Art Deco Interior Design: How to Bring Glamour and Elegance into Your Home

Art Deco is more than just a design style—it celebrates glamour, luxury, and bold creativity. Born in the 1920s and 1930s, this iconic aesthetic still makes a statement today with its geometric patterns, rich color schemes, and indulgent materials. Whether you're looking to channel the roaring twenties or simply add a little sparkle to your space, Art Deco interior design is a timeless choice.

A few great buildings may come to mind when you think of Art Deco architecture. The Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and Radio City Music Hall in NYC were all built in the 1930s, exhibiting the best of Art Deco design. The Hoover Building stands out in London's Art Deco scene, a colorful factory-turned-apartment building. Another fun example is Napier, New Zealand, which was rebuilt in the Art Deco style after an earthquake in 1931; today, it is a living museum of Deco design and a UNESCO-recognized heritage site.

We love Art Deco interior design because it can bring a touch of some of your favorite magical architecture and design to your home. You can choose which aspects of this design style you appreciate most, and you can even combine it with other interior styles you love—Mid-century Modern, Hollywood Regency, Minimalist, and Contemporary, just to name a few favorite furniture styles!

In this guide, we’ll explore the defining elements of Art Deco and share easy, stylish tips for weaving this dazzling style into your home.

What Is Art Deco Style? Key Features to Know

Art Deco style uses the original 20th-century aesthetic as a muse while adding a contemporary style. It's timeless and nostalgic while adding a sense of visual harmony to bold designs. If you want to make your space look artistic and glamorous without being gaudy, this is the design style for you! To create an Art Deco-inspired interior, focus on these hallmark elements.

Bold Geometric Patterns

Think zigzags, chevrons, sunbursts, and fan shapes. These striking motifs are often seen in wallpaper, area rugs, tiles, and artwork. They bring movement and drama to a room while staying unmistakably Art Deco.

Rich, Dramatic Colors

This design style embraces deep, opulent hues—navy blue, emerald green, burgundy—often paired with metallics like gold, silver, and brass. These colors evoke a feeling of indulgence and timeless sophistication.

Luxurious Textures and Materials

Velvet, satin, leather, and lacquered wood give Art Deco interiors a sense of richness. These materials feel sumptuous and reflect light beautifully, enhancing the style’s signature glamour.

Statement Lighting

Lighting in Art Deco interiors is more than functional—it’s art. Look for chandeliers, sconces, and lamps with geometric shapes, chrome finishes, or frosted glass to anchor the room in style.

Sleek, Streamlined Furniture

Furniture in this style tends to be symmetrical and sleek, often with curved edges and glossy finishes. Think cocktail bars, rounded armchairs, and low-profile cabinets with distinctive inlays or hardware.

How to Decorate Your Home in Art Deco Style

Ready to add some 1920s and 1930s charm to your space but not sure where to start? Whether you want to make a retro statement with artwork and mirrors, make the light fixtures a little bit moodier, or make a big change, there are some decor tips that are guaranteed to help you move in the Art Deco direction. Here are practical and stylish tips to get you started.

1. Start with a Statement Piece

Choose one bold item—like a velvet sofa, mirrored sideboard, or sculptural chandelier—to set the tone. It becomes your design anchor and makes incorporating other elements easier.

2. Mix and Match with Intention

Art Deco thrives on contrast. Try pairing metallic gold fixtures with moody blue walls, or combine angular patterns with curved furniture for a dramatic yet balanced feel.

3. Add Vintage or Antique Accents

Thrift stores and estate sales are treasure troves for Art Deco gems. A vintage bar cart, fluted glassware, or an antique clock can infuse authenticity and charm into your design. You never know what treasures you will find when you wander into a thrift store–or just how much character it will add to your space!

4. Showcase Art with a Deco Twist

Art Deco is rooted in modernism and glamour. Choose artwork that features jazz-age figures, abstract cityscapes, or geometric designs to keep the vibe cohesive. The OG Art Deco artist, Tamara de Lempicka, painted in a style that perfectly captured the blend of luxury, modernity, and power central to Art Deco. For inspiration, definitely check out her work!

5. Use Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors are both functional and fabulous in Art Deco homes. Try a sunburst mirror, mirrored furniture, or chrome accents to reflect light and enhance visual space.

6. Don’t Skip the Details

It's the little things—like etched glass, sculptural drawer pulls, and patterned throw pillows—that complete the look. Add in these luxe details to elevate your space.

7. Balance the Bold with the Subtle

Balancing statement features with minimalist elements to keep your space from being too busy. For instance, if your wallpaper is loud, opt for neutral-toned furniture to let it shine. If you have a statement space in the home (like the incredible staircase below), consider accentuating it with flooring, furniture, or Art Deco-inspired art.

8. Make It Your Own

Art Deco is about embracing flair, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be personal. Blend your personal style with Art Deco by choosing one signature Deco element—like a sunburst mirror, velvet upholstery, or geometric lighting—and pairing it with textures, colors, or pieces that reflect you. The key is balance: let Deco bring the drama while your style brings the soul.

Why Art Deco Interior Design Still Shines Today

Art Deco celebrates beauty, craftsmanship, and confidence. It invites you to create a home that feels bold yet elegant, vintage yet fresh. Whether redecorating a room or planning a complete home makeover, Art Deco offers endless inspiration and a touch of old-school glamour that never goes out of style.

Upon searching for Art Deco, it's plain to see that this style is alive and well, even a century later! You can find design inspiration and real Art Deco spaces on these sites, to name a few:

• Architectural Digest: Search for “Art Deco” and find stunning home tours, celebrity interiors, and deep dives into design history.
• Houzz: Use search terms like Art Deco living room or Art Deco bathroom to explore thousands of photos, mood boards, and product ideas curated by designers.
• Apartment Therapy: They often feature small-space makeovers and unique style blends. Look for Art Deco tagged posts or keyword search “glam” or “vintage modern.”
• Pinterest: It’s a treasure trove for Art Deco inspiration. Try searching for boards like “Art Deco Interiors,” “Modern Art Deco Style,” or “Art Deco + Boho Fusion.”

Want to Try Art Deco at Home?

Every fabulous home makeover starts with a single moment of inspiration or curiosity. Can I pull that style off? If you feel drawn to the Art Deco style, try starting with one room—maybe a swanky living room or a dreamy bedroom—and see how this timeless design can transform your space into something truly special.

Search for vintage treasures for your Art Deco space on marketplace sites like 1stDibs, Chairish, and Etsy. And, of course, check out the Art Deco filter on Spoken to browse our insanely stylish furniture, lamps and light fixtures, wall art, glassware, and so many more incredible Art Deco items. You can make all of your magical Art Deco dreams come true–and save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the process! Win-win.

Have a wonderful week, and happy Art Deco-rating! ✨