Single vs Double Art Mounts: Which Option Should You Choose?

Choosing a mount for your artwork might seem like a small decision, but it can completely change how a piece is perceived. Framing a treasured photograph, a fine art print, or a piece of memorabilia, requires artistic interpretation, and the mount you choose acts as a visual bridge between the artwork and its frame. Getting it right makes all the difference. So, should you go with a single mount or a double? The answer depends a lot on the artwork itself, the effect you're after, and even the room it's destined for.

At Master Framing, we often work with clients who are weighing up exactly this question. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between single and double mounts, when each works best, and what to consider before booking in for picture framing services in Sydney.

What Is an Art Mount, and Why Does It Matter?

An art mount is a firm backing board upon which an artwork is placed. It holds and protects the artwork inside a frame.

The mount sits directly behind an artwork, inside the frame. It helps keep thin paper art, or canvas, flat and smooth beneath the glass, and can anchor the artwork to the frame with special hinges. This stops it from sagging or dropping in the frame over time, due to gravity.

Art mounts matter because you want to respect the artwork and have it looking its best for years to come. A good mount stops the art from touching the glass, which stops moisture from forming, which in turn prevents mould .

Acid-free mounts stop the yellowing of paper over time and prevent the paper from rotting.

A good mount keeps the artwork flat, stopping it from warping over time through humidity and temperature changes.

And a good art mount adds to the aesthetic of your art. It creates a neat and professional finish to help the artwork look centred and balanced in the frame and on the wall.

Single Mounts: A Clean, Classic Choice

A single mount uses just one mat board placed over your art. It creates a crisp and clean border between the picture and the frame. It's the most common and most traditional choice as it brings a timeless gallery look to your art while still being cost-effective.

It gives some visual breathing room between your artwork and the frame. This lets you focus fully on the art, rather than getting the art and the frame mixed in with the same visual. It offers you clean lines for your art. These work so well with contemporary photography and minimalistic art prints you want to display.

Single Mount Design Tips

●    Match the Whites: If your artwork has a white background, choose a mat board that matches its undertone (warm white vs. cool white) to keep it looking cohesive.

●    Go Wide: A wider mat border (around 5cm to 8cm) makes small artwork look grand, dramatic, and expensive.

Double Mounts: Adding Depth and Contrast

A double mount, or double mat, uses two stacked mat boards to frame the artwork. The top mount has a large opening to reveal a narrow border beneath it from the second mat board. It is a simple technique that adds depth and contrast to your artwork, turning something “standard” into something professional and outstanding.

Double mounts give you enhanced depth. Physically, it gives a three-dimensional, bevel effect. This has the power to draw the eye inward to the artwork. That thin slice of border colour can bridge the gap between a vibrant and eye-popping piece of art and the neutral background of a wall.

For smaller prints, double mounts are great. They can expand the overall framed feel of a print, giving smaller prints and photos more impact upon the wall.

Double Mount Design Strategies for Impact

The Neutral Accent

●    Top Mount: Crisp white, cream, or soft grey.

●    Bottom Mount: Dark charcoal, slate, or black.

●    Best For: Black-and-white photography, charcoal sketches, and minimalist art.

●    Result: A clean, modern look with a sharp, definitive boundary.

The Vibrant Pop

●    Top Mount: Off-white or muted neutral.

●    Bottom Mount: A bold colour sampled directly from the artwork (e.g., a primary red or deep teal).

●    Best For: Modern prints, watercolours, and colourful illustrations.

●    Result: Accents the key tones of the art without overwhelming the image.

The Monochromatic Shadow

●    Top Mount: Mid-tone grey or beige.

●    Bottom Mount: A shade slightly darker than the top mount.

●    Best For: Sepia photographs, vintage documents, and classical prints.

●    Result: A soft, sophisticated shadow line that adds subtle elegance.

Technical Proportions

Which Artwork Suits Which Mount?

Choosing the right mount, or mat, for your artwork depends a lot on the medium of your art, the edges of your artwork and the frame, and how you want to preserve your art for years to come.

Window Mount (Mat Board)

This is best for water colours, drawings and fine art prints. Also good for photographs where you want a border protecting the image from the glass, and to give that separation from frame-glass-photograph.

Float Mount

The float mount, where your art is placed on top of the mount board, is good for textiles, mixed media, or art where you want the rough edges visible. Being on top of the mount gives the illusion of three dimensions and depth to your artwork.

Dry Mount / Flat Mounting

This style of mount is best for posters and photographs where you want a completely flat and wrinkle-free result.

No Mount (Edge-to-Edge or Canvas Float)

This mounting technique is for stretched canvases which require a tray or float frame rather than a regular card mount and glass.

Cost Considerations: Single vs Double Mounting

Expert Picture Mounting in Sydney

Single or double, the right mount comes down to your artwork, your budget, and the look you're going for. A single mount gives you that clean, classic finish that suits contemporary prints and photography, and a double mount adds depth and a professional edge to pieces that deserve a bit more presence on the wall.

If you're still not sure which option is right for your piece, that's exactly what we're here for. At Master Framing, our team offers expert picture mounting in Sydney, guiding you through mat board colours, widths, and combinations to bring out the best in your artwork. Get in touch with us today for tailored picture framing in Sydney, or start designing your custom frame online and let's find the perfect mount for your next piece.