Learn how to spot Art Deco pieces with our quick guide
Our Tiffany lamps offer the home owners of today a taste of 1920s Art Nouveau style. We know lots of our customers are keen to find other pieces from that era. We’ve talked before about how to achieve an Art Nouveau style in your home and now we’re giving you tips on how to find Art Deco items. Although many people choose to collect either one or the other style there is no reason not to mix the two trends, after all they existed at the same period.
Art Deco is estimated to date back to 1925 and is a style that very much represents a time of opulence and fun between WW1 and WW2. Learning to recognise the features of genuine Art Deco requires a keen eye but our guide for beginners makes it a whole lot easier.
Geometric
The first characteristic for which Art Deco is probably most well known is geometric shapes and patterns. Bold graphical patterns in block colours will stand out to you if hunting through a car boot for your first Art Deco piece. Look for vertical lines, sunbursts and fan shapes.
Sleek and modern
Where Art Nouveau is detailed and ornate Art Deco furniture is streamlined and smooth. The minimalist aesthetic marks Art Deco apart from the naturalistic bent of Art Nouveau. When used together the two styles can balance each other out.
Decorative
The Art Deco movement was said to represent and celebrate a modern and advancing society. Although fairly simple in style, Art Deco furniture is distinctly and decoratively shaped.
Industrial materials
Glass, plastic, metal, chrome, and heavily lacquered or enamelled wood are all indicative of the Art Deco movement. That some of these materials are also important in Art Nouveau is indicative of the most popular materials of the time. In Art Deco these were all highly polished and presented as luxurious, modern and sleek.
Modular designs
Think modular furniture is only for IKEA? Think again. Modular furniture was invented by Art Deco designers in the 1920s. Furniture could be bought in pieces and then assembled in different configurations allowing each person to customise their item.