Key Features of Art Deco Furniture

One of the most luxurious and amazing styles, Art Deco, originated in France of the XX century. The very name of the style literally translates as "decorative art." Art Deco left a serious mark in the history of world culture, combining all the best from modernity, constructivism, neoclassicism, futurism and ethnicity, popular in the 20th century. Such interiors have not yet lost their relevance, and art deco furniture can become a real highlight of many modern homes.

A Brief History of Art Deco

The history of art deco began in 1925 at the International Exhibition in Paris, where it was first introduced to the masses and got its name. America is considered the small homeland of Art Deco. It was in this country in the years after the end of World War I that people celebrated the triumph of life and beauty, clothed in gold.

The style emphasizes the secularism, high cost and good taste of Hollywood stars, businessmen and politicians. Everyone who could afford fell in love with him. The unusual basis of art deco allowed the creators to masterfully combine incompatible things: historical motifs, Asian influence and avant-garde features.

The aesthetics of style was built to make a lasting impression.Art Deco came to naught with the outbreak of World War II, but eminent designers and architects still appeal to its techniques.

Features of art deco furniture

The main feature of the style is the demonstration of luxury in everything. Furniture, like the whole style, prefers exotic materials or their skillful imitations. Valuable wood, often with inlaid stones, mother of pearl and gold leaf, bamboo, elephant the bones, skins and skins of zebra, crocodile, giraffe, shark, silk and velvet are ideal for home decoration Art Deco.

XX century - the time of futurism. In furniture, this was reflected in the combination of then familiar materials with metal, glass and mirrors. Particular preference is given to art deco shiny steel and aluminum.

The color scheme of furniture should be restrained and noble: black, brown, gray, beige, white. Rare accents in the form of burgundy, dark green or gold colors are allowed. An ideal solution would be to play in contrasts: light upholstery - a dark base.

Unlike its opposite, the Art Nouveau style, Art Deco is entirely built on clear geometric lines, sharp curves and zigzags. The trapezoidal technique is especially popular both in the outlines of furniture and in small elements. The backs of sofas and beds are often made in the form of a simple or inverted trapezoid.

The influence of ancient history on the Art Deco style can be traced in the stepped designs of chests of drawers and sideboards, which vaguely resemble the ziggurats inherent in Sumerians, Assyrians and Babylonians. In addition, the style has features of African, Aztec and Greek art. All these influences are well traced in decorative elements.

Another hallmark of the style is the image of sunlight. Usually it is used in decor and decoration, coupled with a trapezoidal or stepped type of furniture, such as a headboard.

In the interior of Art Deco, much attention is paid to buffets, tables and consoles. There are always a lot of them and, according to the canons of style, they are always varnished and decorated with glass and metal elements.

Among the ornaments characteristic of Art Deco, do not forget about the “piano keys” - the repetition of light and dark stripes. Even plain furniture upholstery is decorated with a contrasting finish, emphasizing its geometry and clarity.

For Art Deco, it is important to follow the aesthetics of luxury and exquisite nobility, so it is necessary to observe the measure when arranging rooms with furniture in this difficult style.