How to Choose the Right Picture Frame Size for a 13×19 Photo? | Mat or No Mat

For a 13×19 photo, an 18×24 frame with a mat gives the classic gallery look, while a direct 13×19 frame offers edge-to-edge display.

For the full breakdown, see our best 19 x 13 Picture Frame guide.

Choosing a frame for a 13×19 photo comes down to one question: do you want a border around the print, or edge-to-edge display? Because 13×19 is a nonstandard print size, your frame choice splits into two paths, each changing the final look. This guide covers the two best options, exact mat measurements, and common mistakes that waste money.

Why 13×19 Frames Are Nonstandard

Standard retail frames come in sizes like 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, and 18×24. The 13×19 size—matching common large-format printer paper—sits outside that range. Frame USA’s picture frame size chart lists 13×19 as a “frame size with no mat” option, meaning you’ll usually order it as a custom piece.

This shapes your buying strategy. If you need a frame today from a local store, you’ll pick a standard size and add a mat. If you can wait for shipping, a custom 13×19 frame gives a full-bleed look with no white border.

The Two Best Sizing Routes For a 13×19 Print

Route 1: Use an 18×24 frame with a mat (the gallery look). The most recommended standard frame for a 13×19 print is 18×24—a true retail dimension, easier to find and usually cheaper than custom orders. The mat creates a balanced border of roughly 2.5 inches on each side, giving the print room to breathe and a professional, gallery-style presentation.

Route 2: Use a true 13×19 frame without a mat (the borderless look). For edge-to-edge display, you need a frame with an opening sized exactly for a 13×19 print. The photo becomes the entire visual field, ideal for bold photography or art with strong edge-to-edge composition. Since this size is custom, expect a higher price and longer shipping times; several vendors sell 13×19 frames as made-to-order for this purpose.

How To Size The Mat Opening Correctly

The most frequent mistake is cutting the opening exactly to the print’s dimensions. A mat opening should be slightly smaller—roughly ¼ to ½ inch per side—so the board overlaps the print’s edges and holds it in place. If print and mat are both exactly 13×19, the edges can slip through or show white gaps.

For an 18×24 frame, order a mat with an outside dimension of 18×24 and an opening cut to about 12.5×18.5 inches. That overlap keeps the print secure while showing nearly the entire image. Measure the actual print first, since pieces labeled 13×19 can vary slightly due to borderless printing or trim differences.

Also decide on orientation before ordering. The 13×19 size is often treated as portrait in framing specs, but for horizontal artwork, rotate your measurements so the mat accommodates landscape.

What To Verify Before Buying

Check three points to avoid a mismatch. First, measure the print physically rather than trusting the label; if a white border is baked into the image, a mat can cover it for a cleaner look. Second, confirm the frame size by measuring its inside lip, not outer edges—confusing print size with outer dimensions is a costly error. Third, if your artwork varies from 13×19, buy a frame one step larger and use a custom mat rather than squeezing it into a tight fit.

For most buyers, that means choosing between a custom 13×19 frame for a borderless presentation, or an 18×24 frame with a mat for a balanced, classic display. If you need a standard option today, the 18×24 frame with a mat is your pick. For ready-made 13×19 frames, a tested product roundup of the best 19 x 13 picture frame options can help narrow choices by material and build quality. That distinction—mat or no mat—is the entire decision.

Framing a 13×19 photo is simple once you know the two rules: a standard 18×24 frame plus a slightly undersized mat opening gives the gallery look, and a custom 13×19 frame gives a clean, full-bleed print. Measure first, decide on your border preference, and buy accordingly.

FAQs

Is a 13×19 print the same as a 19×13 frame?

Yes, they describe the same dimensions in a different order. A 13×19 print can be displayed in portrait or landscape, so a frame listed as 19×13 is the same size rotated.

What mat size do I need for a 13×19 print in an 18×24 frame?

An 18×24 mat with an opening cut to about 12.5×18.5 inches works well. The ¼-inch overlap on each side keeps the print edges covered without hiding meaningful content.

Can I find a 13×19 frame at a local store?

Usually not. Major retailers rarely stock nonstandard sizes like 13×19 in-store. You’ll typically order it online as a custom frame or choose a standard 18×24 frame with a mat instead.