Add Personality to Your Framed Art with This Colorful Trick

Colorful and patterned mats are an easy and inexpensive way to customize framed art and photos. Whether you’re updating a frame or refreshing a gallery wall, bold mats can make a big impact without blowing your budget. We asked Val Studer, senior project designer at Michaels, for design tips and creative ideas to get personalized, colorful mats for your own decor.

Tips for Choosing the Right Mat Colors and Patterns

Although color and pattern are the stars of this trend, the mat should support the art it frames. “When picking out a mat color, I like to use the artwork itself as a guide and look for colors that will help complement the art and give it more personality,” says Studer.

Usually, the art—not the mat—is the star of the framed piece. “So don’t choose something that overpowers the art you are framing,” advises Studer. “As a general rule of thumb, if your artwork is busy, go for a subtle mat, and if your artwork is simple, feel free to go bold with your mat selection.” 

To avoid clashing colors, Studer says to pay attention to the temperature of the art and lighting, as well as the context of the overall room. “Keep in mind if the artwork or photos have an overall warm, neutral, or cool tone, and choose a mat color that’s complementary,” says Studer. When factoring the room’s decor and lighting, Studer says bright colors do well in bright and airy rooms, while patterned mats will feel at home amidst eclectic and playful decor. 

Creative Ideas for Personalized Mat Frames

It’s easy to give frames a personal touch with custom mats. “Whether you are using an existing mat or buying one brand new, there are various ways to achieve the right custom look for your artwork,” says Studer. 

Refresh with Paint

Painting is a simple way to create your own mat. “I recommend using acrylic paint, as it’s water-based, easy to work with, and dries quickly,” says Studer. You can grab a paintbrush or use spray paint to change the color. Studer recommends avoiding oil-based paints, which can bleed onto the artwork or stick to the glass frame after a while.

Cover It with Paper

If you’re looking for a quick way to customize your frame, nothing beats paper. Items like wallpaper and scrapbook paper come in multiple patterns, textures, and colors, so you’re sure to find something that works for your art. Simply cut it to match the mat and adhere it with tape or glue. “If you decide to go the wallpaper route, experiment with bold patterns to elevate simpler pieces, and opt for more subtle designs for detailed art,” says Studer. Gift wrap and metallic foil are other materials that Studer suggests.

Elevate with Fabric

A personal favorite of Studer’s is using fabric to add color, texture, or pattern to a mat. Like paper, fabric has the benefit of coming in a variety of colors and patterns, but the texture is what makes it a great choice for a more subdued update. Wrapping the mat in a fabric gives the entire piece a custom, tailored look.

Add Dimension with Another Mat 

Layering mats is another easy way to add color and pattern without overpowering your piece. “I like to pair a white or neutral mat with a second mat in a color that complements the artwork,” Studer says. It’s a subtle touch that adds depth and dimension—especially if paired with a smaller piece or minimalist frame. Layering mats is also a way to resize the opening of an existing mat so you can use it with a new piece of art. 

Create Custom Patterns

Any of the above materials can be combined to create a custom pattern. But don’t forget that simple is often best, so that your artwork can shine through. For low-key custom mats, Studer recommends incorporating dried florals or handwritten messages.

Shop for Trendy Style

If you’re not the DIY type, don’t worry—this trend isn’t limited to crafting at home. Professional framers typically carry a selection of mat colors, and there’s often variance in texture, too. Sites like Etsy are where you can find the most personality, from scalloped wooden mats to marbled, striped, and checkered paper mats. 

Don’t Forget the Beveled Edge

Unless you’re entirely wrapping a mat, don’t tamper with the tapered interior edges of the mat frame. “The beveled interior edge of the mat is designed to create a visual break between the mat and the artwork itself,” Studer explains. “In most cases, I like to keep the inner edge white to maintain brightness and achieve a polished look.”

Matching the edge to the rest of the mat can lose that subtle visual cue that makes the whole thing pop. If you want to change the color, Studer says the color you choose should strongly complement the image next to it—otherwise, it’s a distraction.