If your are going to do picture framing at home, you will most likely use pre-made frames and only have to deal with cutting mats and putting the picture in the frame. There are now numerous sources for pre-made frames at stores like Total Crafts, MJ Design, and Peal Art Supply.

The only disadvantage of using pre-made (standard) frames is that the selection is smaller, and you do not have total control of the width of the mat boarders you will end up with. Neither of these things is critical when you consider how much money you can save and how convenient it is to frame your own pictures. Much of the focus in this brochure is on mats. A mat boarder is an extension of the frame and used to set off and highlight the picture. It serves as a transition between the frame and the picture.

The following principles will be useful to keep in mind:

1. Bigger pictures can take wider mat boarders.
2. Mat boarders should be wider than the frame.
3. Narrow mats distract and compete with the frame.
4. Mat width should be from one to four inches. Two inches is a good compromise.
5. Extra wide mat boarders (greater than four inches) make a bold statement.
6. If working with custom frames, make mat width equal all around the picture.
7. If working with standard frames, make mat width symmetrical around picture.
8. If the picture has a lot of empty space at the top, consider making the base slightly wider than the top and sides.
9. Pure white, antique white, and black are always safe mat colors.
10. When using colored mats, select a mat color that picks up on something in the picture.
11. The standard mat color for black and white photos is pure white.
12. Metal mats are more contemporary and are well suited for photos and documents.
13. Wood mats are more classic and traditional.