Walk into an Art Deco room and you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie from the 1920s! This fancy style makes spaces feel special with its bold shapes, shiny stuff, and eye-catching details. Art Deco first became popular about 100 years ago when people were excited about new ideas, fast cars, and tall buildings. The style mixes luxury with fun in a way that still looks cool today. From the Empire State Building to the furniture in fancy old hotels, Art Deco has a look that’s easy to spot once you know what to look for. Let’s explore the special features that make Art Deco stand out from other design styles!
Geometric Patterns and Shapes
Zigzags and Chevrons
If you see lots of zigzag lines in a room, chances are you’re looking at Art Deco! These V-shaped patterns called chevrons are one of the most famous Art Deco features. They look like lightning bolts or mountain peaks all in a row. Art Deco designers put zigzags everywhere – on floors, walls, furniture, and even in the shape of buildings! The zigzag wasn’t just pretty – it felt modern and energetic, like the fast-paced life of the 1920s and 30s. You might see zigzags made from different colored woods on furniture, painted on walls, or in tile patterns on floors and fireplaces.
Sunbursts and Starbursts
Another shape you’ll see all the time in Art Deco is the sunburst or starburst. This pattern looks like rays shooting out from a center point, like a sun with its beams spreading outward. Sunbursts show up on mirrors, clock faces, furniture inlays, ceiling decorations, and even on the tops of buildings like the famous Chrysler Building in New York. These designs made people think of energy, power, and new technology like radio waves. Today, a sunburst mirror or clock is an easy way to add Art Deco style to any room.
Geometric Blocks and Steps
Art Deco loves shapes with straight lines and sharp angles. You’ll often see designs that look like blocks stacked on top of each other, getting smaller as they go up – almost like steps or stairs. This “stepped” design (sometimes called a “ziggurat” shape) was used on buildings, furniture, lamps, and decorations. It was inspired partly by ancient buildings like Mayan temples and partly by modern skyscrapers. Art Deco furniture often has this stepped look, with tops or sides that rise up in blocks. Even small items like bookends and vases might have this stepped design.
Materials and Textures
Luxurious Woods and Veneers
Art Deco furniture often uses fancy types of wood with beautiful grain patterns. Instead of carving the wood like older styles did, Art Deco shows off the natural beauty of wood grain. Common woods include:
- Ebony (very dark, almost black)
- Zebra wood (with dramatic stripes)
- Bird’s eye maple (with small circular patterns)
- Walnut (rich brown color)
- Mahogany (reddish-brown)
Most Art Deco furniture doesn’t use solid wood all the way through. Instead, it uses “veneers” – thin slices of fancy wood glued onto cheaper wood underneath. This made the furniture less expensive while still looking luxurious. The veneers were often arranged in patterns called “book matching” or “diamond matching” to create geometric designs from the wood grain itself.
Metals and Mirror
Shiny metals are super important in Art Deco design! Unlike older styles that used mostly silver, gold, or brass, Art Deco embraced new industrial metals like:
- Chrome (silvery and very reflective)
- Aluminum (lightweight and modern)
- Stainless steel (strong and sleek)
These metals showed up as furniture legs, lamp bases, door handles, stair railings, and decorative details. They were often polished to a high shine. Mirrors are another key Art Deco feature, used to make spaces feel bigger and reflect light. Art Deco mirrors might have frames with stepped designs or sunburst patterns. Some furniture pieces had entire surfaces covered in mirrored glass. Chrome and mirrors together created the perfect shiny, modern Art Deco look.
Exotic Materials
Art Deco designers loved using unusual, exotic materials from around the world. This was a time when global travel was becoming more common, and designers were inspired by materials from Africa, South America, and Asia. You might find Art Deco pieces featuring:
- Shagreen (bumpy leather made from shark or ray skin)
- Leather (often dyed in bright colors)
- Mother of pearl (shimmery material from seashells)
- Ivory (now replaced with faux ivory)
- Tortoiseshell (now replaced with faux materials)
- Lacquer (super shiny, often colored coating)
- Exotic marbles and stones
These materials were often used as inlays or accents on furniture. They added color, texture, and a feeling of luxury and worldliness to Art Deco designs.
Stylistic Elements
Bold Curves and Streamlining
While Art Deco uses lots of straight lines and angles, it also loves smooth, bold curves. These aren’t the delicate, nature-inspired curves of earlier styles, but strong, simple curves that suggest speed and movement. Think of the rounded corners on a 1930s radio or the smooth curve of a sports car fender. This “streamlined” look was inspired by new ideas about aerodynamics (the science of how things move through air). Streamlined designs looked modern and fast – perfect for the age of airplanes, fast cars, and ocean liners! In furniture, you’ll see rounded chair arms, curved bar fronts, and kidney-shaped vanity tables.
