How to Master the 1920s Art Deco Style in Your Home
When you think of the Roaring ‘20s, what comes to mind? Glamorous nights of swing dancing and sipping illegal Champagne like in The Great Gatsby? The stunning architecture of downtown Chicago, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature style? The beautiful flapper dresses and strings of pearls?
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in that fantastical time period, you’re in luck! Decorating your home with 1920s Art Deco vibes is easier than you’d think. Discover more about the iconic design era and find tips and tricks on how to incorporate vintage Art Deco pieces into your own home.
What is Art Deco?
If you’ve ever wandered around in a Chicago antique mall or flipped through an interior design magazine, you’ve likely come across the term “Art Deco.” In short, Art Deco refers to a decorative style of clothing, art, architecture, and general style popularized in Europe in the 1920s and ‘30s (though it spread to the United States after WWI). It’s often characterized by its use of geometric designs and both brighter colors and richer materials than used in earlier design movements.
What’s the Difference Between Art Deco and Art Nouveau?
Art Deco, while similarly named, is not to be confused with Art Nouveau, another popular design era. Where Art Deco was all fun shapes and vibrant hues, Art Nouveau, which was everywhere between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was more inspired by nature. With flowing lines, mosaic-like patterns, romantic imagery, and asymmetry at the core of the aesthetic, Art Nouveau celebrated the tranquility of the outdoors.
Some experts claim that the vintage Art Deco movement was a direct response to the soft shapes and handcrafted techniques of the Art Nouveau period. Instead of leaning into artisan building, 1920s Art Deco designers embraced the industrial approach, using more modern materials, such as steel, to keep up with the fast-paced modern world and turn out structured and impressive pieces.
Is Art Deco Still Popular?
If you didn’t know any better, you may assume that the 1920s Art Deco style has faded from the fads. In actuality, vintage Art Deco pieces have never been more in! In fact, as we party through our very own Roaring (20)20s and experience our own similar pitfalls, the glamorous aesthetic can be seen making a comeback in interior design, architecture, and fashion.
Unlike other aesthetics, like Grandmacore or Cottagecore, the new appreciation for Art Deco furniture and décor is not driven by nostalgia. Instead, it’s more of an excuse to introduce grandeur and glam into your spaces.
Maybe it’s in response to millennials’ love of grey and minimalism; maybe it’s just a cause of the never-ending fashion cycle. Whatever the reason, we couldn’t be more excited to see antique Art Deco décor get another chance in the spotlight!
Are Antique Art Deco Pieces Valuable?
Authentically antique Art Deco pieces are known for being extremely valuable. But, as with any antique, there are a few different factors that affect the final price tag of an antique Art Deco design. It all boils down to designer, materials, craftsmanship, rarity, and condition.
For example, if an authentic piece of Art Deco furniture is made from fine materials, carries a maker’s mark from a recognizable designer, is considered rare, and is found with minimal wear and tear, then it can fetch thousands of dollars at an antique mall near Crown Point. Something made more dime-a-dozen from the same time period that carries more signs of damage, while still worthwhile, might go for anywhere from $50 to a few hundred.
Pro tip: Just because a piece of Art Deco furniture is deemed “less valuable,” doesn’t mean it's worthless. Some people are such big fans of the aesthetic that they’ll buy it anyway, either appreciating the lived-in look or having it professionally refurbished.
What Are the Hallmarks of Art Deco Style?
Love the1920s Art Deco look but not sure how to shop for it? Identifying whether or not an item falls under the vintage Art Deco aesthetic can be a challenge, but once you’ve familiarized yourself with the common characteristics, shopping in a Melbourne antique mall will feel like a breeze.
Design Must-Haves For the Vintage Art Deco Aesthetic:
Geometric patterns
Glamorous materials
Bold color palettes
Large and simple furniture
Rich fabrics
Streamlined light fixtures
Art pieces
What Types of Geometric Patterns Were Popular in Vintage Art Deco?
When it came to the1920s Art Deco era, geometric patterns were all the rage. Sharper lines and sleek shapes reflected the new love of modernity and luxury.
As the world began embracing technology and industrialism after the war, from skyscrapers to automobiles, more designers began showcasing symmetrical patterns and repetitive shapes in their designs. Now, geometric patterns are one of the clearest indicators of vintage Art Deco.
Popular Geometric Patterns in the 1920s Art Deco Period:
Zigzags
Chevrons
Sunbursts
Rays
Ziggurats
Fanned leaves
Polygons
What Glamorous Materials Were Used in the Antique Art Deco Movement?
The 1920s Art Deco period used expensive woods, bold stones, and sleek metals to give off an opulent appearance. Thanks to modern innovations and machine-capable techniques, polished metals such as stainless steel, nickel silver, and chrome plating were used, giving many pieces of Art Deco furniture and countless buildings that signature mirror-like shine. Some vintage Art Deco pieces can be found with intricately etched mirror elements or multi-layered lacquer, two design details that were rarely used before.
When you’re shopping in an antique mall near Cincinnati, it helps to know that the types of wood used in a design are also a dead giveaway for truly authentic Art Deco pieces. If an antique armoire or desk claims to be a piece of genuine Art Deco furniture, it will likely be made from ebony, mahogany, or rosewood. If it’s a real find, it might even have marble, bone, ivory, or mother-of-pearl inlays, something else that was popular at the time.
What Bold Colors Were Preferred by Vintage Art Deco Designers?
As far as 1920s Art Deco designs go, the color palette is everything. Designers at the time typically paired saturated jewel tones, such as emerald green, deep yellow, ruby red, or rich purple, with high-contrast neutrals, including black, white, beige, and cream, to create a luxurious and dynamic vibe for every piece.
