Gilded Draught Screen
These gilded draught screen pieces block chilly drafts and divide grand rooms with heavy giltwood frames and painted panels.
Gilded Draught Screen
A gilded draught screen serves as a portable room divider or wind block, folding to adjust the protected space. You will find examples here spanning the eighteenth century through to the Edwardian period.
The selections on this page appear in various regional guises, including French Rococo Revival, Louis XVI style, Spanish, Dutch, and Chinese Republic Era Chinoiserie forms. Most pieces are configured as three or four fold screens using wood, giltwood, or brass frames.
Makers and workshops utilised inset materials such as glass panels, hand painted leather, damask textile, and lacquer. These folding screens function simultaneously as practical draught blockers and decorative architectural statements.
How they were made
Makers constructed the structural frames of a gilded draught screen from carved wood or giltwood, applying gold leaf to create reflective decorative surfaces. Artisans frequently integrated brass hinges to allow multi-directional folding across panels.
Insets required specialised techniques such as hand painting and gilt embossing on leather, lacquer work, or weaving Aubusson tapestries. Glazed panels were also fitted into wooden frames to permit light transmission while blocking air movement.
Gilded Draught Screen Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for gilded draught screen among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
A folding screen offers an instant hiding spot for unwashed dinner plates when unexpected guests knock on the door.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the execution of the carving on the giltwood frame and the finesse of the applied gold leaf. Deep relief work and crisp detailing separate ambitious workshop production from simpler utility items.
The artistry of the panel inserts dictates the upper tier of the range, seen in hand painted Cordoban leather, intricate Chinoiserie motifs, or fine Aubusson textiles. The complexity of the folding mechanism and the stability of the wood joints further distinguish finer examples.
Paul Sormani
The Gilded Draught Screen Glossary
- Giltwood
- Wood that has been coated with gold leaf or gold paint for decorative effect. This finish catches the light and defines the structural frame of the screen.
- Cordoban leather
- Heavy leather that is hand painted and gilt embossed, originating from Spain. It offers a rich, textured surface used for draught screen panels.
- Aubusson
- A style of tapestry woven in France, named after the town of production. These textiles feature pictorial designs and furnish soft panels for room dividers.
- Chinoiserie
- European decorative art imitating Chinese artistic styles. These designs incorporate fantastical landscapes and figures into painted folding screens.
- Louis XVI Style
- A neoclassical design movement characterised by straight lines and classical symmetry. Frames from this aesthetic display restrained carving compared to earlier revival styles.
Gilded Draught Screen: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gilded draught screen used for?
A gilded draught screen functions primarily to block cold air currents and segment large rooms into intimate spaces. They stand independently on the floor using hinged panels that fold to fit the layout.
Beyond utility, these screens serve as decorative art pieces. The painted, glazed, or gilded panels introduce colour and texture to an interior.
How do you date an antique folding screen?
Dating relies on examining the construction methods of the wooden frame, the composition of the hinges, and the style of the ornamentation. Rococo Revival pieces show flowing asymmetrical curves, whereas Louis XVI examples display neoclassical restraint.
The materials used for the panels also point to specific eras, such as eighteenth century Cordoban leather or Edwardian carved giltwood. Comparing these elements with known period manufacturing techniques narrows down the decade of creation.
Where should I place a room divider?
Position a room divider where it can intercept drafts from doors or large windows. They work effectively near seating areas to create a cozy enclave within a spacious room.
Ensure the screen stands on a stable surface where it will not be knocked over by foot traffic. Angling the outer folds provides structural stability and lets the piece stand securely on its own.
How do I care for antique giltwood?
Dust giltwood frames gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent the accumulation of dirt without disturbing the fragile gold leaf surface. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive cloths, which can strip away the metallic application.
Keep the screen away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture to protect the underlying wood and panel inserts. Leather and textile panels require careful humidity control to prevent cracking or sagging.