Art Deco Interior Design: 10 Stunning Ideas to Bring Glamour Home

Think of a gleaming Manhattan skyscraper lobby, a glamorous ocean-liner salon or a cocktail bar lined with mirrors and brass. That is the world of art deco interior design, a style born in the optimism of the 1920s that still feels luxurious a century later. Its bold geometry, rich materials and unapologetic sense of glamour make it one of the most recognisable looks in design history.

In this guide we explore the story of art deco interior design, from the famous 1925 Paris exhibition to the streamlined 1930s, and break down the motifs, colours and materials that define it. Then we share practical ways to bring the look into a modern home, along with a few well-chosen pieces from Amazon, from a sunburst mirror to a mirrored bar cart, plus a reference book for anyone who wants to dig deeper.

Art Deco Interior Design at a Glance

• Era: roughly the 1920s and 1930s
• Origins: France, made famous by the 1925 Paris exhibition
• Key motifs: sunbursts, fans, chevrons, stepped forms and stylised florals
• Colours: black and gold, emerald, sapphire, deep red, cream and silver
• Materials: lacquer, polished woods, brass, chrome, glass, mirror, marble and velvet
• Mood: glamorous, symmetrical, modern and luxurious

A Short History of Art Deco

The 1925 Paris Exposition

Art Deco takes its name from the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, held in Paris in 1925. The exhibition showcased French luxury design, with pavilions for furniture makers, department stores and craftsmen. The short name “Art Deco” only became widely used in the 1960s, when interest in the style revived, but the look itself was already shaping interiors across Europe and America in the 1920s.

Influences and Inspirations

Art deco interior design absorbed influences from everywhere. Cubism and other avant-garde art movements brought bold geometry; the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 sparked a craze for Egyptian motifs; the Ballets Russes introduced vivid colour and exotic costume; and the machine age contributed speed, symmetry and gleaming metal. The result was a style that felt both luxurious and thoroughly modern.

Great Designers and Landmark Interiors

In France, Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann created exquisite furniture in rare woods, Jean Dunand perfected lacquer, and René Lalique made glass that glowed like jewellery. In New York, the Chrysler Building and Radio City Music Hall became icons, while in London the Savoy and Claridge’s hotels, Eltham Palace and the Hoover Building brought deco glamour to Britain. Miami Beach still has one of the largest concentrations of deco buildings in the world.

Streamline Moderne

By the 1930s, the style had evolved into Streamline Moderne, with curved corners, horizontal lines and a sleek, aerodynamic look inspired by ocean liners, trains and aeroplanes. Both strands are part of the art deco interior design vocabulary today. For a concise overview of the movement, see Encyclopaedia Britannica’s entry on Art Deco.

Key Elements of Art Deco Interior Design

Geometric Motifs

Geometry is the heart of art deco interior design. Look for sunbursts and fan shapes, chevrons and zigzags, stepped or ziggurat silhouettes, arches and repeated lines. These patterns appear on everything from wallpaper and rugs to mirror frames, light fittings and cabinet doors. Symmetry matters too: deco rooms are often arranged in balanced pairs.

A Rich Colour Palette

The classic palette pairs black with gold or silver for maximum drama. Jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire, amethyst and deep ruby add richness, while cream, blush and champagne soften the look. A modern art deco interior design scheme might use a deep green wall with brass accents, or a pale backdrop punctuated by black lacquer and gold.

Luxurious Materials

Deco designers loved materials that caught the light: lacquer, polished veneers, chrome, brass, glass, mirror and marble. Velvet upholstery, often in jewel colours, adds softness. Historically, rare materials such as ivory and exotic hides were also used, but modern alternatives give the same effect without the ethical problems.

Statement Lighting

Lighting in art deco interior design is sculptural: tiered chandeliers, frosted glass shades, fan-shaped wall sconces and lamps with geometric bases. Layer several light sources at different heights for a warm, glamorous glow.

6 Pieces to Bring Art Deco Interior Design Home

You do not need an antique collection to capture the look. These widely available pieces nod to classic deco shapes and materials. We have not tested them ourselves; our picks are based on product details and the style each one brings.

1. SAFAVIEH Glam Sunburst Mirror

The sunburst is one of the most iconic deco motifs, and this gold iron mirror makes it the focal point of a wall. SAFAVIEH lists it at 36 inches across with an inner mirror of about 11 inches, and keyhole hardware for hanging. Use it above a console or fireplace to bounce light around the room.

2. Kate and Laurel Ketia Bar Cart

Nothing says deco like a home cocktail hour. This gold-finish bar cart has three mirrored tiers with an ornate design, and the brand gives its size as 23 inches wide by 35 inches tall, compact enough for a dining room corner.

