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
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
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.
Art Deco Peach Mirror Glass Mantle Clock by Smiths Clock Company, c1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
Superb 1930's Art Deco mantel clock by Smiths the British clockmakers . Heavy thick peach mirror glass with gold tone stylized Deco numerals all resting on a chrome plinth . Beautifu...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco English 8 Day Walnut Wall Clock, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this large sized Art Deco Walnut wall clock, English, circa 1930, fully serviced and keeping good time. The dial is made up of book paged figured walnut cen...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Brass Mantel Clock Set with Vases, Westminster Chime, Rising Sun 1920s
Located in Lisse, NL
Interesting and very attractive Art Deco mantle / mantel clock, circa 1920. Some of the most attractive designs date from the Art Deco era and this remarkable clock set is no excep...
Brass, Bronze
Art Deco Very Attractive Miniature 1930s French Bakelite Clock by Dep
By DEP
Located in Devon, England
Very attractive 1930s Art Deco French Bakelite clock by Dep. This delightful little clock is super rare, in fact this is the second one we've ev...
Chrome
Art Deco Chrome 'Smiths' Clock By A.L. Davenport, England, c1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
Is this very iconic shaped Art Deco chrome table clock made by the English Clockmakers 'Smiths' dating to 1930 the Art Deco period. Fully working an...
Chrome
1920’s Bakelite Italian Railway Station Wall Clock from the Italian Riviera
Located in London, GB
Rare Italian station wall clock, found in Rapallo in the Italian Riviera. Made from wood carcass with Plastic and Bakelite fascia, with a metal clock face and weighted pendulum.
Glass
French Art Deco 1930's Signed Limousin Marble Figural Clock Set
By Limousin
Located in Carmine, TX
Elegant French Art Deco clock set, circa 1930, featuring a richly veined marble base, gilt-bronze/patinated metal figural centerpiece depicting a seated woman, and matching decorativ...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Art Deco Large Copper Mirror Electric Mantle Clock by Temco, England, C1930
By Temco
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this very stylish large copper coloured glass & chrome frame Art Deco Clock. Remarkable condition for it's age is this totally authentic 1930s Art Deco ...
Chrome
Onyx and Enamel Desk Clock by J.E. Caldwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Art Deco style is beautifully executed in this enchanting desk clock by J.E. Caldwell. The gilded dial, beautifully enameled in midnight blue and celadon green, sports four perfect apples in relief at its corners, and is framed by a luxurious plaque of amber-hued onyx. Venerable American jeweler J. E. Caldwell & Co. from Philadelphia is known for its Art Nouveau and Deco jewels. One of the oldest fine jewelers in the United States, the company was founded in 1839 by James Emmott Caldwell and supplied wealthy Philadelphians with stylish European jewelry, silver, and objets d'art. The store itself was a study in opulence, with hand-cut Baccarat chandeliers and French Regency-style oak cabinetry designed by Horace Trumbauer...
Onyx, Enamel
Marble and Gilt Bronze Clock, Machine Signed Bonnet and Pottier, France, 1920
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Marble and gilt bronze clock. Machine signed Bonnet and Pottier, France, 1920.
Marble, Bronze
Art Deco 8 Day Modernist Green Glass Clock, c1930
Located in Devon, England
Still with it's original box is this Very impressive and rare 1930's Art Deco green and clear glass and chrome 8 day clock. Superb condition, just some mild corrosion to some areas o...
Brass, Steel
Art Deco Style Chrome or Silveroid Desk Timepiece
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a lovely Art Deco style chrome or silveroid desk timepiece. Probably made circa 1980. The case is a solid circular shaped chrome or sil...
Silver Plate, Chrome
Art Deco Streamline Bakelite & Chrome Alarm Clock Calendar, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
Perfect Hungarian Art Deco Bakelite table clock in great condition from 1930s. Works excellent and is punctual! Alarm function silent-able. A good sized clock, perfect for desks, sid...
Chrome
Art Deco Stylish Mantel Clock By Gustav Becker, Germany, c1930
Located in Devon, England
Absolutely spectacular Art Deco mantel clock with a wonderful cloud shape case with the movement marked GB a clockmaker Gustav Becker dating the clock to...
