Inside the Glamour of 1920s Interior Design Style

The Roaring Twenties transformed American homes from Victorian fussiness to Jazz Age glamour. 1920s interior design style emerged during this unprecedented era of prosperity, capturing the spirit of liberation and technological progress that defined the decade.

Between Art Deco’s bold geometric patterns and Hollywood’s silver screen influence, interiors embraced both modern interior design innovation and traditional interior design revival. Homes featured:

• Chrome fixtures and exotic woods like Macassar ebony
• Stepped forms echoing Manhattan skyscrapers
• Zigzag motifs and sunburst patterns
• Luxurious materials reflecting Gatsby-era opulence

This comprehensive guide explores how the Machine Age, Prohibition, and cultural revolution shaped residential spaces during the 1920s.

Whether you’re restoring a period home or incorporating Jazz Age elements into a contemporary interior design, you’ll discover the authentic materials, colors, and techniques that defined this transformative design movement.

Key Design Movements of the 1920s

Art Deco: The Defining Style

Art Deco interior design emerged as the quintessential style of the Roaring Twenties. Born from the 1925 Paris Exposition, it revolutionized homes with its distinctive geometric shapes and bold aesthetic.

The style’s core principles centered around luxury, glamour, and technological progress. It rejected traditional design approaches in favor of clean lines and stepped forms that symbolized modernity and machine-age efficiency.

Geometric shapes defined Art Deco interiors. Rooms featured:

• Zigzag patterns on walls and textiles
• Sunburst motifs in mirrors and decorative elements
• Fan patterns on furniture and architectural details
• Chevron patterns in flooring and textiles

Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann created furniture that exemplified Gatsby-era opulence through exotic woods and marquetry.

René Lalique’s glass innovations brought artistic lighting to everyday homes. Eileen Gray pioneered chrome fixtures and tubular steel furniture that balanced functionality with elegance.

The Chrysler Building stands as perhaps the most famous example of Art Deco architecture, with interiors that showcase the movement’s signature elements.

The style flourished in luxury interior design for hotels like Claridge’s in London and apartment buildings throughout Manhattan skyscrapers.

Hollywood Glamour

The silent film era profoundly influenced 1920s homes. Movies offered Americans glimpses into opulent lifestyles they eagerly recreated.

Hollywood glamour incorporated:

• Mirrored surfaces reflecting abundant light
• Velvet upholstery in deep, rich tones
• Elaborately carved furniture with high-gloss finishes
• Ambient lighting that created dramatic shadows

Set designers like Cedric Gibbons shaped public taste through lavish film backdrops. Their visions of luxury translated directly into Metropolitan apartments and suburban homes.

Bauhaus Influences

While the Bauhaus movement gained prominence later, its early influence appeared in progressive 1920s interiors.

The German design school emphasized function, clean lines, and industrial materials.

Le Corbusier’s architectural principles influenced home layouts with open floor plans and space planning that prioritized functionality. Sonia Delaunay brought Bauhaus-inspired patterns to textiles used in fashionable homes.

Traditional Revivals

Not all 1920s interiors embraced modernism. Colonial Revival and Spanish Colonial styles flourished, especially in suburban developments and California estates.

Tudor Revival incorporated:

• Dark wood beams
• Leaded glass windows
• Ornate plasterwork
• Rich, heavy textiles

These traditional approaches appealed to homeowners seeking historical connections during rapid social change.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style homes balanced modernist principles with traditional materials.

Color Schemes and Materials

Popular Color Palettes

The 1920s interior embraced bold color theory applications. Art Deco color palettes featured dramatic contrast between light and dark tones.

Popular combinations included:

• Black and gold Art Deco interiors for dramatic entertaining spaces
• Jade green with silver and black for sophisticated parlors
• Soft pinks paired with black for feminine spaces
• Deep blues with gold accents in formal rooms

Metallic finishes appeared everywhere, from furniture trim to ceiling medallions. Chicago design firms favored silver, while Palm Beach estates embraced gold.

Art Deco paint colors varied regionally. New York apartments featured urbane monochrome schemes, while Miami Beach embraced tropical hues.

