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The gleaming chrome surfaces and bold geometric lines of Art Deco accessories transform ordinary rooms into glamorous Jazz Age showcases.
This distinctive design movement, born between the World Wars, continues captivating homeowners seeking sophisticated drama in their interiors.
Art Deco accessories offer instant impact through their striking forms and luxurious materials.
A single sunburst mirror or pair of stylized animal figures can elevate your space from mundane to magnificent. The bold contrasting accessories characteristic of this period work in both vintage and contemporary settings.
This guide explores how to decorate with Art Deco accessories across different rooms and seasons. You’ll discover:
- Essential pieces from Lalique glass to geometric sculptural items
- Room-specific styling techniques for living spaces, bedrooms and baths
- Mixing Art Deco with other design movements seamlessly
- Maintenance approaches for different materials and finishes
Master these techniques to create spaces worthy of the Chrysler Building’s elegant interiors or a sophisticated Art Deco apartment that balances historical references with modern living.
Essential Art Deco Accessories
Statement Lighting Fixtures
Art Deco lighting commands attention through bold geometric forms and luxurious materials.
Pendant lights featuring stepped profiles hang from Manhattan penthouses and suburban homes alike.
Chrome and glass table lamps with frosted glass sculptures cast dramatic lighting effects that transform everyday spaces.
Wall sconces with stepped designs offer both function and style. They create pools of light that highlight architectural features while serving as decorative elements themselves.
The iconic sunburst motif appears frequently in lighting fixtures, radiating energy and optimism into any room.
Notable examples include:
- Layered glass fixtures with radial balance
- Stainless steel accents with polished finishes
- Tiered cake stand designs in hanging fixtures
- Machine age aesthetics with industrial elements
Mirrors and Wall Art
Art Deco wall treatments rely heavily on reflective surfaces to amplify space and light. Sunburst mirrors serve as perfect focal point elements, drawing the eye and expanding visual boundaries. Cartier Art Deco clocks and similar timepieces double as wall sculptures.
Geometric wall panels featuring zigzag patterns add texture and depth. Stylized animal figures—especially gazelles, panthers, and birds—appear regularly. Consider Tamara de Lempicka prints for authentic period artwork with bold contrast.
Cubist influenced sculptures and A.M. Cassandre prints introduce graphic simplicity with tremendous visual impact.
Decorative Objects
The Jazz Age aesthetic lives in the details. Chrome and brass figurines—particularly Preiss bronzes—bring streamline moderne accents to shelves and tables. Art Deco bookends with stepped forms secure volumes while making visual statements.
Clocks merge function with geometric sculptural presence. Look for:
- Lacquered Art Deco furniture pieces with exotic wood finishes
- Georg Jensen silverware displayed on dining surfaces
- Bakelite decorative items in bold primary colors
- Frank Lloyd Wright decorative elements with strong horizontal lines
Glass and crystal objects catch and refract light. Lalique glass pieces feature stylized floral patterns while adding elegant symmetry to mantels and display cases.
Textiles and Soft Furnishings
Art Deco patterns bring energy through bold geometric forms. Chevron patterns and fan pattern motifs appear regularly in upholstery and rugs.
Luxurious fabrics create dramatic contrast through tactile experiences:
- Velvet pillows with silver plated accents
- Silk throws with arched form accessories
- Wool rugs featuring ivory inlay decorations
- Glass panel room dividers with stylized floral patterns
Art Deco inspired rugs anchor room designs through balance and bold shapes. Egyptian revival influences show through in many textile designs.
Room-by-Room Art Deco Styling Guide
Living Room Art Deco Touches
The Art Deco living room centers around statement pieces that spark conversation. Ruhlmann furniture accents introduce sophistication through curved line decorations and exotic materials.
Balance vintage Art Deco collectibles with modern comfort. An Art Deco fireplace provides natural room structure for displaying Chase Chrome pieces or Napier Art Deco jewelry collections.
Layer accessories by varying heights and visual weights. Metal wall sculptures create vertical interest while Bugatti furnishings provide horizontal stability. The glamorous Hollywood decor approach works perfectly here.
Bedroom Art Deco Elements
Art Deco bedroom design relies on elegant headboards with geometric shapes. Black and white contrast establishes drama while gold leaf detailing adds warmth.
Vanity tables display tortoiseshell effect items and Bakelite radios. The combination creates stylish asymmetry that feels both historic and fresh.
