1940s Movie Posters

Why this collection works on a wall

The 1940s are defined by film noir’s rain-slicked shadows, wartime tension and the polished glamour of the studio portrait. Artwork from the decade trades in mood — high contrast, dramatic faces and atmospheric lettering — which makes it perfect for a room you want to feel cinematic and a little mysterious. Hung in a dimmer, layered space, the high-contrast artwork deepens the atmosphere, turning an ordinary corner into something that feels like a private screening room.

How to choose your size

• Smaller prints are perfect for a home theatre, a shelf ledge or a grouped gallery wall, where two or three pieces can build a layered, collected look together.
• Medium prints are the dependable all-rounder above a desk, console, sofa or bed — large enough to read clearly from across the room without dominating it.
• Larger prints turn a lounge or feature wall into a genuine focal point, carrying colour, detail and presence at full scale for maximum impact.

How to frame it

A matte-black frame deepens the noir contrast; keep mounts minimal so the shadows carry right to the edge and the drama stays intact.

Whichever finish you choose, match the frame to the room rather than the artwork, keep mounts even on all sides, and hang the centre of the piece at roughly eye level so it sits in natural balance with the wall around it.

How to care for the print

Keep the print out of harsh, direct sunlight to protect the inks over the long term, and dust the surface now and then with a dry, soft cloth rather than any liquid cleaner. In busy, high-traffic rooms, framing under glass or non-reflective glazing adds a useful layer of protection against knocks and fingerprints. Treated this way, a quality matte print holds its depth and colour beautifully for many years.