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 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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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 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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

What is Art Deco’s time period?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco era is 1925 to 1940.

Question 19

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.

Question 20

What years are considered Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1920 and 1939 are generally considered to be the age of Art Deco. However, the name of the movement didn't arrive until 1925, when the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, France, introduced Art Deco design to the world. After the 1930s, Art Deco continued to have an impact, influencing the Streamline Moderne and mid-century modern styles. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry, furniture and decorative objects.

Art Deco Gouache

Early 20th Century Art Deco Portrait Paintings

P GiubbiniEnglischer Windhund and Preussischer Landjuncker. 2 Art Deco Gouache Portraits, 1930s

1920s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Edouard HalouzeOriginal Art Deco Gouache of Skiers, circa 1920, circa 1920

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Paintings

Original Art Deco Gouache on Paper by Erte in White Gold Custom Frame

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Paintings

Signed Art Deco Gouache of Sea Nymphs

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Hammond (artist)Art Deco gouache original artwork 1936 Cabaret Dance invitation, 1936

1930s Art Deco Paintings

Gerald Mac SpinkMachine-Age Bus 1930s Art Deco gouache design by Mac Spink, circa 1930

1920s Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Hammond (artist)Art Deco gouache original artwork 1937 Shakespeare Twelfth Night programme, 1937

1930s Mixed Media

ErtéOriginal Art Deco Gouache Costume Design Concept Sketch "Stars" by Erté, 1930

Early 20th Century American Paintings

Original Art Deco Gouache Painting w/ Christmas Theme, 1926

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Hammond (artist)Art Deco gouache original artwork 1936 design for Mayfair Hotel Menu London, 1936

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"Egyptian Archer, " Fabulous, Rare Art Deco Gouache Painting by Rookwood Master

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Paintings

"Sailor with Tartan Cap, " Superb Art Deco Gouache by Romain de Tirtoff Erté

1930s Figurative Paintings

J.CollazziArt Deco Figurative Gouache of A Woman with a Tulip

1910s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Erté1910 s Art Deco Erte Gouache Painting Original Hand Signed Rare French Nude, 1912

1930s Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Polo Match c1930s Gouache Signed (LL)

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

C. MassinTennis Sport Player Art Deco Cubist Gouache Painting by C. Massin, circa 1930

1940s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Gustave Kaitz 1Pair of Art Deco Female Nude Study Gouache Painting by Gustave Kaitz, circa 1940

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Hammond (artist)Imperial Airways Art Deco original gouache design 1937 advertising poster, 1937

1930s Art Deco Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Emile DeschlerArt Deco Study Cubist Gouache Drawing by Emile Deschler, circa 1930

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Hammond (artist)Orient Line Art Deco original gouache design Spring Cruises advertising poster, 1937

1920s Art Deco Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Edouard HalouzeArt Deco Fashion Illustration Ink and Gouache Drawing by Edouard Halouze, circa 1920

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Raymond de LavererieThe Conversation, Original, Unique Gouache by Famous French Art Deco Illustrator, 1940 s

20th Century Cubist Still-life Paintings

ChiokineRussian School Art Deco Cubist Gouache and Collage on Board Painting by Chiokine, 20th Century

Early 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Art Deco Couple Portrait, ca. 1930

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Gustave Kaitz 1Pair of Art Deco Figures, circa 1930s

1930s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Marcel VertèsOriginal Deco Theatre Costume Illustration "Katinka" Gouache Painting, Drawing

20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Jean de BottonLarge French Art Deco Four Horsemen of Apocalypse Watercolor Gouache Painting, 1964

1930s Art Deco Landscape Paintings

Joseph HémardFrench Campers Gouache by Joseph Hémard, circa 1935

1920s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

John Rutherford BoydIn the Subway Art Deco Style, 1928

1920s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Art Deco Spanish Woman Fashion Illustration, ca. 1920s

1920s Art Deco Abstract Paintings

Eric BaggeEric BAGGE - Blue - project, circa 1928, Gouache on cardstock, circa 1928

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"African Nude Riding Zebra, " Brilliant Art Deco Painting, Gouache

Early 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Warner KreuterTwo Women with a Globe Gouache, ca. 1930

1920s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Georges LepapeLe Manteau Rouge, Original Gouache, 1920s

1940s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Sergev SmirnoffHunting the Firebird - Mythological Illustration in Gouache on Heavy Cardstock, 1949

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Figurative Paintings

KoyamaPurple Dress with Irises - Fashion Illustrations (Pair) in Gouache and Pencil, 1930-40

2010s Art Deco Abstract Paintings

Natalia RomanDay for Night, Pastel Tones Sunset, Art Deco Pattern Tiles, Orange, Turquoise, 2022

2010s Art Deco Abstract Paintings

Natalia RomanGreen and Purple Flooring Tile, Pink Tones Geometric Pattern, Art Deco Pastel, 2022