Innovative Materials

The Machine Age introduced revolutionary materials to interior design:

Chrome fixtures replaced brass in fashionable bathrooms and kitchens. Tubular steel furniture, inspired by industrial equipment, became central to modernist interiors. Aluminum made its first appearance in decorative accessories.

Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, transformed everyday objects from light switches to radio cabinets. Its vibrant colors and moldability made it ideal for both Art Deco accessories and practical items.

Exotic woods like Macassar ebony, zebrawood, and walnut dominated Art Deco furniture. Waterfall furniture used veneers to create striking visual effects at affordable prices.

Glass innovations included etched panels, frosted fixtures, and colored mirrors. Tiffany lamps remained popular from earlier periods, while new industrial glass techniques created dramatic accent lighting options.

Textiles and Fabrics

Texture played a crucial role in 1920s interiors. Velvet upholstery added depth to club chairs and curved furnishings. Silk draperies filtered light through elaborate window treatments.

Popular patterns included:

• Stylized floral patterns for upholstery
• Bold geometric prints for cushions and accent pieces
• Oriental motifs influenced by Egyptian revival trends
• Abstract designs inspired by Cubism

Hand-painted textiles, often featuring Japanese-inspired designs, added unique character to high-end interiors. Oriental rugs grounded rooms with rich, intricate patterns that complemented the era’s affinity for exotic influences.

Josephine Baker’s rising fame introduced African-inspired textiles to fashionable Parisian apartments, which quickly translated to American homes through magazine features and Hollywood set designs.

Furniture and Key Elements

Signature Furniture Pieces

The 1920s revolutionized residential furniture with pieces that balanced form and function. Art Deco furniture featured streamlined silhouettes and exotic materials that defined the Gatsby era.

Seating embraced comfort through:

• Club chairs with curved armrests and deep cushioning
• Angular sofas with clean, geometric shapes
• Bentwood chairs inspired by Modernist principles
• Statement pieces upholstered in velvet or leather

Storage solutions evolved dramatically. Wardrobes and cabinets featured inlay patterns and Macassar ebony veneers.

Radio cabinets became central pieces in living rooms as entertainment shifted. Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann’s masterful cabinets exemplified lacquered surfaces with intricate detailing.

Tables adopted distinctive characteristics:

• Low cocktail tables for entertaining
• Side tables with mirrored or marble tops
• Dining tables with geometric pedestal bases
• Streamlined desks with built-in organization

Built-in features gained popularity as architects like Frank Lloyd Wright integrated furniture directly into home design. Window seats, bookcases, and breakfast nooks maximized space while maintaining design coherence through scale and proportion.

Lighting Fixtures

Art Deco lighting transformed interiors as electric systems replaced gas. Lighting became both functional and decorative, serving as artistic focal points in well-designed rooms.

Pendant lighting featured:

• Frosted glass globes with geometric details
• Stepped designs echoing skyscraper architecture
• Metal fixtures with cutout patterns
• Colored glass panels in geometric arrangements

Table lamps employed Bakelite bases with fabric or glass shades. René Lalique’s innovative glass techniques created fixtures that diffused light artistically. Tiffany lamps from the previous era remained popular in traditional settings.

Accent lighting emerged as designers recognized the dramatic potential of directed illumination. Wall sconces flanked fireplaces and mirrors, while recessed lighting began appearing in high-end homes.

Wall and Floor Treatments

Wall treatments defined the character of 1920s spaces. Art Deco wall treatments incorporated striking visual elements:

• Hand-painted murals depicting stylized scenes
• Wallpaper with bold geometric patterns
• Wood paneling arranged in symmetrical designs
• Decorative moldings in stepped or zigzag patterns

The accent wall concept emerged during this period, with designers using contrasting colors or materials to highlight architectural features.

Flooring materials showcased both innovation and tradition:

• Parquet in herringbone patterns
• Terrazzo in public spaces and luxury bathrooms
• Marble in entryways and formal rooms
• Linoleum with inlaid designs for kitchens

Rhythm in flooring patterns created visual movement through repeating zigzags and geometric shapes. Unity between walls and floors was achieved through coordinated patterns that maintained visual harmony.

