What a double mount frame does for your artwork
A double mount is made with two layers of mounting board, cut with a neat opening around the artwork. The outer mount creates the main border while the inner mount adds a second line of colour, which helps draw the eye to the print, photograph or certificate inside. The result is a more considered finish that suits both modern and classic interiors.
At Bright Frames in Parkhurst, we use double mounts for pieces that need a bit more depth than a single mount can give. They are a good choice when the artwork is small and needs visual space, or when the colours in the print need a soft frame around them. For clients in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand and further afield, this is often the right choice for gifts, graduation certificates, family photographs and limited edition prints.
Double mounts are also practical. They help keep the artwork off the glazing, which can reduce sticking and moisture marks over time. In humid coastal areas like Durban and Cape Town, that extra spacing can be useful if the piece is going into a room with changing temperatures.
- Two visible borders for stronger contrast
- Extra depth between the artwork and the glass
- Suitable for prints, photos, certificates and documents
- Available in neutral tones and selected colour combinations
Mount sizes, board choices and cut options
Most double mounts are made to suit the exact size of the artwork, with the outer border and inner border planned together. The opening can be square, rectangular, oval or custom cut depending on the piece. For certificates and formal documents, a clean rectangular window is usually best. For photos and fine art prints, we often suggest a slightly wider bottom border so the piece sits naturally in the frame.
Board thickness matters. Standard conservation board gives a neat finish for general framing, while thicker board can create more shadow and a stronger visual break between the layers. The two layers do not need to be the same colour. A white outer mount with a charcoal inner line is a common choice, but softer cream, ivory, black and muted grey combinations also work well in galleries and homes.
If you are framing a panoramic image, oversized print or a group of smaller items, the mount size should be planned carefully so the opening does not overpower the subject. Our studio team checks proportions before cutting, because once the mount is made there is no easy adjustment. Small measurement mistakes can leave a border that feels off by a few millimetres and that shows immediately.
- Custom openings for standard and unusual sizes
- Single image, multi-aperture and document layouts available
- Board depths selected to suit the artwork and frame depth
- Colour pairings chosen to match décor or gallery presentation
Where double mounts suit best
Double mount frames suit spaces where the artwork needs to hold its own without looking crowded. In homes, they work well in passage walls, above sideboards, in living rooms and in family photo displays. In offices and reception areas, they give certificates, awards and project images a more formal finish. For galleries, they are often used to separate the artwork from the frame colour and keep the presentation quiet and tidy.
They are also a good option when the wall colour is strong or patterned. A double mount can act as a visual buffer between the artwork and the room, which helps the image stay the focus. This is useful in Sandton boardrooms, Parkhurst homes with feature walls, and Pretoria offices where the space needs a neat, professional look.
For photographers, double mounts are often preferred for black and white prints because they add spacing without stealing attention from the image. For certificates and formal pieces, they make the document look intentional and properly presented rather than simply placed under glass.
- Homes with feature walls or mixed décor
- Galleries and exhibition displays
- Corporate offices, reception areas and boardrooms
- Gift framing for weddings, graduations and milestones
Fitting, hanging and practical installation notes
Double mount frames do not need electrical power or gas, so there are no utility requirements for installation. What they do need is careful fitting, because the spacing and alignment have to sit square in the frame. If the frame is to be hung on a wall, the hanging method should suit the weight of the frame and the wall type, especially on plasterboard, brick or tiled walls.
For collection and delivery across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Cape Town and Durban, we check the frame for secure backing, clean glazing and a stable hanging point before it leaves the studio. If the frame is going into a gallery or public space, it is worth checking building rules on wall fixings and fire exits before hanging. Some venues have specific height or layout requirements, and that can affect where the piece is placed.
Large double mounted frames should be installed level and supported by proper fixings. A frame that is slightly off can look uneven very quickly, especially when the borders are crisp and the artwork is centred. If the piece is heavy or going above eye level, ask for installation advice before you hang it yourself.
- No power or gas needed
- Suitable hanging hardware selected to match frame weight
- Wall type should be checked before installation
- Gallery and building rules may affect final placement
Care, cleaning and long term protection
Double mounts need simple care. Keep the frame away from direct sunlight where possible, because strong light can fade prints and certificates over time. In coastal areas, avoid placing framed work in rooms with frequent damp air or salt exposure unless the glazing and backing have been specified for those conditions. In Gauteng, dust build-up is usually the main issue, and a light wipe on the frame surface is normally enough.
Do not use water or household polish on the mount board. If the glass gets marked, clean only the glazing with a suitable cloth and cleaner, taking care not to let moisture seep in around the edges. If the frame is in a busy passage, school, clinic or hospitality space, it may need periodic checking for loose fixings or movement behind the frame.
Where a frame has been on the wall for years, the mount can show age before the artwork does. We can inspect whether the board has warped, discoloured or started to mark the paper. Reframing is often the best way to keep a valued piece looking sharp without changing the image itself.
- Avoid harsh sunlight and damp corners
- Keep mounts dry and clean, never wipe with water
- Check fixings if the frame is in a public area
- Reframing can refresh old or tired mounts
What to check before you order a double mount
Before ordering, measure the artwork carefully and decide what parts should show. If the piece has a signature, border or handwritten detail, that needs to stay visible. Check whether the artwork is flat, curled or mounted already, because that changes the size and spacing needed. If you are framing certificates, make sure the wording is centred and that no seals, stamps or corner marks will be covered by the opening.
You should also think about the final room. A narrow black and white mount may suit a corporate office, while a warmer cream and sand combination often works better in a home. For a gallery wall, consistency matters, so it helps to order more than one frame with matching mount dimensions. That keeps the display looking ordered instead of mismatched.
At Bright Frames, we help clients through the choice of mount colour, border width and frame style before cutting anything. That way the final result suits the artwork and the room, not just the size on paper.
- Measure the artwork, not only the paper size
- Check signatures, seals and borders before cutting
- Choose colours that suit the room and the subject
- Match border widths when framing a set of pieces
Key facts
| Product type | Double mount framing for prints, photos and certificates |
|---|---|
| Mount layers | Two layers of board with separate border openings |
| Common sizes | Custom made to artwork size, from small photo formats to large wall pieces |
| Colour options | White, cream, black, grey and selected custom combinations |
| Best use | Homes, galleries, offices, awards and gift framing |
| Power or gas needed | None required |
