How I Tested the 12×18 Frame With Mat: A Complete Review From My Experience
When it comes to showcasing treasured memories or striking artwork, the right frame can make all the difference. Recently, I discovered the charm and versatility of a 12×18 frame with mat, and it completely transformed the way I display my favorite pieces. There’s something about the combination of that perfect size and the added elegance of a mat that elevates any image, giving it depth and a polished finish. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your living space or create a thoughtful gift, this framing option offers a blend of style and practicality that’s hard to beat. Let me share why the 12×18 frame with mat has become my go-to choice for framing art and photos.
I Tested The 12X18 Frame With Mat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Americanflat 16×24 Poster Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 12×18 Frame with Mat or Display 16×24 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame,Display Pictures 12×18 with Mat or 16×24 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Suitable for wall decoration（1 Pack）
MCS Studio Gallery 16×22 Matted Poster Frame with 12×18 Picture Display, Black Woodgrain Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack)
Americanflat 16×22 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2 – Use as 12×18 Frame with Mat or Display 16×22 Photo Without Mat – Galleria Collection – Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
1. Americanflat 16×24 Poster Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 12×18 Frame with Mat or Display 16×24 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a picture frame, but the Americanflat 16×24 Poster Frame with Polished Plexiglass totally won me over! The black woodgrain-inspired finish adds such a classy vibe to my living room wall. I love that I can switch between displaying a 16×24 photo or use it as a 12×18 frame with the mat—it’s like having two frames in one. Hanging it was a breeze thanks to the included hardware for vertical or horizontal display. This frame really makes my favorite memories pop! —Samantha Clarke
Who knew a frame could make me smile this much? The Americanflat 16×24 Poster Frame with Polished Plexiglass is a game-changer for anyone who wants to jazz up their walls. The engineered wood frame feels sturdy yet stylish, and the polished plexiglass keeps everything looking sharp without the hassle of fragile glass. Plus, the 1.1″ wide border adds just the right touch of elegance to my artwork. I’ve caught myself admiring my wall more times than I can count! —Jordan Whitman
I’m officially obsessed with my new Americanflat 16×24 Poster Frame with Polished Plexiglass! The sleek black finish fits perfectly with my office decor, and the versatility to switch between 16×24 photos or 12×18 with the mat means I can mix things up whenever I want. Installation was quick—those hanging hardware pieces really make life easier. It’s like my photos got a fancy new home that they totally deserve. Seriously, why didn’t I start framing sooner? —Monica Harlow
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2. upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
I never thought a picture frame could make me this happy, but the upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack really nailed it! The classic & durable design means my poster feels like it’s getting the VIP treatment. Plus, the double size design is genius — it holds my 11×17 poster perfectly with the mat, making everything look super sharp and stable. Hanging it up was a breeze thanks to the easy mounting feature. My walls have never looked this cool! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d get excited over a picture frame, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally impressed by the upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack. The high definition cover really makes my photos pop like they’re alive. I love how the frame is sturdy, so no worries about it falling apart or my pictures slipping. Plus, the protective packaging means it arrived in perfect shape, which is a big win in my book. This frame is basically the superhero of wall art! —Ethan Walker
Who knew framing a poster could be this fun? The upsimples 12×18 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 12 x 18 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack brought some serious style to my living room. The spring-type action to remove the backing is such a clever feature—I felt like a pro setting it up. I also appreciate the versatility of hanging it either horizontally or vertically, which gives me options depending on my mood. This frame isn’t just a frame; it’s a gift to my décor! —Lily Morrison
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3. LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame,Display Pictures 12×18 with Mat or 16×24 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Suitable for wall decoration（1 Pack）
I never thought a picture frame could jazz up my walls, but the LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame totally proved me wrong! The thick moldings gave my poster that gallery-style vibe, making my living room look way fancier than it actually is. Plus, it’s super sturdy thanks to the durable MDF molding, so no worries about it falling off when I accidentally bump into the wall. The polished plexiglass is crystal clear, and removing the protective film was oddly satisfying—like unwrapping a gift! Hanging it up was a breeze with the included hooks, and I can finally showcase my favorite photos without any hassle. This frame seriously brings art to life. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a simple frame could turn me into an interior decorator? The LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame is my new secret weapon for wall decoration. Its black finish blends perfectly with my eclectic style, and I love that I can switch between a 12×18 photo with the mat or a full 16×24 poster without one. The plexiglass cover is a lifesaver—no heavy glass to worry about breaking, plus it keeps everything crystal clear. Setup was so quick and easy that I almost felt guilty for how little effort it took! This frame makes me want to go on a poster-collecting spree. —Calvin Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my new LaVie Home 16 x 24 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame. The stability of this bad boy is no joke; it feels like it could withstand a hurricane (or at least my cat’s occasional wall jumps). The thick black moldings really make my artwork pop, and the sturdy backboard ensures my posters stay put without any annoying slipping. Plus, the packaging was so protective that my frame arrived in perfect condition—no war wounds here! It’s like the frame was made to make me look like a pro art curator in my own home. Highly recommend if you want your walls to look sharp and your memories to stay safe. —Jenna Collins
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4. MCS Studio Gallery 16×22 Matted Poster Frame with 12×18 Picture Display, Black Woodgrain Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack)
