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 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 2

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 3

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 4

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 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 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 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 8

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 9

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 10

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 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

Are Art Deco rings timeless?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Art Deco rings are timeless by many people's standards. Inspired by architecture, Art Deco jewelry pieces show off intricate geometric designs that have remained stylish decade after decade. Plus, the most commonly used materials during the Art Deco period, like platinum and 14-karat yellow gold, are classics. Shop a variety of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How can I tell if a ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

There are a few tell-tale signs you can look for to determine if a ring is from the Art Deco period. The first big sign is if it has a geometric element to it, as this was a big element of all Art Deco designs. Colored stones were also very popular in the period and it’s not uncommon to see sapphires or rubies taking center stage, rather than a diamond. During the Art Deco period, yellow gold was not very common, instead, jewelers crafted pieces of white gold or platinum. Shop a collection of authentic Art Deco jewelry from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How do you make an Art Deco bedroom?

Accepted Answer

The simplest way to make an Art Deco bedroom is to purchase authentic furniture and decorative accents from the 1920s and ‘30s. Top designers from the period include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne and Jules Leleu. Pair authentic Art Deco pieces with a bedding set in a colorful, intricate floral print, or dress up the walls with wallpaper in a geometric motif with hints of gold. The iconic Art Deco movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Find a selection of Art Deco furniture and decor from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What does Art Deco ring mean?

Accepted Answer

The term Art Deco ring means a ring produced in the Art Deco style. Most Art Deco jewelry dates back to the 1920s and 30s and features defined lines and geometric motifs. While a lot of Art Deco rings were black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Art Deco rings.

Question 16

What era was Art Deco rings?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco rings are from the era of the 1920s and 1930s. While Art Deco began to emerge a bit earlier than that, the style truly gained momentum after the end of World War I. Rings from the time period often feature geometric motifs, bold colors and designs that were influenced by Cubism, Futurism and other movements in visual art. Diamonds were exceptionally popular, while accent gems such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies brought vivid color to engagement rings and added sophistication and glamour. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco rings.

Question 17

What is the difference between Memphis and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Memphis and Art Deco is that the terms refer to two different design styles. Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, and its pieces often flaunt bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs and ornamental details, such as mirrored finishes and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Named after the Memphis Group, which formed in 1980, Memphis design emphasizes freedom of expression, dizzying patterns and off-the-wall colors. Some people describe it as Art Deco meets Pop art. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Art Deco and Memphis design furniture.

Question 18

What is Art Deco’s time period?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco era is 1925 to 1940.

Question 19

Why did Art Deco go out of style?

Accepted Answer

In its time, Art Deco went out of style due to shifts in trends. After World War II, designers became more interested in modernism and creating pieces with an emphasis on function and simplicity, a move away from the embellishment and adornment that characterized the Art Deco style. It's important to note that Art Deco never fully disappeared. In fact, many present-day collectors have a passion for pieces produced during the 1920s and ’30s. Shop a large selection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What years are considered Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1920 and 1939 are generally considered to be the age of Art Deco. However, the name of the movement didn't arrive until 1925, when the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, France, introduced Art Deco design to the world. After the 1930s, Art Deco continued to have an impact, influencing the Streamline Moderne and mid-century modern styles. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry, furniture and decorative objects.

Art Deco Swimsuit

1920s French Skirt Suits

Wool knit Art Deco bathing suit in Chanel or Patou Style- France Circa 1925

Vintage 1950s French Art Deco Paintings

"On the Beach", Art Deco Painting of Reclining Young Man in Swimsuit

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Bing and Grondahl, porcelain figurine of girl in swimsuit. Rare Art Deco figure.

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Paintings

"Yellow Swimsuit, " Ghostly Casein Painting of a Man at the Beach, in 1943

Vintage 1930s Spanish Art Deco Posters

Original Vintage Travel Poster Winter In Majorca Spain Carlos Puntis Art Deco

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Paintings

"Splashing in the Waves, " Art Deco Seaside Painting by Texas Artist

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"Bathers at the Shore, " Art Deco Painting of Swimmers by Karfunkle

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

French Art Deco Sculpture Figurine Female Wakeboarder Marble Socle Avantgarde

Vintage 1930s German Posters

Original Vintage Travel Poster Summer Beach Riviera Hapag Reiseburo Art Deco

1940s Post-War Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

C. VillarsFrench Illustration Aviation Poster Project Gouache Drawing by C. Villars, circa 1940

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Paintings

"Lost in Thought", Large Painting of Young Man and Bathers, Felix Meseck, 1938

20th Century French Pillows and Throws

Large Vintage Jacques Heim French Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Cushion Pillow

