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 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 9

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 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 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.

Art Deco Candy

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Jars

Italian Art Deco Candy Jars in Glass and Wood, 1930s

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Jars

Italian Art Deco Candy Jar in Glass and Wood, 1930s

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Etling France Art Deco candy box / powder dish in opalescent glass 1930s

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Sterling Silver

Tiffany Art Deco Candy Dishes

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Serving Pieces

Art Deco Sterling Candy Basket by Wallacea

20th Century Art Deco Serving Bowls

Georg Jensen Art Deco Sterling Silver Candy Bowl 580A

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Sterling Silver

Pair of Sterling Silver Art Deco Dishes

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Serving Bowls

Art Deco Chase USA Chrome on Brass Twin Candy & Nut Dish designed Gerth & Gerth

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Wood and Crystal Cookie Box Candy Jar, France 1930s

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Serving Pieces

Art Deco Sterling Filigree Candy Basket

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Desk Sets

Art Deco / Folk aRT Candy Store, National Cash Register, stenciled and painted

Mid-20th Century Decorative Boxes

Art deco pewter candy box by René Delavan, 1930s

Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Serving Pieces

Art Deco Style Candy Dish Amethyst Glas by Walther & Sohne, Mid-Century, Germany

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

French Blue candy box in Limoges porcelain Baud Paris - France 1930 Art Deco

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Louis Prodhon Art Deco Wood, Chrome and Glass Cookie Box Candy Jar, France 1930s

Vintage 1940s Argentine Art Deco Decorative Boxes

pelican candy jar blown glass

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Candy Dish

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Dogs Candy Box by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Serving Bowls

Lalique Style Crystal Candy Dish with Handle

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

French Milk Glass Candy Jar Circa 1930

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Edouard Marcel Sandoz Porcelain Lying Fennec Candy Box, 1921

Vintage 1910s French Art Deco Serving Pieces

"Canard Annamite" Candy Box by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz

20th Century American Art Deco Vases

Round Candy Cane Glass Hobbs Opalescent White Vase

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Toys and Dolls

Group Of Four Antique Miniature Trunks & Hatbox Candy Containers

Early 20th Century Art Deco Jars

Dakota Banjo Apothecary Jar Vintage Exposition Candy Display Bottle

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Posters

Cappiello, Original Vintage Poster, Cachou Lajaunie, Candy, Feather, Smoke, 1920

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Serving Bowls

Vintage Italian Silver-Plated "Pumpkin" Lidded Serving/Candy Dish

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Glass

Vase Schneider With the symbol of candy or French flag, (Chickoree), 1920

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Container for candy or cookies in crystal and Murano, 1940

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Antique Glass and metal candy dish with lid, German by WMF

Vintage 1930s French Modern Serving Pieces

Marquise de Sevigne Paris Silver Plate Candy Bowl Serving Dish

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Glass

Le Verre Francais 'Charles Schneider' Rare

Early 20th Century French Crystal Serveware

Mid Century Art Deco Candy Crystal Jar

Vintage 1950s Belgian Art Deco Jars

Raymond Chevalier, Boch Frères, Keramis, Art Deco Bonbonnière

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...

American Art Deco Glass Candy/Nut Dish

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, an Art Deco Enameled Porcelain Candy Box

20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Toucan Candy Box by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz Limited Edition

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Dark Cranberry Pink Candy Dish With Lid - Wheat Design

2010s Italian Art Deco Ashtrays

Goatskin Purple Tura Ashtrays or Candies Bowl, Set of Two

2010s Italian Art Deco Ashtrays