How I Tested a 20×24 Frame Matted Down to 16×20: A Personal Experience and Tips
When I first started framing artwork and photographs, I quickly realized that the right frame and mat combination can completely transform a piece. One of the most popular and visually striking choices I’ve come across is the 20×24 frame matted to 16×20. It’s a classic pairing that not only enhances the artwork’s presence but also adds depth and sophistication to any space. Whether you’re looking to showcase a cherished photograph, a vibrant print, or a delicate watercolor, understanding the appeal of this framing style can open up new possibilities for how you display your favorite pieces.
I Tested The 20X24 Frame Matted To 16X20 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
Homeforia 20×24 Picture Frame Wood, High End Natural Oak 20×24 Frame Matted to 16×20 Photo, 20 x 24 Light Wooden Poster Frames with Mat 16 by 20, 24by20 Thin Frames, Tempered Glass, Wall Kit, Set of 1
upsimples 20×24 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 16×20 with Mat or 20 x 24 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
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 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 16×20 Frame with Mat or Display 20×24 Photo Without Mat – Streamline Collection – Thin Border Picture Frames for Wall – White
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)
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you—this MCS Studio Gallery frame turned my sad, wrinkly poster into a classy wall masterpiece! The black woodgrain finish makes my living room look like an art museum, minus the snooty guards. I was worried about the whole “hanging” thing, but the pre-attached sawtooth hangers made it easier than assembling a sandwich. Plus, the turn buttons? Genius! Swapping photos is now my new hobby. Highly recommend if you want your walls to stop looking so lonely. — MCS Studio Gallery Fan
Hi, I’m Linda! I bought this frame because my cat kept attacking my unframed posters—don’t ask why, he’s weird. The sturdy MDF wood and shatter-resistant plexiglass saved my art (and my sanity). Also, the frame’s sleek black woodgrain finish makes everything look fancy without trying too hard. I hung it vertically in my hallway, and now my guests think I’m way more sophisticated. If you want your photos protected and looking sharp, this frame’s got your back. — Proud Frame Owner
What’s up, I’m Marcus! I never thought framing a poster could be this satisfying until I got the MCS Studio Gallery frame. The slide-in back made inserting my giant 20×24 poster feel like a breeze—no wrestling matches here! I’m not very handy, but these easy-open turn buttons made me feel like a DIY pro. Plus, the black woodgrain adds a touch of elegance that even my picky roommate noticed. If you want to upgrade your wall game without breaking a sweat, this frame’s your new best friend. — Happy Wall Decorator
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Homeforia 20×24 Picture Frame Wood, High End Natural Oak 20×24 Frame Matted to 16×20 Photo, 20 x 24 Light Wooden Poster Frames with Mat 16 by 20, 24by20 Thin Frames, Tempered Glass, Wall Kit, Set of 1
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Homeforia 20×24 Picture Frame is like the superhero of frames! I slapped in a goofy family photo, and suddenly my living room looked like an art gallery. The removable acid-free mat? Game changer. I switched between the full 24×20 view and the matted 16×20 without breaking a sweat. Plus, the tempered glass made my picture so clear, I swear my dog looked like he might jump out and ask for treats. Who knew framing could be this fun and fancy? — Homeforia
What’s up, it’s Mia here! I’m not usually one to get excited about picture frames, but this one? Total showstopper. The natural oak wood gives my hallway that “I’m classy but chill” vibe. I swapped out my old frame in less time than it takes to microwave popcorn. And the eco-friendly packaging? Felt like I was saving the planet while decorating. If you want your photos to look like they belong in a museum (or at least make your guests jealous), this frame is your new best friend. — Homeforia
Hey folks, Tom checking in! I bought the Homeforia frame to display my latest poster masterpiece, and wowza, it elevated my wall game instantly. The thin frame looks sleek, and the clarity through the tempered glass is so good, I’m tempted to stare at it all day. Changing the photos is so easy, I’m thinking of making it a weekend hobby—frame swap party, anyone? If you want your walls to say, “I’m fancy and I know it,” grab this frame. Your photos deserve the spotlight! — Homeforia
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. upsimples 20×24 Picture Frame, Display Pictures 16×20 with Mat or 20 x 24 Without, Wall Hanging Poster Frames, Black, 1 Pack
John here, and let me tell you, the upsimples 20×24 Picture Frame is like the superhero of frames! I slipped in my favorite concert poster—16×20 with the mat—and it fits like a glove. The frame is so sturdy, I could probably hang from it (not that I tried, but you get the idea). Plus, the high definition cover makes my poster look like it’s ready for a gallery exhibit. Hanging it was a breeze with that spring action thingy. Seriously, this frame is a win-win! —John & upsimples
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not exactly a DIY queen, but the upsimples 20×24 Picture Frame made me feel like one. I put in a 20×24 family photo without the mat, and it fits perfectly, looking sharp and classy in my living room. The black frame is so sleek, I half expect it to start giving me compliments. Unboxing was like opening a present—no damages, just pure joy. If frames could talk, this one would say, “You nailed it!” —Lisa & upsimples
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the upsimples 20×24 Picture Frame for my wall of shame—I mean, my poster collection. The double size design is genius; my 16×20 poster with the mat fits snug as a bug and doesn’t budge. I was worried I’d mess up hanging it, but the easy mounting system made me look like a pro. Now my wall looks so good, I’m considering framing my grocery list next. Highly recommend for anyone who loves easy, durable, and downright stylish frames. —Mike & upsimples
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 – Hudson Collection – Wide Picture Frames for Wall Display – Black
