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.

Finials Art Deco

Vintage 1940s Czech Art Deco Side Tables

Pair of 1940s Czechoslovak Art Deco Nightstands with Painted Maple Imitation Fin

Early 20th Century Art Deco Andirons

Art Deco Pair of Chrome Andirons with Cylindrical Body and Copper Ball Finial

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Andirons

Pair of Art Deco Nickeled Bronze Andirons with Column Form and Finial Detailing

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wine Coolers

Art Deco Machine Age Chrome Ceramic Ice Bucket with Bakelite Handles Finial

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Pair of Chapman Art Deco Style Tall Brass Table Lamps Original Finials

Vintage 1930s American Table Lamps

Rare Art Deco or Cubist Lamp with Sailing Ship Finial

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Table Lamps

Pair of Art Deco Hollywood Alabaster Table Lamps w/ Bronze Pommes de Pin Finials

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Pair of Small Glass Table Lamps with Original Finials and Shades, 1940s

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Art Deo Satin Brass Bird Finial Fire Tools

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Table Lamps

Antique Deco Pink Pressed Glass Spherical Lamp, Opaline Glass Flowers Finial

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Deco Pair of Brass Base Marble Cylindrical Form Table Lamps with Finials

20th Century American Art Deco Andirons

Pair of Neoclassical Style Column Double Urn Finial Andirons

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Scandinavian Modern Plaster Musician Lamp Pair in Blue, Fin Art, 1960s Atomic

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Barware

Eight Vintage Gold-Tone Stir Spoons with Root Beer Bakelite Dice Finials

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Sterling Silver

George VI Art Deco Style Sterling Silver Condiment Set

20th Century French Art Deco Side Chairs

Iron Chair with Bronze Lion Finial and Feet after Giacometti

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Sterling Silver

1925 Jean Puiforcat, Turteen Box in Sterling Silver and Jadeite Ring Finial

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Umbrella Stands

Art Deco Machine Age Umbrella Stand in Brass and Black Enamel

Vintage 1950s English Art Deco Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Four-Piece Tea and Coffee Service, Art Deco Style, Vintage

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Large Theater Art Deco Era Half Globe Pendant Lamps, circa 1930s, Pair

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Set of Six Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Art Deco Style, in Stock

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Exquisite Relief Frosted Glass and Silvered Bronze Art Deco Chandelier by Hanots

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Set of Six Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Art Deco Style, in Stock

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

High Style Art Deco Aluminum and Frosted Glass Pendant with Cubist Detailing

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Skyscraper Style Table Lamp in Black and Green Onyx and Gilded Bronze

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Tea Sets

Antique George V Sterling Silver Four Piece Tea and Coffee Service

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Floor Lamps

Early 20th Century Floor Lamp/ Brass Finish Chocolate Burlap Shade

Vintage 1960s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Ridged Murano Amber and Black Glass Chandelier

Vintage 1950s American Andirons

Andirons By Bennett

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Martz Rare Earth Tone Glazed Signed Table Lamp by Marshall Studios Inc

Early 20th Century French Club Chairs

Pair of French Leather Club Chairs (Priced Individually)

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Side Chairs

Pair of Gilt Iron Chairs Crown or Harlequin Style Ball Finials Art Deco

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Tea Sets

Art Deco Silver Coffee Pot

1920s Art Deco Portrait Paintings

William Albert AblettFin d Ete End of Summer - French 1920 s Art Deco portrait oil painting in garden, Circa 1920

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Gilt Art Deco Bouillotte Lamp with Shade and Finial

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Art Deco Style Murano Glass and Brass Finial Sconces

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Art Deco Style Murano Glass and Brass Finial Sconces

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Art Deco Style Murano Glass and Brass Finial Sconces

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Floor Lamps

Art Deco Midcentury Brass Floor Lamp with Lucite Fins Torchiere

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Architectural Elements

William Albert Ablett
Fin d Ete End of Summer - French 1920 s Art Deco portrait oil painting in garden, Circa 1920