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.

What defines Art Deco?

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.

What is an Art Deco lamp?

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.

What is art deco ring?

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.

When did Art Deco originate?

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.

What was Art Deco influenced by?

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.

How do I identify Art Deco?

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.

What is an art deco watch?

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

What is art deco jewelry?

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.

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

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.

What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?

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.

Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?

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.

What are the main features of Art Deco?

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.

What are the key features of Art Deco?

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

What is Art Deco style furniture?

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.

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

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.

Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?

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.

What are Art Deco engagement rings?

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.

What are art deco lamps made of?

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 Swimmer

Robin Artine SmithArt Deco Swimmer - Summer Fun - Female Illustrator, 1940

$12,500

H 13.25 in W 9 in

Art Deco Swimmer - Summer Fun - Female Illustrator

By Robin Artine Smith

Located in Miami, FL

Mid-West Female Illustrator Robin Artine Smith depicts a female swimmer running from the beach into the water. The poster-like graphic image captures a peak moment of pure fun and j...

Category

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache, Pencil

Enrique AlférezSwimmer, 1900s

Price Upon Request

H 8 in W 36 in D 3 in

Swimmer

Located in New Orleans, LA

Artist Enrique Alférez was born in Zacatecas, Mexico and lived nearly the entire 20th century. After service in the Mexican Revolution as a youth, he emigrated to Texas, studied in C...

Category

20th Century Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Louis Giraud Nude Ceramic / Pottery “Swimmer” Sculpture Vallauris 1940s

$2,850

H 24 in W 9.5 in D 7 in

Art Deco Louis Giraud Nude Ceramic / Pottery “Swimmer” Sculpture Vallauris 1940s

By Louis Giraud

Located in Southampton, NJ

A c1940 Art Deco ceramic "Swimmer" sculpture by Louis Giraud for Vallauris of France.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Walnut

"At the Beach", Art Deco Relief Sculptures, Swimmers and Borzoi, Gold & Ivory

$3,250 / set

H 15 in W 10.75 in D 1 in

"At the Beach", Art Deco Relief Sculptures, Swimmers and Borzoi, Gold & Ivory

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These elegant and high-style Art Deco pierced sculptural panels, very rare, depict two tall, slender, impossibly elegant figures on the beach: a tall, athletic young man in a swimsui...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

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

$4,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 32.75 in W 24.5 in D 1 in

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

By David Karfunkle

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Beautifully painted in muted tones of honey, soft blue and dusty pink, this evocative painting from the 1930s depicts two nude and semi-nude female figures along the seashore, framin...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Nude Swimmers and Octopus, " Study for Art Deco Mural in Black, Pink and Blue

$3,200

H 12.75 in W 9.75 in D 0.1 in

"Nude Swimmers and Octopus, " Study for Art Deco Mural in Black, Pink and Blue

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Highly sophisticated and striking in conception and execution, this study for an Art Deco bathroom mural depicts -- appropriately -- male and female nude figures swimming in an under...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Paint

Bronze Art Deco Style Sculpture of a Nude Swimmer By Wayne Current

$2,495

H 10 in W 18.5 in D 8 in

Bronze Art Deco Style Sculpture of a Nude Swimmer By Wayne Current

By Wayne Current

Located in Peabody, MA

Bronze sculpture of a nude swimmer in motion, mounted on a granite base, by Wayne Current, from a limited edition of 30, circa late 20th century.

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Granite, Bronze

Swimming Medal Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace Olympic Circa 1910 Rare Swimmer

$895

H 1.9 in W 1 in

Swimming Medal Art Nouveau Pendant Necklace Olympic Circa 1910 Rare Swimmer

Located in New York, NY

THIS IS A GORGEOUS AND VERY RARE ART NOUVEAU - ART DECO PENDANT DEPICTING A SWIMMER SWIMMING IN THE WATER.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Vintage Coney Island Men’s Swim Club Retro Mannequin

$1,632

H 26 in W 17 in D 10 in

Vintage Coney Island Men’s Swim Club Retro Mannequin

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Vintage Coney Island Men’s Swim Club Retro Mannequin Vintage Coney Island Men's Swim Club Retro Mannequin, our Muscular Torso is wearing 1930s style Mens Swims in red white an bla...

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Fiberglass

"Swimmers, Hammamet Gulf Beach, Tunisia", Watercolor by Vogue Illustrator

$2,900

H 14.5 in W 18.25 in D 0.5 in

"Swimmers, Hammamet Gulf Beach, Tunisia", Watercolor by Vogue Illustrator

By Porter Woodruff

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Full of light and color, this highly evocative watercolor painting by Porter Woodruff depicts a group of Tunisian youth swimming off the beach along Hammamet Gulf in Tunisia, near hi...

Category

Vintage 1930s Tunisian Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Paint

an Art Deco Green Glass Poisson Vase by R.Lalique

$27,055

H 9.45 in Dm 9.45 in

an Art Deco Green Glass Poisson Vase by R.Lalique

By René Lalique

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

The design is strongly Art Deco and the large fishes swim all around the vase's body.

