Skip to main content

6 easy ways to pull off art deco interior design

From geometric patterns to luxe statement pieces, here's how to make art deco design work in your space

Art deco interior design flourished as an unconventional design aesthetic in the 1920s and 1930s. The style stood out amid the avant-garde trends at the time, by leaning into a more simplistic and minimal visual approach. And as we enter a new era in home design, a resurgence of past influences is making its way into our spaces. As a result, homeowners are looking for nostalgia and inspiration from previous design styles.

So today, we’re diving into some of the key components of art deco decor. If you’re looking to participate in this vintage-inspired trend, here are six vital elements to include in your space.

Geometric wallpaper with a console table
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Use unique shapes

When art deco entered home design, one of its key features included unique shapes. Furniture and decor that showcases sunbursts, stepped forms, geometric swirls, bold arches, and sharp corners is a must-have in this design. When creating an art deco look in your home, it’s important to consider how you can invite more shape into the space.

We recommend looking for lamps with a geometric form, sunburst wall mirrors, or curved wingback chairs that create a unique sense of dimension in the space. Blend the curves with sharp edges to create heightened contrast.

Nature-themed green wallpaper with pink background
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Opt for geometric patterns

Aside from unique shapes, you should also consider geometric patterns. Geometric patterns — especially on textiles — can generate the perfect art deco look. Chevron, triangles, repetitive feather or leaf forms, trapezoids, and other angular shapes can create more visual interest in the space.

Additionally, it’s totally fine to mix and match patterns! Just be sure not to go overboard. For example, a patterned rug with rounded shapes and chevron curtains can make a grand statement in a room. Just be sure to keep your wall patterns minimal and opt for solid tones in your furniture.

Alternatively, you could look to add geometric patterns to furniture and accent pillows while keeping the rug and curtains simple to create a dramatic yet balanced look.

Dark green monochrome color palette for living room design
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pops of vibrant colors are great ideas

If you’re going for an art deco-inspired color palette, we recommend using light pastels like cream and pale pink with moodier jewel tones like plum or emerald. Use your neutral and pastel tones as a backdrop with moodier tones as your accents. Or, do just the opposite with a jewel-toned wall color and pastel accent tones!

Another key design feature of the art deco style is the use of highly contrasting colors. Just as pastels and jewel tones create visual contrast, so does a simple black-and-white backdrop. Ultimately, when creating an art deco palette, it’s best to balance your backdrop tones and your pops of color.

Fluted kitchen cabinet
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Fluted and textured furniture is a must

Fluted furniture is coming back into style, and whether you’re aiming for that perfect art deco design or simply want to hop on a trend, fluted and textured furniture is something you don’t want to miss.

Fluted television consoles, side tables, dressers, entry tables, and coffee tables are a go-to when adding more dimension to an art deco-inspired design. You might also consider a fluted kitchen island or cabinetry if you want to put a modern spin on this timeless classic. Just keep in mind that many fluted pieces are made of wood, so it’s important to match your wood tone to your existing palette. You might consider a lighter wood to make a statement, if you have a darker palette. And vice versa.

Neutral and green color palette for living room design
Aleksandra Zlatkovic / Getty Images

Go for bold statement pieces

The 20s and 30s were all about grandeur. This period in history rests between two wars, when many Americans and Europeans sought designs that radiated elegance and luxury. Bold statement pieces did just that by creating a focal point for the room that felt more decorative than essential.

A statement curved chaise lounge or a grand sunburst mirror are great options for statement pieces. However, you could always opt for a geometric chandelier or a patterned wallpaper accent wall.

blue and turquoise room decor with metal details
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Add luxe items for a sophisticated look

As we mentioned above, the art deco design was all about luxury. However, it was less about the frills and glitz of the time and more about the artistic use of shape and form. Velvet sofas with rounded or sharp edges, sleek metal accents, ornate shell-shaped wall sconces, rich and intricate geometric patterned wallpapers, and plush white chairs are all examples of the luxurious decor items that emerged from this aesthetic.

It’s important to let your furniture pieces speak for themselves. Allow their unique shapes, colors, and textures to make a bold yet streamlined aesthetic. There’s no need to overdecorate or cover your furniture in small decor items. Maintain a minimal approach and use statement pieces to enhance the elegance of your design.

As you lean into a more art deco-inspired interior, it’s important to remember that the style is all about simplicity, shape, form, pattern, and elegance. Try not to get too carried away with patterns, layered rugs, tons of throw pillows, or frilly decor items. Opt for minimal furniture and decor that makes a bold statement in the space. And don’t be afraid to mix patterns, use metallics, and opt for unique pieces.

Editors' Recommendations

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
This is the best home design advice we’ve seen on TikTok
What if your personal style affects your resale value? Check out this TikToker's home decor advice
Orange and wood kitchen cabinets in brightly colored kitchen

Chances are you’ve seen those Instagram-worthy maximalist home decor designs or the retro-revival aesthetics on Tiktok, but you may have asked yourself whether or not it’s a good idea to personalize your space to that extent. What if your personal style affects your resale value? After all, you might adore the hot pink accent wall, the purple and yellow painted kitchen tiles, and the disco ball chandelier, but it’s unlikely a future homeowner will feel the same.

Recently, we came across a motivating piece of advice from one TikToker who argues that it’s okay to personalize your home. Here’s what we learned.

Read more
We found the absolute best places to buy affordable midcentury modern furniture
Here's where to get midcentury modern furniture on the cheap
Interior of a house. Mustard yellow velvet loveseat. Living room with midcentury modern furniture. Concrete floor. Vintage carpet. Eclectic living room.

Furnishing a home or apartment can get uber expensive, especially when you’re all about creating a stylish, cohesive look in your place. So where can you buy midcentury modern furniture cheap, which is in fashion right now and shows no signs of going out of style?

Inexpensive midcentury modern furniture can be hard to come by in a typical, big-box furniture retail store. This style will only be a small part of a vast collection, and normally at a high cost. But there are many other ways to find the chic pieces you’re looking for. Lo and behold, we present our guide to buying affordable midcentury modern furniture.

Read more
What colors go with taupe? Striking ways to design your home
Looking for a versatile neutral? Try using taupe and pairing it with some fantastic complementary hues
Taupe wall paint with taupe chairs and a large plant

With a range of dark and light shades to choose from, taupe is a versatile color fit for sleek wall tones, soothing accents throughout the room, or simple shades on furniture. While some people avoid this neutral tone, worried that it will appear drab or dull in their spaces, knowing how to use taupe in your home design will help you best take advantage of this stunning neutral color. And whether you love this hue or not, knowing what colors go with taupe can aid you in choosing the right tones for your color palette, especially if you need a gorgeous neutral backdrop.

So, if you love taupe or are eager to incorporate it into your design, then we have a few tips for you. Below are some of the best complementary shades for taupe, as well as the most striking ways to style it in your home.

Read more