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 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 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 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 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

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 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

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 9

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 10

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 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

How do I identify an Art Deco lamp?

Accepted Answer

To identify an Art Deco lamp, first see if you can locate a maker's mark on it. Often, you can determine the maker and learn about the types of lamps it was known for by researching the maker's marks via online resources. If the maker produced lamps in the Art Deco style and your lamp dates to the 1920s or ’30s, it's a good possibility that your lamp is in the Art Deco style. Some makers who were famous for their Art Deco lamps include Lalique, Daum Frères, Tiffany and Charles Schneider. If you can't find a maker's marking, consider the overall design of your lamp. Fixtures dating back to the era typically feature ornate patterning, such as geometric motifs, sunbursts, ziggurats, linework and fountains. Commonly used materials included chrome, glass, Bakelite and bronze. When in doubt, consider having a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer assist you with making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Deco lamps.

Question 13

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 14

What is Art Deco’s time period?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco era is 1925 to 1940.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

What are the main characteristics of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco is characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, visual drama and metallic finishes.

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

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.

Art Deco Legs

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Center Tables

Art Deco Spider Leg Center Table

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Tables

Louis Vuitton for Rex bistro table with bakelite top, France, 1930s

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Tables

Art Deco Glass Top Table with Glass Legs

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Center Tables

Italian Art Deco Mirrored Coffee Table, Moustache Leg, 1940s

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Art Deco Octagonal Table Full Walnut 4 Curbed Legs

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

Art Deco Gueridon Side Table Chromed Legs Hexagonal Walnut

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Center Tables

Classic Warren McArthur "J" Leg Art Deco Center Table

Antique 1830s American Art Deco Footstools

Oversized Art Deco Ottoman/Footstool, Stepped Nickel Chromed Legs

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Art Deco Small Round Full Mahogany Table with Carfed Legs

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Patio and Garden Furniture

Art Deco Garden Patio Table with Crossed Arrow Legs

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian Art Deco wooden coffee table with semicircle legs, 1930s

2010s German Art Deco Console Tables

Console Art Deco Style in Black with Curved Legs

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Art Deco Side Tables

Art Deco End or Side Table Barley Twist Legs, 30s

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Gueridon

Art Deco Round Two Top Gueridon Birdseyemaple Black Legs

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Side Tables

Art Deco Rectangular Mahogany Side Table Legs with Brass Feet

20th Century French Art Deco Cupboards

Rosewood French Art Deco Tapered Legs Cupboard Buffet Breakfront Cabinet MINT!

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Armchairs

Empire Armchair - Handcrafted Modern Art Deco Armchair with Brass Legs

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Tables

French Art Deco Rosewood Gueridon with a Four Curved-Leg Pedestal

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Side Tables

Italian Art Deco Burl Walnut Coffee Side Table with Ebonized Legs

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Side Tables

Art Deco Machine Age Side Table with Streamline Reeded Leg Design

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Buffets

French Art Deco Parchment Buffet with Ebony Marble Top and "Portor" Legs

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Stools

Italian Art Deco brown painted wooden stool with three legs, 1920s

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Vitrines

Art Deco Cathedral Display Cabinet with Cabriole Legs, Vitrine, circa 1930

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Side Tables

French Art Deco Round Burl Wood Side Table with Black Legs

Vintage 1920s English Cabinets

Art Deco Australian Walnut Cabinet on Tapered Legs

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables

Art Deco Large Console/Side Table X Leg Shape Rosewood

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Tables

Art Deco Walnut Wood Black Ebonized Legs Squared Side or Coffee Table

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Benches

Antique French Art Deco Figural Bench With Cast Iron Winged Women Legs

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cabinets

Antique Art Deco Cabriole Leg Steel Metal Medical Dental Pharmacy Cabinet - Pair

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

French Art Déco Coffee Table Black High Gloss Lacquer Nickeled legs, 1930s

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vanities

Art Deco French Mirrored Vanity on Serpentine Legs with Tri-Fold Mirror

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Art Deco Spider Leg Coffee Table After Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, c. 1970s

2010s German Art Deco Console Tables

Console Art Deco Style in Walnut with Curved Legs from Germany

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Cupboards

Art Deco Burr Walnut Night Stands On Cabriole Legs & Figured Walnut Fronts

2010s German Art Deco Console Tables

Console Art Deco Style in oak with Curved Legs from Germany

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Dressers

1940s Art Deco Mahogany and Brass 8 Drawer Dresser on Canted Legs

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Stools

Empire Low Stool - Handcrafted Modern Art Deco Stool with Stained Legs

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Stools

Empire Bar Stool - Handcrafted Modern Art Deco Stool with Stained Legs

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Side Tables

Art Deco Skyscraper Style Stepped Detail Side Table with Black Lacquer Legs

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Cabinets