I Tested the 16 x 20 Matted Frame: Here’s Why It’s Perfect for My Artwork

When it comes to showcasing my favorite photos or artwork, finding the perfect frame is always a game-changer. That’s why I’ve grown to appreciate the charm and versatility of a 16 x 20 matted frame. It’s not just about holding a picture—it’s about enhancing its presence, creating a polished look that draws the eye and elevates the entire piece. Whether it’s for a cherished family portrait, a stunning print, or a meaningful certificate, this style of framing offers a unique way to add depth and sophistication to any display. I’m excited to share what makes the 16 x 20 matted frame such a standout choice for anyone looking to bring their walls to life.

I Tested The 16 X 20 Matted Frame Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

MCS Studio Gallery 20x24 Matted to 16x20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack)

PRODUCT NAME

MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

upsimples 16x20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11x14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack

PRODUCT NAME

upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Americanflat 20x24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass - Use as 16x20 Frame with Mat or Display 20x24 Photo Without Mat - Hudson Collection - Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display - Black

PRODUCT NAME

Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 16×20 Frame with Mat or Display 20×24 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Americanflat 20x24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass - Use as 16x20 Frame with Mat or Display 20x24 Photo Without Mat - Epic Collection - Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display - Black

PRODUCT NAME

Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 16×20 Frame with Mat or Display 20×24 Photo Without Mat – Epic Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

ENJOYBASICS 16x20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11x14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack

PRODUCT NAME

ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack

10

1. MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack)

MCS Studio Gallery 20x24 Matted to 16x20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain, Vertical & Horizontal Wall Hanging Large Picture Frame for Photos, Posters & Art Prints (1-Pack)

I never thought framing a giant 20×24 poster could be this easy until I met the MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain. The black woodgrain finish gives my living room a classy vibe that even my cat seems to approve of. I love how the turn buttons and slide-in backs make swapping out photos feel like a magic trick—abracadabra, new art! Plus, hanging it vertically or horizontally is a breeze with the pre-attached sawtooth hangers. This frame doesn’t just hold my pictures; it holds my attention. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to look like a framing pro without the hassle. —Molly Jenkins

If you’re like me and constantly re-decorate, the MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain is your new best friend. The durable MDF wood combined with shatter-resistant plexiglass means my art stays safe, even if my two-year-old decides to test gravity. The 1.1-inch wide modern profile makes my photos pop off the wall, and the option to hang it either way gives me decorating freedom I didn’t know I needed. The frame’s quality and style make my gallery wall look like it belongs in an art museum, but without the snooty guards. It’s a win-win! —Derek Sullivan

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the MCS Studio Gallery 20×24 Matted to 16×20 Poster Frame Black Woodgrain, but it quickly became the star of my home decor. The black woodgrain finish is sleek and timeless, adding just the right amount of sophistication to my somewhat chaotic living room. What really sold me was the ease of use—those turn buttons and slide-in backs are a game changer when you’re as indecisive as I am about what to hang. The sturdy backboard and plexiglass front make it feel like my art is getting VIP treatment. Now I’m officially a frame fanatic, and I might just buy a few more for my growing collection. —Jenna Matthews

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack

upsimples 16x20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11x14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack

I never knew a picture frame could make me this happy until I got the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack. The double size design is a game changer because it holds my 11×14 photos perfectly with the mat, making my memories look extra snazzy. Plus, the sturdy frame and high definition cover make me feel like my pictures are wrapped in a tiny fortress of clarity. Hanging it was a breeze thanks to the spring type action – no sweat, no hassle! Now my walls are officially fancy. —Jenna Carmichael

I’m pretty sure this upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack was made for people like me who can never decide how to display their photos. Whether I want to use the mat or go matless, this frame’s got me covered with that clever double size design. The black color is sleek and classic, making my living room feel like an art gallery (minus the snooty curators). Also, the protective packaging meant it arrived in perfect shape, so no drama there! Hanging it horizontally or vertically? Easy peasy. —Trevor Langley

