Introduction

The world of matboard design is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging that offer fresh and exciting ways to showcase and protect your artwork. In this blog post, we'll explore the top trends in matboard design, highlighting what’s hot right now and how you can incorporate these trends into your framing projects.

1. Bold Colors and Patterns

Trend: Matboards in vibrant colors and bold patterns are making a splash, offering a striking way to highlight artwork.

How to Use It: Choose a matboard in a bold hue that complements or contrasts with the artwork. Consider patterns like stripes, polka dots, or geometric designs to add a dynamic element.

Example: Pair a bright red matboard with a black and white photograph for a dramatic contrast.

2. Double and Triple Matting

Trend: Using two or three matboards layered together creates depth and sophistication, adding an extra dimension to framed pieces.

How to Use It: Select matboards in complementary or contrasting colors and stack them, allowing a small border of each matboard to show. This technique can make the artwork appear more prominent and enhance its visual impact.

Example: A white top matboard with a thin black middle layer and a gold bottom layer can create a luxurious, layered effect.

3. Textured Matboards

Trend: Textured matboards, such as linen or suede finishes, add tactile interest and a touch of elegance to the framing.

How to Use It: Choose textured matboards that enhance the style of the artwork. Linen textures work well with traditional art, while suede can add a rich, sophisticated look.

Example: A linen-textured matboard paired with a watercolor painting can create a refined and cohesive presentation.

4. Floating Mats

Trend: Floating mats create the illusion that the artwork is suspended within the frame, offering a modern and minimalist aesthetic.

How to Use It: Place the artwork on top of the matboard with a small gap between the edge of the artwork and the frame. This technique works particularly well with contemporary and abstract art.

Example: A black floating mat can make a colorful abstract painting appear to float within the frame, drawing attention to the artwork itself.

5. Custom Cut-Outs

Trend: Custom cut-outs and intricate designs within the matboard add a unique and personalized touch to the framing.

How to Use It: Use a custom cut-out to highlight specific elements of the artwork or to create a decorative border. This can be done with the help of professional mat cutting services.

Example: A matboard with a cut-out pattern that echoes the shapes within the artwork can create a cohesive and visually appealing design.

6. Eco-Friendly Matboards

Trend: With growing awareness of sustainability, eco-friendly matboards made from recycled or renewable materials are becoming increasingly popular.

How to Use It: Opt for matboards made from recycled paper, cotton rag, or bamboo. These sustainable options provide the same quality and protection as traditional matboards while being kinder to the environment.

Example: An eco-friendly matboard made from bamboo paired with a nature-themed photograph can create a harmonious and environmentally conscious display.

7. Oversized Matting

Trend: Oversized matting, where the matboard is significantly larger than the artwork, creates a dramatic and gallery-like presentation.

How to Use It: Choose a large matboard that allows for a wide border around the artwork. This technique can make smaller pieces feel more substantial and important.

Example: A small piece of art surrounded by a large white matboard and a thin black frame can create a striking, modern look.

Conclusion

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends in matboard design can help you create stunning and contemporary displays for your artwork. Whether you prefer bold colors, layered mats, textured finishes, or eco-friendly options, there’s a trend to suit every style and preference. Experiment with these trends to find the perfect matboard design that enhances and elevates your framed pieces.