Stepped Silhouettes
The stepped or “setback” design is so important to Art Deco that it deserves another mention! This shape, where each level gets smaller as it goes up, is a signature Art Deco look. It was used most famously in skyscraper designs (thanks to 1916 zoning laws in New York that required buildings to get narrower as they got taller). But the stepped shape appears everywhere in Art Deco:
- Furniture with tops that rise in layers
- Lamp bases that get smaller toward the top
- Fireplace surrounds with stepped details
- Mirror frames with stepped edges
- Clock cases with multiple levels
- Even in smaller items like bookends and vases
This stepped shape gives Art Deco its distinct profile and helps make the style easy to recognize.
Contrasting Colors and Inlays
Art Deco loves bold contrasts – in shapes, materials, and especially in colors. Black and white together is a classic Art Deco combination, seen in checkerboard floors and bold striped walls. But contrast also comes through in the way different materials are put together. Art Deco furniture often features inlays – pieces of contrasting materials set into the surface to create patterns. You might see:
- Light wood inlaid into dark wood
- Metal strips set into wood
- Colored glass inlaid into furniture or walls
- Mother of pearl designs on black lacquer
These inlays usually form geometric patterns like sunbursts, zigzags, or stepped designs. The contrast between materials makes the patterns pop and adds interest even to simple pieces.
Iconic Art Deco Features by Room
Living Room Elements
The living room is where Art Deco really shines! Key features include:
- Bold sofa with curved arms and geometric patterns
- Club chairs with streamlined shapes
- Coffee tables with mirror or glass tops
- Cocktail cabinet or bar cart (drinking was a big part of 1920s life!)
- Sunburst or stepped mirror over fireplace
- Geometric pattern rug in contrasting colors
- Table lamps with stepped bases and geometric shades
- Wall sconces that direct light upward
- Radio cabinet (the exciting new technology of the time)
- Bold geometric wallpaper or wall panels
Art Deco living rooms were meant for entertaining and making an impression. They mixed comfort with drama and always included conversation-starting pieces.
Bedroom Features
Art Deco bedrooms feel glamorous, like a movie star’s room! Look for:
- Bed with tall headboard, often upholstered or with mirror inlays
- Vanity table with round or oval mirror
- Bench or stool with luxurious fabric
- Wardrobes with geometric veneer patterns
- Nightstands with stepped design
- Dressing screen (often lacquered or mirrored)
- Ceiling fixture with frosted glass panels
- Satin or velvet bedding in bold colors
- Stepped wall moldings or trim
- Matching bedroom set with waterfall edges
“Waterfall furniture” is a special type of Art Deco design where the wood grain curves over the edge of dressers and vanities, looking like a waterfall flowing over rocks. This style became very popular in the 1930s.
Bathroom and Kitchen Design
Even practical rooms got the Art Deco treatment! Bathrooms featured:
- Black and white tile in geometric patterns
- Colored tile in jade green, pink, or yellow
- Wall-mounted sinks with chrome legs
- Medicine cabinet with stepped frame
- Light fixtures with frosted glass shades
- Chrome towel bars and accessories
Art Deco kitchens were all about being modern and clean:
- Streamlined cabinets with rounded corners
- Colorful countertops in red, green, yellow, or black
- Chrome hardware and fixtures
- Built-in features like ironing boards and breakfast nooks
- Linoleum floors with geometric patterns
- New electric appliances with streamlined designs
These rooms balanced style with function, making even everyday spaces feel special and up-to-date.
Art Deco Architectural Features
Exterior Elements
Art Deco buildings stand out with their unique details:
- Stepped roof lines that get smaller toward the top
- Decorative panels with geometric designs
- Stylized plants, animals, or people carved above doors
- Zigzag or chevron patterns around windows and doors
- Vertical lines that make buildings look taller
- Curved corners on streamlined buildings
- Contrasting materials (like black granite with white marble)
- Dramatic entrances with metalwork and glass
- Bold lettering for building names
- Flagpoles and spires at the top
Famous Art Deco buildings include the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building in New York, the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles, and the colorful hotels of Miami Beach.
Interior Architectural Features
Inside Art Deco buildings, you’ll find special architectural details:
- Dramatic staircases with decorative railings
- Elevator doors with geometric metalwork
- Mailboxes, directory boards, and signs with Art Deco lettering
- Terrazzo floors (with chips of marble or glass)
- Ceiling designs with stepped moldings
- Built-in features like shelves and cabinets
- Wall panels with inlaid wood or metalwork
- Light fixtures hanging from chains or stepped ceiling medallions
- Stylized nature motifs (simplified plants or animals)
- Floor and wall coverings with bold geometric patterns
These features were used in homes but were even more dramatic in public buildings like theaters, hotels, and office buildings.