Room-by-Room Analysis

The 1920s Living Room

The Art Deco living room served as the showpiece of the home. Layout emphasized symmetry through balanced furniture arrangements focused around Art Deco fireplaces.

Typical furniture arrangements included:

• Matching club chairs flanking the fireplace
• Cocktail tables positioned for social interaction
• Console tables supporting statement lamps
• Built-in bookcases displaying decorative objects

Interior design principles guided room organization with clear attention to traffic flow and balance. Radial balance appeared in circular rug arrangements and ceiling medallions.

Decorative elements focused on details that showcased craftsmanship. Metallic accessories, exotic plants, and sculptural pieces added visual interest.

Oriental influences appeared in screens and decorative fans that reflected the period’s fascination with far-eastern design.

Dining Rooms of the Era

Dining rooms maintained formal elegance while incorporating modern touches. The centerpiece was typically a geometric table surrounded by matching chairs with distinctive backs.

China cabinets evolved into showcase pieces with:

• Glass doors displaying fine china collections
• Integrated lighting highlighting crystal stemware
• Contrasting wood veneers creating visual interest
• Stepped silhouettes echoing architectural forms

Table settings incorporated Art Deco elements through geometric ceramics and sleek flatware designs. Tamara de Lempicka’s paintings often hung in sophisticated dining rooms, their angular figures complementing the interior architecture.

Bedroom Designs

The Art Deco bedroom balanced drama with serenity. Master bedrooms featured statement headboards in exotic woods or upholstered in luxurious fabrics. Matching nightstands and vanities created cohesive suites.

Children’s rooms embraced the era’s optimism through:

• Streamlined furniture scaled appropriately
• Cheerful colors and simplified patterns
• Built-in storage for toys and books
• Whimsical lighting fixtures

Guest rooms combined comfort with visual impact through statement pieces and quality linens. Sonia Delaunay’s textile designs often appeared in fashionable guest accommodations.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

The Art Deco bathroom represented a revolutionary shift in home design. Indoor plumbing became standard, with fixtures serving as both functional and decorative elements.

Bathrooms featured:

• Bold tile patterns in black and white
• Chrome fixtures with geometric detailing
• Pedestal sinks with sculptural qualities
• Mirrored surfaces maximizing light

The Art Deco kitchen underwent dramatic modernization. Built-in cabinetry replaced freestanding furniture.

Early refrigerators and electric ranges transformed meal preparation. Streamlined design improved efficiency through thoughtful space planning.

Space-saving solutions flourished in smaller urban apartments. Murphy beds allowed bedrooms to convert to living spaces during the day.

Apartment kitchens featured innovative storage in minimal footprints, reflecting the growing needs of city dwellers embracing Metropolitan lifestyles.

Famous Interiors and Designers

Influential Interior Designers

The 1920s produced design legends who shaped how Americans lived. Famous interior designers of this era created distinctive styles that continue to inspire today.

Dorothy Draper revolutionized residential spaces with:

• Bold color combinations that defied convention
• Oversized patterns creating dramatic impact
• Theatrical elements borrowed from stage design
• Lacquered furniture with high-gloss finishes

Her Manhattan penthouses embodied Jazz Age exuberance while maintaining livable comfort.

Elsie de Wolfe transformed traditional interior design by introducing lighter palettes and French influences. Her clients included Condé Nast and the Vanderbilts, whose homes showcased her signature blend of elegance and practicality.

Her work at the Colony Club established her reputation for creating refined spaces that balanced classic elements with modern sensibilities.

William Morris’s earlier Arts and Crafts principles continued influencing designers who integrated handcrafted details alongside machine-made pieces.

His emphasis on quality workmanship appeared in cabinetry and architectural elements throughout heritage restoration projects.

Iconic 1920s Buildings and Their Interiors

Famous Art Deco buildings provide pristine examples of the era’s interior aesthetics. The Chrysler Building stands as perhaps the most recognized Art Deco masterpiece, with its lobby featuring Egyptian-inspired motifs and sunburst patterns in marble and metal.

