What Does A 'Mount' Mean in Picture Framing? - A Friendly Guide for Beginners

The word 'mount' comes up constantly in picture framing, and it is not always explained. A mount is the border of card that sits between a picture and its frame. It gives the picture breathing space, and it does a good deal to improve and protect it.

In the United States it is called a mat. You may also see the French terms 'passe-partout' and 'marie-louise'. Whatever the name, the purpose is the same: to draw the eye into the picture and to help preserve it. The choice of mount makes a big difference to how a framed picture looks.

What a mount does

A mount does two jobs. It gives the artwork visual space, so that it stands out on the wall and is not crowded by the frame. And it keeps the artwork away from the glass, so that it cannot stick to it or be marked by condensation.

Mounts come in many colours, so you can choose one to suit the picture. The window is usually cut with a bevel, a 45-degree slope that shows the white, cream or black core of the board as a fine line around the picture.

There are two main ways to mount a picture:

• Window mount. The picture sits behind the mount and is seen through an opening cut in it. This is the usual choice, and it looks clean and professional.
• Float mount. The picture sits on top of the board, so that the whole sheet, including its edges, is on show and seems to float in the frame. It suits work with attractive edges, such as handmade paper, or images that go right to the edge of the sheet.

Not every picture needs a mount. Posters and canvases are often framed without one. It depends on the artwork, the look you want and your own taste.

Types of mount

Single mounts

A single mount is the commonest and most affordable. It is one layer of mount board, typically about 1.4mm thick, with a bevelled window.

Double mounts

A double mount uses two layers of board. The window in the top layer is slightly larger, so that a few millimetres of the lower layer show as a border within a border. It adds depth, and it is a good way to use a contrasting or accent colour. A black top mount over a white one, for instance, puts a crisp line round a black and white photograph.

Conservation mounts

For anything delicate, valuable or sentimental, use a conservation mount. It is made from acid-free, lignin-free, pH-neutral board, which will not discolour or damage the artwork over time. Conservation mounts matter most for antique prints, original artwork and signed memorabilia.

Materials and texture

Mount board is a paper-based board faced with a coloured paper. It comes in a wide range of colours and surface textures.

Texture affects the result. A textured mount adds depth and interest. A smooth one keeps the attention on the fine detail of the picture. Think about the style and subject of the artwork when you choose.

The mount and the frame work together. A well-matched pair lifts a picture more than either would alone.

Choosing the right mount

• Style. A single mount is simple and inexpensive. A double mount gives a richer, more layered look.
• Colour. Most people choose white, off-white or cream, which suit almost everything. Do not be afraid to try a bolder colour taken from the picture.
• Border width. The width of the border has a big effect, so consider it against the size of the picture. A border that is too narrow looks mean, and a generous one looks more considered.
• Quality. A good acid-free mount protects the picture for the long term. The colours stay bright and the paper does not deteriorate.

As an example, take a colourful landscape painting of 40 x 60cm. A 5cm off-white single mount in a simple wooden frame lets the colours take centre stage and presents the painting elegantly.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mount for?

It gives the artwork breathing space inside the frame, draws the eye into the picture, and keeps the picture from touching the glass. A well-chosen mount also complements the colours of the artwork.

What is the difference between mounting and framing?

The mount is the card border around the picture. The frame is the outer structure that holds everything: the mount, the picture, the glazing and the backing. The mount is mostly about presentation and preservation, and the frame about support and overall style.

How wide should a mount be?

It depends on the size of the picture, the style of framing and your taste. As a rule the border should be in proportion to the artwork: narrower for small prints, wider for large ones. Many framers make the bottom border slightly deeper than the others, which looks better balanced on the wall.

What are the standard mount sizes in the UK?

Ready-made mounts are usually sold by the size of photo they hold, in inches:

• 6 x 4 inches, for small prints and photographs.
• 7 x 5 inches, for medium-sized prints.
• 10 x 8 inches, for larger prints and photographs.

For anything else, a mount can be cut to the exact size of your artwork.

EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames and mounts, and with long experience we can advise on the right choice for your artwork. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.

Article Posted: 27/02/2024 14:22:31