Wooden base
Warm, robust and elegant, wood provides considerable freedom when displaying a work of art, sculpture or collectable object. Its natural texture and many finishing possibilities make it possible to create a discreet mount or turn it into a feature in its own right within the presentation.
At La Bulle, each wooden mount is designed specifically for the object it will hold, taking into account its dimensions, balance and the desired aesthetic. It is produced in our mount-making workshop located in the heart of the Paris Saint-Ouen Flea Market, from cutting the wood to applying the patina.
Whether you are a private customer, collector, artist, gallery owner or set designer, we work with you to create a custom-made solution capable of supporting your object while respecting its identity.
Contact usWhy choose a wooden mount?
A warm and noble material, wood naturally enhances both antique and contemporary works. Whether unfinished, varnished, patinated or painted, it adapts to the aesthetic of each object and the setting in which it is displayed.
Its dimensions, shape and finishes are all custom-designed to create a harmonious composition. Wood can also be combined with steel, brass or acrylic to create contrasts and give the display a lighter appearance.
A custom-made wooden mount designed in our workshop
Each project begins with an assessment of the object: its dimensions, weight, fragility and how it will be displayed. In our workshop, we then create a unique base and its supporting system, using a rod, a recess shaped into the wood or a combination of materials.
We create minimalist mounts for private customers and collectors, as well as more complex pieces for galleries, artists, museums and set designers. Professionals can discover our dedicated services on the La Bulle – Professional Project page.
Works can be dropped off and collected from our shop and workshop at the Paris Saint-Ouen Flea Market, where we can examine the object and show you the possible finishes.
A blue Christ on a custom-made unfinished wooden mount
For this figure of Christ on the cross, the request was to create a stable supporting system while giving the overall display a distinctly contemporary appearance.
The figure was painted blue and then installed on a brass supporting rod fixed into a deliberately minimalist unfinished wooden base. The contrast between the object’s intense blue, the subtle shine of the brass and the natural appearance of the wood creates a surprising and distinctive composition.
This project demonstrates that a wooden mount can go far beyond a traditional presentation. By working with colours, materials and finishes, it becomes possible to reinterpret an antique object and place it within a more contemporary setting while preserving its visual strength.
A Georges Braque sculpture on a wood and steel mount
To display this cast by Georges Braque, we needed to design a base perfectly adapted to the shape of the sculpture. The work had to be sufficiently precise to ensure its stability while maintaining a restrained and balanced presentation.
We created what is known as a recess: the shape of the work was incorporated directly into the wooden base, allowing the sculpture to fit naturally into place. This technique enables the mount to follow the lower part of the object and creates a particularly seamless visual connection.
A dark patina was chosen to give the base greater depth. A steel plate was then added beneath the wood. This detail creates a mineral, contemporary contrast while subtly emphasising the outline of the mount.
The result demonstrates the benefits of combining several materials: the wood provides warmth and a natural presence, while the steel gives the overall composition a subtle structure.
A custom-made wooden mount for a Napoleonic headdress
Historical objects have their own distinctive shapes, materials and uses. Displaying them therefore requires a carefully designed solution capable of supporting them while respecting their character.
For this Napoleonic headdress, we chose a wooden base with moulded edges, made in our workshop. Its carefully crafted lines naturally complement the aesthetic and period evoked by the object. Here, the mount extends the elegance of the headdress without overshadowing it.
The wood provides a warm and authentic presence that is particularly well suited to displaying a historical object. The shape of the base, its patina and the supporting system were designed together to create a balanced and coherent composition.
This project shows that a custom-made mount does more than meet a technical requirement. It can also place the object within an aesthetic setting and strengthen the way in which it is perceived.
Three ivory figurines on unfinished wooden mounts
When a collection contains several objects, creating coordinated mounts results in a more harmonious presentation. The dimensions can vary to suit each piece, while the materials, shapes and finishes create a consistent visual thread.
