Art Deco: A Practical Guide to Style, History and Design

Art Deco grabbed the world's attention in the 1920s and 30s with bold geometry, luxe materials, and confident colour. It shows up in skyscrapers, furniture, jewelry and film sets. If you like strong lines, patterns and glamorous detail, Art Deco is for you.

What defines Art Deco?

Art Deco is about geometry: stepped forms, sunbursts, zigzags and chevrons. Materials lean rich—polished wood, chrome, glass, marble and lacquer. Colours pair deep tones like black, navy or emerald with brass, gold or chrome accents. Motifs come from machines, ancient cultures and nature, all stylised into sleek shapes. Proportion and symmetry matter; details are often repeated to create rhythm.

How to use Art Deco at home?

Start small. Swap a plain lamp for one with a stepped base or geometric shade. Choose a mirror or headboard with sunburst or fan patterns for instant impact. Use a bold rug with chevrons to anchor a living room. Keep textiles simple so metal and wood details stand out. Paint walls in a deep colour and add metallic trim or hardware for drama without clutter. For furniture, think streamlined sofas, tapered legs and glossy surfaces. Balance is key: mix one strong Art Deco piece with cleaner modern items so the room doesn’t feel overdone.

Lighting makes a huge difference. Choose fixtures with layered shapes or frosted glass and brass. Art Deco lamps often have stacked forms; place them on both sides of a bed or sofa to create symmetry. In small spaces, mirrors with geometric frames double light and style.

Pick patterns with purpose. If you use a chevron wallpaper, keep other elements calm. If you want more ornament, introduce a geometric cushion, a chrome coffee table, or a marble-top side table. Vintage stores and online auctions are great for authentic finds. Yet, new pieces often capture the look without the high price.

On a budget, choose reproductions or DIY details. Spray-paint old hardware in brass, add geometric stencils to cabinets, or reupholster a chair in velvet. For larger jobs, hire a carpenter to make stepped moldings and trim. Mind scale: avoid giant patterns in tiny rooms. A few focused Art Deco touches give real glamour without a big expense and keep the space usable and age well.

Architecture and landmarks

Cities like Miami, Mumbai and Paris have famous Art Deco streets and buildings. Look for stepped skyscrapers, decorative friezes and bold façades. When renovating, preserve clean lines and restore metalwork or tiles. For new builds, echo the Art Deco language in entryways, cornices and window shapes to get the feel without copying.

If you’re curating a collection, focus on condition and provenance. Ask sellers about materials and restoration work. Small investments in lighting, mirrors and one statement furniture piece give the biggest return in style.

Want to explore more? Walk a neighbourhood with notable Art Deco buildings, visit a local museum, or search online galleries for architects like William Van Alen or Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Try one bold change this month and see how the room transforms.