2010s Art Deco Abstract Paintings

Natalia RomanDisco Dice, Tiles Pattern Diptych, Art Deco Pastel Tones in Mauve, Gray Green, 2022

1930s Art Deco Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

P Giubbini
Englischer Windhund and Preussischer Landjuncker. 2 Art Deco Gouache Portraits, 1930s

Edouard Halouze
Original Art Deco Gouache of Skiers, circa 1920, circa 1920

Hammond (artist)
Art Deco gouache original artwork 1936 Cabaret Dance invitation, 1936

Gerald Mac Spink
Machine-Age Bus 1930s Art Deco gouache design by Mac Spink, circa 1930

Hammond (artist)
Art Deco gouache original artwork 1937 Shakespeare Twelfth Night programme, 1937

Erté
Original Art Deco Gouache Costume Design Concept Sketch "Stars" by Erté, 1930

Hammond (artist)
Art Deco gouache original artwork 1936 design for Mayfair Hotel Menu London, 1936

J.Collazzi
Art Deco Figurative Gouache of A Woman with a Tulip

Erté
1910 s Art Deco Erte Gouache Painting Original Hand Signed Rare French Nude, 1912

C. Massin
Tennis Sport Player Art Deco Cubist Gouache Painting by C. Massin, circa 1930

Gustave Kaitz 1
Pair of Art Deco Female Nude Study Gouache Painting by Gustave Kaitz, circa 1940

Hammond (artist)
Imperial Airways Art Deco original gouache design 1937 advertising poster, 1937

Emile Deschler
Art Deco Study Cubist Gouache Drawing by Emile Deschler, circa 1930

Hammond (artist)
Orient Line Art Deco original gouache design Spring Cruises advertising poster, 1937

Edouard Halouze
Art Deco Fashion Illustration Ink and Gouache Drawing by Edouard Halouze, circa 1920

Raymond de Lavererie
The Conversation, Original, Unique Gouache by Famous French Art Deco Illustrator, 1940 s

Chiokine
Russian School Art Deco Cubist Gouache and Collage on Board Painting by Chiokine, 20th Century

Gustave Kaitz 1
Pair of Art Deco Figures, circa 1930s

Marcel Vertès
Original Deco Theatre Costume Illustration "Katinka" Gouache Painting, Drawing

Jean de Botton
Large French Art Deco Four Horsemen of Apocalypse Watercolor Gouache Painting, 1964

Joseph Hémard
French Campers Gouache by Joseph Hémard, circa 1935

John Rutherford Boyd
In the Subway Art Deco Style, 1928

Eric Bagge
Eric BAGGE - Blue - project, circa 1928, Gouache on cardstock, circa 1928

Warner Kreuter
Two Women with a Globe Gouache, ca. 1930

Georges Lepape
Le Manteau Rouge, Original Gouache, 1920s

Sergev Smirnoff
Hunting the Firebird - Mythological Illustration in Gouache on Heavy Cardstock, 1949

Koyama
Purple Dress with Irises - Fashion Illustrations (Pair) in Gouache and Pencil, 1930-40

Natalia Roman
Day for Night, Pastel Tones Sunset, Art Deco Pattern Tiles, Orange, Turquoise, 2022

Natalia Roman
Green and Purple Flooring Tile, Pink Tones Geometric Pattern, Art Deco Pastel, 2022

Natalia Roman
Disco Dice, Tiles Pattern Diptych, Art Deco Pastel Tones in Mauve, Gray Green, 2022

Marie Palmer-Smith
Cherries - 1930s Art Deco watercolour design by British Graphic Designer, circa 1930

Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola
Guirand de Scevola (1871-1950) Le lever, a galant scene, gouache, circa 1920

Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
Art Deco theatre set design by 20th century artist Erte

Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
Art Deco original set design by Erte, Romain de Tirtoff

Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola
Guirand de Scevola (1871-1950) Two lovers surprised by a dog, gouache, circa 1920

Paul H. Winchell
Art School Design Project, c. 1920s

Atelier 43
1930 Art Deco Furniture Study Drawing by French L Atelier 43 Studio, circa 1930

Natalia Roman
Pink and Blue Checkers, Art Deco Squared Geometric Patterns, Watercolor Paper, 2022

William Henry Barribal
Art Deco British watercolour drawing, William Barribal See my coat tails flying, 1933

Natalia Roman
Abstract Blooming Flowers in Pastel Tones, Art Deco Painting Diptych, Paper 2021, 2020

Romain de Tirtoff (Erté)
Erte, New York, a study for a curtain in the Operetta Manhattan Mary , art deco, 1927

Mariette Lydis
Art Deco 1930s girl with ribbons in her hair: French drawing book illustration, circa 1934

Natalia Roman
Leaving the City, Art Deco Painting of Abstract Vivid Shapes, Coral and Green, 2020

Natalia Roman
Surreal Stairs, Mirage Diptych, Cold Tones, Blue, Mauve and Black Art Deco Arch, 2022