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

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 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 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

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 9

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 10

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 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 Screenes

20th Century Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Erte - Romain de TirtoffCalifornia (Turquoise Dress), 1989, 1989

20th Century Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Erte - Romain de TirtoffFlorida (Pearl Dress), 1989

20th Century Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Erte - Romain de TirtoffRose Gown, 1989

2010s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Giancarlo ImpigliaRare serigraph "The Grand Party" Giancarlo Impiglia, 1986

1920s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Victor Max NinonEn Espagne, 1925

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéLetter N (from the Alphabet Suite), framed hand signed serigraph, 1976

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéLa Somptueuse (framed hand signed embossed serigraph), 1986

1920s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Victor Max NinonAu Japon, 1925

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Itzchak TarkayConfiding, 2008

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéRigoletto, Erté, 1985

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Itzchak TarkayAfter Dinner Relaxation, c.1980

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéAlphabet Suite Portfolio, 1982

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Itzchak Tarkay"Casual Dinning" From the suite "Memories Retrospective", c.1990

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéManhattan Mary II (framed hand signed serigraph), 1986

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéTHE GOLDEN CALF, 1983

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Itzchak TarkayCozy Corner, c.1980

Vintage 1930s American Art Nouveau Architectural Elements

Architectural Art Nouveau Wood Element / fire screen manner of Rennie Mackintosh

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéNumbers Suite Portfolio, 1980

1980s Art Deco Portrait Prints

Itzchak TarkayElegant Lady Seated, Modern Watercolor by Itzchak Tarkay, circa 1980

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Itzchak TarkaySophia Relaxes, c.1990

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Itzchak TarkaySophia Relaxes at the Cafe, c.1990

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Itzchak TarkayFemme Fatale, c.1980

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéBAYADERE, 1986

Early 20th Century Art Deco Landscape Prints

George SheringhamThe Wave - Rare early 20th Century British print by George Sheringham, circa 1920

1980s Art Deco Portrait Prints

Giancarlo ImpigliaFIVE ARCHES I, 1984

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéTHE CLASP, 1983

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéCLEOPATRE, 1986

1910s Art Deco Figurative Prints

La Voiture Th. Schneider, Car - 1912, 1912

1910s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Cycles Motos Alcyon., 1914

1980s Art Deco Portrait Prints

Giancarlo ImpigliaFIVE ARCHES II, 1984

1980s Art Deco Portrait Prints

Giancarlo ImpigliaGRAND TIER, 1984

1980s Art Deco Portrait Prints

Giancarlo ImpigliaGRAND STAIRCASE, 1984

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéLeo, from the Zodiac suite, 1982

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéQUEEN OF SHEBA, 1980

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéLIBRA, 1982

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéCAPRICORN, 1982

1980s Art Deco Figurative Prints

ErtéNATURE S VANITY, 1982

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Wallpaper

Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon Floral Art Deco Smoke Wallpaper

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

WROUGHT IRON FIRE SCREEN after Edgar BRANDT

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Doors and Gates

Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
California (Turquoise Dress), 1989, 1989

Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
Florida (Pearl Dress), 1989

Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
Rose Gown, 1989

Giancarlo Impiglia
Rare serigraph "The Grand Party" Giancarlo Impiglia, 1986

Victor Max Ninon
En Espagne, 1925

Erté
Letter N (from the Alphabet Suite), framed hand signed serigraph, 1976

Erté
La Somptueuse (framed hand signed embossed serigraph), 1986

Victor Max Ninon
Au Japon, 1925

Itzchak Tarkay
Confiding, 2008

Erté
Rigoletto, Erté, 1985

Itzchak Tarkay
After Dinner Relaxation, c.1980

Erté
Alphabet Suite Portfolio, 1982

Itzchak Tarkay
"Casual Dinning" From the suite "Memories Retrospective", c.1990

Erté
Manhattan Mary II (framed hand signed serigraph), 1986

Erté
THE GOLDEN CALF, 1983

Itzchak Tarkay
Cozy Corner, c.1980

Erté
Numbers Suite Portfolio, 1980

Itzchak Tarkay
Elegant Lady Seated, Modern Watercolor by Itzchak Tarkay, circa 1980

Itzchak Tarkay
Sophia Relaxes, c.1990

Itzchak Tarkay
Sophia Relaxes at the Cafe, c.1990

Itzchak Tarkay
Femme Fatale, c.1980

Erté
BAYADERE, 1986

George Sheringham
The Wave - Rare early 20th Century British print by George Sheringham, circa 1920

Giancarlo Impiglia
FIVE ARCHES I, 1984

Erté
THE CLASP, 1983

Erté
CLEOPATRE, 1986

Giancarlo Impiglia
FIVE ARCHES II, 1984

Giancarlo Impiglia
GRAND TIER, 1984

Giancarlo Impiglia
GRAND STAIRCASE, 1984

Erté
Leo, from the Zodiac suite, 1982

Erté
QUEEN OF SHEBA, 1980

Erté
LIBRA, 1982

Erté
CAPRICORN, 1982

Erté
NATURE S VANITY, 1982

Michael Knigin
Art Deco 1925, Pop Art Screenprint by Michael Knigin, 1980

Erté
Her Secret Admirers, Framed Art Deco Screenprint by Erte, 1982