How much does it cost to frame Art Deco posters—with art deco decorating on a budget

Standard print sizes and their framing cost ranges

Art Deco posters most commonly reproduce in three standard dimensions. A 30x40 cm (12x16 in) print—typical for works by Cassandre or Charles Gesmar—frames for $120–$220 in a pre-made conservation frame (e.g., slim metal or wood composite with UV acrylic). A 50x70 cm (20x28 in) poster, such as a reissue of Tamayo’s New York series, requires larger mouldings and glazing, raising the range to $200–$350.

Oversized prints (70x100 cm / 28x40 in) demand structural reinforcement. Expect $400–$600 for a bespoke frame with a 4-ply acid-free mat and museum-grade glazing (99% UV protection). The Fine Art Trade Guild notes that prints exceeding 60 cm on the longest side often require joinery-grade corner reinforcement, adding 15–20% to labour costs.

What you pay for: material breakdown

Framing costs distribute across four components. Glazing accounts for 30–40% of the total: standard acrylic (70% UV block) adds $30–$50, while conservation glass (99% UV block, anti-reflective) ranges $80–$150 for 50x70 cm. Mouldings contribute 25–35%; a pre-finished aluminium profile costs $2–$4 per inch, while hand-stained hardwood runs $8–$12 per inch.

Matting and backing absorb 20–25%. A single 4-ply cotton-rag mat (310 gsm, acid-free) for a 30x40 cm print adds $25–$40; double matting or a fillet increases this by 50%. Backing boards (100% cotton or alpha-cellulose) cost $10–$20. Labour—cutting, assembly, and hanging hardware—comprises the remaining 10–15%, typically $20–$50 for standard sizes.

Art deco decorating on a budget: framed vs. unframed cost comparison

A direct comparison using identical prints from the same provider clarifies the premium for framing. An unframed 30x40 cm giclée print on 310 gsm cotton-rag paper (e.g., a reissue of Erté’s Symphony in Black>) retails for $40–$70. The same print framed in a conservation-grade metal profile with UV acrylic totals $160–$220—a 3.5–4x increase.

For 50x70 cm prints, such as a licensed Tamara de Lempicka reproduction, unframed costs run $80–$120; framed in a mid-tier wood composite with standard glazing, $250–$350. The International Fine Print Dealers Association observes that framing adds 200–300% to the base print cost for standard sizes, but extends the artwork’s lifespan by decades through UV and acid-free protection.

How to verify fair pricing

Fair framing prices correlate with three variables: print size, material grade, and labour region. For 30x40 cm prints, $120–$180 is competitive for pre-made frames with basic conservation features (UV acrylic, acid-free backing). Bespoke framing for the same size should not exceed $300 unless incorporating hand-gilded mouldings or multi-layer matting.

Request itemised quotes. A $400 estimate for a 50x70 cm print should allocate roughly:

• $120–$150 for glazing (conservation glass)
• $80–$100 for mouldings (mid-tier hardwood)
• $60–$80 for matting and backing
• $50–$70 for labour

Prices above these ranges may indicate unnecessary upsells. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s framing guidelines emphasise that conservation-grade materials—not brand premiums—dictate longevity.

Long-term value: when budget framing undermines the print

Low-cost framing (<$100 for standard sizes) often uses non-archival materials that degrade prints. MDF backs, standard glass (no UV filter), and paper mats with lignin content cause yellowing and embrittlement within 5–10 years. A $150 frame with UV acrylic and acid-free components preserves a 310 gsm cotton-rag print for 50+ years under normal conditions.

For Art Deco posters—particularly those by recognised artists like Jean Carlu or A.M. Cassandre—resale value retains better with documentation of archival framing. Christie’s Prints & Multiples department reports that framed prints with provenance of conservation materials sell for 15–25% more at auction than those in generic frames.