Brass
Art Deco Modernist Chrome Travel Alarm Clock, c1930
Located in Devon, England
Offered for your consideration is this high end, extremely good quality Art Deco German Alarm travel clock. A superb movement is house inside the case and is in excellent working condition, the alarm working as well having been recently and professionally serviced by a horologist. We believe the clock is most likely by Junghans but we can only attribute it as it's not marked. The curved round shouldered...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Modernist 8 Day Chrome Clock by CYMA, c1930
Located in Devon, England
Impressive 1930s modernist clock by CYMA. Fully serviced by our horologist and in excellent working order, keeping good time. This really is a deceptively heavy clock with a solid br...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Travel Clock in Green Leather from England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Art Deco travel clock from England, encased in a dark green textured leather foldable case, radiates elegance and practicality. Its white ce...
Leather
Original Antique Gents of Leicester Kitchen Railway Station Wall Clock
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Large Antique Wooden Gents of Leicester Station Wall Clock – A An original railway station clock manufactured by the British company Gents & Co Ltd of Leicester. The clock has a...
Metal
Vintage Piper Grandfather Clock, Hermle Movement with Westminster Chime.
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Vintage, 1976, weight-driven Piper grandfather clock. The clock has a West Germany Franz Hermle 451-053 85cm / 70.77 movement with a beautiful Westminster Chime. The chime goes on ev...
Wood
Industrial Bakelite Factory Wall Clock from Pragotron, 1970s
By Pragotron
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This wall clock was produced by Pragotron in former Czechoslovakia during the 1970s. The piece features a dark brown (black) bakelite frame, a black bakelite dial, an aluminum hands ...
Glass, Bakelite
$790 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 19.3 in
Huge Bakelite Industrial Train Station Round Wall Clock from the 1940s
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to three big loft or industrial wall clocks from the 1940s. straight and beautiful design, with a domed clocks face, the housing is made of dark brown / black Bakelite. Measures: ...
Glass, Bakelite
$628
H 8.67 in W 9.06 in D 4.34 in
Original Art Deco Table Clock, Walnut, Brass, Glass, Repolished, Czech, 1920s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
These table clocks represent the refined taste and craftsmanship of Czechoslovakia during the 1920s. The design follows the popular Art Deco style. This movement focused on geometric...
Brass
Industrial Bakelite Factory Wall Clock from Pragotron, 1970s
By Pragotron
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This wall clock was produced by Pragotron in former Czechoslovakia during the 1970s. The piece features a dark brown (black) bakelite frame, a black bakelite dial, an aluminum hands ...
Glass, Bakelite
Westminster Chiming Grandmother Clock in a Mahogany Case
Located in Montreal, QC
This grandmother clock has a spring-driven, three train, chiming movement, facilitating the Westminster chime on a nest of gong rods. The case is mad...
Brass
$1,245
H 6.5 in W 3.75 in D 3.25 in
Art Deco Skyscraper Style Hammond Bakelite Electric Clock w/ Day Date Function
By Hammond
Located in New York, NY
This striking Art Deco electric clock by Hammond, crafted in the United States circa 1930, embodies the quintessential skyscraper style that defines the bold, geometric elegance of t...
Glass, Bakelite
Omega, a Wood and Enamel Art Deco Eight Day Desk Clock
By Omega
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Omega. A wood and enamel Art Deco eight day desk clock Singed Omega. Polished wooden case, two polychrome enamel panels with floral and geometric motif, gilt case back, dial signed. Very good conditions. Working conditions. It just been cleaned. Rare example of these Art Deco Enamel Clocks...
Brass, Enamel
$1,900
H 3 in W 3 in D 3 in
Tiffany & Co. by Concord Sterling Silver Art Deco Hand Hammered 8 Day Clock 1930
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Concord for Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Hand Hammered / Art Deco 8 Day Travel Clock METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA ...
Sterling Silver
$975
H 3.5 in W 4.13 in D 1.88 in
Art Deco Catalin or Bakelite "Viking" Machine Age Desk Clock, American, 1930s
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare and visually striking Art Deco desk clock dating to the 1930s, featuring a bold Machine Age composition in richly colored Catalin or Bakelite. The cylindrical amber c...
