Q: 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.

Question 1

How do I identify Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What was Art Deco influenced by?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

When did Art Deco originate?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is the history of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is an Art Deco lamp?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is art deco ring?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What defines Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What was the Art Deco movement?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is an art deco watch?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

What is art deco jewelry?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do I know if my ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To know if a ring is Art Deco, examine its style. The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. Makers often incorporated geometric motifs in jewelry designs. Materials may also provide a clue about the era of the piece. Platinum, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were some of the most common precious metals and gemstones used at the time. Keep in mind that there are many convincing reproductions of Art Deco rings and other high-quality pieces inspired by originals. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or expert within the field of antique jewelry design to evaluate the ring. Shop a selection of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How was Art Deco furniture made?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco furniture was largely made by hand. Crafters often employed exotic hardwood like zebra wood, rosewood and Macassar ebony. Many pieces had a polished Japanese lacquer finish, which gave a high-gloss shine to the wood. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco furniture.

Question 16

What are Art Deco engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What are art deco lamps made of?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Is Toulouse-Lautrec Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The work of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec falls into the Art Nouveau style, which was prevalent approximately during the period of 1890-1910. Following the Art Nouveau period was the Art Deco era, which is usually defined as the era between 1920 and 1930. Toulouse-Lautrec died in 1901 putting his art in the era of Art Nouveau, but certain aspects of it definitely hint at the coming Art Deco style considering the definite overlap of the two movements. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 20

What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?

Accepted Answer

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.

Art Deco Theater

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Grand Art Deco Theater Chandelier

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of American Art Deco Theater Sconces with Ribbed Glass

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Flush Mount

Art Deco Theater Flush Mount Light Fixture with Flashed Glass Shade

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Scandinavian Art Deco Theater Pendant Brass Hand-blown Opaline, 1920-1930

Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Deco Wall Mirrors

Art Deco Theater Terracotta Wall Mirror by Gmundner Keramik, Austria, 1930s

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Three Scandinavian Art Deco Theater Pendants Brass Hand-blown Opaline 1920-1930

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Pair Scandinavian Art Deco Theater Pendants Brass Hand-blown Opaline, 1920-1930

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Movie Theater Chandelier 1930's

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Floor Lamps

Art Deco Period Floor Standing Tripod Spot Light

Early 2000s Contemporary Color Photography

Andrew MooreAndrew Moore - Teatro America, Photography 2000, Printed After, 2000

1980s Color-Field Abstract Photography

Mitchell FunkArt Deco Movie Theater Marquee - Color Field Painting Meet Photography, Abstract, 1980

1920s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Nura UlreichArt Deco - Surreal Baby Among the Stars in a Theater, 1928

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Art Deco Ceiling Fixture from Movie Theater

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Art Deco Wrought Iron Large Theater Sconces

1970s Art Deco Interior Prints

The Theater Museum London, 1975

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Art Deco Bronze Chandelier Theater Lantern Light Fixture

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

1930s Art Deco Copper Italian Theater Wall Sconces

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Alexander Oscar LevyTheater Sketch 2, 1930's

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of French Art Deco illuminated Theater Sconces

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Monumental American Art Deco Movie Theater Wall Lamp

2010s Contemporary Color Photography

Christos J. PaliosChristos J. Palios - Underwater Deco, Fox Theater, 2024, Printed After, 2024

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Art Deco Grand Hollywood Theater Palm Leaf Ceiling Pendant

1980s Art Deco Portrait Prints

Robin MorrisAT THE CAT CLUB Signed Lithograph Pop Art Portrait, White Pearls, Theater Makeup, 1985

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Art Deco Glass Saucer Theater Pendant Light Quantity Available

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Set of 6 Art Deco Gilt Bronze Avian Theater Sconces

2010s Art Deco Paintings

Steve KnottsArt Deco Campus Theatre, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2015

1960s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Paul ColinOriginal BOUFFES Parisiens - (Replacement Heads) French vintage theater poster, 1964

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Vanities

Art Deco Illuminated Vanity Together Mirror with Stool Paramount Theater Boston

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Vanities

Art Deco Machine Age Double Sided Theater Dressing Room Table, Vanity Mirror

Late 20th Century Art Deco Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

James RassiatMaurice Chevalier's farewell . Champs Elysées Theater. PARIS, 1970

20th Century Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Wonderful Vintage Nickel Glass Rod Art Deco Skyscraper Theater Cinema 8 Sconces

20th Century Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Wonderful Vintage Nickel Glass Rod Art Deco Skyscraper Theater Cinema 8 Sconces

Early 1900s Art Deco Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Georges Jules Victor ClairinTheater : Sarah Bernhardt with Flowers - Original Watercolor, Handsigned, 1903

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair 1920's French Art Deco Carved & Patinated Wood Wall Sconces - Theater Prov.

1920s Art Deco Portrait Prints

Original "The Mikado or, The Town of Titipu" vintage lithographic theater poster, c. 1920

1910s Art Deco Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Georges Jules Victor ClairinTheater : Sarah Bernhardt in Blue - Original Charcoal Drawing, Handsigned, 1916

Vintage 1950s American Paintings

"At the Theater, " Late Art Deco Oil Painting by Kummer, 1950

1980s Contemporary Landscape Prints

Michele ZalopanyTeatro Junín, Caracas, Venezuela: black white city neon lights night landscape, 1988

Early 2000s American Modern Color Photography

Michael EastmanLarge Color Chromogenic Photograph C Print Candy Counter Michael Eastman Photo, 2004-2008

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

Andrew Moore
Andrew Moore - Teatro America, Photography 2000, Printed After, 2000

Mitchell Funk
Art Deco Movie Theater Marquee - Color Field Painting Meet Photography, Abstract, 1980

Nura Ulreich
Art Deco - Surreal Baby Among the Stars in a Theater, 1928

Alexander Oscar Levy
Theater Sketch 2, 1930's

Christos J. Palios
Christos J. Palios - Underwater Deco, Fox Theater, 2024, Printed After, 2024

Robin Morris
AT THE CAT CLUB Signed Lithograph Pop Art Portrait, White Pearls, Theater Makeup, 1985

Steve Knotts
Art Deco Campus Theatre, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2015

Paul Colin
Original BOUFFES Parisiens - (Replacement Heads) French vintage theater poster, 1964

James Rassiat
Maurice Chevalier's farewell . Champs Elysées Theater. PARIS, 1970

Georges Jules Victor Clairin
Theater : Sarah Bernhardt with Flowers - Original Watercolor, Handsigned, 1903

Georges Jules Victor Clairin
Theater : Sarah Bernhardt in Blue - Original Charcoal Drawing, Handsigned, 1916

Michele Zalopany
Teatro Junín, Caracas, Venezuela: black white city neon lights night landscape, 1988

Michael Eastman
Large Color Chromogenic Photograph C Print Candy Counter Michael Eastman Photo, 2004-2008

Emile Dillon
White Castle II, 2019

Emile Dillon
Still Ten Cents, 2014

Emile Dillon
The Brooklyn Diner, 2020

Emile Dillon
Blue Car in Havana, 2021