Art Deco decor: 7 pieces for Gatsby-style glamor

You don’t have to be a flapper, a bootlegger, or a big fan of “The Great Gatsby” to embrace Art Deco decor. We could all use a little jazz-era elegance in our lives.

Art Deco style is dripping with the kind of elegance we typically aspire to only on our birthdays or at New Year’s Eve parties. But adding that level of over-the-top opulence to our everyday lives can make every moment feel more luxurious.

So if you’re ready to add a little glitz, glam, and gold to your life, then you’re ready for Art Deco decor. Discover the design elements that make a piece of home decor quintessentially Art Deco. Then check out our seven favorite pieces of Art Deco decor to add to your home.

What is Art Deco style? A mini history

Art Deco interior design is the style of architecture and decor that was popular during the 1920s and 30s — or the period between World War I and II. It originated in Paris (because nothing says glamor like Paris), making it part of a long line of gorgeous design styles to come out of France. (Some of our other favorites include Baroque, Rococo, and French Country Style.)

The name Art Deco comes from the French “arts décoratifs,” which means decorative arts. And this style is essentially an evolution of the Art Nouveau style, which was popular from 1890-1910. Art Nouveau featured long, organic, and asymmetrical lines, usually in nature-inspired motifs and repeating patterns. Art Deco style also features long lines in repeating patterns, but it turned away from natural motifs and toward geometric patterns instead.

Although Art Deco style started in Paris, it became most popular in the United States. You can still see Art Deco architecture in many American cities, from the Chrysler Building in New York to the pastel-colored architecture of Miami Beach.

Art Deco even inspired one of the most luxurious interior design styles to come out of the United States: Hollywood Regency style (or regency moderne). Hollywood Regency takes the opulence of Art Deco design to the next level by adding Old Hollywood elements like giant feathers, animal prints, and Rococo-style curved silhouettes.

The Great Depression put an end to the opulence of the Art Deco period, but this style has been making a comeback in more recent years. Top interior designers are incorporating elements of the Art Deco era to add more glamor to modern style decor, and so can you.

4 elements of Art Deco design to include in your decor

Once you understand the essential elements of this design style, you’ll be able to pick out Art Deco architecture from across town and Art Deco decor from across the store. Keep these four things in mind as you shop, and you’ll find the perfect pieces to add to your home.

1. Geometric lines

While we would never describe Art Deco style as minimalist, Art Deco patterns were more minimal than the vine and flower patterns of Art Nouveau. They incorporate a lot of clean, straight lines, and the patterns are symmetrical and often repeat. You’ll see borders that feature squares within squares or chevron patterns. Starburst and sunburst shapes are also common. Any curved lines will still be symmetrical, geometric shapes — like circles and ovals — rather than free-flowing, organic curves.

2. Gold

The most opulent color of all, gold, is used throughout Art Deco decor, and many Art Deco patterns appear to have gold inlaid into them. For example, you might have a piece of wall art with a dark background and a gold geometric pattern. Or you might have a piece of Art Deco furniture with a black lacquered table top and a gold sunburst inlaid in the top of it.

3. Jewel tones

Adding to the rich feel of Art Deco decor, this design style also features eye-catching color palettes full of bold colors. Dark jewel tones are common, so look for sapphire, garnet, emerald, and amethyst. Pair them with neutral tones, like black, white, and light yellows. While modern interpretations of this style often feature earth tones, original Art Deco style did not. Spend some time playing with color until you find your own interpretation of a jewel-toned color palette.

4. Luxury materials

In the Art Deco era, luxury ruled the day. You won’t see the humble wood furniture of mid-century modern decor. Instead, Art Deco furniture designers preferred lacquer and shiny metals. Natural stones, like marble and quartz, were common. And the upholstery and textiles were from high-end materials, like velvet, silk, and chenille. These would be paired with other luxurious elements, like crystal chandeliers or gold starburst lighting fixtures.

7 pieces of Art Deco decor to bring this style home

Here are seven pieces of decor that exemplify the signature elements of Art Deco style. These decor ideas will help you embrace traditional Art Deco design or add your own modern twist. Use them as a starting point as you envision your own version of opulence.

1. Adri Metal Frame Coffee Table in Matte Brass

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This rectangular coffee table features a brass metal frame with a repeating geometric pattern of thicker and thinner lines. The matte golden color of the table will add luxury to your living room, and you can complete the look with a matching console table and end tables.

2. Beiwen Sunburst Wall Mirror

Add a little sparkle to your room decor with this metallic wall mirror. It features the Art Deco sunburst shape in a combination of gold and sparkling glass mirror pieces.

3. Holly Tuxedo Arm Tufted Back Chair in Black

The combination of black velvet and gold on this accent chair scream, “Art Deco style!” Plus, the gold metal accents highlight the chair’s silhouette with straight geometric lines. You can pair it with a matching sofa and loveseat to complete your living room set.

4. Anya Metal Base Floor Lamp in Chrome and Crystal

If a crystal chandelier is out of reach, you can add the same glamor with this crystal floor lamp. The geometrically cut crystals repeat in a pattern of three increasingly smaller tiers.

5. Chalet Tuxedo Arm Sofa in Blue

To add more jewel tones to your living space, this velvet sofa comes in an eye-catching sapphire upholstery. The silhouette features clean, straight lines with a luxurious overstuffed back and sides.

6. Conway X-Trestle Base Dining Table in Dark Walnut and Aged Gold

To add Art Deco style to your dining room, this table features a gold base with a symmetrical, geometric trestle design. The dark top is close to a black color and can serve as a neutral tone for a classic Art Deco design that eschews earth tones.

7. Veena Channeled Back Swivel Dining Chair in Green

The velvet upholstery on these dining chairs comes in a bold green color. The reflective chrome legs will add a luxurious sheen to your dining room decor, while the straight lines of the legs will mirror the straight-lined silhouette of your other Art Deco decor.

Start your decorative arts

Now that you understand the elements of the arts décoratif, you’re ready to become the artiste décorateur. Head to your local Coaster Furniture store and put your newfound decorating expertise to work.

See if you can pick out the pieces that are quintessentially Art Deco, and don’t be afraid to mix Art Deco decor and modern style elements. This interior design style is all about being bold, so make bold choices, and you’ll be able to create a beautiful space.

When you embrace Art Deco style, you’ll be living in luxury.

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