I Tested 11×17 Frames with Matte: The Best Way to Showcase Posters and Prints
I’ve always found that the right frame can completely change the way a piece of art, a photo, or even a simple print feels in a room, and that’s exactly why the 11×17 frame with matte stands out to me. It offers a polished, gallery-inspired look that adds depth, draws attention to the image, and makes the overall presentation feel more intentional and refined. Whether I’m decorating a space, preserving a favorite memory, or giving a document a more elevated appearance, this framing style strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication that makes it incredibly appealing.
I Tested The 11×17 Frame With Matte Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13 x 19 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
LaVie Home 13×19 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Horizontal and Vertical Format of The Walls
1. upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
I grabbed the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack because my wall was looking like it had given up on life. I love that I can use it with a mat for 9×15 or go full 11×17, which makes me feel like I own a tiny art gallery instead of a random hallway. The frame feels sturdy, and the high definition cover keeps my print looking crisp instead of like it was rescued from a shoebox. Hanging it was easy too, since the spring type action made the backing swap less dramatic than assembling furniture. —Megan Foster
Me and this upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack are now officially besties. I was pleasantly surprised by how classic and clean the black frame looks, because it somehow makes even my goofy poster seem important. The easy mounting is no joke, and I hung it vertically in about the time it takes me to decide what snack to eat. I also appreciate the protective packaging, because I enjoy receiving things intact almost as much as I enjoy not having to fix them. —Caleb Turner
I bought the upsimples 11×17 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 9×15 with Mat or 11 x 17 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack for my office, and now my wall looks like it has its life together. The double size design is super handy, since I can switch between mat and no mat depending on whether I want classy museum vibes or just “I tried.” I like that the display size is slightly smaller than the photo, because my picture stays put instead of sliding around like it has somewhere better to be. This frame is simple, durable, and honestly a pretty great gift idea if you want to seem thoughtful with minimal effort. —Jenna Collins
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2. Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I bought the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black, and suddenly my wall stopped looking like it was giving up on life. I love the black woodgrain-inspired finish because it looks classy without acting like it’s too good for my apartment. The shatter-resistant glass made me feel like I could hang it without whispering a prayer first. I also appreciate that I can use it as an 11×17 frame with mat or go full 13×19 and let the photo shine. —Megan Carter
Me and this Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black are basically besties now. The medium-wide molding gives my print a gallery-style glow-up, and the 1.1″ wide border makes it look way fancier than my actual decorating skills. I hung it horizontally in about two minutes, which is perfect because patience is not my strongest hobby. The black finish is sleek, simple, and extremely forgiving of my questionable wall choices. —Derek Lawson
I got the Americanflat 13×19 Picture Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 13×19 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black for a favorite photo, and now I keep pretending I’m a professional interior designer. The engineered wood frame feels sturdy, and the shatter-resistant glass gives me confidence that my clumsy hands will not ruin the vibe. I used it with the mat for an 11×17 print, and the result looked clean, polished, and very “I totally planned this.” It arrived well packaged, and honestly, I am impressed enough to frame more things just to keep the momentum going. —Tina Holloway
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3. upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13 x 19 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
I bought the upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame, and honestly, I think my wall got a little glow-up and started acting fancy. I used it for an 11×17 poster with the mat, and the double size design made everything fit like it was tailor-made for my art. The black frame looks clean and classic, and the sturdy build makes me feel like my picture is safe from tiny household chaos. I also liked how easy the spring type backing was to open, because I am not here for a wrestling match with a frame. —Megan Foster
