Few styles capture the glamour of the early 20th century like Art Deco. With bold shapes, symmetry and lavish detail, it stood apart from previous styles like Art Nouveau. The name itself comes from the French Arts Décoratifs ('decorative arts'), though it only gained popularity in the 1960s. Before then, the style had already dominated interiors, architecture, fashion and decorative arts during the 1920s and 1930s.
Though often considered one of the trickier looks to master, Art Deco remains a classic. It embodies a ‘more is more’ spirit, with bold shapes, materials and detailing that continue to inspire design lovers to this day.
Our guide explores subtle yet effective ways to introduce this style into your own space.
History of Art Deco
The 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes marked Art Deco’s peak, showcasing designers such as René Lalique and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. By the late 1920s, bold colours and geometric patterns from Cubism, Futurism, and other avant-garde movements reshaped the style, which appeared in everything from jewellery and glassware to furniture and tableware.
Although the 1929 crash dimmed its glamour and critics in the 1930s dismissed it as superficial, Art Deco left a lasting mark. In Britain, Art Deco found expression everywhere from glamorous ocean liners like the Queen Mary to cinemas, department stores and London Underground stations. Its imagery drew on a wide range of sources – the sharp geometry of Cubism and Futurism, the naturalism of Art Nouveau and the fascination with ancient Egypt following the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Even as critics of the 1930s dismissed it as gaudy or superficial, Britain’s surviving Art Deco landmarks, from the Hoover Building to the Midland Hotel in Morecambe, still stand as striking reminders of the style’s impact and appeal.
Incorporate Geometric Patterns Across Walls, Floors and Decor
One hallmark of Art Deco interiors is the emphasis on geometric patterns and symmetry. Zigzags, chevrons, sunbursts and lines often appear across wallpapers, flooring, textiles and decorative accents. The kitchen or bathroom is the perfect space to introduce geometric tiles in vintage-inspired colours, while still keeping things modern and visually appealing. However, even the smallest accents, such as a brass vase and a sculptural bookend, can echo the style with triangles, circles or squares that catch your eye in just the right way.
Use Arches and Curved Furniture to Balance Geometry
Arches also serve as a natural fit for the Art Deco style. Mirrors or artwork with curved edges and brass or gold frames can give the illusion of height when used correctly, while rounded chairs or vintage-inspired sofas with curved backs can reinforce the Art Deco theme within a space.
Add Jewel-Toned Colour and Luxurious Finishes
Colour plays a crucial role in Art Deco design, with deep jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue and ruby red. These rich colours are frequently accented with black, white, or metallic finishes, which heighten the contrast and add a sense of glamour.
However, a walk through Miami’s Art Deco Historic District shows just how popular pastel colours were in the 1920s and 1930s. Soft pinks, blues and greens can give a living room the same light and stylish feel from the era.
Finishes also play a key role in Art Deco and add the polished glamour that defines the style. Brass, a hallmark of the era, works beautifully in hardware, lighting or even accents like flatware. While subtler than gold, its warm finish still delivers a touch of 1920s sophistication and elegance.
Choose Statement Furniture Pieces
Furniture in Art Deco interiors often features clean lines and streamlined shapes, with subtle curves and angular forms. Without overwhelming the space, pieces are designed to be functional and sculptural and contribute to the overall aesthetic. For example, a sideboard offers space for keeping clutter out of sight while also serving as a surface to display art and decorative objects.
Known best for its richness and soft texture, velvet is a signature fabric in Art Deco design. Furniture in jewel tones such as sapphire blue or deep green creates a striking centrepiece, whether in the form of a sofa or headboard. Pairing these pieces with gold-accented tables or accessories enhances the Deco aesthetic and is sure to add an extra layer of sophistication.
Refine With Decorative Details
Art Deco draws inspiration from a wide range of cultural influences, which adds depth and uniqueness to its visual vocabulary. Egyptian motifs, Chinese lacquerwork and Native American patterns can all be found in decorative objects and textiles.
Ornate details such as inlaid wood, lacquered finishes and sculptural motifs appear throughout furnishings and architectural elements, whilst artwork frequently features representations of nature and human figures, often with symmetry and abstraction to echo the era’s interest in modernist and classical influences.
Texture is a natural fit for Art Deco, which frequently features ribbed or fluted surfaces. Whether incorporated through decorative items like vases and lighting or built-in pieces such as cabinets, these details bring a touch of vintage and create depth and visual intrigue to give the space personality without overwhelming it.
Illuminate With Statement Lighting and Reflective Surfaces
Lighting is central to Art Deco and pieces often mix straight lines and arches with spherical shapes that are usually in brass or gold. Modern fittings tend to keep a bold shape and instead use multiple lines and round bulbs for a fresh feel.
Mirrors and reflective surfaces enhance light, amplify space and contribute to the overall sense of glamour and by carefully positioning these elements, designers are able to create interiors that feel both bright and sophisticated. One way to achieve a glamorous look in your living room or bedroom is with crystal or metal chandeliers, or incorporating touches of bronze or gold for a striking contrast against dark walls.
Art Deco continues to inspire designers well into the 21st century. By combining materials, colours, surfaces, detailing and lighting, it offers a versatile toolkit that captures the creativity and individuality that defined the original Art Deco movement.