Luxury hotels defined opulent public interior spaces:

• Claridge’s in London showcased black and gold Art Deco interiors
• The Waldorf Astoria featured stepped ceiling designs and bronze detailing
• Miami Beach hotels introduced tropical Art Deco variations
• Grand Central Terminal’s public spaces balanced grandeur with functionality

Residential showcases included Paris apartments designed by Le Corbusier that emphasized clean lines and functional living. Manhattan skyscrapers introduced prestigious penthouses with panoramic views framed by Art Deco window treatments.

Surviving Examples Today

Museums and historic homes preserve authentic 1920s environments. The Metropolitan Museum’s period rooms capture domestic settings with original furnishings and Art Deco accessories.

Notable sites worth visiting include:

• Miami’s Art Deco Historic District with over 800 preserved buildings
• Eltham Palace in London, featuring stunning Art Deco interiors
• The Queen Mary ocean liner with intact public spaces
• Chicago’s Palmer House with its preserved lobby

Restoration efforts focus on preserving original decorative moldings and fixtures while updating electrical and plumbing systems.

Colonial Revival homes throughout America maintain period-appropriate details through careful documentation and restoration.

The Lifestyle Behind the Design

Entertainment and Social Gatherings

The Prohibition era transformed home entertaining. Speakeasy aesthetics influenced residential design as cocktail culture moved behind closed doors.

Homes increasingly featured:

• Dedicated spaces for music and dancing
• Hidden bars or cabinets concealing liquor
• Radio cabinets as central gathering points
• Comfortable seating arranged for conversation

Built-in banquettes and window seats created intimate conversation areas, while larger homes included ballrooms with parquet floors perfect for dancing to jazz recordings. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels captured these social environments where luxury interior design facilitated the era’s famous parties.

The Art Deco hallway became an important transitional space, setting the tone for social gatherings with dramatic lighting and statement mirrors. Smoking rooms featured ventilation innovations and comfortable club chairs arranged for lengthy conversations.

Servants and Service Areas

Household staff roles evolved dramatically during the 1920s. As service personnel became scarcer, home design adapted to more self-sufficient living patterns.

Service areas included:

• Smaller, more efficient kitchens
• Built-in communication systems
• Integrated laundry facilities
• Staff quarters with improved amenities

Wealthy homes maintained formal servant hierarchies with distinct living quarters, while middle-class houses introduced pass-throughs and serving hatches to facilitate entertaining with fewer staff. Palm Beach estates retained elaborate service wings, while Chicago bungalows incorporated modest maid’s rooms off kitchens.

New Technologies in the Home

Technology transformed 1920s domestic life. Electric appliances reduced physical labor and changed how spaces functioned. Task lighting became essential as reading and handwork continued into evening hours.

Revolutionary innovations included:

• Refrigerators replacing iceboxes
• Vacuum cleaners eliminating weekly carpet beating
• Electric washing machines in dedicated utility areas
• Built-in phonographs for entertainment

The radio fundamentally altered family life, creating gathering rituals around news and entertainment broadcasts.

Furniture designs adapted with dedicated radio cabinets becoming focal points in living rooms.

The Art Deco home office incorporated new technologies like electric typewriters and improved lighting for productivity.

Heating systems improved with forced air replacing coal in progressive homes. Asymmetry in room layouts accommodated these technological additions while maintaining interior design colors and aesthetic appeal through thoughtful integration.

Regional Variations

American 1920s Interior Styles

East Coast sophistication defined the Manhattan penthouse with its geometric precision and modern interior design influences. New York apartments featured:

• Chrome fixtures paired with exotic wood veneers
• Monochrome color schemes with metallic accents
• Built-in cabinetry maximizing limited space
• Statement lighting fixtures as artistic focal points

West Coast interpretations blended Art Deco with Spanish Colonial elements. Los Angeles homes incorporated:

• Indoor-outdoor connections through French doors
• Lighter color palettes reflecting Mediterranean influences
• Mission-style architectural details with Deco furnishings
• Ceiling medallions featuring sunburst motifs

Chicago design schools embraced industrial influences with steel and glass innovations. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style homes balanced horizontal lines with Arts and Crafts detailing throughout the Midwest.