For these three ivory figurines, we created a set of custom-made unfinished wooden displays with deliberately softened edges. The understated treatment of the bases allows the details and nuances of the figurines to take centre stage.
A steel plate was added beneath each mount. Its more mineral appearance contrasts with the warmth of the wood and gives the collection a contemporary finish. The three displays therefore work equally well individually or together as part of the same presentation.
Designing several custom-made mounts makes it possible to work with heights, volumes and spacing to give rhythm to the presentation. This approach is particularly effective for a private collection, display case, gallery or exhibition.
From wood to brass: a mount suited to every work
Wood offers a wide range of possibilities, but each object has its own requirements and may call for a different material. This is why we also create custom-made mounts in steel or brass, with a chrome finish or by combining several materials.
Steel mounting makes it possible to create slender, strong and contemporary structures. Its understated appearance makes it a particularly versatile solution, equally suited to works of art, collectable objects and displays intended for shops.
Brass mounting stands out for its elegance and the delicacy of the shapes it makes possible. Its naturally warm colour pairs particularly well with wood and suits displays requiring a refined finish.
To benefit from the aesthetic and technical qualities of several materials, we can also design a mixed-material mount. A wooden base can, for example, be combined with a steel plate, a brass rod or a transparent acrylic element. Each material then contributes to the mount’s balance, stability and appearance.
Some exceptional projects may require a particularly luminous finish. Chrome mounting creates a spectacular mirror effect and transforms the display into a true feature of the presentation.
For small objects and technically straightforward requests, our express mounting service also enables us to quickly create a mount using bases and materials available in our workshop.
The choice of material always depends on the object, its weight, the desired aesthetic result, the budget and the setting in which it will be displayed. Unfinished wood, dark patina, steel, brass or a combination of materials: we will help you devise the most suitable solution.
Entrust your wooden mounting project to us
Would you like to have a wooden mount made for a sculpture, historical object, collectable item or series of works? Tell us about your project so that we can explore the different manufacturing, supporting and finishing options together.
Production times depend on the dimensions of the object, the complexity of the supporting system, the selected materials and the desired finish. Each project undergoes a personalised assessment before being completed in our workshop.
Contact usFrequently asked questions about wooden mounts
Care, finishes, durability and supporting the object: find answers to the main questions about designing a custom-made wooden mount.
01 How should a wooden mount be cared for?
A soft, dry cloth is generally sufficient to remove dust from a wooden mount. Abrasive products and excessive water should be avoided, as they could damage the finish. Care requirements may nevertheless vary depending on whether the wood is unfinished, varnished, painted or patinated.
02 How much does a custom-made wooden mount cost?
The price of a wooden mount varies according to the chosen type of wood, its dimensions, shape and finish, as well as the work required to hold the object securely. A personalised quotation is therefore prepared for every project.
03 Is a wooden mount durable over time?
Yes, a properly designed and maintained wooden mount can retain its appearance and strength for many years. The type and thickness of the wood, as well as the finish, are selected according to the object’s weight and display conditions.
04 What finishes are available for a wooden mount?
A wooden mount can be left unfinished, varnished, painted or patinated. The finish can reveal the material’s natural grain, harmonise the mount with the object or, conversely, create a more contemporary contrast.
05 What objects can be displayed on a wooden mount?
Wood is suitable for many objects, including sculptures, works of art, antiques, archaeological pieces, books, jewellery and collectable objects. The mount is designed to suit the characteristics and fragility of each individual piece.
06 How is the object held on its mount?
The supporting system depends on the object’s shape, weight and fragility. Rods, supports or discreet fastenings can be incorporated to stabilise the piece while preserving its appearance and integrity.
07 Can a wooden mount be used in a gallery or exhibition?
Yes, custom-made wooden mounts can be designed for galleries, museums, exhibitions, shops and display settings. Their dimensions and finishes can be adapted to the venue’s visual identity and presentation requirements.
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