Bedside lighting should feature accent lighting with onyx decorative objects. Waterfall bedroom sets blend Art Deco and Mid-century Modern aesthetics.
Dining Room Art Deco Glamour
Dining tables showcase marble base accessories and Clarice Cliff ceramics. Create harmony through matching centerpieces to room proportion.
Bar carts display Puiforcat silver accessories and chrome and glass combinations. Eileen Gray accessories fit perfectly here, combining function with exceptional design.
Tiffany Art Deco lamps provide ambient lighting that enhances the dining experience. Radio City Music Hall inspired decor creates theatrical presentations for food and drink.
Bathroom Art Deco Luxury
The Art Deco bathroom shines with mirrors featuring stepped profile items. Shell shaped accessories reference oceanic motifs popular during the period.
Metallic hardware introduces bronze figurines and chrome accents at smaller scale. Jean Dunand lacquerwork can inspire smaller bathroom accessories.
Task lighting should be ample yet elegant for bathroom functionality. Decorative moldings frame mirrors and establish architectural interest even in small spaces.
Mixing Art Deco with Other Styles
Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern
Art Deco and Mid-century Modern share clean lines and appreciation for modern materials. Both celebrate machine-made perfection. Saarinen influenced decor bridges these periods with organic shapes that complement geometric Art Deco patterns.
Common ground exists in:
- Chrome and glass combinations
- Streamlined profiles
- Exotic wood Art Deco objects
- Bold contrasting accessories
Key crossover pieces include waterfall dressers, club chairs, and stepped form decorations. Deskey accessories work effectively with both aesthetics, particularly when focused on modernist decorative elements.
Create balance by establishing a dominant style first. Let one be the foundation while the other provides accents. This prevents visual chaos while maintaining design coherence.
Art Deco and Contemporary Design
Contemporary interior design pairs surprisingly well with Jazz Age decorative items. The clean backdrop of contemporary spaces allows vintage Art Deco collectibles to shine as statement pieces.
Modern takes on Art Deco principles often feature:
- Reproductions with updated scale and proportion
- Stepped profile items with simplified lines
- Technology-forward materials that echo chrome Art Deco objects
- Machine age aesthetics reimagined with current manufacturing techniques
When inserting Art Deco accessories into minimal spaces, focus on quality over quantity. A single Archibald Knox metalwork piece makes more impact than multiple lesser items. Tiffany Art Deco lamps provide functional accent lighting while establishing period credibility.
The contrast works because both styles prioritize interior design principles like visual weight, line, and form.
Art Deco and Traditional Decor
Traditional interior design and Art Deco overlap in their appreciation for craftsmanship and luxury. Both celebrate marquetry, hand-finishing, and precious materials.
Transitional interior design offers the perfect middle ground. It allows Ruhlmann furniture accents to sit comfortably alongside traditional case goods. Erté decorative objects add unexpected theatrical flair to traditional settings.
Find balance through:
- Shared material palette (brass, wood, marble)
- Lacquered Art Deco furniture with traditional proportions
- Egyptian revival influences that complement traditional motifs
- Cubist inspired decor as focal points in traditional rooms
Use Art Deco color palette elements to unite disparate pieces. The rich tones work in both contexts when applied thoughtfully.
Shopping for Art Deco Accessories
What to Look For
Authentic Art Deco accessories display distinctive characteristics. Look for stepped forms transferred to small-scale objects. Bold primary colors appear frequently, particularly in Bakelite decorative items.
Essential design elements include:
- Sunburst motif radiating patterns
- Zigzag patterns in relief or inlay
- Stylized animal figures (especially gazelles and panthers)
- Arched form accessories with dramatic curves
Quality reproductions feature proper weight, finish continuity, and appropriate materials. Vintage Art Deco collectibles should show appropriate patina without structural damage.
When choosing between reproduction Art Deco items and authentic pieces, consider your lifestyle. Genuine Preiss bronzes require careful handling, while modern interpretations often withstand daily use better.
Where to Shop
Famous Art Deco buildings often house museum shops with high-quality reproductions. These pieces typically reflect examples from their collections, ensuring design authenticity.
For serious collectors, reputable auction houses offer authentic pieces by noteworthy designers:
- René Lalique sculptures
- Bugatti furnishings
- WMF metalware
- Chase Chrome pieces
Online marketplaces have transformed vintage shopping. Search specifically for “Art Deco bookends” rather than generic terms to find better pieces. Specialty retailers focusing on 1920s interior design offer curated selections with authentication services.
