The Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit review comes down to convenience, presentation, and preservation.
If you want a ready-made mat kit that makes small photos and prints look polished fast, this one is worth a close look.
Falling in Art Mat Review Summary
If you need a simple way to make a small image look more intentional, the Falling in Art Mat is a smart buy.
It is especially appealing for crafters, photographers, artists, and gift-givers who want a clean, gallery-style presentation without assembling separate mats, backing boards, and protective sleeves.
The biggest advantage here is that the kit is ready to use out of the box.
You get pre-cut mat boards, backer boards, and crystal-clear resealable plastic bags in one package, which removes a lot of the guesswork that usually comes with matting a print.
For anyone preparing a small photo display, a handmade art piece, a craft fair item, or a framed gift, that convenience matters.
The tradeoff is size flexibility.
This is not a universal mat solution, and buyers should verify the window and outer dimensions before ordering.
But if your project fits the format, the Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit offers a tidy, affordable-feeling presentation upgrade with better-than-basic archival support.
Scorecard
| Category | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation quality | 8.0/10 | Pre-cut mat openings and a beveled window create a clean, gallery-style look for photos, prints, or artwork. |
| Archival protection | 8.0/10 | The mats, backing boards, and clear bags are described as acid-free and buffered to a neutral pH for longer-term protection. |
| Kit completeness | 9.0/10 | The set includes mats, backer boards, and resealable plastic bags, making it ready to use without extra parts. |
| Sizing accuracy | 7.0/10 | The 5×7 outer size and 3.5×5.5 opening are clearly defined, but buyers must verify their photo size before ordering. |
| Ease of display | 8.0/10 | The pre-cut format and included backing materials make it straightforward for tabletop presentation or crafting use. |
| Versatility | 7.0/10 | It works for photos, prints, artworks, signs, and other display projects, though it is best suited to smaller formats. |
Bottom line: this is a well-thought-out mat kit for people who care more about presentation and simplicity than about a fully framed solution.
Key Features and Specifications of Falling in Art Mat
The Falling in Art Mat is built as a compact display kit rather than a standalone decorative frame.
That makes its feature set easy to judge: it either fits your project or it does not.
For the right buyer, that clarity is a strength.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Falling in Art |
| Manufacturer | SELECTION INC. |
| Model number | AT0164 |
| Color | White |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Finish | Matte |
| Material | Plastic |
| Frame type | Beveled |
| Mounting type | Tabletop |
| Orientation | Vertical |
| Outer size | 5 x 7 inches |
| Window opening | 3.5 x 5.5 inches |
| Included components | 5×7 mat board, 5×7 backer board, 5×7 plastic bag |
| Quantity | 5 mats, 5 backer boards, 5 plastic bags |
| Thickness | 4-ply |
| Recommended use | Displaying photos, prints, artworks, and special occasion pieces |
| Special feature | Matted |
There are three details that stand out immediately.
First, the kit includes all major display components, so you are not hunting for matching backer boards or protective sleeves.
Second, the white matte finish keeps attention on the image rather than the mount.
Third, the beveled window gives the piece a more professional appearance than a flat cutout would.
The 4-ply construction is also worth noting.
In practical terms, that usually gives the mat and backing a sturdier feel than lightweight craft-board alternatives, which is important if you want your piece to sit neatly in a display setting or gift presentation.
Pros and Cons of Falling in Art Mat
Here is the practical Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit pros and cons breakdown from a buyer’s perspective.
Pros
- Ready-made kit with mat boards, backer boards, and plastic bags included.
- Acid-free and buffered materials are better for preserving photos and prints over time.
- The clean white mat creates a polished, gallery-like look.
- Clearly stated dimensions make planning easier before you buy.
- Useful for home display, gifting, craft shows, and art presentation.
Cons
- Limited size range, so it is only suitable for smaller images and projects.
- The 3.5 x 5.5 opening means a true 4×6 print may not show edge to edge.
- It is not a full frame, so some buyers may still need separate display hardware.
- Style and color choices appear limited based on the product data.
Verdict: the pros are strong if you value presentation and preservation, but the cons matter if your image sizing is inconsistent or you want a complete framed solution.
Who Should Buy Falling in Art Mat?
The Falling in Art Mat is best for anyone who wants a simple, attractive display system for smaller work.
It is especially suitable for people who need a neat presentation quickly and do not want to source separate matting components.
- Buy it if you are framing small photos, mini prints, certificates, or artwork for gifting.
- Buy it if you sell crafts or art and want a more polished presentation for customers.
- Buy it if you care about acid-free materials and longer-lasting display quality.
- Skip it if you need a full frame with glass and hanging hardware included.
- Skip it if your image size is uncertain or you need larger-format matting.
If your work is consistently sized and you want a professional look without a complicated setup, this kit is easy to recommend.