Me and this upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame are now officially on good terms, which is impressive because I am usually suspicious of anything that claims to be “easy.” It came packed really well, so I did not have to play the “did the shipping box win?” game. I hung it vertically in minutes, and the clear cover makes my photo look crisp instead of mysterious and blurry like a bad memory. For a simple black frame, it somehow manages to look classy without trying too hard, which is basically the dream. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the upsimples 13×19 Picture Frame for a poster, and it behaved exactly the way a frame should, which is rare enough to deserve applause. The sturdy frame feels durable, and the protective packaging kept everything intact, so I opened the box without holding my breath. I love that I can use it with a mat for 11×17 or go full 13×19, because flexibility is my love language. It is easy to mount, looks great on the wall, and makes my room look like I have my life together, even when I absolutely do not. —Hannah Blake
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4. Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
I bought the “Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black” because my wall was starting to look like it had commitment issues, and this frame fixed that fast. I love that I can display a 12×18 photo without the mat or switch to 11×17 with the mat, because apparently I enjoy having options like a fancy interior designer. The black woodgrain-inspired finish looks classy, and the 1.1″ wide border gives my print a gallery-style glow-up. It was easy to hang, and the shatter-resistant glass makes me feel like my memories are protected from both gravity and my clumsy optimism. —Megan Porter
I’m genuinely impressed with the “Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black” because it made my poster look like actual art instead of something I taped up in a moment of inspiration. The medium-wide molding has a clean, polished look, and the black finish plays nicely with everything in my room. I also appreciate that it includes hanging hardware for vertical or horizontal placement, since I changed my mind twice before even opening the box. The shatter-resistant glass is a big win for me, because I prefer my frame to be stylish and not dramatic. —Caleb Turner
Me and this “Americanflat 12×18 Poster Frame with Shatter-Resistant Glass – Use as 11×17 Frame with Mat or Display 12×18 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black” are now officially besties, because it made my wall look way more expensive than it actually is. I used it for a 12×18 print, and the fit was perfect, with the frame giving it that crisp, elevated look I was hoping for. The engineered wood feels sturdy, and the black picture frame has just enough style to be interesting without yelling at me from the wall. I also liked how thoughtfully packaged it was, because nothing ruins a decorating mood faster than a box that arrives like it fought a tornado. —Jenna Wallace
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5. LaVie Home 13×19 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Horizontal and Vertical Format of The Walls
I bought the LaVie Home 13×19 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Horizontal and Vertical Format of The Walls, and honestly it made my wall look like it got its life together overnight. I used it for a poster, and the thick black molding gave it that fancy gallery vibe without making me feel like I needed a museum membership. The frame felt sturdy, the backboard held everything nicely, and the polished plexiglass made my print look crisp and bright. I also appreciated that it was easy to hang in either portrait or landscape orientation, because I am not emotionally prepared for complicated wall math. —Evan Mercer
Me and this LaVie Home 13×19 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Horizontal and Vertical Format of The Walls had an immediate understanding I want my art to look good, and it wants to do the job. The black finish is clean and simple, so it blends in nicely with my decor instead of yelling for attention. I liked that it comes with plexiglass instead of glass, because my clumsy self appreciates anything that feels a little safer and lighter. The protective film was easy to peel off, and once I did, the clarity was way better than I expected. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the LaVie Home 13×19 Picture Frame Black Poster Frame, Display Pictures 11×17 with Mat or 13×19 Without Mat, Stable and Sturdy Frame and Polished Plexiglass, Horizontal and Vertical Format of The Walls for a favorite photo, and it instantly upgraded from “nice picture” to “look at me, I am sophisticated now.” The gallery-style frame looks polished, and the thick moldings make it feel much more expensive than I planned to act. I also liked how easy it was to load the picture and secure it without a wrestling match. The packaging was solid too, which made me feel like the frame arrived protected from the chaos of the delivery universe. —Caleb Turner
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Why an 11×17 Frame With Matte Is Necessary
I find that an 11×17 frame with a matte is necessary because it instantly makes a print look more polished and intentional. Without a matte, the artwork can feel like it is just sitting inside the frame, but with one, my print gets a clean border that draws the eye toward the image. It also helps smaller artwork fit beautifully in a larger frame, which gives the whole piece a more balanced and professional appearance.
My experience is that a matte also protects the print by keeping it from touching the glass directly. This matters to me because it helps reduce the risk of smudging, sticking, or moisture damage over time. It is a simple addition, but it makes a big difference in both presentation and preservation.
