Make it Special

Add a creative touch to your framing project.

What Is a Specialty Mat Cut?

Most mats feature standard rectangular openings, but specialty mat cuts break the mold. These are custom shapes or designs cut into the mat, moving beyond the usual right angles to create a unique, eye-catching presentation.

A well-chosen specialty mat cut can elevate your artwork, drawing attention to key details or adding a creative flair that complements the piece. With so many shapes and styles available, how do you pick the right one? Like most framing decisions, there’s no single “right” answer—it all comes down to what best highlights your art and reflects your personal taste.

We experimented with the same artwork using different mat cuts. Which one catches your eye the most?

Octangle: It has a feminine, vintage look.

Angle Array: It mimics the frills in the dress.

Camelback Flair: Its flowing lines match the dress.

Persian: It has a soft formal look.

Grecian Notch: It has a geometric formal look.

Nouveau: It has a bold, timeless look.

Color Tip:
Many specialty mat cuts use two layers of mat, which gives you a great opportunity to play with color. Use two layers in the same shade for a subtle, elegant effect—or make one layer brighter to draw attention to a particular detail in the artwork. And don’t forget—there’s no limit to how many mats you can layer for a truly unique look!

A Specialty Cut Can…

...hide unwanted items in the image.

...add softness and warmth to an image.

...reflect a period of time.

...mimic the feel of the image.

Custom Specialty Cuts

We can create custom mat cuts tailored to your framing design needs.

• When a customer wanted an extra touch to showcase a sister’s devotion—a mat cut was designed to resemble a cross.

• Another custom cut was designed to flow with the flames on a jacket, emphasizing the movement and energy of the artwork.

Would a specialty cut add a creative spark to your art? Whatever you envision, we can make it happen!