If you are still experimenting with sizes, a broader mat pack or a fully framed option may be a safer fit.
What Size Photos Fit Inside
This is one of the most important buying decisions for the Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit.
The outer mat size is 5×7 inches, while the opening is 3.5×5.5 inches.
That means the visible area is smaller than the overall mat, which is common for presentation mats.
For the buyer, that creates two practical outcomes:
- A photo or print that is smaller than the opening can be centered for a bordered look.
- A standard 4×6 print may need careful positioning or cropping depending on the display result you want.
The safest approach is to measure your final image size before ordering.
If you are matting a handmade print, digital art output, or a custom photo crop, the 3.5 x 5.5 inch window gives you a neat display field.
If you want full-image visibility, check carefully whether trimming will be required.
How the Acid-Free Kit Protects Artwork
For small prints and photos, preservation is often just as important as appearance.
One reason the Falling in Art Mat stands out is its acid-free, buffered construction, which is designed to be kinder to paper-based artwork over time.
Why does that matter?
Lower-quality mats can yellow, discolor, or contribute to deterioration when they are used for long-term display.
A neutral-pH, acid-free setup is generally a better choice if you are presenting:
- family photos
- signed prints
- school or competition artwork
- keepsake gifts
- small handmade pieces for sale
The included clear resealable bags are also a nice touch.
They provide an extra layer of protection during transport, storage, or gifting, which makes the kit more useful than a basic mat-only bundle.
Mat Opening and Display Look
From a presentation standpoint, the Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit does what buyers want it to do: it makes small work look intentional.
The white color, matte finish, and beveled window work together to frame the image with a simple, clean border.
This style choice is smart because it is versatile.
A white mat rarely fights with the image, so it suits black-and-white photography, colorful prints, minimalist line art, and most gift-oriented display pieces.
It also reads as more professional than a plain cardboard backing or a casual clip display.
Design strengths:
- Neutral white color suits most décor styles.
- Beveled cut adds a more premium look.
- Matte finish reduces glare and keeps attention on the image.
- Rectangular format works well for portrait-oriented pieces.
Design limitations:
- It is a simple display format, not a decorative frame system.
- Vertical orientation may not suit every project.
- Buyers looking for bold color options may find it too plain.
Best Uses for Crafts, Prints, and Gifts
The strongest use case for this kit is not museum-level framing; it is fast, polished presentation.
That is exactly where the Falling in Art Mat makes sense.
Good applications include:
- Gift presentation for small family photos or custom prints
- Craft fair packaging for artists and makers
- Tabletop display for desks, shelves, and event booths
- Small art selling where clean presentation helps perceived value
- Memory keepsakes for holidays, weddings, baby photos, and graduations
Because the kit comes in a set of five, it also works well when you want consistency across a small series.
That matters for photographers and creators who want a matching presentation across multiple pieces.
When to Choose a Pre-Cut Mat Kit
A pre-cut kit is the right choice when speed and consistency matter more than customization.
That is the core reason buyers choose something like the Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit instead of buying mat boards, backers, sleeves, and accessories separately.
Choose a pre-cut mat kit if you want:
- less setup time
- predictable sizing
- a cleaner finish than DIY cutting
- a small matching batch for gifts or displays
- better presentation without a steep learning curve
By contrast, you may want to look elsewhere if your work varies in size, if you want a larger archival framing system, or if you need a solution that includes the physical frame itself.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit does not match your image size or display style, these Amazon-friendly alternatives are worth comparing:
- ready-made photo frame for 4×6 prints — better if you want a complete display with glass and built-in protection.
- archival photo mat kit — useful if you need different mat sizes or more customization.
- shadow box frame — a stronger pick for thicker keepsakes or dimensional items.
- self-adhesive photo display sleeves — convenient for temporary or high-volume display needs.
- 5×7 photo mat boards — a broader search if you want more styles, colors, or pack sizes.
In many cases, the right alternative depends on whether you want presentation only or a full framing solution.
This Falling in Art kit is strongest in the first category.
Is Falling in Art Mat Worth It?
So, is Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit worth it?
For the right buyer, yes.
It is a well-rounded, low-fuss mat kit that delivers a polished presentation, sensible archival protection, and a complete package that saves time.
The value is especially strong if you need a compact display solution for gifts, crafts, small prints, or tabletop presentation.
The acid-free construction and beveled opening make it feel more deliberate than bargain craft-board options, while the included backers and bags reduce extra shopping.
That said, this is not the best pick if you need full framing hardware or if your images do not align with the 3.5 x 5.5 opening.
Size verification is the deciding factor.
If your project fits, this kit is an easy recommendation.
If not, choose a different mat size or a full photo frame.
Final verdict: the Falling in Art 5×7 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit is a smart, practical buy for buyers who want a neat, archival-friendly presentation package without extra hassle.