Patinated gold frames, the signature of Art Deco posters
How do you choose a patinated gold frame for an Art Deco poster? Width, finish, mat. Our Brunelia guide.
Key points
- 62 posters in the Art Deco posters collection, the 20 from this article in the table below.
- From 19,95 € in A4, up to 69,95 € in A0, 5 sizes for each poster.
- Printed in Europe on demand, free delivery from 59 €.
The table
The 20 posters at a glance
The gold frame, an extension of the Art Deco poster
For an Art Deco poster, the frame is not an accessory: it is an integral part of the composition. The wrong frame ruins the most beautiful poster. Here is how to choose the right one.
Patinated gold, not flashy gold
The classic mistake: choosing a shiny, freshly lacquered gold frame. It instantly looks like a fake museum piece. The right Art Deco frame is patinated, aged, almost matte. It looks like it has been through the century. Look for “aged gold,” “antique gold” or “patinated gold” finishes.
Molding width
For an A4 or A3 size, choose gold molding 2 to 3 cm wide. For an A2, go up to 3 or 4 cm. For an A1, 4 to 5 cm. Molding that is too thin looks dated, like the 1970s, and molding that is too thick feels heavy.
A mat is a must
Always use a generous ivory or cream mat, never pure white. Width: 4 to 6 cm minimum. The mat adds breathing room and gives that museum look.
Molding profile
Favor moldings with a concave profile or a soft contour. Avoid flat moldings, which look industrial. The molded detail adds refinement.
Where to find good patinated gold frames
Specialist framers (often in historic city centers) have the best custom patinated gold profiles. Expect to pay €60 to €120 for an A2. In big-box stores, look for “antique gold” or “aged gold” moldings, and avoid “shiny gold.”
Going further
A companion piece to our Art Deco poster guide, drawn from the guide to poster styles by decor.
See also our collection of Art Deco posters.
The poster for this part
Woman in polka dot dress choosing a song at the jukebox poster
from 19,95 €
Patinated gold frames for Art Deco posters
The Art Deco frame is instantly recognizable by its patinated gilding. Aged gold, gilded metal with bronze highlights, carved moldings. Here is how to choose the right gold frame for an Art Deco poster, without falling into kitsch or modern pastiche.
Types of gilding
Matte aged gold (the chicest), brown patinated gold (a good match for feminine subjects), antique bronze (a more dramatic frame), shiny yellow gold (to avoid, too new-looking).
Molding width
2 to 4 cm for A2 or A1, sometimes carved. Thinner for A3 (1.5 to 2 cm). Avoid XXL moldings that overwhelm the poster.
The mat
Ivory, 5 mm minimum, never pure white (too cold for the style). The mat gives the golden subject room to breathe.
The ideal subject for a gold frame
Belle Époque female portraits, cabaret scenes, Mucha motifs, Art Deco interiors. The subject and the frame reinforce each other.
Professional framing is a must
For the quality of an Art Deco frame, your neighborhood framer is essential. Expect to pay €80 to €200 for an A2 depending on the molding. A basic IKEA look just won’t do.
Pitfalls to avoid
Shiny yellow gold that looks too new. Overly ornate carved moldings that overwhelm the poster. Mixing gold with incoherent styles (gold on a Scandinavian poster).
A few Art Deco posters for a gold frame: Poster of a woman in a sequined golden dress under a ballroom chandelier, Poster of a glamorous woman in a black dress and golden jewelry, Poster of a woman in a polka dot dress choosing a song at the jukebox. Also discover our women collection.
For overall frame styles, see our guide to frame styles.
Also read in the journal: 5 frame styles, complete framing guide, Art Deco guide.
Build this wall
3 posters from this article, at true scale
All 3 posters: 99,85 €
Frequently asked questions
You often ask us
What types of gilding suit an Art Deco frame?
Matte aged gold, brown patinated gold, antique bronze. Avoid shiny yellow gold, which looks too new.
What width of gold molding?
2 to 4 cm for A2 or A1 (sometimes carved). 1.5 to 2 cm for A3. Avoid XXL.
Which mat for a gold frame?
Ivory, 5 mm minimum, never pure white (too cold).
Which subject for an Art Deco gold frame?
Belle Époque female portraits, cabaret, Mucha motifs, Art Deco interiors.
How much does an Art Deco framer cost?
The cost depends on the dimensions, the molding, the glazing, the mat and the mounting. Ask the framer for a detailed quote and compare it with a compatible ready-made frame. The choice depends on the print, the effect you want and your budget.
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