How to Choose the Right 14×20 Picture Frame? | Size, Matting, and Fit

A 14×20 frame holds artwork or a mat that measures 14 by 20 inches, not the frame’s outer dimensions. Choose a mat and frame together so your photo fits without cropping.

Choosing whether a 14×20 picture frame fits your artwork comes down to one measurement: the size of the art itself. Frame labels typically refer to the artwork or mat size that fits inside, not the finished outer dimensions of the frame. So a “14×20” frame holds a 14×20 print or a 14×20 mat, while the frame’s outside edge will be larger once you add the moulding width.

Before you buy, measure your artwork edge-to-edge. If it’s exactly 14 by 20 inches and you want the full image visible with no border, a 14×20 frame with no mat is the direct fit. If you plan to add a mat, you’ll likely need a larger standard frame—like a 16×20—with a mat opening cut to 14×20. A roundup of tested 14×20 picture frames can show you which models work for direct-fit versus matted setups.

Is 14×20 a Standard Frame Size?

Yes, 14×20 is a recognized size, but it appears less often than common standards like 11×14, 16×20, 18×24, or 24×36. You’ll find 14×20 frames at most retailers, but the selection is narrower, which means you should verify the opening size carefully before ordering.

Some listings labeled “14×20” are made for direct-fit artwork, while others expect a mat. The same nominal size can differ in whether the listed dimension refers to the image opening, the mat opening, or the outer frame edge. Read the product description for the word “opening” and check whether a mat is included.

Matted or Unmatted: Which Setup Changes the Frame Size?

Unmatted is straightforward: a 14×20 frame with no mat holds a 14×20 print directly. But adding a mat changes the whole stack—and usually the frame size you need.

If you want a mat, the mat opening must match your artwork, and the mat’s outer size must match the frame opening. A 14×20 print with a wide mat border often requires a 16×20 frame, because the mat adds border width on all sides. The framing guidance from the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild emphasizes choosing the mat opening first, then confirming the frame size will accommodate the full mat, glass, and backing stack.

Two rules matter for a secure fit:

• Mat overlap: The mat opening must be slightly smaller than the artwork so the print cannot slip through. Framing guidance recommends the mat overlaps each edge by at least 1/8 inch.
• Rabbet depth: The frame’s inside lip (rabbet) must be deep enough to hold the combined thickness of glass, mat, artwork, and backing. Check the frame’s listed “rabbet depth” before buying if you’re stacking multiple layers.

What Aspect Ratio and Sizing Mistakes Matter?

A 14×20 image has a 7:10 aspect ratio. That proportion matters because if you pick a mat or frame with a different ratio—like a 16×20 frame with a pre-cut 11×14 mat—your artwork will either crop or leave an uneven border. Match the mat opening to the artwork proportion exactly to avoid both.

The most common mistakes people make with 14×20 frames are:

• Buying by nominal frame size alone without confirming whether that size refers to the image opening, mat opening, or outer dimensions.
• Forgetting that adding a mat changes the required frame size, turning a 14×20 print into a 16×20 frame setup.
• Assuming all “14×20” frames are interchangeable—product listings differ between direct-fit, matted, and custom-cut options.

How to Plan the Wall Space and Final Fit

Plan your wall spacing using the frame’s outer dimensions, not the 14×20 art size. The finished frame will be several inches larger on each side once you add the moulding width, so measure the actual frame exterior before hanging.

For a 14×20 print with a mat, the typical outer frame size lands at 16×20 or larger depending on mat border width. That extra size affects how much wall space you need and how the piece sits in relation to furniture or adjacent frames.

Once you confirm whether your setup is matted or unmatted and match the aspect ratio, the right 14×20 frame choice becomes straightforward. Measure first, decide on the mat, then confirm the frame’s opening and rabbet depth will hold the stack. The Logan Graphic framing guide reinforces this same order: measure the artwork, choose the mat opening, then verify the frame can accommodate everything.