Art Deco Features Comparison Table
| Feature | Art Deco | Art Nouveau | Mid-Century Modern | Traditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shapes | Geometric, zigzags, steps | Flowing curves, whiplash lines | Organic shapes, clean lines | Classical proportions, symmetry |
| Materials | Exotic woods, chrome, mirror, lacquer | Natural woods, wrought iron, stained glass | Plywood, fiberglass, plastic | Hardwoods, brass, fabric |
| Colors | Bold contrasts, black & white, jewel tones | Nature-inspired, muted greens & purples | Bright accents with neutrals | Rich, warm tones, deep reds & blues |
| Patterns | Sunbursts, chevrons, geometric | Flowers, vines, insects | Atomic, boomerang, starburst | Florals, stripes, plaids |
| Furniture | Heavy, luxurious, streamlined | Curved, organic, nature-motifs | Light, functional, minimal | Substantial, ornate, comfortable |
| Lighting | Frosted glass, uplighting, stepped bases | Flower-shaped shades, nature themes | Sputnik, bubble, sculptural | Crystal, fabric shades, traditional |
| Influences | Machine Age, skyscrapers, global travel | Nature, Japanese art, mysticism | Science, space age, Scandinavian | Historical periods, classical antiquity |
| Feeling | Bold, glamorous, modern | Romantic, mystical, natural | Optimistic, casual, clean | Formal, familiar, traditional |
How to Spot Authentic Art Deco Features
If you’re looking for real Art Deco pieces from the 1920s and 30s (rather than modern copies), here are some tips:
- Look for quality materials even in small details – real Art Deco used good stuff throughout
- Check for veneer damage – old veneers often crack or bubble over time
- Examine metalwork for a soft patina – original chrome or brass won’t be perfectly shiny anymore
- Look at the back and bottom of furniture – old pieces often show different construction methods
- Check glass for slight waviness or bubbles – old glass wasn’t as perfect as today’s
- Look for Bakelite (early plastic) handles and details – they have a special feel and sound when tapped
- Notice the hardware – original Art Deco pieces have distinctive handles and hinges
- Feel the weight – original pieces are often heavier than modern reproductions
- Look for maker’s marks – many Art Deco pieces were labeled by their manufacturers
- Check proportions – authentic Art Deco has bold but balanced proportions that copies often get wrong
Whether you find original pieces or good modern interpretations, understanding these key features will help you bring Art Deco style into your home in an authentic way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Art Deco and Art Nouveau?
People often mix up Art Deco and Art Nouveau because the names sound similar, but they look very different! Art Nouveau came first (1890-1910) and features flowing, curvy lines inspired by plants, flowers, and nature. It looks whimsical and romantic. Art Deco came later (1920s-30s) and features bold geometric shapes, straight lines, and zigzags inspired by machines and modern life. Art Nouveau might have a lamp base shaped like flowing vines, while Art Deco would have a lamp with a stepped base made of chrome and black glass.
Is all Art Deco furniture big and heavy?
While Art Deco furniture is often substantial and makes a statement, not all pieces are large. The style includes smaller items like side tables, vanity stools, and bar carts that can fit in any size home. Even smaller Art Deco pieces usually have the style’s typical features: bold shapes, luxury materials, and geometric details. If you live in a small space, look for Art Deco accent pieces rather than large furniture, or try Art Deco lighting and accessories that don’t take up floor space.
Can I mix Art Deco features with other styles?
Absolutely! Art Deco mixes well with many other styles, especially:
- Modern/contemporary (both share clean lines and bold shapes)
- Hollywood Regency (both love glamour and shine)
- Mid-century modern (they share some streamlined qualities)
- Traditional (Art Deco pieces can be statement accents)
The key to mixing Art Deco with other styles is to pick one or two strong Art Deco features rather than using all of them. A sunburst mirror over a modern sofa, or an Art Deco lamp on a traditional table can look great. Try connecting styles with a common color scheme or by choosing Art Deco pieces in woods that match your existing furniture.
Are Art Deco features hard to incorporate in a regular home?
Not at all! While full Art Deco style might be too bold for some homes, individual Art Deco features are easy to add:
- A mirror with a sunburst or stepped frame
- A lamp with a geometric shade and base
- Throw pillows with zigzag or geometric patterns
- A small side table with mirrored or lacquered surfaces
- Black and white tile in a small bathroom
- Chrome hardware on cabinets or doors
- Framed vintage Art Deco travel posters or advertisements
Start with one room or even one corner, and add Art Deco features that you love. You don’t need to transform your whole home to enjoy this stylish look.
How can I tell real Art Deco features from reproductions?
It can be hard to tell original Art Deco pieces from modern reproductions, but here are some tips:
- Original pieces often show some wear, especially on corners and edges
- Veneer might be lifting slightly on old wood furniture
- Old mirrors may have some spotting or darkening
- Original hardware has a different look from modern copies
- Construction methods like dovetail joints look different on old pieces
- Original chrome has a slightly warmer tone than new chrome
If you’re buying expensive pieces, look for documentation or work with a reputable dealer. For most home decorating, good quality reproductions can look great and be more practical than fragile antiques.