To give an even more futuristic look, gold, brass, silver, and chrome were used as accents, adding an eye-catching shimmer to any decoration. When you explore an antique mall near Cleveland, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Art Deco furniture and art pieces that have this signature shine.
Why Was Art Deco Furniture So Large?
A dead giveaway that a piece of Art Deco furniture is actually from the 1920s is its size. In this design period, all bookshelves, dining tables, bedframes, and more were created to be oversized statement pieces or a sign of extreme wealth. With exaggerated vertical lines, streamlined forms, and sleek styles, Art Deco furniture remains impressive in a home, especially if you score it at your local Arizona antique mall.
What Kind of Fabrics Can Be Found in Antique Art Deco Designs?
As you design your own vintage Art Deco-inspired home, it’s important to think about the textiles you choose. In 1920s Art Deco spaces, all the fabrics used were designed to look as rich and inviting as possible, using soft, sheen fabrics such as satin, silk, suede, or velvet whenever possible. If they needed something more structured, like for drapery or outdoor furniture, they’d choose linen, cotton canvas, organza, brocade, or jacquard.
What Was the Preferred Style of Light Fixture in the 1920s Art Deco Era?
Hanging accurate vintage lighting is always the key to fully transforming a space—and the 1920s Art Deco era is no different. To fully embrace the aesthetic, you’ll want to search the Highland antique mall for sleek and streamlined light fixtures. Standing floor lamps with geometric bowls, glass and metal wall sconces, a chandelier with a sunburst motif—as long as it blends in with the rest of your vintage Art Deco décor, the options are endless.
What Styles of Wall Art Were Popular in 1920s Art Deco Style?
No home is complete without art pieces gracing the walls! If you’re leaning into the 1920s Art Deco aesthetic, consider finding vintage paintings, prints, and magazine covers from famous painters and graphic designers at the time. Hanging at least a few authentic antique Art Deco artworks around the house will bring the entire space together.
Popular 1920s Art Deco Artists:
Tamara de Lempicka: a Polish painter known best for Cubism, paintings with sensual female figures, and abstract, geometric designs
René Lalique: often referred to as the “father of Art Deco,” known for creating one-of-a-kind glassware décor
Erté: a Russian-born artist famous for creating the magazine covers for Harper’s Bazaar and theatrical designs
Where is the Best Place to Shop for Vintage Art Deco Designs?
When it comes to buying vintage Art Deco, you need to shop somewhere you trust. While online auction sites are always a fun place to explore and learn about a design era, nothing beats the tactile experience of browsing a larger-than-life vendor mall. With hundreds of vendors, all curating and updating their own collections, you’ll be amazed at the antique Art Deco pieces you’ll come across at your local antique mall.
How to Decorate Your Home with Antique Art Deco Art and Furniture
Feeling inspired to live life surrounded by 1920s Art Deco glitz and glam? Whether you want to redecorate your entire home or are searching for a small way to elevate a room in your house, styling your spaces with antique Art Deco pieces is simple—especially with a few tried-and-true tips and tricks.
5 Tips for Decorating with Vintage Art Deco Pieces:
Tip 1: Showcase a few statement pieces
Tip 2: Mix multiple textures and materials
Tip 3: Add small period-accurate trinkets
Tip 4: Stick to a color palette
Tip 5: Lean into the large scale
Tip 1: Showcase a Couple Vintage Art Deco Statement Pieces Around the House
There’s no need to go full-out with the 1920s Art Deco look. If you’re not ready for a complete renovation, start by swapping out a few of your more modern decorations for vintage Art Deco designs. Invest in a set of Art Deco furniture for your dining room, grab an antique Art Deco loveseat, or swap out the biggest art pieces in your gallery wall for retro paintings to make a small but mighty difference.
Tip 2: Don’t Be Afraid to Mix-and-Match Textures and Materials
The 1920s Art Deco look is anything but simple. Embrace the maximalist vibes by combining unique textures and tactile materials in every room of the house. A velvet bedspread, a few silk pillows, a faux fur rug, and wicker woven baskets in the guest bedroom can go a long way.
Tip 3: Sprinkle Antique Art Deco Trinkets Throughout Your Home
While including your own family heirlooms and collectibles in your home décor is always encouraged, the best way to make your spaces feel like a blast from the past is by featuring tiny antique Art Deco pieces wherever possible. A retro silver ashtray on the coffee table, a cast iron doorstop by the laundry room, a crystal bowl on the bathroom counter to corral your makeup—the smallest details can bring any 1920s Art Deco-inspired room to life.
Tip 4: Stick to a Strong Vintage Art Deco-Inspired Color Palette
Even if you can’t financially commit to buying thousands of dollars’ worth of vintage Art Deco pieces, anyone can commit to a time period-accurate color palette. Choose one or two rich jewel tones and a few neutrals and start searching antique malls for Art Deco furniture, textiles, and décor that fit the look.
Tip 5: Lean Into the Large Scale of 1920s Art Deco
Contrary to more contemporary trends, everything was bigger and better in the 1920s Art Deco movement. While it can be tempting to decorate your home with minimalist IKEA furniture and small décor, the best way to make your spaces feel more glamorous is to embrace the large-than-life Art Deco furniture and artwork of the time. Don’t worry—you’ll get used to having massive statement pieces in your home soon enough!
You don’t need a time machine to experience the elegance of the 1920s Art Deco movement! Stop by America’s Antique Mall to find all the vintage Art Deco décor you could ever wish for today.