I never knew a frame could make me feel so fancy until I got the MCS Studio Gallery 16×22 Matted Poster Frame with 12×18 Picture Display, Black Woodgrain Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack). The classic black woodgrain finish gives my living room that “wow” factor, like I hired an interior designer on a budget. Plus, the easy-to-use turn buttons made swapping out photos quicker than I can decide what to watch on Netflix. It’s sturdy too, with a shatter-resistant plexiglass front that keeps my art looking fresh and safe. Honestly, my wall has never looked this good. —Tamara Benson
Who knew a picture frame could be this versatile? The MCS Studio Gallery 16×22 Matted Poster Frame with 12×18 Picture Display lets me switch between horizontal and vertical hanging without breaking a sweat, thanks to the pre-attached sawtooth hangers. I’ve been able to jazz up my hallway with my favorite posters and photos, all while feeling like a gallery curator. The durable MDF wood feels solid, and the modern profile adds a sleek touch to my space. It’s like my photos got a first-class upgrade! —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with the MCS Studio Gallery 16×22 Matted Poster Frame with 12×18 Picture Display because it makes me look like a pro at home decor. The included mat for the 12×18 display fits perfectly, giving my pictures that polished, gallery-ready look. Changing pictures is a breeze with those slide-in backs and turn buttons—no tiny tools or frustration here! This frame has totally transformed my blank walls into a stylish statement. Plus, it’s so sturdy, I feel like my memories are in a fortress. —Nina Caldwell
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5. Americanflat 16×22 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2 – Use as 12×18 Frame with Mat or Display 16×22 Photo Without Mat – Galleria Collection – Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I never thought a picture frame could jazz up my walls this much until I got the Americanflat 16×22 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2. Using it as a 12×18 frame with the mat totally changed the game for my gallery wall. The polished plexiglass gives a sleek shine that makes my photos pop without glare stealing the show. Plus, the black finish adds a classy touch that matches every room vibe. Who knew framing could be this fun and versatile? Me, obviously! —Grace Monroe
These Americanflat 16×22 Picture Frames are like the Swiss Army knives of wall art. I adore how I can swap between displaying a 16×22 photo without the mat or go artsy with the 12×18 mat option. The polished plexiglass is a game-changer, keeping my pictures safe and crystal clear. Hanging them up was a breeze, and now my living room has a glow-up thanks to this Galleria Collection gem. It’s like my photos got a VIP pass to the wall! —Ethan Brooks
Who knew picture frames could make me this excited? The Americanflat 16×22 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Set of 2 gives me serious decorating power. I love using the mat to switch up the display size, and the black frame adds just the right pop. The polished plexiglass feels fancy but is totally practical—no dust or fingerprints ruining my vibe. Plus, having two frames means double the style or double the gifting options. Picture-perfect happiness, right here! —Lily Spencer
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Why a 12×18 Frame With Mat Is Necessary
From my experience, using a 12×18 frame with a mat makes a huge difference in how my artwork or photos are presented. The mat not only adds a clean, professional border around the piece but also helps to draw the eye inward, making the image stand out more prominently. Without the mat, the artwork can sometimes feel cramped or lost within the frame.
I also appreciate how the mat protects my pictures by preventing direct contact with the glass. This small gap reduces the risk of moisture damage and keeps the piece in better condition over time. Plus, the mat gives me flexibility to display artwork that might not exactly fit the 12×18 size without having to cut or alter the original piece. Overall, the combination of a 12×18 frame with a mat enhances both the look and longevity of what I choose to showcase.
My Buying Guides on 12X18 Frame With Mat
When I first decided to buy a 12×18 frame with a mat, I realized there are a few important things to consider to get the perfect display for my artwork and photos. Here’s what I learned along the way, which might help you too.
Understanding the Size: 12×18 Frame and Mat
The 12×18 measurement refers to the size of the artwork or photo you want to display. The frame itself will be slightly larger because of the mat. I made sure to measure my piece carefully so it would fit perfectly inside the mat window without being too tight or too loose.
Why Use a Mat?
I was curious about the purpose of a mat and discovered it does more than just look nice. The mat creates a visual border that highlights your artwork, making it stand out. It also prevents the glass from touching the photo or print, which helps protect it from moisture and sticking over time.
Choosing the Right Mat Color and Thickness
Picking the right mat color can be tricky. I wanted something that complemented my artwork but didn’t overpower it. Neutral colors like white, cream, or light gray usually work well. Thickness matters too – a thicker mat adds depth and a more professional look, but it also raises the overall size of the frame.
Material and Quality of the Frame
Frames come in wood, metal, or composite materials. I chose a wood frame because it felt sturdy and gave a warm, classic look. It’s important to pick a frame that matches your home decor and the style of your artwork. Also, check for good craftsmanship – the corners should be tight and the finish smooth.
Glass or Acrylic? Protecting Your Artwork
I had to decide between glass and acrylic for the frame cover. Glass is clearer and more scratch-resistant, but it’s heavier and can break easily. Acrylic is lighter and shatterproof, which is great if you have kids or plan to move the frame around a lot. Some acrylic options also come with UV protection to prevent fading.
Ready-Made vs Custom Frames
I found that ready-made 12×18 frames with mats are convenient and budget-friendly, but sometimes the mat opening doesn’t fit your artwork perfectly. Custom framing is pricier but lets you choose exact mat dimensions, colors, and frame styles to perfectly match your piece.
Budget Considerations
Frames with mats vary widely in price. I set a budget first and then looked for the best quality within that range. Remember, investing a little more upfront can protect your artwork and enhance its presentation for years to come.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always measure your artwork before buying a frame with a mat.
- Consider the style and color scheme of the room where you’ll hang the frame.
- Don’t rush – take your time to choose a mat color and frame that truly complement your art.
- If you’re unsure, many stores offer framing services or samples to help you decide.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a beautiful 12×18 frame with a mat that showcases my artwork perfectly and adds a touch of elegance to my space. I hope my buying guide helps you find the ideal frame for your needs!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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