3. Libbey Capone Coupe Cocktail Glasses

Complete the bar with vintage-style coupes. This set of four features a diamond-cut design that recalls cut-crystal glassware of the Prohibition era, perfect for a sidecar, a martini or champagne.

4. MIULEE Velvet Throw Pillow Covers

Velvet in a jewel tone is the easiest way to add deco richness to a sofa or bed. These covers come in a pack of two with an invisible zipper, and the dark blue shade pairs beautifully with brass and gold accents.

5. Novogratz x Globe Brass Table Lamp

This matte brass lamp has a dome shade on a slim column. It is described as mid-century in style, but its gleaming metal and rounded silhouette sit happily in a deco-inspired room, especially as a matching pair on bedside tables. Two pull chains control the bulbs independently.

6. Art Deco Complete by Alastair Duncan

For inspiration, this substantial reference book by design historian Alastair Duncan surveys the decorative arts of the 1920s and 1930s, from furniture and glass to textiles and jewellery. It also makes a handsome coffee-table book.

How We Chose These Pieces

We looked for items that reflect authentic deco shapes and materials, come from established brands and suit a range of rooms. We compared product details on Amazon rather than testing items in person. Read more about our approach in our editorial policy.

How to Bring Art Deco Style Into a Modern Home

Start With One Statement

Choose a single hero piece, such as a sunburst mirror, a curved velvet sofa or a dramatic chandelier, and build the room around it. Modern art deco interior design works best when it feels curated rather than themed.

Use Pattern on One Surface

Try geometric wallpaper on a feature wall, a fan-patterned rug or a chevron floor. Keep the rest of the room calmer so the pattern can shine.

Mix Metals and Mirrors

Brass, gold and chrome reflect light and add instant glamour. Mirrored furniture and glass tabletops amplify the effect, especially in small rooms.

Embrace Curves

Rounded sofas, scalloped headboards and arched doorways bring in the softer Streamline Moderne side of the style and balance sharper geometric motifs.

Room by Room

• Living room: velvet seating, a lacquered coffee table and a bar cart.
• Bedroom: a channel-tufted headboard, matching brass lamps and silky bedding.
• Bathroom: black and white tiles, a round mirror and polished brass taps.
• Dining room: a tiered chandelier, coupe glasses and a mirrored sideboard.

Art Deco Interior Design on a Budget

Glamour does not have to mean a big spend. Some of the most effective art deco interior design updates are small and reversible, which makes them ideal for renters.

• Swap the hardware. Replace cabinet knobs and drawer pulls with brass or fluted designs for an instant upgrade.
• Paint a feature wall. A deep emerald, navy or oxblood wall creates a dramatic backdrop for gold frames and mirrors.
• Hunt for vintage. Antique markets, charity shops and online auctions are full of period glassware, compacts, prints and small mirrors.
• Frame graphic prints. Travel posters and fashion illustrations from the 1920s and 1930s add authentic style to a gallery wall.
• Change the lampshades. Pleated, scalloped or frosted glass shades bring a period feel to existing lamps.

Combine two or three of these ideas with a single statement piece, and your art deco interior design scheme will feel considered rather than costume-like.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overdoing the gold. Balance metallics with matte surfaces and natural textures.
• Ignoring symmetry. Paired lamps, chairs and artwork give rooms a deco sense of order.
• Forgetting comfort. Art deco interior design should feel inviting as well as glamorous.
• Mixing too many eras. A few mid-century or contemporary pieces work, but keep the overall story clear.

Art Deco Interior Design FAQ

What is the difference between Art Deco and Art Nouveau?

Art Nouveau, popular around 1890 to 1910, is known for flowing, organic lines inspired by plants. Art Deco, which followed, favours geometric shapes, symmetry and a sleek, machine-age look.

What colours are used in art deco interior design?

Black and gold is the classic pairing, along with jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire and ruby, softened by cream, blush and silver.

Can art deco work in a small apartment?

Yes. Mirrors, metallic accents and a single bold pattern can make small rooms feel larger and more glamorous.

Is art deco interior design still in style?

Art deco remains a perennial influence, with designers regularly reviving its curves, velvet upholstery and geometric patterns.

Final Thoughts

Art deco interior design is about confidence: bold shapes, rich colours and materials that catch the light. You do not need to live in a 1920s mansion to enjoy it. A sunburst mirror, a velvet cushion or a gleaming bar cart can bring a touch of Jazz Age glamour to any home.

For more inspiration, browse our pick of the best coffee table books, channel the era with our guide to old Hollywood glamour style, or explore more ideas in our Home & Living section.