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

What is decorative art?

Accepted Answer

Decorative art is concerned with the design of objects that are both beautiful and functional, like ceramic pots.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

What is the difference between fine art and decorative art?

Accepted Answer

Fine art denotes work of aesthetic value but no functional purpose, whereas decorative art is both visually appealing and functional.

Question 13

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 14

What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Art Deco and mid-century modern (MCM) is that the terms describe two distinct design styles. Art Deco typically refers to pieces produced between the 1920s and 1930s. Furniture produced in this style tends to display bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs, metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. MCM, or mid-century modern, emerged after World War II. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. Designers working in this style frequently used industrial materials, including steel, fiberglass, molded plywood, and alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak. Explore a wide variety of Art Deco and mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The answer to whether Eileen Gray's designs were Art Deco depends on which piece you're considering. Gray was ever-evolving as a designer. By the early 1920s, she was creating geometric works that embodied the essence of Art Deco and the nascent modernist design movement. Some pieces, like her Bricks screen, employ the planar forms favored by Gerrit Rietveld and other De Stijl architects of the Netherlands. Others feature the tubular chrome framing used by Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who are associated with the mid-century modern design style. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Eileen Gray furniture.

Question 16

What are the main features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main features of Art Deco are geometry-influenced shapes, bright color schemes and bold patterns. Art Deco architecture and design are both heavily influenced by the Cubism movement, which relied on the use of non-traditional angles and shapes.

Question 17

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco features bold geometric designs, clean lines and vibrant colors.

Question 18

What is Art Deco style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco style furniture appeared right before the start of World War I and is defined by sharp lines, vibrant colors and bold patterns. Heavily influenced by geometry, Art Deco furniture was born out of the Cubism movement.

Question 19

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco furniture, first look for maker's markings in inconspicuous areas. Once you've found them, use trusted online resources to research the manufacturer and determine whether they were active during the Art Deco era, which spanned from the 1920s through the 1930s. You can also look for classic characteristics of Art Deco furniture, such as bold geometric lines and forms, intricate floral motifs, metal accents, mirrored finishes and fine materials such as shagreen, marble, mahogany wood, zebra wood, ebony, exotic animal hides, onyx and mother-of-pearl. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can also assist you with making identifications. Shop a collection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Art Deco jewelry is valuable. Jewelry from the 1920s and ’30s has remained consistently popular. It experienced a major revival in the 1960s, and even today, jewelry makers continue to be inspired by the period. As a result, demand for Art Deco jewelry is typically high, but the actual value of a piece depends on its style, maker, age and condition. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help you determine how much your jewelry is worth. Explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry on 1stDibs.

Art Deco Decor

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Stylish Art Deco Lady in Dress with Her Greyhounds Sculpture on a Marble Base

20th Century French Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Mesillas ART DECÓ 1930

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Antique Art Deco satin Bowl

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Wall Mirrors

Très beau miroir mural Art Déco

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Art Decò Pair of Lounge Chairs

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wall Mirrors

Très beau miroir d époque Art Déco

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Art Deco Walnut Coffee Table, circa 1930

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco End Tables

Très belle table d appoint Art-Déco en palissandre

Antique 19th Century European Art Deco Chairs

19th Century, Pair of Art Deco Chairs made in Europe

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Console Tables

Unique Art Deco Console French Style Side Table

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Buffets

Très beau buffet Art-Déco en acajou et loupe d amboine

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Credenzas

Très belle console murale d époque Art-Déco en macassar + Plateau granite

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Large Disc Art Deco Frosted Glass Sconce Wall Light

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Très beau bureau en palissandre, python et cuir de vachette - Période Art Déco

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Credenzas

Très belle console ou table d appoint en palissandre et Onyx - Période Art-Déco

Vintage 1970s German Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Art Deco Style Brass and Milk Glass Sconces from Germany, 1970s

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Large Holophane Cast Iron and Glass Hotel Wall Light Sconce, circa 1925

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Barware

Très beau flacon à liqueur + 4 petits verres + plateau en macassar

Vintage 1970s German Art Deco Wall Brackets

Three Charming White and Lucite Clothes Hooks from the 1970s

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sofa Tables

Très belle table d appoint / bout de canapé en palissandre

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Credenzas

Très beau semainier en placage de palissandre

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco End Tables

Très beau guéridon / table d appoint ronde en macassar - 2 plateaux

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Game Tables

Très belle table de jeu en palissandre

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Shelves

Victorian wrought iron plant shelf

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Linda BlackburnContemporary Oil of Art Deco Home Decor w/ Blue Masculine Statue in Drawing Room, 2020

1970s Art Deco Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

John CobbChapel Décor, 1978

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Vases

Vase Art Déco a décor hortensias fleurs Ouraline

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Western European Rugs

Art Deco Round Carpet With Lotus Flower Decor

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Ceramics

Theo Colenbrander, Art Deco Ram Pottery, Decor Losjes ‘Loosely’, 1925

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pillows and Throws

Art Deco French Handwoven Art Cushion Pillow, 1920s Woman Decor, Velvet Lace

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Religious Items

Christ Crucifix Autel en bronze décor polychrome Art Deco France 1930

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pillows and Throws

Art Deco French Art Cushion Pillow, 1920s Woman Handwoven Decor, Velvet Lace

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Ceramics

Art Deco Vase by Theo Colenbrander, Ram Pottery, Decor Grapes , 1923

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Collier en or 18 Carats à décor d’éventail, époque Art Deco

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Ceramics

Theo Colenbrander, Art Deco Vase for Ram Pottery, Decor Woelig "Turbulent", 1924

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Ceramics

Theo Colenbrander, Art Deco Vase for RAM Pottery, Decor Spichtig "Weedy, " 1924

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

French Art Deco Period Alabaster Pendant, with Neoclassical Decor, circa 1925

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Art Deco Exterior Door, 1930s, Iron and Engraved Glass with Flowers Decor

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Planters and Jardinieres

Art Deco Ram Flower Pot by Theo Colenbrander, Decor Drijvend "Floating, " 1923

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Vases

Linda Blackburn
Contemporary Oil of Art Deco Home Decor w/ Blue Masculine Statue in Drawing Room, 2020

John Cobb
Chapel Décor, 1978