1930s Art Deco More Prints

Original Vintage Travel Poster Summer Beach Riviera Hapag Reiseburo Art Deco, 1937

1930s Art Deco More Prints

Carlos Puntis NebotOriginal Vintage Travel Poster Winter In Majorca Spain Carlos Puntis Art Deco, 1930s

People Also Browsed

1980s French Coats and Outerwear

KENZO FW 1982/83 Archival Wool Coat Japanese Jacket Documented

1970s English Maxi Dresses

Ossie Clark For Radley Pink Crepe Maxi Dress With Keyhole Neckline

1930s Naturalistic Nude Paintings

Louise SchachtNude Man In Bathing Suit, Male Nude in Speedo, Gay art, Sex appeal, Circa 1930's

1970s American Evening Gowns

Oscar de la Renta Navy Silk Lacing-Bodice Elizabethan Revival Gown - Small, 1971

1980s French Skirt Suits

Thierry Mugler Vintage Strawberry Red Skirt & Blazer Suit w Black Velvet Trim

1990s Italian Evening Dresses

1990s Atelier Versace by Gianni Versace Beaded Mesh Silk Dress

1940s American Cocktail Dresses

1940s Black Crepe Sheath Dress with Multi Color Sequins

1940s Cocktail Dresses

Beautiful 1940s Vintage Royal Blue Silk Velvet Dress w/ Lace & Rhinestones

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Deco Paintings

"Arms Raised", Striking Portrait of Nude Male Youth by Jarl, Denmark

1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns

GIANNI VERSACE S/S 1997 Runway Vintage Satin Lace Embroidered Gown

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Paintings

"Knockout", Superb Art Deco Painting by François-Louis Schmied, Book Designer

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Paintings

"Five Olympic Rowers", Monumental 1930s Painting of Nude Male Oarsmen

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

"Late Afternoon on the Beach", Mid Century Painting w/ Blond Nude Male Figure

21st Century and Contemporary French Mini Dresses

Jean Paul Gaultier Iconic Black Bondage Cone Bra Mini Bodycon Dress Size S

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Paintings

"Frieze of Nude Male Figures, " Art Deco Scene of Bathers and Workers, France

1960s French Pleated Skirts

Jean Patou Vintage Navy Blue Wool and Silk Asymmetric Pleated Mod Skirt, 1960s

Recent Sales

1920s Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Demetre ChiparusDanseuse de Plage by Demetre Chiparus, 1925

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pillows and Throws

Large Vintage Jacques Heim French Silk Fabric with Irish Linen Cushion Pillow

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Bertrand de Vismesfigurative drawing "Female swimsuit yellow riviera" watercolors ink on paper, 2017

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Shadow Boxes

Art Deco Flapper's Woolen Swim Suit, circa 1920s

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Shadow Boxes

Art Deco Flapper's Woolen Swim Suit, circa 1920s

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Posters

Original Antique Travel Poster Brighton Charming English Seaside Resort Art Deco

1930s Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Jean-Gabriel DomergueOriginal Vintage Travel Poster L'Ete a Monte Carlo by Domergue c1937, c1937

Early 20th Century French Sculptures

Oversized French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of Diving Maiden

Vintage 1920s Spanish Art Deco Posters

C. Villars
French Illustration Aviation Poster Project Gouache Drawing by C. Villars, circa 1940

Carlos Puntis Nebot
Original Vintage Travel Poster Winter In Majorca Spain Carlos Puntis Art Deco, 1930s

Louise Schacht
Nude Man In Bathing Suit, Male Nude in Speedo, Gay art, Sex appeal, Circa 1930's

Demetre Chiparus
Danseuse de Plage by Demetre Chiparus, 1925

Bertrand de Vismes
figurative drawing "Female swimsuit yellow riviera" watercolors ink on paper, 2017

Jean-Gabriel Domergue
Original Vintage Travel Poster L'Ete a Monte Carlo by Domergue c1937, c1937

Pierre Commarmond
Original Antique Travel Poster Brighton Charming English Seaside Resort Art Deco, 1921

J. Segrelles
Original Vintage Travel Poster Visitad San Sebastian Queen Of The Beach Resort, 1926

Bruno Zach
Bruno Zach Art Deco Bronze Skulpture "Standing Young Girl in a Swimsuit", 1925-1930