Affordable Art Deco-inspired options exist at mainstream retailers. Look for geometric sculptural pieces that capture the essence of Gatsby era decorations without premium pricing.
Investment Pieces vs. Budget Finds
Statement pieces justify higher investment. A significant Clarice Cliff ceramics collection establishes instant design credibility. Chiparus figurines appreciate reliably while enhancing room aesthetics.
Areas where you can economize include:
- Mirrored Art Deco pieces (reproductions often match originals)
- Art Deco wall treatments (wallpaper rather than custom paneling)
- Frosted glass sculptures (contemporary artists produce excellent alternatives)
- Decorative Art Deco clocks (quality mechanisms in reproduction cases)
DIY opportunities abound for budget-conscious decorators. Create black and gold Art Deco interiors with metallic paint applied in fan motif decorations to plain objects. Transform basic glass lamps with geometric vinyl overlays inspired by Art Deco paint colors.
Styling and Placement Tips
Creating Focal Points
Strong focal point placement defines successful Art Deco rooms. Position Chiparus figurines where sight lines naturally converge. A sunburst mirror commands attention over a fireplace or console.
Statement pieces that excel include:
- Tiffany Art Deco lamps with dramatic lighting effects
- Cartier Art Deco clocks on mantels or entry tables
- Frank Lloyd Wright decorative elements in conversation areas
- Lalique glass pieces displayed where light can activate them
Build rooms around significant Art Deco accessories for maximum impact. A Jean Dunand lacquerwork screen deserves room design consideration from the start. Position furniture to highlight, not compete with, these treasures.
Use accent lighting strategically. Recessed lighting focused on Bugatti furnishings creates instant drama. Silver plated accents come alive under proper illumination.
Scale and Proportion
Match accessories to room dimensions for proper scale and proportion. Smaller spaces need fewer, more impactful pieces. A single significant Ruhlmann furniture accent works better than multiple competing items.
Group objects effectively using these principles:
- Arrange in odd numbers (three, five)
- Vary heights to create rhythm
- Connect pieces through common interior design colors
- Balance geometric Art Deco patterns with negative space
Avoid overcrowding surfaces. Art Deco accessories demand breathing room to fully appreciate their stepped profile items and geometric details. Empty space accentuates the bold contrasting accessories you display.
Layering and Texture
Combine different materials for rich visual depth. Pair bronze figurines with frosted glass sculptures. The contrast between polished brass details and velvet upholstery creates appealing tension.
Add depth by mixing:
- Chrome Art Deco objects with natural wood bases
- Stylized floral patterns against geometric backgrounds
- Exotic wood Art Deco objects with stone or tile surfaces
- Onyx decorative objects with silver metallic finishes
Balance shiny and matte elements for optimal texture variation. Too many reflective surfaces create visual chaos. Introduce marble base accessories and ivory inlay decorations to temper the shine of mirrored Art Deco pieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overdoing the Glamour
Art Deco celebrates luxury, but restraint separates tasteful design from excess. Signs you’ve gone too far include competing focal points, overwhelming shine, and visual exhaustion.
Finding the right amount of glitz means:
- Limiting metallic finishes to 30% of visible surfaces
- Creating zones of Art Deco intensity with quieter transitions
- Balancing bold primary colors with neutral backgrounds
- Respecting negative space between decorative elements
Create balance with quiet neutral elements. Radio City Music Hall inspired decor needs plain surfaces to maintain visual harmony. Machine age aesthetics work best against simpler backdrops.
Ignoring Scale and Proportion
When accessories overwhelm spaces, the glamorous Hollywood decor effect becomes oppressive. Chrysler Building motifs scaled inappropriately for residential settings feel cartoonish rather than sophisticated.
Right-size your Art Deco elements:
- Reserve larger pieces (over 24 inches) for spacious rooms
- Scale down in apartments and smaller homes
- Choose smaller Erté decorative objects for limited surfaces
- Apply Art Deco paint colors strategically rather than comprehensively
Create room unity by maintaining consistent scale throughout your accessories. Dramatic shifts in size create visual disconnection rather than intentional design.
Missing the Art Deco Mark
Art Deco gets confused with Art Deco and Art Nouveau despite fundamental differences. Art Nouveau features organic, flowing lines while Art Deco celebrates mechanical precision and geometric clarity.
