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 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 10

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 11

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 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

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Table Lamps

1950-1970 Pineapple Lamp Animal Decor Style Le Douanier Rousseau Silvered Metal

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco End Tables

1950′ Pair Of Maison Baguès Tables Bamboo Decor In Gilt Bronze With Chinese Lacq

Vintage 1930s Czech Streamlined Moderne Wardrobes and Armoires

1930s original Art Deco Streamline wardrobe perfecty restored by ZEITLOS-BERLIN

2010s American Art Deco Sofas

Bubble Sofa (Custom)

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Patio and Garden Furniture

francois carre garden loungers circa 1940

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Patio and Garden Furniture

francois carre garden loungers circa 1940

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Vases

Charles Catteau for Boch Keramis, Vase Mammouths

Vintage 1970s French Animal Sculptures

Bronze Parrot on a Perch

Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Aluminum Coffee Table after Poul Kjaerholm

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

1930s Paul Frankl Inspired Skyscraper Console or Entry Table

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Sofas

Art Deco Sofa, 1935

Vintage 1930s French Empire Antiquities

Art Deco Opaline Candy Dish -1Y47

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Pitchers

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pitchers Baccarat Crystal

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Serving Pieces

Art Deco Set of Six Grapefruit Spoons with Knife Silver Plated, England

Mid-20th Century Vases

Art Deco Vase by Anatole Riecke

Mid-20th Century Vases

Art Deco Vase by Anatole Riecke

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Western European Rugs

Abstract Art Deco Style Rug by Wolf Bauer for Art Decor

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Console Tables

Art Deco Mahogany Flip-Top Console Dining Table

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Mantel Clocks

French Art Deco Pink Marble Mantel Clock

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Lanterns

Art Deco Candlestick Holders in Copper

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Wine Coolers

Art Deco Zeppelin Cocktail Shaker

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Wine Coolers

Art Deco Zeppelin Cocktail Shaker

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Serving Pieces

Art Deco Pair of Silver Strawberry Spoons England

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Center Tables

Art Deco Walnut Entrance or Center Table

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Table Lamps

Pair of Art Deco Desk Lamps

Vintage 1920s French Empire Antiquities

Art Deco Limoges Porcelain Salt Shakers Pair -1Y64

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vases

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Vase

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vases

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Trumpet Vase

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vases

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Vase

Vintage 1920s Table Lamps

20s art deco lamp

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vases

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Vase

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Inkwell

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Ashtrays

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Ashtray With Match Box Holder

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Tableware

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Match Cup or Toothpick Holder

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Cigar Boxes and Humidors

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Humidor Box

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vases

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Petite Vase

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vases

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Large Vase

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Console Tables

Vintage Art Deco Console Table with Flatbar Chrome Legs

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Swedish Art Deco pendant with peach colored shades. 1930s.

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Ashtrays