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

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 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

How do I know if my ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To know if a ring is Art Deco, examine its style. The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. Makers often incorporated geometric motifs in jewelry designs. Materials may also provide a clue about the era of the piece. Platinum, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were some of the most common precious metals and gemstones used at the time. Keep in mind that there are many convincing reproductions of Art Deco rings and other high-quality pieces inspired by originals. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or expert within the field of antique jewelry design to evaluate the ring. Shop a selection of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 16

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 17

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.

Question 18

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 19

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 20

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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

Art Deco Decor

Vintage 1930s British Chinoiserie Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Art Deco Chinoiserie Decorated Fire Screen, circa 1930s

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vases

Anatole Riecke Art Deco tall black opaline glass green vase 1939

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vases

Anatole Riecke Art Deco tall black opaline glass red vase 1939

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Opalescent Icicle Art Deco Chandelier In the Manner of Petitot Ezan

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vases

Anatole Riecke French Art Deco tall black opaline glass red vase 1938

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Silver Finished Bronze Sculpture after "Messenger of Peace"

20th Century French Art Deco Armchairs

Deco Armchair/1930’s French Armchair

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Vases

Anatole Riecke Art Deco tall black opaline glass red green vase 1946

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Table Lamps

French Art Deco Style Nude Danseuse Bronze Statue

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Deco Wall Mounted Shelving /Asymmetic Shelving /1930s Bookcase

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Platters and Serveware

Art Deco Wood Marquetry Tray, Brown Color, Wood France 1940

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Decorative Art

Reverse Painted Glass Art Deco Cocktail Wall Decor

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Bookcases

1930s French Deco Bookcases/1930s Bedside Tables/1930s Storage Cabinets

Early 2000s American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Fashioned after "Messenger of Peace" by La Fague

1920s Art Deco Interior Paintings

Jean PrietOn Stage: Art Deco Diva in Red, Paris Theatre, geometric modernist decor, ca 1925

Early 20th Century Korean Art Deco Decorative Art

Large Vintage Embroidered Panel, Korean, Silk Cotton, Paper, Decor, Art Deco

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Bookends

Art Deco Black and White Marble Book Ends Pair Italy

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vases

Silver Crest Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Tall Vase

Early 2000s French Art Nouveau Table Mirrors

French Art Nouveau Style Pewter Table Mirror

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Bookends

Art Deco Siren Bookends in Hand-Carved Alabaster with Undulating Linear Motif

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

Silver Crest Arts Crafts Nautical Bronze Humidor Cigar Box With Handle

Vintage 1950s European Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Cerused Oak Elephant Chairs in Cowhide

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Sofas

1930s, German, Sofa / Daybed

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Side Tables

French Vintage Oak Stools

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Vintage 1920s Solid Burr Walnut 4-6 Person Dining Table Elegant Cabriolet Legs

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Club Chairs

Vintage 1920s Coil Sprung Aged Brown Leather Club Armchair on Castors Rare Find

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Bookcases

1940’s Oak Bookcase

Vintage 1910s American Arts and Crafts Table Lamps

Antique Brass Double Arm Student Lamp With Tiffany Studios Damascene Lamp Shades

Early 20th Century British Chippendale Sideboards

Stunning Burr Walnut Art Deco Sideboard Lion Hairy Paw Feet Cabriolet Legs

Early 2000s American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Egyptian Style Bronze Sphinx Griffin Bookend Sculpture Figurines

20th Century American Modern Flush Mount

Modernist Three Tier Gilded Bronze Stylized Leaf/ Feather Flush Mount Chandelier

1990s American Bookends

Egyptian Style Bronze Sphinx Griffin Bookends

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Table Lamps

1930 Art Deco Brass Table Lamp with Modernist Decor

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers an...

Large Midcentury Style Chrome Multi-Light Sputnik Chandelier "MOVING SALE"

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Art Deco Chandelier Hanging Lamp with rose décor, 1930s

Antique 1830s French Art Deco Floor Lamps

Lamppost, 1930, Art Deco, Wrought Iron Decor Strips, Large Decoration

Early 2000s American Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

19th Century Japanese Style Bat Vase Cast in Bronze

Early 2000s American Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

19th Century Japanese Style Bat Vase Cast in Bronze, Antique Silver Plated

2010s American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Harlequin Ballets Russes Silver Bronze Lamp in the Manner of Max Le Verrier

1930s Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Jean Priet
On Stage: Art Deco Diva in Red, Paris Theatre, geometric modernist decor, ca 1925

Georges Valmier
Collection Decors et Couleurs. Album No. 1. Pochoirs designed by George Valmier, 1930

Edouard Halouze
French Fashion Illustration Art Deco Watercolor Drawing by Edouard Halouze, circa 1920