Art Deco is a bold style that draws lots of attention to itself for a variety of reasons: it’s nostalgic and was considered “modern” in its time, and it also encapsulates the jovial spirit of its time when flapper girls were dancing their way across the stage while speakeasies secretly served up booze during the time of Prohibition. During this era, the modern conveniences of electric light bulbs bring new life into cities, making them flashy, opulent places of wonderment with New York City leading the way. Art Deco can be seen all over the city from the architectural style of the Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Square to old theater signs and design elements in the subway, this style will continue to live on and remind all of the rich history from which it emerged. 

If you have an original Art Deco poster, piece of advertisement, or any artwork reflecting this era, then you are likely looking for the best Art Deco frames for your special piece. There is also a strong chance that you may not be aware if your piece is appropriate for an Art Deco frame, so this article will strive to help you resolve this problem and determine the right solution for your framing needs. 

What Kind of Photos Belong in an Art Deco Frame?

First, keep in mind that art deco frames reflect a very specific style, and if the wrong subject matter or style of a photo is placed in such a frame, the frame could detract from the photo’s fine points, causing them to be lost in an overpowering frame design. That said, the best photos to put in art deco frames will reflect the very style itself. For example, if you have a large photo of a specific art deco architectural feature of a building, or a family photo of people wearing clothing from that period, then an art deco frame would be perfect. However, using an art deco frame to display a photo of you and your family in front of Windsor Castle, or of a landscape shot, would not be ideal. 

What are the Best Posters for Art Deco Frames?

If you have a poster from the 1920s or 1930s that reflects the style of the time, then an Art Deco frame would be a perfect choice. Even if the poster is a reproduction, an Art Deco frame would be perfect because the style is equally reflected. For example, a poster advertising the 1934 Voisin C27 Aerosport automobile, then an art deco frame would do a beautiful job in working with the poster and enhancing those recognizable curves and lines that reflect the period. Even if the poster doesn’t have those “Art Deco lines and curves”, it could still look amazing in a frame representing that style. For example, if someone brought in a poster of Louis Armstrong features in a 1930s jazz performance, Framed would recommend an Art Deco style frame as one of several options because the frame’s style would reflect the soul of the photo and the time from which it was captured. 

Paintings that Pair Well with Art Deco Frames

Much like posters, a painting going into an art deco frame should either feature the design itself or reflect a time from the 30s and 40s related to culture. In other words, a painting of the Swiss Alps composed in 1936 would not be an ideal piece for an Art Deco frame, but a painting showing a street scene reflecting Paris nightlife with people dressed in period clothing would fit beautifully. Also, paintings depicting innovations from the era are appropriate, such as train designs from the 30s, and reproductions (unless you are fortunate enough to own an original) of paintings by artists like Tamara de Lempicka, would look stunning in art deco frames. 

Art Deco Frames can Also Be Used for Art that Reflects a Nod to the Style

Even if a piece is not Art Deco, an Art Deco frame can be used to display it, so long as the poster, photo, painting, or memorabilia nods at the Art Deco style. For example, the iconic horror film ‘Hellraiser’ by Clive Barker features an object known as the Lament Configuration–a puzzle box with art deco style lines made from gold and wood. Though the movie came out in 1987, a movie prop version of the Lament Configuration would display nicely in an art deco frame, because the object’s decorative style reflects that period, even if it wasn’t made in the 30s or 40s. 

Contact Framed for the Best Art Deco Frames in Los Angeles County

When it comes to finding art deco frames, you have two options: (1) you can hunt for an original art deco frame, and if you can find one in good condition, it will come with a hefty price tag, or (2) you can get a high-quality replica art deco frame at a fraction of the cost, that still offers a high-end look reflecting museum-quality. When you come to Framed our experts will study your artwork or photo, and present you with a few amazing options that reflect the art deco style with sophistication and that garner intrigue. Call to set up a free consultation, or drop in today!

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