What is an ornate frame with corner and center ornaments called?
Quick answer
It is an ornate closed-corner frame, often sold as baroque (in the UK, a swept frame). The corner and center ornaments are made for those spots, and the frame is finished as one piece after it is joined. That is why a shop that cuts frames from moulding sticks can't make one: a stick's pattern runs continuously.
The question
On a framing forum, someone described the frame their wife wanted for a few pieces of art: ornate, with distinct ornaments at the corners and in the middle of each side, and edges that curve between them. The frame shops near them only worked from moulding sticks, long lengths with a pattern that runs continuously, so none of them could make it. What is that kind of frame called, and how is it made?
The names to search for
- Ornate frame. The general term for a frame with raised, decorative ornament.
- Baroque frame. Ornate frames in the style of the Baroque era, often with corner and center ornaments. This is the name you will see most.
- Swept frame. The British term for an ornate frame whose edges curve between the ornaments.
- Closed-corner frame. How it is built: joined first, then finished as one piece.
Why moulding sticks can't do it
A shop that works from moulding sticks cuts four pieces from long lengths that were finished, pattern and all, before they were cut, then joins them at the corners. The pattern runs the whole length of the stick, so there is no way to put a separate ornament at each corner or in the middle of each side.
A frame with corner and center ornaments is built the other way around. The frame is joined first, with the ornaments where they were designed to go, and the whole frame is finished after, as one piece, so the finish runs unbroken across the corners. For more on why patterns break at the miters, see Why don’t the corners match on my patterned frame?
How ours are made
Ornate details. Original designs. Our Baroque picture frame collection is a combination of solid wood, polyurethane and creativity. We create the designs and molds, you create the look that suits your needs. Each frame is offered in a number of sizes and finishes.
Finish options
Finish options include gold, silver, black & bronze in light, medium & dark tones, highlights, rubs and crackle effects. All frame styles are available in various finishes; see the Finishes Gallery.
How to get one
We sell wholesale only. Framers, galleries, and working artists and photographers who sell their work can fill out the registration form to become a wholesale dealer; we will get back to you with login credentials so you can view pricing and place orders online. Please have your resale number available. The minimum order is $100.00 plus freight/shipping.
Framing a piece for your own wall? Ask your frame shop whether they can order an ornate closed-corner frame.
Related: How do I describe a hand-finished closed-corner frame to my framer?
Questions about closed-corner frames? Call 619-423-2929 or email sandiegoframeco@aol.com.