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Wood
When framing artwork or photography, the right photo mount plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and protection. A well-chosen mount enhances the visual presentation while safeguarding your artwork from damage over time. Whether you're going for a clean, minimal look, a layered effect or a multi-image display, selecting the right mount is essential for achieving a professional, polished result.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of picture frame mounts we offer, their benefits and how to choose the perfect one for your artwork.
Why picture frame mounts matter
A picture mount – sometimes called a mat – does far more than just add a decorative border. It serves several important functions that contribute to both the longevity and visual impact of your framed piece.
The key benefits of picture mounts:
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Protects artwork from damage by preventing direct contact with glazing, reducing moisture buildup and dust accumulation
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Adds depth and dimension to enhance presentation, making artwork stand out in a gallery-style display
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Provides flexibility by adjusting artwork to fit standard frames while allowing for creative colour and layout choices
Single photo mounts: A timeless, elegant choice
Single mounts are the most commonly used type of mount, offering a clean and classic finish that suits a variety of artwork styles. Whether you're framing a photograph, print or fine art piece, a single mount provides a polished look while subtly enhancing the depth of the display.
Crafted from conservation-grade, acid-free materials, our single picture mounts help protect artwork from discolouration and deterioration over time. A precision-cut aperture ensures a secure fit, with a 3mm overlap to hold the artwork in place.
Available in a range of colours and finishes, Readymades single photo mounts can be tailored to complement the tones in your artwork or surrounding decor. For added dimension, choose between standard (1.4mm) or deep (2.4mm) thicknesses. The deeper option creates a pronounced shadow effect – perfect for a gallery-style presentation.
Double picture mounts: Adding depth & dimension
If you’re looking to elevate your artwork with a more striking presentation, double mounts provide an added layer of depth and sophistication. By stacking two mounts together, this technique creates a subtle shadow effect around the artwork, drawing attention to the piece and enhancing its visual impact.
Double mounts allow for creative customisation, as the two layers can be the same colour for a seamless look or contrasting shades for a bold, eye-catching effect. This makes them a popular choice for premium artwork, photography and standout pieces that deserve extra emphasis.
Like our single mounts, Readymades double mounts are made from conservation-grade, acid-free materials, ensuring the longevity of the artwork. Available in both standard (1.4mm) and deep (2.4mm) thicknesses, double mounts can be customised based on your preferred level of depth.
Multi-aperture mounts: Showcasing multiple images
Multi-aperture mounts provide a creative way to display multiple images within a single frame, making them perfect for storytelling, themed collections or personalised gifts. Instead of framing each piece separately, this type of mount allows for a cohesive arrangement, keeping images together while maintaining a polished and professional presentation.
These picture frame mounts are commonly used for photo series, family portraits and artistic collages, offering a structured way to showcase a series of related images. Available in standard configurations or fully customisable layouts, multi-aperture mounts provide flexibility in design, ensuring that the framing complements the artwork rather than restricting it.
As with all of our picture mounts, our multi-aperture options are crafted from acid-free, conservation-grade materials, helping to protect the images from discolouration and degradation over time. Whether used for personal displays or professional exhibitions, multi-aperture mounts offer a stylish and practical solution for bringing multiple pieces together in one frame.
Specialist mounts: Custom solutions for unique projects
For artwork that requires a more tailored approach, our specialist mounts provide custom solutions designed to meet unique framing needs. These photo mounts go beyond traditional single and double options, offering added functionality and personalisation to suit a range of projects.
Slip mounts, for example, create an extra layer of depth, giving the framed piece a refined look often seen in gallery and museum settings. Printed mounts allow for further customisation by incorporating text, logos or branding, making them a popular choice for corporate gifts, awards and business displays.
For sentimental or commemorative pieces, our signature mounts offer a dedicated space for handwritten messages, signatures or dedications. These are frequently used for wedding guest books, retirement gifts and special occasion keepsakes, adding a personal touch to framed artwork.
Each of our specialist mounts is made from high-quality, acid-free materials to ensure the long-term preservation of your artwork. Whether you're framing a one-of-a-kind piece or looking for something truly bespoke, Readymades specialist mounts offer endless possibilities for creative and personalised framing solutions.
Selecting the ideal frame mount for your artwork
Choosing the right frame mount comes down to a few key factors, such as the style of your artwork, the overall look you want to achieve and the level of protection required.
Here are the most important things to think about when selecting picture frame mounts:
1. Consider the artwork’s aesthetic
Your mount should enhance your artwork without overwhelming it. Neutral tones such as white, black or grey create a timeless and sophisticated look, while bolder colours can highlight specific tones within the artwork. If in doubt, choose a subtle shade that complements the overall palette.
2. Choose the right size & fit
The mount’s aperture should be slightly smaller than your artwork to hold it in place securely. A 3mm overlap is standard, ensuring the artwork doesn’t shift within the frame while maintaining a neat, professional appearance.
3. Prioritise longevity & protection
All of our photo mounts are conservation-grade, made from acid-free, lignin-free materials to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time. If you’re framing a valuable or sentimental piece, our mounts ensure long-term protection, keeping your artwork in pristine condition for years to come.
4. Decide on depth & dimension
If you want a simple and understated look, a single mount is the best option. For added depth and a more striking effect, consider a double mount. If you’re framing multiple images, a multi-aperture mount is the ideal choice.
Conservation mounts, available as standard
Every frame mount at Readymades is crafted with precision and care to ensure your artwork is both beautifully presented and well-protected. We use conservation-grade, acid-free and lignin-free materials, safeguarding your artwork from long-term wear and colour fading.
Our picture frame mounts are available in 15 carefully curated colours, from classic neutrals to rich, vibrant tones, allowing you to find the perfect match for your piece. Each mount is custom-cut with a 3mm overlap, ensuring a secure fit without damaging your artwork.
For added flexibility, our mounts feature a standard white core, with a black core option available in select shades. Whether you need a subtle enhancement or a bold contrast, our range offers plenty of options to complement your frame.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right frame mount enhances your artwork’s presentation while providing essential protection. With a variety of conservation-grade options available, you can find the perfect mount to complement your style and preserve your piece.
Our picture frame mounts can be ordered with our custom picture frames or purchased separately, provided the order meets our minimum value requirement. If you’re looking to purchase mounts separately, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.