Bold, daring and futuristic, Art Deco burst onto the scene in the decadent 1920s and remained popular until the 1950s. Today, a century after it first emerged, this iconic trend is making a comeback. In this post, Pointers Antiques will reveal all you need to know about Art Deco, and how it can add a touch of glamour to your home.
What is Art Deco?
Art Deco is a decorative art inspired by modernism and minimalism that originated in France during the 1920s before its popularity swept through Europe and North America. Art Deco came to represent wealth, sophistication and optimism following the Great Depression.
How do you recognise Art Deco furniture?
Geometric shapes
Inspired by the Cubism movement of the early 20th century, Art Deco is famed for its bold and streamlined shapes with zigzags, chevrons and rectangles all being common features of the era, conveying modern, forward-thinking design. Geometric shapes are prominent on man-made structures of the Art Deco period, along with curves which also became a big feature in the 1930s. Examples of Art Deco man-made structures include skyscrapers such as The Empire State Building and cruise liners such as the SS Normandie.
Fine materials and finishes
Art Deco furniture is made from a variety of materials considered exotic and high-end at the time. Typically, maple, walnut and oak woods were used, often with a highly polished finish. Other materials include marble, lacquer and chrome, as well as early plastics. The use of such expensive materials at the time projected a sense of luxury and wealth.
Detailed patterns and motifs
As well as geometric shapes, Art Deco is also characterised by the use of intricate patterns and motifs that often took inspiration from classical civilizations, as well as from nature. Egyptian-inspired motifs, such as pyramids, headpieces and mystical beings are especially common. This influence came from the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter and his team, which captured society’s imagination at the time.
Colours
Just like the shapes and patterns, Art Deco colours are bold, bright and contrasting. For this reason, deep yellows, reds and purples were popular and were often combined with neutral colours, such as beige and cream. Additionally, white and black backgrounds were used to accentuate patterns and make them appear bolder. Furthermore, silver and gold finishes reflected the wealth and prosperity of the time.
Art Deco today
Nearly a century after its heyday, Art Deco continues to evoke nostalgia for the “roaring” 1920s. Films such as The Great Gatsby and Agatha Christie’s Poirot will help you get a feel for the Art Deco era, which was defined by Jazz music, the Silver Screen and new technologies. In terms of architecture, Art Deco is known for its white exteriors and big curves. Examples of Art Deco architecture in the UK include London’s Park Lane Hotel and Cornwall’s Jubilee Pool. At Pointers Antiques, we recommend a visit to South East London’s Eltham Palace, famed for its opulent 1920s interiors.
How to incorporate Art Deco into your home
At Pointers Antiques, our customers are constantly asking for Art Deco furniture and artwork. It’s safe to say this timeless design is making a comeback, and here’s how you can incorporate it into your home:
Contrast colours
Boldly coloured furniture and artwork make for striking backgrounds. Alternatively, for a more neutral feel, combine grey and beige.
Add minimalist furniture with lots of curves
Incorporating white sofas, sleek chairs and coffee tables will help to create a clean and sleek feel.
Decorate with detail
Art Deco decorative pieces such as clocks, lighting and statuettes can be used to add finer details to minimalist interiors. For example, look for silver and gold finishes, as well as classic patterns and floral motifs.
Use exotic wood
Highly polished tables and sideboards with deep wood colours can be used to create the perfect centrepiece.
How to tell Art Deco fakes from the real deal
With the Art Deco trend making a comeback, the market is full of replicas, revival pieces and reproductions. While they may look the part, they lack the quality and craftsmanship of originals. So here are our tips for spotting the real deal and avoiding reproductions and replicas:
Look at the materials used
Art Deco designers only ever used expensive and exotic wood, ensuring durability. For this reason, unpolished wooden surfaces usually signal reproduction, as do signs of chipboard and plywood. Furthermore, originals only feature small plastic details, as this material wasn’t widely used at the time.
Check the date
Experts agree that original pieces were handmade in the 1920s and 1930s. If produced after this time, it is a replica, revival piece or reproduction.
Use price as a guide
Handmade to a high standard, original pieces have high price points, for example, an original Art Deco console table can set you back upward of £1500.
Buy through a reputable dealer
With the market flooded with reproduction and revival pieces, be sure to buy through a trusted dealer.
Add contemporary Art Deco antiques to your home
Our team at Pointers Antiques can help you recreate the glitz and glamour of the 1920s and 1930s in your home. We’re always on the lookout for unique pieces and you can find the newest additions in our collection. View our current collection at Pointers Antiques for more inspiration and original Art Deco furniture and artwork. Click here to shop for Art Deco originals, or contact us for more.
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