Art Deco style. Art Deco furniture and interiors

The Art Deco style—or the art of decoration—originated in the interwar period and is based on a sense of luxury and contrasting combinations of geometric patterns and colors. How can you recognize it? Find out how to design an interior in this style.

Geometric patterns, substantial furniture and accessories, marble, and gilding—these are the hallmarks of the Art Deco style. This style, in both architecture and art, became popular in the 1920s and is closely associated with that period in history. Discover what sets Art Deco interiors apart and how you can achieve this look in your own home.

What is the Art Deco style?

Art Deco is a movement present not only in architecture but also in art. It emerged as a response to Art Nouveau, with its rounded shapes, asymmetry, and general lack of spatial discipline. Art Deco combines modernity with luxurious materials and is particularly evident in architecture, decorative arts, and design. Art Deco artists drew inspiration from classical, historical forms while also incorporating modern, modernist motifs. The style is characterized by exquisitely crafted objects made of velvet, silk, and marble, often featuring decorative gilding.

How can you recognize Art Deco?

You don’t have to be an architecture expert or an interior designer to recognize the Art Deco style in interiors. On the one hand, minimalism and symmetry; on the other, large, geometric elements in bold colors create a very distinctive aesthetic.

References to the 1920s and 1930s will help you recognize this style, as that is when it was at the height of its popularity. It can also be recognized by the immense importance it places on geometry and symmetry. This is evident not only in patterns and accessories but also in the shapes of furniture and how it is arranged.

Art Deco Color Palette

Another defining feature of the Art Deco style is its color palette—combinations of muted browns, grays, and whites with elegant emerald green, vibrant orange, and yellow. It also features distinctive high-gloss wood finishes.

How to Decorate an Interior in the Art Deco Style?

When designing an Art Deco interior, it’s important to prioritize the quality of the furniture and decor you choose. This is a style for perfectionists who love symmetry and elegance, yet aren’t afraid to decorate their home in colors other than white and neutrals.

Art Deco interiors work best in apartments with high ceilings, which won’t feel overwhelmed by massive, colorful furniture and large, bold patterns. It’s also worth having enough space to experiment with furniture arrangements and discover new axes of symmetry.

What Art Deco furniture should you choose?

When choosing Art Deco furniture, look for interesting geometric shapes: the unusual forms of armchairs and sofas are typically rounded, and the corners of tables, side tables, and dressers are also rounded. An armchair or sofa chosen specifically for an Art Deco living room should contrast with the walls while still featuring a slightly muted color. It may also have a rounded backrest and armrests or be upholstered in a fabric such as velour.

Wooden furniture, such as wardrobes or tables, also draws attention. To create an Art Deco-style interior, it’s worth choosing high-gloss or gold-painted furniture.

Art Deco-Style Accessories

Art Deco-style interiors must include accessories and finishes that highlight the appearance of the furniture. Stylish, eye-catching accessories in this style include, above all, chandeliers and large, round, glass lampshades. Avant-garde, metal lampshades—which resemble sculptures more than furnishings—will also fit perfectly into Art Deco interiors. Dark wallpaper with geometric patterns also works well as an accent. Accents made of marble, ivory, gold, and velvet will lend the interior a sense of luxury. However, it’s important not to overdo it with these elements, as too many will quickly start to look tacky.

Art Deco-Style Products from Barański Drzwi

In an Art Deco interior, every detail matters—from the smallest accessories to architectural elements. You’ll find doors that perfectly complement your home’s decor in Barański’s product line. In the Retro and Prestige lines, you’ll find products that perfectly complement interiors filled with symmetrical shapes and simple lines, evoking the interwar period. These are high-quality doors, constructed with solid pine wood and wear-resistant veneers. Barański Doors also offers design-coordinated accessories and a choice of over 200 colors.