Decorating Guides
Art Deco Style of Interiors Explained
Move over mid-century modern and make way for the sharp and glossy lines of Art Deco
Tired of the simple lines and pale timber of Scandinavian style? Can’t upkeep the harshness of minimalism? Swamped by the timber refinement of mid-century modern?
If you answered ‘yes’, then you need to discover the glamorous and glossy style of Art Deco.
If you answered ‘yes’, then you need to discover the glamorous and glossy style of Art Deco.
MAY Mug - Reverie
At its peak, Art Deco style was seen on everything, from buildings and cars, to radios and vacuum cleaners. It was a style that was glamorous and exuberant and embraced technology. While it could be wildly luxurious and expensive, it also filtered down to be accessible for ordinary folk.
Although there is an overall Art Deco scheme that’s come to define the era, it was actually composed of a wide range of influences and cultures from China and Japan to Africa and Mesoamerica.
See how this Art Deco home gets a modern makeover
See how this Art Deco home gets a modern makeover
Embrace Me Cushion Cover - Clifford Pier
There are excellent examples of Art Deco – Empire State Building the Chrysler Building.
The early period of Art Deco is sometimes referred to as the ‘Ocean Liner’ era with its curved walls, circular windows and interiors with curved, streamlined edges and laminated timbers.
The later period of the Art Deco Style in the 1930s saw the production of more of the shiny and glossy versions that we now think of as fitting the period, with materials like plastic, chrome and stainless steel coming into use.
Art Deco eventually ran out of steam at the beginning of World War II when glamour seemed too frivolous and more functional modernism started to take over.
Art Deco for modern homes
So, how does the Art Deco translate into modern interiors today? As an antidote to current trends for natural, neutral and practical styles, Art Deco can bring touches of glamour and luxury.
Take a look at this Art Deco Mumbai home
So, how does the Art Deco translate into modern interiors today? As an antidote to current trends for natural, neutral and practical styles, Art Deco can bring touches of glamour and luxury.
Take a look at this Art Deco Mumbai home
Get the look
Mirrored bedside tables, a velvet headboard and strongly-highlighted moulding can lift a bedroom to Art Deco heaven.
Mirrored bedside tables, a velvet headboard and strongly-highlighted moulding can lift a bedroom to Art Deco heaven.
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The addition of a large round mirror above a glossy sideboard gives the impression of an Art Deco pothole window.
The addition of a large round mirror above a glossy sideboard gives the impression of an Art Deco pothole window.
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The curved shapes of this vanity table combined with glossy finishes and velvet is runway-ready.
The curved shapes of this vanity table combined with glossy finishes and velvet is runway-ready.
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This cage chair epitomises the elegant, indulgent side of Art Deco.
This cage chair epitomises the elegant, indulgent side of Art Deco.
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Fretted gold screens and the geometric lines of the lamp and chairs gives off a strong Art Deco vibe.
Fretted gold screens and the geometric lines of the lamp and chairs gives off a strong Art Deco vibe.
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Even your grille and gate can have a touch of Art Deco flair.
Even your grille and gate can have a touch of Art Deco flair.
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If you are lucky enough to live in one of the classic 1920s apartment buildings, make the utmost of its metal framed windows.
If you are lucky enough to live in one of the classic 1920s apartment buildings, make the utmost of its metal framed windows.
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Curved edges in your interior spaces will give an Art Deco vibe to your look.
Curved edges in your interior spaces will give an Art Deco vibe to your look.
Get the look
The motifs in the headboard are reminiscent of the period while the colours and materials used are modern.
The motifs in the headboard are reminiscent of the period while the colours and materials used are modern.
Read more:
What’s the Difference Between Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts
Tell us:
Is Art Deco your new interior style? Tell us in the Comments below.
What’s the Difference Between Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts
Tell us:
Is Art Deco your new interior style? Tell us in the Comments below.
It was a combination of the early modernist movement, industrial development, and a return to luxurious materials and exquisite craftsmanship.