European Trends

French Art Deco represented the style’s purest form. Parisian apartments showcased:

• Luxurious materials like shagreen and ivory
• Custom furniture by master craftsmen
• Hand-painted wall murals with classical themes
• Cartier influence in metalwork and detailing

London embraced Art Deco with British restraint. The Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles often blended in British homes, with floral elements softening geometric patterns. Claridge’s Hotel exemplified this uniquely British interpretation.

Continental European variations included German Bauhaus influences with tubular steel furniture and minimal ornamentation. Italian designers added classical references to Deco motifs, creating a distinctive Mediterranean variation.

Colonial and International Interpretations

Shanghai became a hotspot for Art Deco innovation. Chinese craftsmen adapted geometric shapes to traditional techniques, creating distinctive furniture with lacquered surfaces and jade inlays.

Colonial adaptations incorporated:

• Local hardwoods replacing imported veneers
• Indigenous patterns integrated with Deco motifs
• Climate adaptations for tropical environments
• Handcrafted alternatives to machine-made elements

Mumbai’s Marine Drive features striking examples of tropical Art Deco. These buildings incorporated verandas and cross-ventilation while maintaining signature stepped forms and decorative elements.

Creating a 1920s-Inspired Interior Today

Authentic Restoration Approaches

Restoring period homes requires balancing authenticity with modern functionality. Start with:

• Preserving original decorative moldings and architectural details
• Researching original floor plans through historic archives
• Sourcing vintage fixtures from architectural salvage dealers
• Working with specialists in historical finishes

Period materials create authentic atmospheres. Parquet flooring installed in herringbone patterns reflects 1920s craftsmanship. Wallpaper reproductions based on historic patterns bring authentic rhythm to wall treatments.

Modern systems can integrate discreetly within historic frameworks. HVAC innovations allow preservation of original ceiling details while providing comfort. Updated electrical systems support period-appropriate fixtures with contemporary safety standards.

Modern Interpretations

Contemporary interior design can incorporate 1920s elements without direct copying. The goal is capturing the era’s spirit while meeting modern needs.

Effective approaches include:

• Using Art Deco-inspired patterns as accents rather than dominant elements
• Incorporating metallic finishes through contemporary lighting
• Selecting furniture that references waterfall forms with cleaner lines
• Balancing period elements with minimalist backgrounds

Transitional interior design successfully bridges 1920s influences with contemporary aesthetics. This approach maintains visual references to Art Deco while incorporating modern comfort and technology.

Key pieces that instantly evoke the 1920s include:

• Club chairs in velvet upholstery
• Chrome and glass cocktail tables
• Sunburst mirrors above mantels
• Stepped-form lighting fixtures

Creating an Art Deco interior today involves thoughtful curation rather than wholesale reproduction. The Art Deco and Mid-century Modern styles share geometric foundations, making them compatible in contemporary settings.

Shopping and Resource Guide

Finding authentic pieces requires specialized knowledge:

• Auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s for museum-quality furniture
• Estate sales in historic neighborhoods for unexpected finds
• Online marketplaces specializing in 20th-century design
• Antique dealers focusing on Art Deco and Machine Age items

Reproduction options span price ranges:

• High-end custom furniture makers specializing in period styles
• Mid-range retailers offering Art Deco-inspired collections
• Budget-friendly vintage-style accessories from mainstream stores
• Wallpaper companies producing historic pattern reproductions

DIY approaches allow personal interpretation of 1920s elements:

• Refinishing vintage furniture with high-gloss lacquer
• Creating accent walls with geometric stencils
• Adding metallic finishes to existing lighting fixtures
• Incorporating small Art Deco accessories for instant character

The most successful 1920s-inspired interiors maintain balance between historic references and contemporary living. Rather than creating museum-like settings, they capture the era’s optimism and elegance while embracing modern functionality and comfort.

FAQ on 1920S Interior Design Style

What defines authentic 1920s interior design?