Accessories that only partially reference Art Deco include:
- Items with mixed stylistic elements from multiple periods
- Mass-produced pieces with simplified deco references
- Purely ornamental additions without geometric discipline
- Objects lacking the bold contrasting accessories approach
Maintain style authenticity through color theory appropriate to the period. Classic Art Deco color palette combinations include black with gold, emerald with silver, and deep blues with chrome. Poiret designed objects exemplify this precision.
Don’t dilute Art Deco’s impact by mixing with incompatible styles like rustic or shabby chic. The crisp symmetry of Gatsby era decorations clashes with deliberately aged or imperfect aesthetics.
Seasonal Updates with Art Deco Accessories
Holiday Decorating with Art Deco Flair
Art Deco holiday styling merges festive traditions with geometric precision. Replace standard baubles with mirrored Art Deco pieces on Christmas trees. Odeon cinema inspired items translate perfectly to menorah displays with their stepped forms.
Festive touches include:
- Stylized floral patterns in metallic holiday colors
- Ziggzag pattern ribbons on packages and wreaths
- Sunburst motif ornaments in gold or silver
- Frosted glass sculptures as winter tablescape elements
Color schemes shift with holidays while maintaining Art Deco color palette discipline. For Christmas, embrace emerald with chrome and gold.
Hanukkah celebrations thrive with cobalt blue and silver. New Year’s parties demand black and gold Art Deco interiors touched with crystal.
Temporary additions like René Lalique sculptures from retail displays or rentals elevate special occasions. Pendant lighting with paper shades cut in fan pattern shapes creates instant atmosphere.
Refreshing Your Space Seasonally
Summer Art Deco styling embraces tropical wood finishes and lighter tones. Replace heavy velvet throw pillows with silk versions in pale jade or coral. Napier Art Deco jewelry displays work beautifully with summer table settings.
Winter calls for:
- Bronze figurines with richer patinas
- Velvet cushions in jewel tones
- Heavier texture through layered textiles
- Warmer metals like brass and gold rather than chrome
Change textiles and small accessories first for maximum impact. WMF metalware candlesticks rotate seasonally from mantels to dining tables. Swap Bakelite decorative items between rooms for fresh perspective.
Adjust color emphasis seasonally by rotating displayed art. Tamara de Lempicka prints with cooler palettes work for summer while A.M. Cassandre prints with rich, warm tones suit winter months. This maintains period unity while refreshing visual interest.
Maintaining Your Art Deco Accessories
Caring for Different Materials
Chrome Art Deco objects require specific cleaning approaches. Use non-abrasive metal polishes on solid pieces. For plated items, gentle soap and water prevents damage to thin finishes.
Material-specific care includes:
- Brass and bronze: Apply quality metal wax twice yearly, avoid harsh chemicals
- Glass and mirrors: Clean with alcohol-based solutions, never ammonia on antique mirrored surfaces
- Lacquered surfaces: Dust only with soft cloths, use specialized furniture waxes annually
- Bakelite: Clean with diluted dish soap, never alcohol which damages surfaces
Preserve delicate inlay patterns on tabletops and boxes by maintaining consistent humidity. Stylized animal figures with mixed materials need particular attention at connection points.
Textiles require regular rotation to prevent sun damage. Geometric sculptural pieces should be repositioned periodically to avoid creating permanent marks on surfaces beneath them.
Protecting Investment Pieces
Display considerations for valuable pieces include stable surfaces away from direct sunlight. UV-filtered glass cases protect Clarice Cliff ceramics and other fragile items. Task lighting should never heat delicate materials.
Handle vintage pieces carefully:
- Support Frankart accessories from their bases, never by delicate extensions
- Lift Lalique glass pieces with both hands to prevent stress fractures
- Move Jean Dunand lacquerwork away from heating vents which cause cracking
- Transport Chiparus figurines with padding between all protruding elements
Professional restoration becomes necessary when:
- Chrome plating shows underlying brass or base metal
- Decorative moldings on frames or furniture detach
- Veneer bubbles or lifts from Ruhlmann furniture accents
- Stress cracks appear in glass panel room dividers
Insurance documentation should include detailed photographs of significant pieces from multiple angles. Store provenance paperwork separately from the items themselves for safety.
FAQ on How To Decorate With Art Deco Accessories
What defines authentic Art Deco accessories?
Authentic Art Deco accessories feature geometric Art Deco patterns, stepped forms, and bold contrasting elements. Look for sunburst motif designs, chevron patterns, and stylized animal figures.