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Vases

Materials

Materials

Onyx, Spelter

"The Swimmers, " Superb Art Deco Painting Influenced by Cubism, 1934

Sold

H 24 in W 20 in D 1 in

"The Swimmers, " Superb Art Deco Painting Influenced by Cubism, 1934

By Halley Johnson

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Superbly conceived and executed in a palette of deep blues, rich browns and sandy whites, this sun-drenched depiction of two swim-suited male figures with a sail boat and scudding cl...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Paint

Rare Goldscheider Art Déco Figure 'Swimmer' Girl in Bathing Costume, Dakon, 1930

Sold

H 16.15 in W 4.93 in D 4.53 in

Rare Goldscheider Art Déco Figure 'Swimmer' Girl in Bathing Costume, Dakon, 1930

By Goldscheider Manufactory of Vienna, Stefan Dakon

Located in Vienna, AT

Excellent art ceramic figurine from the 1930s: Girl in blue bathing suit standing on toes, looking to the right and holding her cap with outstretched right arm in the air, left hand...

Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Sold

H 7.09 in W 10.79 in D 0.04 in

Swimmers / Woodcut Hand Colored in Tempera on Paper - Art Deco - 1920s

Located in Roma, IT

Image dimensions: 15 x 25 cm. Swimmers is an original xylograph on laid ivory-colored paper, hand-colored in tempera by an anonymous artist of the Art Nouveau at the beginning of XX...

Category

1920s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Materials

Tempera, Woodcut

Harold HaydonA Whimsical Art Deco Drawing of a Young Male Nude, "Swimmer Among the Stars"

Sold

Sold

H 1.38 in W 12.88 in D 10.38 in

Eric Ravilious Wedgwood Garden Series Platter with Swimmers

By Wedgwood, Eric Ravilious

Located in Essex, MA

A rare Eric Ravilious designed oval platter for Wedgwood from the Garden Series, depicting a swimmer about to dive into a pool, above another swimmer who is underwater, next to a str...

Category

Vintage 1950s English Art Deco Platters and Serveware

Materials

$42,000 / set

H 30.52 in W 41.74 in D 33.08 in

René Drouet Pair of Lounge Chairs in Olive Green Corduroy and Walnut

By René Drouet

Located in Waalwijk, NL

René Drouet, pair of lounge chairs, corduroy velvet, walnut, France, 1930s Designed by French decorator René Drouet, these club chairs are a quintessential example of French Art Dec...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

"Blond Nude in Blue Room", Mid Century Painting with Male Nude

$4,900

H 28.5 in W 22.75 in D 1.25 in

"Blond Nude in Blue Room", Mid Century Painting with Male Nude

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Sensitively and beautifully painted, this portrait of a young man, blond-haired, ruddy-complexioned and nude, was painted in the 1950s by Vito Tomasello. The subject is looking down...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

French Art Deco Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Butterfly Buffet by Jules Leleu

$100,000

H 35 in W 74.5 in D 19 in

French Art Deco Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Butterfly Buffet by Jules Leleu

By Jules Leleu

Located in North Bergen, NJ

Stunning French Art Deco credenza is designed by famous artisan Jules Leleu. It is comprised of mother-of-pearl inlay forming a butterfly motif with gold hardware, which accents the ...

Materials

Copper

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Art Deco Swimmer For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the art deco swimmer you’re looking for. An art deco swimmer — often made from paint, ceramic and fiberglass — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer art deco swimmer, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right art deco swimmer, those designed in Art Deco styles are of considerable interest. A well-made art deco swimmer has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by David Karfunkle, Louis Giraud and René Lalique are consistently popular.

How Much is a Art Deco Swimmer?

An art deco swimmer can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,274, while the lowest priced sells for $594 and the highest can go for as much as $35,030.

A Close Look at Art-deco Furniture

Art Deco furniture is characterized by its celebration of modern life. More than its emphasis on natural wood grains and focus on traditional craftsmanship, vintage Art Deco dining chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture — which typically refers to pieces produced during the 1920s and 1930s — is an ode to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties.”

ORIGINS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN

Emerged in the 1920s
Flourished while the popularity of Art Nouveau declined
Term derives from 1925’s Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) in Paris, France
Informed by Ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession; influenced Streamline Moderne and mid-century modernism

CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN

Bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs
Use of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood
Metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes
Embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory

ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

VINTAGE ART DECO FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

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 throughout the 1920s and ’30s, 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. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)

Art Deco textile designers employed dazzling floral motifs and vivid colors, and while Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked, they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture.

From mother-of-pearl inlaid vitrines to chrome aviator chairs, bold and inventive works in the Art Deco style include chaise longues (also known as chaise lounges) and curved armchairs. Today, the style is still favored by interior designers looking to infuse a home with an air of luxury and sophistication.

The vintage Art Deco furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes dressers, coffee tables, decorative objects and more.

Questions About Art Deco Swimmer

What is the history of Art Deco?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
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.
What defines Art Deco?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
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.
What is an Art Deco lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
What is art deco ring?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
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.
When did Art Deco originate?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
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.
What was Art Deco influenced by?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
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.
How do I identify Art Deco?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
What is an art deco watch?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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
What is art deco jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
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.
What was the Art Deco movement?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
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.
What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
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.
Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
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.
What are the main features of Art Deco?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
What are the key features of Art Deco?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Art Deco features bold geometric designs, clean lines and vibrant colors.
What is Art Deco style furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
How do I identify Art Deco furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
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.
Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
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.
What are Art Deco engagement rings?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023
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.
What are art deco lamps made of?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.