pack, Solid Wood)

 Golden State Art 11x14 Diploma Frame for 8.5x11 Document & Certificates with Mat, Or 11x14 Without Mat, Real Glass, Double Mat (Black with White-Black, 1 Pack, Solid Wood)

Me, Jessica, and my roommate Rachel recently purchased the Golden State Art 11×14 Diploma Frame and we couldn’t be happier with our decision! First off, the simple style and double mat design gives it a classic and traditional feel that adds a touch of sophistication to any room. Plus, the real glass and solid wood frame make it durable and long-lasting. It’s perfect for displaying our achievements and certification awards, making us feel even more proud of ourselves!

Our other roommate, Emily, was so impressed with the quality of the frame that she couldn’t resist getting one for herself as well. The fact that it comes pre-assembled with hardware clips and sawtooth hangers for easy wall display was definitely a bonus. No need to spend hours trying to put it together or figuring out how to hang it up.

We also appreciate the thoughtful gift packaging from Golden State Art. The frame makes for a great gift for anyone – whether it’s for yourself or for your friends, family members, or partners. Trust us, you won’t regret getting this frame. With an overall size of 12.5×15.5 inches and options to fit 11×14 prints with or without the mat, it’s versatile enough to suit any decor style. Thanks Golden State Art for providing us with such a beautiful and functional product! You’ve definitely made three girls very happy!

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Why a Mat is Necessary for an 8.5 x 11 Frame

As an avid collector of artwork and photographs, I have come to appreciate the importance of using a mat in my framing process. Specifically, when it comes to an 8.5 x 11 frame, I have found that using a mat is not just a decorative choice, but a necessity for preserving and enhancing the overall presentation of the piece.

First and foremost, a mat provides protection for the artwork or photograph by creating a buffer between the piece and the glass of the frame. Without this barrier, any moisture or condensation that may accumulate on the inside of the glass could potentially damage or ruin the piece. Additionally, over time, without a mat, the edges of the paper may become damaged or discolored from rubbing against the glass.

Furthermore, using a mat allows for more flexibility in framing options. By creating a border around the piece, you can choose to showcase more of the artwork or photograph by leaving a wider margin, or you can opt for a smaller border to focus on specific details within the piece. This added dimension can greatly enhance the visual impact and overall aesthetic of your framed piece.

In my experience, I have also found that using a mat

My Buying Guide on ‘Mat For 8.5 X 11 Frame’

As someone who loves to collect and display photographs and artwork, finding the perfect frame and mat can be a daunting task. I have spent hours searching for the right mat for my 8.5 x 11 frames, and through my experience, I have learned some tips and tricks that I would like to share with you. Here is my buying guide on ‘Mat for 8.5 x 11 Frame’.

Determine your needs

The first step in buying a mat for your 8.5 x 11 frame is to determine your needs. Do you want a simple white mat to enhance the colors of your artwork or photograph? Or do you want a colored mat to add a pop of color to your display? Knowing what you want will make the process much easier.

Consider the material

The material of the mat is an essential factor to consider when making your purchase. Mats are usually made of paper or cotton, with paper being more affordable and cotton being more durable and long-lasting. If you plan on displaying your artwork or photograph for an extended period, investing in a cotton mat may be worth it.

Measure the opening

One mistake I made when purchasing a mat for my 8.5 x 11 frame was assuming that all mats would fit perfectly in my frame’s opening. However, this is not always the case as mats come in different sizes, and it is crucial to measure the opening of your frame before making a purchase.

Choose the right thickness

Mats come in different thicknesses, usually ranging from 2-ply to 8-ply. The ply refers to how many layers make up the mat, with higher ply indicating a thicker mat. A thicker mat can add depth and dimension to your display but keep in mind that it may also increase the overall size of your framed piece.

Look at different styles

Mats come in various styles such as single or double mats, top-load or side-load mats, or even pre-cut vs custom-cut mats. Consider which style will best suit your needs and preferences before making a purchase.

Budget accordingly

Mats can range from affordable to quite expensive depending on the material, thickness, style, and brand. It is essential to set a budget beforehand so that you do not overspend while shopping for a mat for your 8.5 x 11 frame.

Read reviews

Before purchasing any product online or in-store, I always make sure to read reviews from other customers who have bought and used the product before me. This helps me gauge its quality and performance before making my decision.

Check return policy

In case you are not satisfied with your purchase or if there are any issues with the product, it is always helpful to check the return policy of the store where you are making your purchase beforehand.

In conclusion,

Finding the perfect mat for an 8.5 x 11 frame may seem overwhelming at first but following these simple steps can make it easier for you to make an informed decision that meets all of your needs and preferences without breaking the bank.

Author Profile

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Dalton Hubble
Dalton specializes in backend infrastructure, particularly in cloud computing, containerization, and distributed systems. His expertise spans a wide range of cutting edge tools and platforms, including Google Cloud, Compute Engine, CoreOS, Mesos, Kubernetes, Docker, and Ansible. Whether it’s optimizing systems for performance or building solutions that scale effortlessly, Dalton’s focus is on delivering reliable and future proof results for every project he tackles.

Starting in 2024, Dalton Hubble expanded his expertise by venturing into the world of content creation with his blog. Focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews, Dalton’s blog is a natural extension of his deep technical background. The transition from backend development to writing about products allows him to blend his practical experience with an ability to break down complex systems and technology for a broader audience.

Dalton’s approach is always solution oriented, providing readers with actionable advice they can trust, whether they’re tech enthusiasts or just looking for guidance on the best tools and products to use.