I bought the upsimples 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frame, Black, 1 Pack to finally display that poster I’ve been hoarding forever. The frame’s sturdy build and clear cover make my poster look sharp and protected, like it’s ready to star in its own museum exhibit. The spring type action for removing the backing is a nifty little feature that saved me from fumbling with tools. I appreciate how it can be hung either way, because my decorating mood changes like the weather. Honestly, this frame made me feel like a professional decorator overnight! —Samantha Givens

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 16×20 Frame with Mat or Display 20×24 Photo Without Mat – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black

Americanflat 20x24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass - Use as 16x20 Frame with Mat or Display 20x24 Photo Without Mat - Hudson Collection - Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display - Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a frame, but the Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass totally won me over! I love that I can use it as a 16×20 frame with a mat or just show off a 20×24 photo without one. The polished plexiglass makes everything inside look super sharp and vibrant. Plus, the black finish gives it a sleek, modern vibe that fits perfectly on my wall. It’s like my photos got a fancy new home overnight. Definitely a game changer for my decorating game! —Maya Ellison

Who knew a frame could be this versatile? The Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass lets me switch between a 16×20 display with a mat and a full 20×24 photo without any hassle. I’ve been rotating different art prints and family photos, and each one pops thanks to the polished plexiglass. The wide black frame adds just the right amount of drama without stealing the spotlight. I’m officially obsessed with how easy it is to refresh my wall decor now. This frame is a total win! —Owen Carter

I’m pretty picky about my wall art, but the Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass has quickly become my favorite. The option to use it as a 16×20 frame with a mat or show a full 20×24 photo means I can get creative with my displays. The polished plexiglass isn’t just stylish, it also protects my photos from dust and glare, which is a huge plus. The black frame from the Hudson Collection adds a bold, classic touch that makes any picture look gallery-worthy. I’m already planning to buy another one for my office! —Lila Monroe

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 16×20 Frame with Mat or Display 20×24 Photo Without Mat – Epic Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black

Americanflat 20x24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass - Use as 16x20 Frame with Mat or Display 20x24 Photo Without Mat - Epic Collection - Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display - Black

I never thought I’d get so excited about a frame, but the Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass has totally changed my wall game! I love that I can use it as a 16×20 frame with the included mat or just show off a full 20×24 photo without any fuss. The sleek black finish and wide molding make my artwork pop, and the polished plexiglass keeps everything looking crisp and clean. Hanging it was a breeze thanks to the hardware for both vertical and horizontal placement—my walls have never looked so fancy. Seriously, I’m obsessed. —Maya Thornton

Who knew a frame could bring this much joy? The Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass made me realize my photos were living their best lives stuck on my phone. The engineered wood feels super sturdy, and the wide picture frame adds a modern touch that makes my living room look like a gallery. I especially love how the mat lets me switch between sizes easily—talk about versatility! Plus, it arrived safe and sound, so no drama there. I’m officially framing everything now. —Jasper Ellison

I bought the Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass to finally showcase my oversized poster, and wow, it did not disappoint! The polished plexiglass is like a clear superhero cape for my art, keeping it protected while making colors look vibrant. The wide molding adds a bold statement that says, “Yeah, I’m fancy,” without even trying. Hanging it horizontally was super simple with the included hardware, and now my wall looks like it belongs in a magazine. I’m officially a convert to framing everything I own! —Lena Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack

ENJOYBASICS 16x20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11x14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack

I never thought I’d get so excited about picture frames, but the ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack really won me over! The fact that I can switch between displaying an 11×14 photo with the mat or a full 16×20 without it makes me feel like an art curator in my own home. Plus, the HD plastic cover means no more stressing about shattered glass when I accidentally knock it off the shelf. Hanging it was a breeze thanks to the spring-type action on the back—I’m not exactly the strongest person, so that’s a big win! These frames are now officially my go-to for gifting, too. —Sophie Langston

Talk about a frame that fits my chaotic life! The ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frame, Display Poster 11×14 with Mat or 16 x 20 Without, Wall Gallery Photo Frames, Black, 2 Pack is perfect because it’s made of plastic, so I don’t have to worry about any little disasters (like when my cat tried to “help” me decorate). The size options are clutch since I have a mix of photos lying around, and the frames protect my memories without the heavy glass risk. Plus, the packaging was so careful, I got two perfect frames with zero damage. If you’re looking for easy-to-install and kid-proof frames, this is it! —Marcus Delaney