Materials include chrome, brass, exotic woods, lacquer, and frosted glass.
Pieces by designers like Erté and Clarice Cliff exemplify the style’s machine age aesthetics and glamorous Hollywood influence.
How do I avoid making my space look like a museum?
Balance vintage Art Deco collectibles with contemporary pieces. Limit statement pieces to one per zone. Use Art Deco paint colors on walls but keep furniture clean-lined.
Incorporate Art Deco bookends and small decorative Art Deco clocks rather than overwhelming with large pieces. Create focal points with Lalique glass pieces while maintaining breathing room.
What are the best starter Art Deco accessories?
Begin with versatile pieces like mirrored Art Deco trays, geometric sculptural bookends, or a sunburst mirror as a wall focal point. Small chrome Art Deco objects need minimal space commitment.
Reproduction Tiffany Art Deco lamps introduce the style’s rhythm and lighting drama. Art prints featuring Chrysler Building motifs provide instant Jazz Age atmosphere.
How do I mix Art Deco with my existing modern decor?
Contemporary interior design pairs beautifully with Art Deco through shared appreciation of clean lines. Use scale and proportion to balance styles—place Bakelite decorative items on minimalist shelving.
Introduce metallic finishes through silver plated accents. Create contrast with black and white backgrounds highlighting curved line decorations and fan motif elements.
What Art Deco lighting works in smaller spaces?
Smaller spaces benefit from wall sconces with stepped designs and task lighting that doubles as sculpture.
Table lamps with frosted glass sculptures create dramatic lighting effects without consuming floor space.
Pendant fixtures inspired by Radio City Music Hall offer ambient lighting with strong period character while maintaining visual openness.
How can I use Art Deco accessories in more casual rooms?
Casual spaces benefit from selective Art Deco touches rather than comprehensive styling. Incorporate geometric wall panels on a single accent wall.
Use throw pillows with zigzag patterns for easy updates.
Place a Chase Chrome tray on an ottoman. Deskey accessories and Frankart figurines add Jazz Age flair without formality.
What colors work best with Art Deco accessories?
The Art Deco color palette includes bold primary colors, jewel tones, metallics, and high-contrast combinations. Black with gold creates instant luxury interior design impact.
Emerald, sapphire, and ruby tones complement bronze figurines. Pastels like jade, coral, and butter yellow work with chrome and onyx decorative objects for softer approaches.
How do I display Art Deco collectibles effectively?
Create groupings using odd numbers and varied heights. Place Chiparus figurines at eye level. Position mirrors to reflect light onto marble base accessories.
Use accent lighting to highlight tortoiseshell effect items. Maintain negative space between objects.
Keep symmetry in arrangements of Puiforcat silver accessories and Bugatti furnishings for maximum impact.
Are Art Deco accessories appropriate for traditional homes?
Traditional interior design can incorporate Art Deco successfully through transitional approaches. Choose pieces with shared materials like exotic wood Art Deco objects.
Ruhlmann furniture accents with classical proportions bridge both styles.
Display Cartier Art Deco clocks on traditional mantels. Egyptian revival influences in accessories complement traditional elements while introducing geometric discipline.
How do I care for vintage Art Deco accessories?
Maintain chrome and brass through gentle polishing twice yearly. Clean glass with alcohol-based solutions, avoiding ammonia on antique mirrored surfaces.
Keep lacquered Art Deco furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Dust Bakelite with soft cloths only. Store fragile items in stable environments. Consult specialists for repairing Jean Dunand lacquerwork and delicate stepped profile detailing.
Conclusion
Learning how to decorate with Art Deco accessories transforms ordinary spaces into showcases of Jazz Age splendor.
These distinctive pieces bring instant geometric precision and luxurious materials to any room.
Whether incorporating Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann objects or more accessible reproduction pieces, the effect remains powerful.
The versatility of Art Deco allows for:
- Bold statement pieces like sunburst mirrors and WMF metalware that command attention
- Subtle touches through Napier Art Deco jewelry displays or stylized floral patterns
- Seasonal flexibility with rotating textiles and metallic finishes
- Cross-style compatibility especially with modern interior design and minimalist interior design approaches
The hallmarks of successful Art Deco styling—balance, scale, and visual drama—continue influencing contemporary spaces nearly a century after their introduction.
Whether displayed in a luxury interior design context or mixed with more casual elements, these accessories bring sophistication through streamline moderne accents and machine age elegance that remains perpetually fresh.
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