9 ways picture mounts can make a difference in your home

In the world of home décor, the finer details often distinguish a standard display from a stunning, well-curated aesthetic.

Picture mounts, also known as mat boards, are one such detail.

Whether you’re exhibiting a family photo, a cherished piece of artwork, or a beautiful print, picture mounts can profoundly impact the overall look and feel of your frames, adding sophistication, balance, and style.

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Here’s how incorporating picture mounts in your home décor can elevate your space, enhancing your artwork while adding to your home’s design narrative.

9 ways picture mounts can make a difference in your home

1. Enhanced visual appeal

A picture mount acts as a border around your artwork, drawing the eye towards the central piece. It creates a natural visual frame that improves the piece’s overall presentation by enhancing its focal point. For example, if you frame a photograph without a mount, it may blend into its surroundings. Adding a mount adds layers and dimension to the display, making the image ‘pop’ and demanding attention.

With a wide array of colours and textures available, picture mounts offer the flexibility to either match or contrast with the artwork or décor, which can help create a unique, bespoke aesthetic. A well-chosen mount can transform even the simplest prints or photos into statement pieces, bringing visual depth to your décor scheme.

2. Improved artwork preservation

Aside from aesthetics, picture mounts play a vital role in protecting artwork and photographs. When a piece is framed without a mount, it sits directly against the glass, risking potential damage from moisture and condensation that can cause the image to stick to the glass or result in irreversible fading. Picture mounts provide a buffer between the artwork and the glass, allowing air circulation and reducing the risk of moisture build-up.

Most picture mounts are acid-free, meaning they don’t leach chemicals that can discolour or damage your art over time. This archival-quality mounting ensures your cherished photographs and artwork remain vibrant and intact, maintaining their beauty for years to come.

3. Adds depth & dimension to your décor

Mounts add a subtle sense of depth to your framed pieces, which can make your wall displays feel more dynamic and layered. When you use a mount, especially with a wider border, it creates a shadow effect between the artwork and the frame. This not only highlights the piece but also gives the illusion of depth, making the artwork feel more substantial and enhancing its presence in the room.

If your décor is centred around minimalism, mounts offer a way to add dimension without overwhelming the space. For example, a single photograph framed with a wide mount can look striking on an otherwise bare wall, creating a focal point that feels light and airy while still adding impact.

4. Customisable style to suit your space

Picture mounts are highly customisable, allowing you to choose from various colours, shapes, and even thicknesses. This customisation makes it easy to adapt each piece to match your specific décor style. Here’s a breakdown of mount options to consider:

Colour: White and cream mounts provide a classic, timeless look, suitable for any style of artwork. However, bold colours can create a striking contrast, perfect for a contemporary or eclectic space.

Double mounts: Double mounts involve layering two mounts with different colours, adding depth and a subtle hint of colour that can complement the artwork or room.

Custom-cut shapes: With custom cutting, mounts can be adapted to unusual frame sizes or cut into unique shapes, adding creative flair to your display.

Thickness: The thickness or ‘weight’ of a mount influences the depth of the artwork. Thicker mounts create a more pronounced shadow, adding drama and intensity to the piece.

With these options, mounts give you control over how you present your artwork, enabling you to express your style while complementing the room’s aesthetic.

5. Versatility for any space or artwork

Picture mounts suit various types of artwork and spaces, offering adaptability whether you’re framing small prints for a gallery wall or showcasing large, statement pieces. In smaller spaces, for instance, a mount can help create a more cohesive look by adding a common theme or colour scheme. In larger rooms, mounts can elevate single, large-scale pieces, making them stand out even against expansive walls.

Additionally, mounts are versatile across art forms, from black-and-white photography and watercolours to colourful abstract pieces. A classic white mount may work beautifully for a wedding photo, while a black or coloured mount can intensify the look of a modern or graphic piece, enhancing the overall impact of your artwork.

6. Creating consistency & cohesion

If you have a mix of artworks in different frames and styles, using mounts is an excellent way to create cohesion. Mounts provide a uniform look that can bring disparate pieces together in a gallery wall. By choosing a consistent mount colour or thickness, you can unite an eclectic collection of photos, prints, and paintings, achieving a harmonious display that doesn’t feel disjointed.

Cohesive framing helps the viewer focus on the artwork itself rather than being distracted by different frame styles. This effect is particularly useful in open-plan living areas or hallways, where you may want to achieve a clean, cohesive aesthetic without making the wall displays feel too uniform.

7. Complements different décor styles

From classic and traditional to modern and minimalist, picture mounts can seamlessly complement various décor styles. For instance:

Traditional décor: Cream or beige mounts paired with antique-style frames enhance vintage art or family photos, adding to the timeless feel of a traditional space.

Modern décor: A bold black or sleek white mount contrasts beautifully with minimalist frames, adding an elegant touch to contemporary or modern interiors.

Eclectic décor: Layering colourful mounts or using double mounts with unique shapes can create a playful, artistic feel, perfect for eclectic or bohemian spaces.

The flexibility in mount styles allows you to tailor the display of artwork to fit the atmosphere you wish to create in your home.

8. Affordability with maximum impact

Picture mounts offer a cost-effective way to upgrade your décor without splurging on new artwork or expensive frames. Adding a mount to existing frames can refresh your current artwork or photographs, creating a more curated look. For renters or those on a budget, mounts are an accessible option for enhancing décor without making permanent or costly changes.

Because mounts are available in various price ranges, from ready-made options to custom-made cuts, you can adjust your choices based on your budget without sacrificing style.

9. Personalised & meaningful presentations

Ultimately, picture mounts offer a way to personalise and add meaning to your displays. They allow you to tailor the presentation of treasured photographs, artwork, or mementoes, reflecting your style and personality. Whether you’re creating a gallery wall to showcase your family history or curating a single piece to add flair to a room, mounts provide a polished and thoughtful touch to your displays.

Incorporating picture mounts into your home décor is more than just a design choice; it’s a thoughtful way to protect, enhance, and personalise your artwork. From adding depth and cohesion to preserving cherished items, mounts elevate the visual appeal of framed pieces while offering versatility and customisation. They blend effortlessly into any décor style, making them a valuable addition whether you’re decorating a traditional home or modern apartment.

So next time you frame a piece of art, consider the humble picture mount – it might be the finishing touch that makes all the difference in transforming your space into a beautifully curated home.