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 in fashion in the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

Bold, head-turning looks were in fashion during the 1980s. It was the decade of bright electric neon colors as well as suits, jackets, tops and dresses with shoulder pads. The aerobics and fitness craze of the ’80s spilled over into fashion, with people sporting leg warmers, headbands and leggings as everyday apparel. Punk culture also influenced style, with leather jackets, fishnet stockings and chunky metal jewelry being favored by some. Denim looks of the time were often baggy and flaunted acid washes. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage apparel and accessories from the 1980s.

Question 2

Was plaid popular in the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

Yes, plaid was popular in the 1980s. Interestingly, it was a signature feature of two very different styles that trended during the decade. Plaid appeared on pleated skirts and blazers, common among the preppy set. In addition, many in the punk subculture sported plaid pants and dresses. Find a wide variety of 1980s apparel and accessories 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 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 5

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 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

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 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

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 16

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 17

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 18

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.

Question 19

Is Toulouse-Lautrec Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The work of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec falls into the Art Nouveau style, which was prevalent approximately during the period of 1890-1910. Following the Art Nouveau period was the Art Deco era, which is usually defined as the era between 1920 and 1930. Toulouse-Lautrec died in 1901 putting his art in the era of Art Nouveau, but certain aspects of it definitely hint at the coming Art Deco style considering the definite overlap of the two movements. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 20

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.

1980s Art Deco

Vintage 1980s French Retro Bracelets

1980s Art Deco Style Bracelet

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Wall Mirrors

1980s Art Deco Style Banana Leaf Motif Wall Mirror

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Large 1980s Art Deco Revival Royal Haeger Leaping Gazelle Figurine

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Pair of Dark, Intense Blue / Green Ceramic Lamps, USA 1980s Art Deco Revival

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Pair of 1980's Art Deco Bella Lighting Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Posters

Postmodern 1980s Art Deco Revival Great Escapes on Beckett Cambric Framed Print

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs

1980s Art Deco Revival Souffle Ottoman With Casters in the Karl Springer Style

Vintage 1980s American Dry Bars

1980s Art Deco Gray Dry Bar

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Table Lamps

1980's Art Deco Style Glass Torchiere Uplighter Lamp

Vintage 1980s North American Art Deco Vanities

1980s Art Deco Green Acrylic Glass Vanity Desk with Mirror

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Sparkling 1980s Art Deco Style Crystal Gold Metal Basket Light Sconce

20th Century American Art Deco Console Tables

1980s Art Deco/Chinoiserie Style Tiger-Wood Mahogany Console Table by Sherrill

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

1980s Art Deco Revival Upholstered Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Thayer Coggin

Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches

Concord for Shreve & Co. Yellow Gold Manual Wind Watch 1980's Art Deco Style

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Two 1980s Art Deco Style Chromed Metal and Murano Glass Italian Wall Sconces

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Revival Sculpted Pink Resin Table Lamp by Paolo Gucci

1990s Post-Modern Wall Mirrors

Art Deco Marble Mirror, 1990s

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Wall Clocks

1980s Postmodern Black Empire Art Products Clock

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Wall Clocks

1980s Postmodern Reverse Painted Glass Wall Clock by Empire Art

Vintage 1980s Philippine Art Deco Barware

Shagreen Serving Tray by R & Y Augousti

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Sideboards

Vintage Post Modern Deco Revival Black Lacquer Sideboard With Drawers, USA 1980s

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Vintage 1980s Signed Kenneth Lane Deco Style Faux-Onyx Cabochon Earrings

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Deco Vases

Italian Venetian Vase in Murano Glass Red and Gold 1980s

Vintage 1980s Unknown Art Deco Flush Mount

Art Deco Revival Brass and Glass Flush Mount

Vintage 1980s Philippine Art Deco Console Tables

Art Deco Tessellated Stone with Brass Inlay Entry or Console Table

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Figurative Sculptures

1980s Postmodern Female Face Ceramic Sculpture in the Austin Productions Style

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs

'80s Art Deco 9 Piece Dining Set Signed by Philippe Starck 8 Chairs+Dining Table

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Rare Custom Design Granite Pyramid Table by Stanley J. Friedman for Brueton

Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Mantel Clocks

Maitland-Smith Attributed Stone and Marble Clock

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Animal Sculptures

Large Scale Postmodern Ceramic Birds Figurines Jaru Art Pottery of California

Vintage 1980s Italian Organic Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Italian Cane/Bamboo Organic Modern Chest of Drawers

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Dining Room Tables

Large Lucite Brass and Glass Dining Table by Jeffrey Bigelow

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Furniture

Art Deco Screen

Vintage 1980s European Vases

Huge Disco Stoneware Vase, 1980s

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Table Lamps

Art Deco Iridescent Flame Ceramic 1980's lamp

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Club Chairs

1980's Postmodern Art Deco Barrel Club Lounge Chair

Vintage 1980s American Side Tables

Art Deco Faux Shagreen Side Table, c. 1980's

Vintage 1980s American Decorative Bowls

Art Deco Bowl, 1980s

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Console Tables

1980's Postmodern Italian Art Deco Revival Lucite & Metal Console Table

Vintage 1980s Italian Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs

Dominique Amendola
Portrait of a Woman in Purple - Parisian Art Deco Female Figurative, 1980s

Robert Funk
Art Deco Nude and Deer against Rococo frame, 2019