A beveled edge refers to the angled cut made on the inside opening of a mat board, typically at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut exposes the mat's core, which can provide a contrasting line of color around the artwork, adding depth and refinement to the presentation. Beveled edges are a hallmark of professional mat cutting and are commonly seen in both standard and custom framing projects.

Functionality

The primary purpose of a beveled edge is both aesthetic and practical. Visually, the bevel creates a subtle shadow and outline that enhances the artwork, drawing the viewer's eye inward. Practically, the angled cut prevents the mat from overhanging or casting uneven shadows across the artwork, ensuring that the image remains cleanly visible. Beveled cuts are nearly always used in museum-quality framing and high-end displays.

Cutting Methods

Traditionally, beveled edges were cut manually with a handheld mat cutter. Today, many framers use Computerized Mat Cutters (CMC) for precision and consistency, especially for complex designs. Regardless of the method, maintaining a clean and sharp blade is essential to avoid frayed or ragged bevels, especially on thicker mat boards.

Design Considerations

Core Color: The bevel reveals the mat's inner core. A white core mat produces a crisp white bevel, while black-core or colored-core mats can create more dramatic effects.
Angle: While 45 degrees is the standard, specialty cutters can create steeper or shallower bevels for artistic effects.
V-Grooves: A decorative double-cut known as a V-Groove incorporates multiple bevels into a linear design to add ornamentation.

Advantages

Provides visual depth and contrast around the artwork.
Highlights the quality and craftsmanship of matting.
Allows for decorative flexibility with colored mat cores.

Limitations

Requires precision tools to avoid ragged cuts.
Exposure of non-archival cores can yellow or discolor over time.
Not always suitable for minimalist or frameless displays.

Common Applications

Beveled edges are a standard feature in most custom and pre-cut mats. They are especially valued in fine art framing, photography displays, and certificate presentations. In high-end archival framing, conservation-quality mats are used so that the bevel does not discolor and degrade the artwork over time.

Beveled Edge