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 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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 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 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 9

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 10

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 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

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

How was Art Deco furniture made?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco furniture was largely made by hand. Crafters often employed exotic hardwood like zebra wood, rosewood and Macassar ebony. Many pieces had a polished Japanese lacquer finish, which gave a high-gloss shine to the wood. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco furniture.

Question 20

What are Art Deco engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco engagement rings are accessories that were produced during the 1920s and '30s and are characterized by details associated with the Art Deco style. They're often very colorful and feature bold geometric lines as well as gemstones cut in nontraditional ways. While the style got its name from an arts exhibition in Paris in 1925, Art Deco was inspired by Cubism and a shift from Art Nouveau's floral aesthetic. The modern look of Art Deco engagement rings reflects an evolution in fashion, visual art and more, as well as the sweeping societal changes taking hold at the time. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage Art Deco engagement rings.

Art Deco Panels

2010s Chinese Modern Paintings and Screens

Art Deco Garden Screen 3 Panels By André Fu Living

2010s Chinese Modern Paintings and Screens

Art Deco Garden Screen 4 Panels By André Fu Living

1930s Art Deco Mixed Media

Mid 20th Century French School20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of the Alps, church herdsman sheep, circa 1930

1930s Art Deco Mixed Media

Mid 20th Century French School20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of a Swiss Castle, Lake landscape, circa 1930

Late 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Paintings and Screens

Japanese Art Deco 4-Panel Screen with Riders Taming Horses, Ca. 1960

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Link Bracelets

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Wide Panel Bracelet

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Paintings

Liam HennessyRagtime, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel, 2022

2010s Art Deco Paintings

Stephen MitchellLunar Bride, Painting, Acrylic on MDF Panel, 2024

20th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens

Art Deco Anglo-Japanese Four Panel Silk Embroidered Screen Room Divider C.1940

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures

Four 1920s Bronze Art Deco Wall Panels

Mid-20th Century British Decorative Art

Pair of Vintage Framed Wine Lists, English, Decorative Panel, Art Deco, C.1930

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures

French Art Deco Pierced Carving wall Panel

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Panel Ring

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Czech Malachite Glass Molded Panel

20th Century Italian Art Deco Architectural Elements

Art Deco Bronze Floral Motif Architectural Panel

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond Panel Ring

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Screens and Room Dividers

Stunning Art Deco Style Six Panel Screen

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Screens and Room Dividers

Art Deco Style Walnut Screen with 6 Panels

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Brooches

ART DECO JAPONISME DIAMOND PANEL BROOCH – CIRCA 1920s

Early 20th Century Art Deco Panelling

Pair of Art Deco Cast Iron Decorative Panels

20th Century French Art Deco Decorative Art

Max Ingrand Panel

1950s Art Deco Nude Paintings

Jacques Van Rooten ( Artiste Belge )Nude Oil On Panel "The Pose" By Jacques Van Rooten 20th, 1960

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Decorative Art

Eglomise Glass Panel

20th Century Symbolist Figurative Paintings

Robert Arthur WilsonArt Deco British symbolist painting Triune by Robert Arthur Wilson

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Architectural Elements

Pair of Art Deco Steel Brass Garden Panels

20th Century American Art Deco Wall Mirrors

Art Deco Style Framed Glass Mirror Panel

2010s Art Deco Mixed Media

Julia HackerOh la la, Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 2021

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

French Art Deco Floral Four-Panel Chandelier

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Clamper Bracelets

Platinum Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Panel Bracelet

1920s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Victor AbeloosPortrait of a Young Lady - Antique Belgian Impressionist Art Deco Oil Painting, 1927

1920s Art Deco Animal Paintings

Georges Manzana PissarroCat and Cockerel, Oil and Gold on Panel by Georges Manzana Pissarro, 1925, 1925

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Sculptures

Stefan TralocOutdoor Lamp - "Globe" galvanised - art garden decoration - 40cm, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Sculptures

Stefan TralocOutdoor Lamp - "Globe" galvanised - art garden decoration - 55cm, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Sculptures

Stefan TralocOutdoor Lamp - "Globe" - iron oxide - art decoration, 2021

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

French Art Deco Eight Panels Feather Chandelier

1930s Art Deco Mixed Media

French school 20th centuryFrench Deco 20th century lake view with bathers, yachts, Circa 1930

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Ceramics

Rare Art Deco Ceramics Panel by René Buthaud

20th Century French Art Deco Panelling

Two French Art Deco Architectural Etched Glass Cloud Panels

1920s Modern Interior Drawings and Watercolors

Donald L. HaddenDesign for Art Deco Marquetry Panels 1927 for Furniture George M Hammer London, c. 1929

1930s Modern Interior Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 20th Century French School
20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of the Alps, church herdsman sheep, circa 1930

Mid 20th Century French School
20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of a Swiss Castle, Lake landscape, circa 1930

Liam Hennessy
Ragtime, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel, 2022

Stephen Mitchell
Lunar Bride, Painting, Acrylic on MDF Panel, 2024

Jacques Van Rooten ( Artiste Belge )
Nude Oil On Panel "The Pose" By Jacques Van Rooten 20th, 1960

Robert Arthur Wilson
Art Deco British symbolist painting Triune by Robert Arthur Wilson

Julia Hacker
Oh la la, Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 2021

Victor Abeloos
Portrait of a Young Lady - Antique Belgian Impressionist Art Deco Oil Painting, 1927

Georges Manzana Pissarro
Cat and Cockerel, Oil and Gold on Panel by Georges Manzana Pissarro, 1925, 1925

Stefan Traloc
Outdoor Lamp - "Globe" galvanised - art garden decoration - 40cm, 2021

Stefan Traloc
Outdoor Lamp - "Globe" galvanised - art garden decoration - 55cm, 2021

Stefan Traloc
Outdoor Lamp - "Globe" - iron oxide - art decoration, 2021

French school 20th century
French Deco 20th century lake view with bathers, yachts, Circa 1930

Donald L. Hadden
Design for Art Deco Marquetry Panels 1927 for Furniture George M Hammer London, c. 1929

Donald L. Hadden
Design for Art Deco Marquetry Panels 1927 for Furniture George M Hammer London, c. 1929

Stefan Traloc
Outdoor Lamp - "Umbrella" (Alpha) - Rusty - art garden decoration - 70cm, 2021

Stefan Traloc
Outdoor Lamp - "Umbrella" (Beta) - Rusty - art garden decoration - 70cm, 2021

Melisa Taylor Metzger
Screen tondo 2022.7 (round pink green grid art deco painting abstract geometric), 2022

Karoly Fulop
Extraordinary modern art carving by a welll-known early California modernist, c1930

Melisa Taylor Metzger
d Ombré (grid painting abstract geometry jewel tones striped patterns art deco), 2021

Melisa Taylor Metzger
Screen tondo 2022.7 (round pink green grid art deco painting abstract geometric), 2022

Melisa Taylor Metzger
Screen tbd9 (tondo round denim blue grid art deco painting abstract geometric), 2022