Art Deco Interior Decoration
From LoveToKnow Antiques
Searching for Art Deco interior decoration ideas for your home? Using retro Art Deco pieces in modern décor is a popular design trend. There are many different ways to incorporate design ideas from the Art Deco period into your home’s style. Whether you just want to add a few pieces to your collection, or if you want to incorporate Art Deco style throughout your home, there are many places you can find authentic pieces.
Recognizing Art Deco Design Elements
When looking for Art Deco items, keep in mind the defining characteristics of Deco design. Materials common to Art Deco objects include: metals (aluminum and stainless steel), lacquer, inlaid wood, and animal skin (particularly zebra and shark). Design elements include geometric shapes, sweeping curves, and the use of intense color. The Art Deco style is often described as classic retro design.
Art Deco Artists and Designers
When thinking about incorporating Art Deco into your interior design, it is a good idea to become familiar with the work of some of the most well known artists of the period. Whether or not your budget allows you to purchase their original pieces, learning about their style can help you recognize good Deco pieces.
- Rene Lalique - Glass and Jewelry
- Paul Manship - Bronze castings
- Guiseppe Riccobaldi - Wall Art
- Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann - Furniture
Shopping for Art Deco Interior Decoration
Mass production of decorative artwork became very common during the Art Deco period, which is fortunate for those interested in collecting pieces from this period today. While authentic antique Deco pieces aren’t commonplace, they are not rare either.
There are a number of resources for finding Art Deco antiques. Originally created during the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco pieces can be found in antique shops, estate sales, online auctions, and from a variety of retailers who specialize in Art Deco interior decoration elements.
Online Retailers
Depending on the what types of Art Deco pieces interest you, and your proximity to local dealers, an online retailer might be your best option.
Cool Stuff is a Houston based retailer specializing in mid-century modern Art Deco antiques. Representative pieces of Cool Stuff’s collection may be viewed and purchased online. The company also has a storefront and a 5,000 square foot warehouse in Houston that is open by appointment.
Cool Stuff carries all types of items from the Art Deco period, such as:
- Decorative Accessories
- Furniture
- Lighting
- Paintings
- Much more
Deco World is an Alexandria, Virginia company that specializes in quality Art Deco collectible pieces. Their current inventory can be purchased online. The company provides free two-day shipping within the continental United States.
Deco World typically carries small, decorative collectible pieces, including:
- Advertising
- Barware
- Clocks/Watches
- Desk Accessories
- Glass
- Housewares
- Pottery/Ceramics
- Vanity/Personal
- Much More
eBay is a wonderful resource for discovering Art Deco pieces. On any given day, eBay has thousands of decorative and functional items for sale. When you are in the market for Art Deco items, it is a great idea to check eBay on a daily basis to see what new treasures have been added.
Antique Dealers and Galleries
Art Deco Prints and Posters specializes in art and antiques from the Art Deco period. The firm is based in Paris, and orders may be placed by phone, telephone, or fax. Additionally, you can find many of the firm’s offerings on eBay, listed with the seller ID 1001Originals.
- Art Deco Prints and Posters carries:
- French and European Art Deco prints
- Lighting
- Original Art from the Art Deco Period
- Vintage Photography
- Vintage Posters
- Much More
Located in New York City, Newell is a major antiques resource that carries a comprehensive selection of Art Deco interior decoration pieces, ranging from small glassware to furniture. The firm’s impressive collection can be viewed online, however purchases cannot be made via the website.
Movie buffs will appreciate the fact that many of the pieces in Newell’s inventory have been featured in movies and television programs.
Look Close to Home
It is often a good idea to try to locate what you are looking for close to home, particularly when you are purchasing large or fragile Art Deco pieces. Shipping such items can be costly, so there is a definite advantage if you can find what you want locally instead of across the country. You might be pleasantly surprised to find the perfect items practically in your own backyard.
- Many small antique shops and antique malls are excellent resources for Art Deco pieces. Check your local telephone directory, or the Yellow Pages online to find stores in your area that carry Art Deco items.
- Visit Tias.com to find directory listings for a wide variety of retailers specializing in Art Deco pieces.
- Yahoo also publishes an online directory of Art Deco Dealers.
Bringing Art Deco Into Your Home
There are many different ways to incorporate Art Deco into your interior decoration scheme, and it isn’t likely to be difficult to find nice pieces that will work with your overall design theme. Whatever your home’s décor, there is likely to be room for at least a few art deco elements. Many pieces of glass from this period are very complementary of contemporary interior design. Bronze sculpture typical of this era can be a very attractive addition to traditional décor.
If you really fall in love with Art Deco, it is perfectly acceptable (trendy even) to make this style the central design element of your home. The first thing you will want to do is incorporate the bright colors, curves, and geometric shapes into the overall design of the room. Paint, borders, and draperies can make your rooms the perfect setting to highlight your Deco furniture and collectible items.
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