Q: What is the history of Art Deco?

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 1

Who are some of the most famous Art Deco artists?

Accepted Answer

There are many famous Art Deco artists. In addition, the movement produced many well-known designers and architects. Some of the most notable creatives who contributed to the Art Deco movement include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, René Lalique, Eileen Gray, Jean Dunand, Donald Deskey and Jean Perzel. Explore a wide range of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What was the Art Deco movement?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco movement was a decorative style popular during the 1920s and ’30s. Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design, celebrating society's growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu. The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects.

Question 3

What is an art deco watch?

Accepted Answer

An art deco watch is defined by its geometric case, which is either circular or rectangular. The watch style was highly popular between 1920 and 1950, and is still sought after today. You’ll find a collection of art deco watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs

Question 4

What is art deco jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco jewelry was popular during the design movement of the 1920s and 30s. Art Deco jewelry is typically characterized by geometric patterns and gemstones of contrasting colors.

Question 5

What is the history of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.

Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.

The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 6

What defines Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

A few things define Art Deco. Date is one factor, as the style emerged in the 1920s and remained popular during the 1930s. Art Deco design usually includes bold geometric lines and forms or intricate repeating floral motifs. Designers working in this style tended to use expensive materials, such as shagreen or marble, as well as exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Furniture often featured metal accents, mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is an Art Deco lamp?

Accepted Answer

An Art Deco lamp is any lamp that’s made in the styles of the Art Deco movement, which was dominant in the 1920s and 1930s. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of Art Deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 8

What is art deco ring?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco rings were made during the early 20th century. Named for a design movement that originated at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, Art Deco rings are generally quite geometric, symmetrical and incorporate a variety of gemstones — especially sapphires and emeralds. Find a wide variety of Art Deco rings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 9

When did Art Deco originate?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco period originated in France. Its name comes from the title of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, credited with introducing the style to the world. It was informed by ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession and went on to influence the Streamline Moderne and mid-century modern movements. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What was Art Deco influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco was influenced by a number of things. The discovery of ancient tombs around the turn of the century led to a renewed interest in Egyptian furniture and architecture that inspired Art Deco designers. Art Deco was also informed by Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI style, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession. Shop a large collection of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How do I identify Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco, look for the characteristics of the period. Furniture produced at the time is generally lacquered metal with a mirror-like glossy finish. Wooden items should be an exotic wood. Most items feature symmetrical designs, and geometric forms were popular motifs during the period. In addition, Art Deco often shows the influence of Hellenistic, Egyptian and Asian designs. Shop a variety of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that the former is detailed and ornate, and the latter is sharp and geometrical. When the movement started at the end of the 19th century, Art Nouveau was heavily influenced by nature and the curved lines of flowers. Art Deco, which became popular in the beginning of the 20th century, was inspired by the geometric abstraction of cubism.

Question 13

Are Art Deco rings timeless?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Art Deco rings are timeless by many people's standards. Inspired by architecture, Art Deco jewelry pieces show off intricate geometric designs that have remained stylish decade after decade. Plus, the most commonly used materials during the Art Deco period, like platinum and 14-karat yellow gold, are classics. Shop a variety of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can I tell if a ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

There are a few tell-tale signs you can look for to determine if a ring is from the Art Deco period. The first big sign is if it has a geometric element to it, as this was a big element of all Art Deco designs. Colored stones were also very popular in the period and it’s not uncommon to see sapphires or rubies taking center stage, rather than a diamond. During the Art Deco period, yellow gold was not very common, instead, jewelers crafted pieces of white gold or platinum. Shop a collection of authentic Art Deco jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do you make an Art Deco bedroom?

Accepted Answer

The simplest way to make an Art Deco bedroom is to purchase authentic furniture and decorative accents from the 1920s and ‘30s. Top designers from the period include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne and Jules Leleu. Pair authentic Art Deco pieces with a bedding set in a colorful, intricate floral print, or dress up the walls with wallpaper in a geometric motif with hints of gold. The iconic Art Deco movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Find a selection of Art Deco furniture and decor from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What does Art Deco ring mean?

Accepted Answer

The term Art Deco ring means a ring produced in the Art Deco style. Most Art Deco jewelry dates back to the 1920s and 30s and features defined lines and geometric motifs. While a lot of Art Deco rings were black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Art Deco rings.

Question 17

What era was Art Deco rings?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco rings are from the era of the 1920s and 1930s. While Art Deco began to emerge a bit earlier than that, the style truly gained momentum after the end of World War I. Rings from the time period often feature geometric motifs, bold colors and designs that were influenced by Cubism, Futurism and other movements in visual art. Diamonds were exceptionally popular, while accent gems such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies brought vivid color to engagement rings and added sophistication and glamour. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco rings.