Bakelite
$280Sale Price|30% Off
H 8.25 in W 4 in D 26 in
Antique Art Deco Walnut Mantel Desk Clock Key Wound Chiming Bauhaus 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique art deco style, key wound, chiming mantel clock with a wooden oxbow/yoke shaped case and brass numbers. Dimensions 26” x 4” x 8.25” / Face – 6.75” (Width x Depth x Height/Di...
Walnut
Sold
H 10.63 in W 8.67 in D 2.76 in
Spectacular Art Deco Green Mirror Glass Mantle Clock by Smiths , c1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
Superb 1930's Art Deco mantel clock by Smiths the British clockmakers . Heavy thick green mirror glass with gold tone stylized Deco numerals all resting on a black vitrolite ( compre...
Brass
Sold
H 10.63 in W 8.67 in D 2.76 in
Art Deco Green Mirror Glass Mantle Clock by Smiths Clock Company, c1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
Superb 1930's Art Deco mantel clock by Smiths the British clockmakers . Heavy thick green mirror glass with gold tone stylized Deco numerals all resting on a black vitrolite ( compre...
Brass
Art Deco Extremely Rare Modernist Blue Glass & Mirror Clock, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this fabulous 1930s modernist clock originating from England. You only have to do a little research to find out how rare these clocks are, they just don't c...
Chrome
Sold
H 5.91 in W 9.85 in D 1.97 in
Art Deco Pink Glass & Brass Mantle Clock by Smiths Clock Makers, circa 1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
Original 1930's pink / lilac glass clock by the English clock makers Smiths. Beautiful coloured dial face which sits of a solid highly polished brass plinth with brass numerals and a...
Brass
Art Deco Chrome 8 Day Clock , By 'Smiths' , England, c1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
Is this very iconic shaped Art Deco chrome & bakelite table clock made by the English Clockmakers 'Smiths' dating to 1930 the Art Deco period. Fully working and serviced by a qualifi...
Chrome
Sold
H 6.11 in W 9.06 in D 3.15 in
Super Rare 1939 Dated and Carved Robert Mouseman Thompson Smiths Mantle Clock
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime highly collectable Robert Mouseman Thompson 1939 carved and dated mantle clock with the original Smiths movement I bought this piece for myself, I don't want to sell it, it is one of two I have seen with the dates carved in the front, the other one was 1940. As you can see it has the 19 on the left and 39 on the right If your looking at this listing then you know exactly what it is and what the clocks are currently selling for, the market has sky rocketed...
Wood
Sold
H 8.27 in W 7.09 in D 2.76 in
Art Deco English Chrome Clock , 8 Day, Mechanical, by Smiths, circa 1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
This is a stunning quality made Art Deco chrome clock by the English clockmakers Smiths - it has an 8 day movement and is in excellent working o...
Chrome
Art Deco English Wall Clock, by Smiths Clocks, circa 1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this original 1930s Art Deco wall clock by English clock makers Smiths. Originally had an electrical movement which we've converted to battery - uses double...
Glass, Plaster
Art Deco English Mantle Clock, 8 Day, Serviced, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
This is a stunning quality made clock by the English clockmakers SEC ( Smiths Electric Clock) - it has an 8 day movement and is in excellent working order having been fully serviced ...
Marble, Chrome
Art Deco Westminster Chime Mantle Clock, Haller, c1930
Located in Devon, England
A magnificent and original Art Deco mantle clock for your consideration, Circa 1930. Stunning profile, having a high squared centre and slender, tapered wings. Reminiscent of the gol...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco High Quality French Mantle Clock, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this fabulous 1930's Art Deco French Mantle clock with a superb modernist feel. Highly figured wood with chrome accents. Superbly styled Deco stretched nume...
Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 4.93 in W 7.88 in D 3.15 in
Art Deco Stylish Geometric Chrome / Oak 8 Day Mantle Clock, France, c1930's
Located in Devon, England
Stylish Geometric Art Deco Chrome / Oak 8 Day Mantle Clock, made in France, circa 1930's . A beautiful clock with the quintessential Art Deco aesthetic in working order having been s...
Chrome