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 a Bakelite radio?

Accepted Answer

A Bakelite radio is a vintage radio crafted from Bakelite molded plastic. These 1930s-era radios were known for their distinguishable Art Deco look. On 1stDibs, find an array of vintage Bakelite radios from top sellers around the world.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

How do I know if my ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To know if a ring is Art Deco, examine its style. The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. Makers often incorporated geometric motifs in jewelry designs. Materials may also provide a clue about the era of the piece. Platinum, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were some of the most common precious metals and gemstones used at the time. Keep in mind that there are many convincing reproductions of Art Deco rings and other high-quality pieces inspired by originals. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or expert within the field of antique jewelry design to evaluate the ring. Shop a selection of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 15

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 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 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 19

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco features bold geometric designs, clean lines and vibrant colors.

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.

Question 21

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.

Art Deco Radio

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Musical Instruments

Art Deco Radio by American Bosch Circa, 1935

1930s Art Deco More Prints

Georges FaureOriginal "Pathe 53 Tous Secteurs" vintage French art deco radio poster, 1934

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Cabinets

Art Deco Burl Cabinet 1920s Holland

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Furniture and Collectibles

1938 Emerson Ax-235 Catalin Bakelite Radio Green on Green

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Furniture and Collectibles

1938 RADIO Emerson AX-235 Red with Off-White Trim Original

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Musical Instruments

Sparton Model 557 "Sled" Radio by Walter Dorwin Teague

1930s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Original art deco Monopole Radio mermaid vintage French poster, 1934

1970s Art Deco Abstract Paintings

Kid Utah"Radio City Music Hall" Art Deco Geometric Painting on Canvas with Gold Diptych, 1973

1930s Art Deco Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

W.E.B.Art Deco Gouache Design Electrical & Radio Trading ERT c.1930s Early Wireless, c. 1930s

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Musical Instruments

1930s Art Deco Zenith Radio Floor Model Console

20th Century American Art Deco Cabinets

Art Deco Waterfall Floor Radio Case in Walnut

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Art Deco Sparton Model 500C "Cloisonné" Catalin AM Radio

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Glass

Vase Sign: Schneider France, 1928, Style: Art Deco, Design: Radio

Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Signs

Philips Radio Enamel Advertising Sign Wall Plaque, 1930s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments

Art Deco Old Pilot Table Radio, Model 203

1940s Art Deco Landscape Prints

Michaud Original Ribet - Desjardins UNIC Television and Radio vintage poster, c. 1940's

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Musical Instruments

1930s Magnadyne Art Deco Tube Radio, Empire Style, Working, All Original Parts

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"Six Scenes in Arcadia", Art Deco Paintings w/ Female Figures, Radio City Artist

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Dry Bars

1950s Art Deco Italian Radio Vynil Walnut Burl Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Cabinet

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"Nude in Surreal Landscape, " Important Art Deco Painting by Radio City Artist

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Desk Sets

Delco Art Deco 1941 Vintage Bakelite R 1171 Tube Radio in Perfect Condition

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Dry Bars

50s Art Deco Italian Radio Vynil Disc Walnut Burl Mirror Mosaic Dry Bar Cabinet

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

"Similar Table at Radio City Music Hall" , Attributed to Donald Deskey, Art Deco

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Musical Instruments

Marconi, UK, Radio Model 246A, 1930s valve/tube wireless Art Deco, table, super!

Vintage 1940s British Posters

Original Vintage Advertising Poster Speed Your Message Imperial Radio Art Deco

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Barware

Art Deco Philco Radio Bar Type Cocktail Shaker W/ Red and Black Line Decoration

1970s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Donald DeskeyAbstract Mid-20th Century Oil Non Objective NYC Radio City Music Hall, 1970s

Vintage 1930s American Barware

6 Art Deco 1939 New York World's Fair RCA Radio Advertising Cocktail Glasses Set

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Glass

Vase Schneider (Design Radio), Sign: France, 1928

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Musical Instruments

Vintage Model 6S254 Console Radio by Zenith

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Historical Memorabilia

Grandfather Clock Radio by Silvertone, Circa 1931

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Musical Instruments

Zenith Console Radio Model 9-S-262

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Musical Instruments

Antique "Masterpiece" 6F6 5-Tube Table Radio by Freshman

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Posters

Original Vintage Poster French Army Signal Corps Radio Telephone Communications

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures

1988 Radio and TV Encompassing the Earth Sculpture Hildreth Meière

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Table Lamps

Mitchell "Lumitone" Streamline Bakelite Radio Table Lamp, 1941

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Furniture and Collectibles

1938 Black and White RCA W Grill Catalin Bakelite Radio

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Furniture and Collectibles

1937 Red Emerson AU-190 Cathedral Catalin / Bakelite Tube Radio

Vintage 1940s Canadian Art Deco Desk Sets

Addison Model 5 Black and Yellow Catalin Tube Radio, 1940

Vintage 1940s Canadian Art Deco Desk Sets

Georges Faure
Original "Pathe 53 Tous Secteurs" vintage French art deco radio poster, 1934

Kid Utah
"Radio City Music Hall" Art Deco Geometric Painting on Canvas with Gold Diptych, 1973

W.E.B.
Art Deco Gouache Design Electrical & Radio Trading ERT c.1930s Early Wireless, c. 1930s

Michaud
Original Ribet - Desjardins UNIC Television and Radio vintage poster, c. 1940's

Donald Deskey
Abstract Mid-20th Century Oil Non Objective NYC Radio City Music Hall, 1970s

A.E. Halliwell
Original Vintage Advertising Poster Speed Your Message Imperial Radio Art Deco, 1941