Between World War I and World War II, escapism through art was born and found its way into all lifestyles. It was seen in furniture, jewelry, and architecture. This new art revolution became known as “Art Deco” and was elegant, luxurious and extravagant. After World War I, artists wanted to create hope and optimism for the future.
The Art Deco movement began to decline when World War II began because the furniture was considered extravagant for the economic difficulties that people were facing. Many of the pieces are now part of art collections.
Characteristics of Art Deco furniture
In the furnishings, the artist incorporated fountain and sunburst themes to symbolize the dawn of a new modern age. There were also geometric shapes that were symbolic for technology and machinery. The artists also drew inspiration from ancient cultures such as the civilizations of Central America, Egypt, and Asia. They used lush fabrics and vibrant colors. Wear satin metal finishes, clamorous mirrors, exotic embellishments like jewels, and lush leathers. The artists did not use classical materials for their furniture, but instead used materials with glass, inlaid and lacquered wood, stainless steel, and aluminum. They also used bold symmetries and repetitions, sweeping curves, sunburst motifs, and chevron patterns.
types of furniture
• Mirror-dressing tables, coffee tables and dressing tables and dressing tables were made with mirrors
• Exotic Wood Furniture: Various furniture was being created using rare woods such as ebony, amboina, violet wood, and mahogany. They were also using woods that weren’t as expensive like ash, broad, and oak. Once the furniture is complete, it will be coated with lacquer giving it an elegant and glamorous look. When making Art Deco cabinets, the use of lacquer was widespread.
• Metal finishing- The 1920s symbolized the industrial boom and the Age of Machines, which were transferred to furniture. It had a futuristic look with stainless steel and metal finishes.
• Leather Furniture – During the Art Deco period, leather furniture was a huge hit. The furniture was made from soft, richly textured hides in three main colors, which were tan, black, and brown. Some dyed the leather in lurid colors like tangerine orange or cherry red. You could find ottomans, armchairs, and sofas made from leather.
• Wood inlays: A main feature of the Art Deco era was giving armchairs and sofas a classic wood inlay. This gave the furniture an expensive and sophisticated appeal. The colors that the artists mainly used were rich gold, copper and metallic tones.
• Luxurious Accents – Furnishings have been adorned with accents of luxurious quarts, onyx, ivory, Murano glass, jade, and other stones. Artists used them primarily in wall clocks, chandeliers, lamps, and radios to give them an epicurean, modern look.
