In 1925, the French government launched the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris to celebrate contemporary style in fashion, architecture and design. This included a celebration of Art Deco, a glorious decorative feast for the senses characterised by bold, geometric shapes and bright colours. 2025 marks the 100 year anniversary of Art Deco. Once the epitome of glamour, Art Deco is still relevant today and continues to be a strong design trend.
Made of wood, metal and glass, this mirror has a beautiful frameless design and would make a striking choice for any space. £99.95, available from Melody Maison.
A brief history of Art Deco
Art Deco was originally conceived as an antidote to the misery and gloom of the First World War. After the war came the period now popularised as the Roaring Twenties, a decade when the economy was growing as countries recovered from wartime devastation. Construction and industry were booming and the world seemed a bright place, driven by the rapid upswing in availability of consumer goods such as cars.
Art Deco glass feather ceiling light, Rockett St George. Suspended from a sleek spiralling metal detail, this chandelier cascades down in layers of shimmering glass leaves, catching the light in the most magical way. £265, available from Rockett St George.
Art Deco was the style that matched this bright, optimistic mood. It first emerged in the 1920s in France and quickly spread like wildfire. Devotees were quickly won over by its sense of opulence and fun, which had been sadly lacking in the previous decade. The style reached its height in the 1920s and 1930s, and could be seen in architecture and fashion, furniture and art. It was the epitome of optimism and modern progress, and many buildings today still show elements of Art Deco influence.
Pablo narrow shelving unit, Swoon. This little shelving unit is made from brass and sandblasted grey mango wood for maximum impact. £599, available from Swoon.
Art Deco style has never really gone away, but it’s definitely having a proper resurgence now. That’s partly due to its centenary, but also because it’s a style with warmth, personality, elegance and great visuals. Consumers are more interested in the craftsmanship and quality that’s synonymous with this style. Think luxury accents – velvet on the upholstery, inlaid marquetry designs on furniture, lacquer finishes and polished metal detailing.
Accorto dining set, Furniture and Choice. This oval dining table (above and main image) is made with a travertine stone effect and has four chairs styled with champagne velvet and black steel for an Art Deco revival look. £949, available from Furniture and Choice.
Key elements of Art Deco styling
- Luxury. Think real, and think glamourous. Glass, chrome, marble, velvet, polished wood and metal all combine to create an air of luxury. The end result shouldn’t be overstated or loud, but should give a quiet impression of sleek solidity.
- Geometric patterns. Chosen for their visual appeal, bold motifs like chevrons and sunbursts adorn walls and floors. They create a sense of drama and movement that transforms ordinary spaces into something special.
- Rich, bold colours. Think striking contrasts of neutrals and metallics with deep jewel tones such as reds and greens to make a visual feast for the eyes.
- Streamlined outlines. Sleek designs replaced ornate detailing on furniture, with interest added by inlay, metallic trims or use of textural materials.
Abstract canvas wall art, Click Style. Featuring a striking Art Deco-inspired geometric design with a Scandi twist, this piece combines bold metallic tones with clean, minimalist lines. £65, available from late November from Click Style.
Modern Art Deco
Although you’ll see genuine, vintage period pieces in antique shops and at vintage fairs, these tend to be expensive as Art Deco style is still so popular. There are lots of modern brands and designers incorporating the Art Deco style into contemporary pieces, either as a twist or as the design basis. If you love the look, think about mixing one or two genuine pieces, such as a stunning sunburst mirror, with modern pieces.
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