What is Art Deco Furniture?
A design movement that was popular from 1925 into the 1940’s, art deco inspired everything from architecture to painting to fashion to interior design. Although the term “art deco” wasn’t used until the 1960’s, it was derived from a 1925 event in Paris: the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriales Moderne.
What Does Art Deco Look Like?
There was a shift following the flowing style of art nouveau to a style with a cleaner, more modern feel. Art deco was based on geometric shapes and motifs. Much of art deco design was styled in the streamlined designs of industrial machinery. Exotic materials were popular, including unusual and inlaid wood, glass, chrome and even snakeskin. Art deco reflects a modernist sensibility.
Where Can You See Art Deco?
Art deco was a popular form of interior design for movie theaters and train stations, many of which have maintained the original style. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the top of the Chrysler Building in New York City are famous art deco landmarks. You may be familiar with the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, known for his art deco designs and architecture.
What is Art Deco Furniture?
Art deco furniture is characterized by its streamlined design and functionality. Some well-known art deco furniture designers are Le Corbusier, Emile Jacques-Ruhlmann, Paul Frankl, Donald Deskey, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Where Can You Get Art Deco Furniture?
Real art deco furniture is typically only available through fine antiques dealers. However, the art deco style has enjoyed a resurgence over the last few decades and new furniture in the art deco style is available in modern furniture stores.
The decorative style known as Art Deco saw a great degree of popularity in many countries between World War I and World War II. Its popularity was greatest in Europe during the 1920s, and in the United States during the 1930s. It had a remarkable influence on the architecture of the time, as well as on furniture, fine art, clothing, jewelry, and cinema. Art Deco furniture was often reminiscent of architectural lines and curves. The term “Art Deco” originates from a 1925 exposition of French art at Le Musee des Arts Decoratifs. Many American architects attended this exposition and were influential in shaping the wide influence of the Art Deco movement in the US. Art Deco styles of architecture have been well-preserved in America, especially in major cities. The Chrysler Building and Radio City Music Hall in New York City are two well-known examples of typical Art Deco motifs. Art Deco furniture is characterized by the use of metals such as stainless steel and aluminum. Lacquer and inlai