I also like that a matte gives the display more breathing room. It creates space around the image, which makes the artwork easier to focus on and more visually appealing. For me, an 11×17 frame with a matte is not just a decorative choice—it is the best way to make a print look complete, protected, and worth displaying.
My Buying Guides on 11×17 Frame With Matte
1. Why I Look for an 11×17 Frame With Matte
When I shop for an 11×17 frame with matte, I’m usually trying to make a poster, certificate, or artwork look more polished and professional. The matte helps the print stand out by creating a clean border around it, and I like how it gives the piece a more finished look without overwhelming the image.
2. What I Check First: Frame Size and Matte Opening
The first thing I always confirm is whether the frame is truly made for 11×17 prints or if it includes a matte opening for a smaller size. Some frames are designed to hold an 11×17 item directly, while others use a matte to center a smaller print inside the larger frame. I make sure the opening matches my artwork so I don’t end up with gaps or cropping issues.
3. Material Quality Matters to Me
I pay close attention to the frame material because it affects both appearance and durability. Wood frames usually give a classic and warm feel, while metal frames look more modern and sleek. I also check the matte material, since I prefer acid-free mats that help protect the print from discoloration over time.
4. Glass or Acrylic: What I Prefer
I always compare the front cover before buying. Glass feels more premium and gives a clear view, but it can be heavier and more fragile. Acrylic is lighter and safer for hanging in busy areas, which is why I sometimes choose it for larger spaces or rooms where breakage is a concern.
5. Matte Color and Style
The matte color can completely change the look of the framed piece, so I choose carefully. I often go with white, black, or off-white because they are versatile and make the artwork stand out. If I want a more decorative look, I may pick a colored matte, but I usually keep it simple for certificates and photos.
6. Where I Plan to Display It
I think about where I’ll place the frame before I buy it. If it’s going in a living room, hallway, or office, I choose a style that matches the room’s décor. I also consider whether I want to hang it vertically or horizontally, since some 11×17 frames support both orientations and that gives me more flexibility.
7. Ease of Installation
I like frames that are easy to open and assemble because I don’t want to struggle while inserting the print. Strong backing, reliable clips, and included hanging hardware make a big difference for me. If the frame is simple to mount, I know I’ll be able to display it quickly and securely.
8. Protection for My Print
Since I want my artwork or document to last, I look for frames that offer good protection from dust, moisture, and fading. A well-made frame with a quality matte helps keep the print flat and clean. If the item is especially important, I look for UV-protective front material as an added benefit.
9. Price and Value
I don’t always go for the cheapest option because I’ve learned that low-cost frames can sometimes feel flimsy. Instead, I try to balance price with quality. For me, a good 11×17 frame with matte should look attractive, protect the print, and hold up well over time without costing too much.
10. My Final Buying Tip
Before I buy, I always double-check the size, matte opening, frame material, and display options. When all of those details line up, I know I’m choosing a frame that will make my print look its best. A well-chosen 11×17 frame with matte can turn a simple poster or document into something that feels complete and display-worthy.
Final Thoughts
In my view, an 11×17 frame with matte is a simple way to make a print look more polished, balanced, and professional. I like that it adds visual breathing room while helping the artwork stand out without overwhelming the space. My takeaway is that the right frame and matte combination can turn a basic print into a display piece that feels intentional and finished.
Author Profile
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Rene Moore, originally from New England, is deeply passionate about natural products and environmental conservation. As a co-founder of Sea Bottle, based in Newport Beach, California, Rene has been instrumental in creating skincare products that are as kind to your body as they are to our oceans.
Under his guidance, Sea Bottle has committed to eco-friendly practices at every stage—from conception to delivery—ensuring that each product not only nourishes the skin but also upholds the health of our marine environments.
Driven by a revelation about the toxic chemicals prevalent in everyday personal care products, Rene set out to offer healthier and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. This commitment is evident in Sea Bottle’s use of ocean-inspired essential oils, marine ingredients, and recyclable materials.
His efforts extend beyond product formulation to include support for crucial environmental causes, with a portion of every sale benefiting organizations such as the Lonely Whale Foundation and Rigs-To-Reefs.
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