1920s interiors blend Art Deco interior design with Bauhaus influences and Hollywood glamour. Key elements include geometric shapes, chrome fixtures, exotic woods, and sunburst motifs.

The style embraces technological progress through streamlined forms while incorporating luxury materials like velvet upholstery and mirrored surfaces.

What colors were popular in 1920s interiors?

The Art Deco color palette featured bold contrasts and statement combinations. Popular schemes included:

• Black and gold Art Deco interiors for drama
• Jade green with silver accents
• Soft pinks paired with black
• Deep blues with metallic highlights
• Monochrome schemes in sophisticated urban apartments

What furniture characterized the 1920s home?

Art Deco furniture featured streamlined silhouettes and exotic materials. Signature pieces included club chairs with curved armrests, waterfall furniture with continuous surfaces, low cocktail tables, and cabinets with inlay patterns.

Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann created masterpieces using Macassar ebony and lacquered finishes.

How did lighting change in 1920s interiors?

Electric lighting revolutionized 1920s homes, becoming both functional and decorative. Art Deco lighting featured frosted glass globes, stepped designs, and geometric patterns.

Task lighting emerged alongside ambient lighting, while René Lalique’s innovative glass techniques created artistic fixtures that diffused light beautifully.

What materials were commonly used in 1920s design?

The Machine Age introduced revolutionary materials including:

• Chrome and tubular steel for fixtures and furniture
• Bakelite for decorative objects and hardware
• Exotic woods like zebrawood and Macassar ebony
• Mirrored and frosted glass
• Marble for tabletops and floors
• Velvet and silk for luxurious upholstery

How did 1920s design differ regionally?

New York embraced Art Deco’s urban sophistication in Manhattan skyscrapers. Miami developed tropical Art Deco with pastel colors.

Hollywood glamour influenced California homes. European variations included French luxury, British restraint, and German Bauhaus minimalism. Colonial adaptations incorporated local materials while maintaining signature stepped forms.

Who were the influential designers of 1920s interiors?

Key figures included Elsie de Wolfe with her light French-influenced interiors, Dorothy Draper’s bold dramatic spaces, Le Corbusier’s functional modernism, and Eileen Gray’s tubular steel innovations.

Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated Art Deco elements into Prairie style homes, while Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann created museum-quality furniture showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

How can I incorporate 1920s style in a modern home?

Add 1920s touches through Art Deco accessories and statement furniture pieces. Create an accent wall with geometric wallpaper. Install pendant lighting with frosted glass.

Balance period elements with contemporary pieces using transitional interior design principles for a livable space that honors Jazz Age elegance.

What patterns were typical in 1920s design?

Geometric patterns dominated with zigzag patterns, chevron patterns, and fan patterns. These appeared in wallpaper, textiles, and inlaid floors.

Stylized floral patterns offered organic counterpoints to strict geometry, while Egyptian revival motifs reflected the era’s fascination with archaeological discoveries.

How did the lifestyle of the 1920s influence interior design?

Prohibition created speakeasy-inspired home bars. Radio cabinets became focal points as entertainment evolved. New technologies like refrigerators transformed kitchens. Social gatherings required flexible spaces for dancing and conversation.

The changing role of household staff led to more self-sufficient designs. These lifestyle shifts created homes that balanced glamour with increasing practicality.

Conclusion

1920s interior design style represents a pivotal moment when America embraced both modernity and luxury.

This transformative period merged industrial interior design elements with artistic expression, creating spaces that balanced form and function.

The Movement’s lasting impact extends far beyond its decade.

The Jazz Age aesthetic continues inspiring designers through:

• Bold applications of contrast and symmetry
• Strategic use of focal points through statement pieces
• Integration of balance principles with geometric precision
• Thoughtful details that showcase craftsmanship

Whether examining the Chrysler Building’s magnificent interiors or a modest bungalow’s built-in features, we see how period decoration reflected the optimism and creative energy of the Roaring Twenties.

Today’s revival of vintage elements demonstrates the enduring appeal of this influential design movement that transformed American homes during the vibrant years between World War I and the Great Depression.