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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 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

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 14

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 15

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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.

Question 20

What are art deco lamps made of?

Accepted Answer

Art deco lamps come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Vintage art deco-style lamps were made of natural materials such as metal, glass and pottery. You’ll find a variety of art deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Art Deco Scale

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Ceramics

Monumental Hand-Decorated Swedish Art Deco Bowl from Josef Ekberg

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Pair of Large-Scale Decorative Crane Sculptures

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Table Lamps

Pair of Large French Art Deco Table Lamps

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Important Original Art Deco Verrerie Belge Blossom Chandelier, VSL

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Armchairs

Pair of Art Deco Arm Chairs with Solid Hardwood Arms

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Link Necklaces

Christian Dior GROSSE 1964 Fish Scales Bib Curved Belly Circle Layer Necklace

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Antique Fine French Art Deco Period Crystal Basket Chandelier

Late 20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Art Deco 20th Century U-Shaped Waterfall Desk Writing Table Three Drawer

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Sets

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Postage Scale

Vintage 1940s Wall Mirrors

Wonderful Art Deco Venetian Style Mirror

20th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Small French Art Deco Burlwood Dresser

Vintage 1930s French Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair Of Art Deco Cinema Sconces

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Picture Frames

Art Deco Frame Reverse Painted , Black, Gilt, Cream Geometric Detailing

Early 20th Century French Wall Mirrors

Monumental French Art Deco Basserie Mirror

Vintage 1950s British Aesthetic Movement Wall Mirrors

Large Art Deco Blue Bordered Mirror

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

1920’s Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Bow Brooch in Platinum, 17ctw

20th Century Belgian Art Deco Glass

A very large scale Val Saint Lambert clear glass vase and cover

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Link Necklaces

Christian Dior GROSSE 1964 Fish Scales Bib Curved Belly Circle Layer Necklace

1930s French Evening Bags and Minaudières

1930 s Art Deco Needlework Clutch Bag

Early 2000s American Art Deco Club Chairs

Pair of Sand Hued Genuine Suede Large Scale Williams Sonoma Club Chairs

1990s American Art Deco Club Chairs

Pair of Sand Hued Genuine Suede Large Scale Williams Sonoma Club Chairs

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Early 20th Century Silvered and Gilt Porcelain Clam Shell of Large Scale

Vintage 1930s Italian Bergere Chairs

Over-Scaled Blonde Oak Bergere, Italian 1930 s

Early 20th Century French Wall Lights and Sconces

Art Deco steel and brass wall mounted light fixtures

Vintage 1930s French Vases

Thickly-Modeled French Art Deco Emerald Green Vase, Schneider

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Sets

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Postage Scale

20th Century Swedish Slipper Chairs

Large beautiful Swedish Art Deco slipper wing-chair 1940 s.

Vintage 1970s Spanish Tables

Monumental Spanish Deco/Modernist Table In Wenge

Vintage 1960s Spanish Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair Half Moon Alabaster Deco Style Wall Light Sconces

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Living Room Sets

English Antique Salon Set

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paperweights

"Shotputter and Runners, " Rare Bronze Medallion/Paperweight by McKenzie, 1936

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Barware

Pair of Large Walker Hall Silver Plated Cocktail Salvers / Trays

20th Century French Art Deco Candlesticks

Pair of Signed Lalique France "Clos Vougeot" Crystal Hurricane Candlesticks

Vintage 1940s Italian Vases

Italian Mottled Blue Glazed Ceramic Vase

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of Italian Sconces With Brass Glass

Vintage 1930s Swedish End Tables

Swedish Round Flame Birch Pedestal End or Side Table

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Four-Tier Pyramid Form Chandelier

Vintage 1940s Mexican Artisan Cuff Bracelets

Mexican Sterling Massive Hinged Artisan Cuff Bracelet c 1940s

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Stud Earrings

Blue Chalcedony Diamond White Gold Earrings

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Melisa Taylor Metzger
Mangata 33 (small scale grid spray painting abstract wood Art Deco op art), 2020