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.

Streamline Art Deco

Vintage 1930s American Footstools

Art Deco Streamline Mahogany Bench with Gauffrage Mohair

20th Century Side Tables

Art Deco Streamline Side Table with Mirrored Top

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Rocking Chairs

Art Deco / Streamline Bamboo Tilt/ Swivel Platform Rocker, Tear Drop Arm

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Stunning Pair of Art Deco Club, Lounge Chairs, Streamline Modernist Design 1930s

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Stunning Pair of Art Deco Club, Lounge Chairs, Streamline Modernist Design 1930s

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Dressers

Pair of Art Deco Donald Deskey Streamline Moderne Dressers, 1930 s

20th Century Ottomans and Poufs

Art Deco Streamline Black Lacquer Ottoman by Donald Deskey

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Floor Lamps

Art Deco Streamline Machine Age Black and Chrome Adjustable Floor Lamp

20th Century Dry Bars

Spectacular Art Deco Streamline Bar in Book Matched Mahogany

Vintage 1930s German Cigar Boxes and Humidors

Petite Streamline 1930s Chrome Art Deco German Cigar Cutter

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco End Tables

Pair of Art Deco Streamline Black Lacquer End Tables or Nightstands

20th Century End Tables

Pair of Art Deco End Tables with Streamline Design

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Mantel Clocks

Art Deco Impressive Streamline Modernist 8 Day Mantle Clock, circa 1930

20th Century Console Tables

Art Deco Streamline Console in Walnut and Black Lacquer

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Night Stands

Streamline Pair of Art Deco Machine Age Black Lacquer End Tables or Nightstands

20th Century Wall Mirrors

Art Deco Streamline Mirror by Donald Deskey for Widdicomb

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Art Deco Streamline Skyscraper Style Chandelier in Chrome and Frosted Glass

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Armchairs

Art Deco Streamline Lounge Chair by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, circa 1937

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Serving Pieces

Art Deco - Streamline Porcelain Tea/ Coffee Set by C&E Carstens, Germany, 1930

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Sideboards

Streamline Machine Age Art Deco Sideboard by Walter Dorwin Teague for Hastings

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Side Tables

Art Deco Streamline Table/Shelf Walnut, Flat Bar Copper, Manner of Gilbert Rohde

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Armchairs

Pair of Art Deco Leather Streamline Club Chairs with Ebene de Macassar Arms

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Art Deco Machine Age Two-Tiered Cocktail Table with Streamline Reeded Leg Design

20th Century American Cabinets

Art Deco Streamline Cabinet Custom Designed by Gilbert Rohde

20th Century Sideboards

Art Deco Streamline Sideboard Custom Designed by Gilbert Rohde

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Vases

Beswick Pottery, Clarice Cliff Era, Art Deco Streamline Moderne Footed Jug Vase

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Dressers

Art Deco Machine Age Streamline Black Lacquer 4 Drawer Dresser with Chrome Pulls

Vintage 1930s Canadian Art Deco Living Room Sets

Canadian Art Deco Streamline Living Room Set by Atlas Bedding Ltd, circa 1931

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Cupboards

Art Deco-Streamline 2-Door Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Metal, Walnut Veneer, c 1935

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Cupboards

Art Deco-Streamline 3-Door Wardrobe, Chrome-Plated Metal, Walnut Veneer, c 1935

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Art Deco Streamline Bullet Desk in Book-Matched Walnut and Black Lacquer Accents

20th Century American Art Deco Side Tables

Streamline Machine Age Art Deco Drinks Table in the Manner of Walter Von Nessen

Art Deco Streamline Sofa in The Manner of Paul Frankl

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco End Tables

Art Deco Machine Age Streamline Modern Chrome Black Tiered End Table Duro Chrome

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts

Art Deco Streamline Tubular Chrome and Glass Zeppelin Style Bar Cart or Trolley

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Pair of Art Deco Streamline Zebra Wood Console Tables W/ Black Lacquer Accents

Vintage 1930s German Streamlined Moderne Canapes

Art Deco Streamline Tubular Steel, Couch/ Daybed, Leather Upholstery c. 1930

20th Century Dry Bars

Art Deco Streamline Bar Cabinet in Walnut with Flip Top

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Art Deco Streamline Rattan Shelf/Console Table w/ Mahogany Top

20th Century Side Tables

Art Deco Streamline Nickel Banded Side Table in Manner of Deskey