Art Deco
Live like the Great Gatsby: Art Deco is defined by luxurious materials, opulent designs and futuristic lines. No other design style celebrates life and all its beautiful things quite as lavishly as this 1920s movement. Discover the distinctive designs of Art Deco.
- The history of Art Deco
- Art Deco furniture: what defines this distinctive style?
- How to create the look at home
The history of Art Deco
Like many design eras, Art Deco has its roots in France. The name comes from the Exposition internationale des Arts Décoratifs et industriels modernes, held in Paris in the mid-1920s. The French words Arts Décoratifs were shortened to Art Deco, a name that prevailed over alternatives such as Jazz Age and Style Moderne .
With sensual forms, precious materials and bold colours, people celebrated life. Particularly after the dark years of war, and as a counterpoint to the simple Bauhaus style, Art Deco met a deep longing in society.
Art Deco furniture: what defines this distinctive style?
Art Deco drew inspiration from many different styles, sometimes linear and futuristic, sometimes curved and traditional. It combines elements of Art Nouveau, Classicism, Cubism and Functionalism with patterns from a wide range of cultures. This rich mix of influences gives Art Deco designs a timeless, international and distinctive character. Classic Art Deco furniture is still valued today for its character and elegance.
While Art Deco patterns drew on geometry and a wide range of influences, the materials had to be high quality, exclusive and ideally glossy.
Marble as a sign of luxury
Marble has long been regarded as one of the most refined materials, so it is no surprise that Art Deco celebrated this natural stone. A classic Art Deco table often features a marble top.
Precious hardwoods
Fine woods played an important role in this era. Exclusive tropical woods were favoured, but other dark woods such as walnut and rosewood also found their place in interiors. Polished woods with a strong grain were especially popular.
Dramatic metallic effects
Thanks to their shiny surfaces, chrome, copper, gold and stainless steel were very popular. Combined with linear designs, they reflect the futuristic influence of the period.
Soft velvet and velour surfaces
For upholstered furniture, designers chose soft materials such as velvet and velour. Rich colours such as dark green and deep blue showed off these luxurious fabrics to great effect.
How to create this opulent style with a few simple touches
The glossy, harmonious designs of the Art Deco style are particularly suited to winter, creating an elegant, inviting atmosphere without looking rustic or old-fashioned.
Even small decorative objects can make a big impact. Choose a candle holder or an Art Deco lamp in polished chrome to enjoy striking light effects. Velvet cushions add a luxurious highlight to your sofa and make it feel cosy, too.
Capture the joie de vivre of the 1920s with a larger piece of furniture that celebrates design and precious materials. An Art Deco velvet sofa or an Art Deco chair with velour upholstery invites you to linger, while a marble-topped table makes a tablecloth unnecessary.
If you are looking for an Art Deco ceiling light, a chandelier is the answer. These impressive, extravagant lights are no longer only suitable for rooms with high ceilings.
Combine several Art Deco pieces to create an interior that is both elegant and cosy, or use individual pieces as luxurious highlights. Enjoy bringing this distinctive style into your home.