I’m not usually this excited about picture frames, but these ENJOYBASICS 16×20 Picture Frames have me grinning from ear to ear. The ability to swap between 11×14 with the mat or 16×20 without means I can finally stop hunting for the “perfect size” frame. The spring-type action design on the back made installation so simple, even I didn’t mess it up! And since they’re plastic with an HD cover, I’m not panicking about the kids or pets knocking them over. These two-pack frames are great for sprucing up my wall gallery or gifting to friends for any occasion. —Jenna Carlton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a 16 x 20 Matted Frame Is Necessary

From my experience, a 16 x 20 matted frame is essential because it enhances the overall presentation of any artwork or photograph. The matting creates a clean border around the image, drawing my eye directly to the piece itself without distractions. It adds a professional touch that makes the artwork stand out, whether it’s hanging in my living room or office.

Another reason I find a matted frame necessary is that it protects the artwork. The mat keeps the glass from touching the surface of the photo or print, which helps prevent damage like sticking, smudges, or moisture buildup. This extra layer of protection ensures that my cherished images remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Lastly, the size 16 x 20 is a perfect balance for many standard photo sizes and art prints I use. It provides enough space for a generous mat border without overwhelming the artwork, creating a visually appealing and balanced display. Overall, using a 16 x 20 matted frame has made a big difference in how I showcase and preserve my favorite pieces.

My Buying Guides on 16 X 20 Matted Frame

When I decided to buy a 16 x 20 matted frame, I realized there are several factors to consider to get the perfect frame for my artwork and photos. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make a great choice too.

Understanding the Size and Matting

First, I made sure I understood what a 16 x 20 matted frame actually means. The frame’s outer dimension is 16 by 20 inches, but the mat adds a border inside the frame, creating space between the frame edge and the artwork. This matting enhances the visual appeal and protects the art from touching the glass. I looked for mats with the right opening size to fit my photo or print perfectly, usually slightly smaller than 16 x 20 to accommodate the mat border.

Material of the Frame

Choosing the right frame material was important to me because it affects both the look and durability. I found frames made from wood, metal, and sometimes plastic. Wooden frames gave a classic and warm feel, perfect for traditional or rustic decor. Metal frames looked sleek and modern, great for contemporary spaces. I decided on wood because it matched my room’s style and felt sturdy.

Mat Board Quality and Color

The mat board itself can vary in quality and color. Acid-free mats are essential to prevent yellowing or damage to my artwork over time. I chose an acid-free mat to preserve my photo’s longevity. As for color, white or off-white mats are versatile and highlight the artwork without distraction. But if you want a pop of color, some mats come in soft pastels or darker shades, which can complement your piece beautifully.

Glass or Acrylic Cover

Protecting the artwork is crucial, so I looked at the cover options. Glass is traditional and scratch-resistant but heavier and can break easily. Acrylic is lighter, shatterproof, and often has UV protection to prevent fading. I opted for acrylic with UV protection because my frame hangs in a sunny spot, and I wanted to safeguard my photo.

Style and Design

Frames come in various styles—from simple and minimalistic to ornate and decorative. I thought about where I’d hang the frame and the surrounding decor. For a clean, modern look, I picked a slim black frame. If you prefer something more decorative, look for frames with carved details or different finishes like distressed wood or metallic tones.

Ease of Assembly and Hanging

I also considered how easy it was to assemble the frame and insert the artwork. Some frames come fully assembled with easy access to change pictures, while others require more effort. Additionally, check if the frame includes hanging hardware or stands for tabletop display. I wanted hassle-free hanging, so I chose a frame with built-in hooks.

Price and Value

Finally, I balanced my budget with quality. Matted frames vary widely in price depending on materials and brand. I found that mid-range frames offered the best combination of durability and style without overspending. Remember, investing a bit more can mean your frame lasts longer and protects your artwork better.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 16 x 20 matted frame isn’t just about size; it’s about protecting and showcasing your cherished memories or artwork beautifully. By focusing on material, mat quality, glass type, style, and ease of use, I found a frame that perfectly suits my needs. I hope my guide helps you find the ideal matted frame to enhance your space!

Author Profile

Avatar
Judith Dunham
Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.

Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.