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

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 2

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 3

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 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 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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

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 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

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 19

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 20

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.

Art Deco Stereo

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Art Deco Walnut geometric low chest of drawers

20th Century American Art Deco Cabinets

Art Deco Waterfall Floor Radio Case in Walnut

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Western European Rugs

Swedish Grace Art Deco Wool Short Pile Carpet by Martha Gahn

Mid-20th Century American Machine Age Floor Lamps

Industrial Machine Age Deco Floor Lamp by Smith Victor

People Also Browsed

2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants

Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition

2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals

Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches

Neoclassical Wrought Iron & Bronze Bench, France 1950's

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Vitrines

Art Deco Figured Walnut Display Cabinet, English, c1930

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Table Lamps

Pair of Art Deco Style Lamps Lumina Standing Nude Sculpture Max Le Verrier

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Bedroom Sets

English Art Deco Burr Walnut Bedroom Suite Attributed to H & L Epstein

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

1960s Music Radio TV Record Player Cabinet, Mahogany, Osvaldo Borsani attributed

Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements

1972, Prefab Nova House by Studio Rochel

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Western European Rugs

Vintage French Art Deco Rug

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bookcases

French Art Deco Walnut Library Bookcase

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Dry Bars

Zenith 12S2 67 Shutter Dial 12 Tube Console with Bluetooth Restored Rare

20th Century Art Deco Dressers

Vintage Mahogany Dresser

Vintage 1950s American Industrial Floor Lamps

Mid Century Movie Television Theater Production Scoop Industrial Floor Lamp

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Musical Instruments

American Bosch Model 854T '1939' The Largest Tombstone Radio

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Musical Instruments

Zenith 6-S-78 Tombstone Restored Bluetooth Radio '1936'

Recent Sales

Vintage 1950s Australian Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Machine Age Midcentury Streamline Bakelite / Phenolic / Urea Extension Speaker

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Mid-20th Century Bakelite 3-D View Master and 10 Color Reels by Sawyer's Inc.

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Sideboards

Highboard Oak, Danish Design, 1980s

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Credenzas

Art Deco Style Italian Lacquered Wood Credenza or Buffet with Polished Nickel

Early 2000s Art Deco Games

Wurlitzer Model 71 Jukebox

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Art Deco Console Tables

Macassar Petite Console Table or Side Table

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

2 Antique Johnson Furniture French Neoclassical Walnut Twin Size Beds Frames

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Large Fine French Art Deco Rosewood and Mahogany Two-Tier Coffee Table

Vintage 1970s American Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Leather Custom Integrated King Bed with Nightstands & Stereo w Speakers, 1970s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Mid-Century Modern Three Section Exotic Rosewood Bookcase, circa 1970s

20th Century American Sideboards

Art Deco Streamline Sideboard by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Art Deco Commode with Caucasian Walnut

More Ways To Browse