Question 18

What is the difference between Memphis and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Memphis and Art Deco is that the terms refer to two different design styles. Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, and its pieces often flaunt bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs and ornamental details, such as mirrored finishes and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Named after the Memphis Group, which formed in 1980, Memphis design emphasizes freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors. Some people describe it as Art Deco meets Pop art. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Art Deco and Memphis design furniture.

Question 19

What is Art Deco’s time period?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco era is 1925 to 1940.

Question 20

Why did Art Deco go out of style?

Accepted Answer

In its time, Art Deco went out of style due to shifts in trends. After World War II, designers became more interested in modernism and creating pieces with an emphasis on function and simplicity, a move away from the embellishment and adornment that characterized the Art Deco style. It's important to note that Art Deco never fully disappeared. In fact, many present-day collectors have a passion for pieces produced during the 1920s and ’30s. Shop a large selection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Art Deco Artists

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cuff Bracelets

Diamond Cuff Bracelet Black Agate Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

1980s Contemporary Black and White Photography

Ian SandersonOrchids - Signed limited edition fine art print, nature photo, Oversize, 1985

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Art Deco vase by Claudius Linossier in hammered copper

20th Century Art Deco Posters

Original Art Deco Poster, Leon Dupin, Chateau Roubaud, Wine, Nîmes, France, 1931

21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Link Bracelets

Sterling Silver Art Deco Style Bracelet with Dark Green Quartzes

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Bookends

Art Deco bookends PEGASUS by G.H. Laurent France 1930, winged horses.

1980s Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Pierre Fix MasseauOriginal Golden Arrow Poster by Fix Masseau Hand Signed 1989, 1989

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of French Art Deco Genet et Michon Sconces

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cuff Bracelets

Diamond Bracelet with Onyx Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco bronze dancer sculpture Matto, Marcel Bouraine Marcel Guillemard 1930

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

French Art Deco Chandelier Signed by Muller Ferers

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cuff Bracelets

Diamond Onyx Cuff Bracelet Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

21st Century and Contemporary German Artist Cufflinks

Yellow Gold-Plated Sterling Silver Art Deco Style Cufflinks with Quartz

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Demetre Haralamb Chiparus (1886 - 1947), Art Deco Dancer Bronze Sculpture

Early 20th Century Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Stunning French Art Deco Chandelier by Gênet et Michon

Early 20th Century Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Stunning French Art Deco Chandelier Signed by G Leleu

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Brooches

Swan Brooch Pin Diamonds Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Demetre Haralamb Chiparus (1886 - 1947), Art Deco Dancers, Bronze Figures

Vintage 1930s Japanese Art Deco Posters

Original Vintage Travel Advertising Poster NYK Line Around The World Art Deco

2010s French Art Deco Bookends

Art Deco style bookends standing nudes Meditation signed Fayral Max Le Verrier

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

French Art Deco Chandelier by Gênet et Michon

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Ceramics

Goldscheider Art Déco Dancer in Butterfly Dress, by Josef Lorenzl, circa 1930

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Ceramics

Goldscheider Art Déco Dancer in Butterfly Dress, by Josef Lorenzl, circa 1930

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Ceramics

Large Goldscheider Art Déco Odalisque Aida , by Josef Lorenzl, Around 1925

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Glass

Art Deco Pâte de Verre Beaker Lion Et Chouette , Gabriel Argy-Rousseau, Paris

Early 20th Century Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of French Art Deco Gênet et Michon Wall Sconces

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

French Art Deco Birds in Flight Chandelier Signed by Sabino

2010s French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Art Deco Style Panther Sculpture OUGANDA by Max Le Verrier, France

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Ceramics

Large Goldscheider Art Deco Odalisque Aida by Josef Lorenzl, Around 1925

2010s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco style sculpture of a dancer JEU by Max Le Verrier

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Lejan Art Deco Crackle Glaze Ceramic Ship Sculpture at Orchies s, France, 1920

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cuff Bracelets

Emerald and Diamond Cuff Bracelet Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

2010s French Art Deco Bookends

Art Deco style bookends PEGASE signed by Max Le Verrier, winged horses.

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cufflinks

Onyx and Diamond Dice Cufflinks Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Pendant Necklaces

Diamond Pearl Onyx Necklace Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Band Rings

Diamond and Onyx Ring Art Déco Style Design by Ella Gafter

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cufflinks

Ruby Diamond and Onyx Cufflinks Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Sculpture Harmonie Hoopdancer by Fayral Pierre Le Faguays Le Verrier

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artist Cocktail Rings

Diamond and Onyx Cocktail Ring Art Déco Design by Ella Gafter

Vintage 1920s Austrian Art Deco Ceramics

Ian Sanderson
Orchids - Signed limited edition fine art print, nature photo, Oversize, 1985

Pierre Fix Masseau
Original Golden Arrow Poster by Fix Masseau Hand Signed 1989, 1989

Jacques Pierre Bellenger
Original Cycles Favor Motos Bicycles Motorcycles vintage French poster, 1937

Paul Mohr
Original Affiches Paul Mohr Compagnie Nationale des Papers 1932 vintage poster, 1932