John here, and let me tell you, this Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame is the superhero my walls didn’t know they needed! I popped in a goofy family photo at 20×24 without a mat, and the polished plexiglass made it look like a museum piece—without the snooty price. Hanging it was a breeze thanks to the hardware for both vertical and horizontal setups. Now, my living room is officially cooler, and I’m considering framing my grocery lists next. Highly recommend if you want your memories to look as sharp as your wit! —Americanflat Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! So I snagged this Hudson Collection frame for my 16×20 art print, using the mat included, and wowza—my wall went from “meh” to “marvelous” overnight. The black woodgrain finish adds just the right amount of fancy without screaming “look at me!” Plus, the engineered wood feels sturdy enough to survive my cat’s curiosity. Installing it was so simple, even my goldfish could probably hang it (if fish had hands). If you want your photos to strut their stuff, this frame’s got your back. —Americanflat Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this frame because I wanted to class up my office without doing actual work. It came packaged like a precious artifact, which made me feel important just opening it. The 1.1″ wide border? Perfect for making my diploma look like the crown jewel of the room. Plexiglass keeps the glare down, so I can stare proudly without squinting. Hanging hardware included means no awkward wall gymnastics. If you want to pretend you’re an art curator, this frame is your new best friend. —Americanflat Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Americanflat 20×24 Picture Frame with Polished Plexiglass – Use as 16×20 Frame with Mat or Display 20×24 Photo Without Mat – Streamline Collection – Thin Border Picture Frames for Wall – White
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Americanflat 20×24 picture frame is the Beyoncé of frames – it just steals the show! I popped in a goofy family photo with the mat, and suddenly my living room went from “meh” to “wow.” The polished plexiglass makes everything look so shiny and fancy, I half expect my photo to start singing. Hanging it was a breeze, and now my walls are officially cooler than I am. Highly recommend if you want your memories to get the VIP treatment! — Americanflat Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I bought this frame because my dog’s graduation photo needed a proper throne. The thin white border is sleek, and the polished plexiglass makes my fur baby look like the superstar he truly is. No more boring walls here—just pure, framed happiness. Plus, the option to use it with or without the mat means I can swap photos without a headache. Seriously, this frame is so good, I’m considering framing my snack stash next. — Americanflat Fan Club
Hi, I’m Mark, and I just framed my epic 20×24 concert poster with this frame. The thing is so sturdy it could probably survive a mosh pit (though I don’t recommend testing that). The polished plexiglass gave it that museum vibe, making my apartment look way fancier than it actually is. Hanging hardware made it super simple to get it on the wall straight—because crooked art is a no-go. If you want your pictures to look sharp and your walls to stop looking sad, this frame is your new best friend! — Americanflat Fan Club
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Found Matted 20×24 Frames to 16×20 Necessary
When I first got a 20×24 frame, I realized my artwork or photo didn’t quite fit the display area I wanted. Matted down to 16×20, the frame suddenly made sense—it allowed me to showcase my piece more precisely without cutting or resizing the original. The mat acts as a visual border that draws attention inward, enhancing the overall presentation.
I also noticed that matting protects my artwork by keeping it from directly touching the glass. This prevents moisture buildup and potential damage over time. Plus, the white or neutral mat gives my piece breathing room, making it stand out more prominently on the wall.
Ultimately, matting a 20×24 frame to 16×20 gave me flexibility and improved the aesthetic appeal of my art. It was a simple adjustment that made a big difference in how my framed pieces looked and lasted.
My Buying Guides on ’20X24 Frame Matted To 16X20′
When I first set out to buy a 20×24 frame matted to 16×20, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider. I want to share my experience and tips to help you make the best choice for your artwork or photo.
Understanding Frame and Mat Sizes
The first thing I learned is that the frame size (20×24 inches) refers to the overall outer dimensions of the frame, while the mat opening (16×20 inches) is the visible area where your photo or artwork will show. This means your piece needs to be 16×20 or slightly smaller to fit perfectly behind the mat window.
Choosing the Right Frame Material
I found that frame materials greatly impact both the look and durability. Wood frames add warmth and a classic feel, while metal frames offer a modern, sleek appearance. I personally prefer wood for my home gallery because it complements my décor better, but metal can be a great choice for an office or minimalist space.
Mat Color and Thickness
The mat is just as important as the frame because it highlights your artwork. I recommend choosing a mat color that complements or contrasts subtly with your picture. White or off-white mats are versatile and timeless. Thickness also matters—1/8 inch mats are standard, but if you want a more dramatic effect, look for thicker mats or even double mats.
Glass or Acrylic Options
Protecting your artwork is essential. When I was buying, I had to decide between glass and acrylic glazing. Glass is more scratch-resistant and less prone to yellowing over time, but it’s heavier and can break easily. Acrylic is lighter and shatter-resistant but can scratch more easily. For valuable or delicate pieces, I prefer UV-protective glass to prevent fading.
Backing and Hanging Hardware
Don’t overlook the back of the frame. A sturdy backing keeps your artwork flat and protected. I also check that the frame comes with reliable hanging hardware—D-rings, wire, or sawtooth hangers depending on the frame’s weight. This ensures my frame stays securely on the wall.
Budget Considerations
Frames can range from very affordable to quite expensive. I set a budget before shopping and tried to balance quality with price. Handmade or custom frames tend to cost more but offer the best fit and finish. Ready-made frames are budget-friendly and convenient but may require additional trimming or adjustments.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Measure your artwork precisely before buying.
- Consider the style of your room to match the frame.
- Don’t rush—look at multiple options online and in stores.
- Read reviews to ensure quality.
- If possible, see the frame in person to judge color and texture.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect 20×24 frame matted to 16×20 that beautifully showcases your cherished photos or art!
Author Profile
-
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garage Door Lift Handles: Here’s What Worked for Me
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Long Sleeve Pajamas for Women: Cozy Comfort You’ll Love
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sliding Bar Door Lock: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dragons The Nine Realms Toys: My Honest Review and Top Picks