Ever walked into a room and felt like you needed a martini? Maybe some silk pajamas and jazz music too? That’s the charm of Art Deco.
It’s bold and luxurious. It doesn’t care what others think—and I love that.
You might wonder: What are the principles of Art Deco interior design? Grab your faux fur throw and get cozy. We’re exploring the key rules of this iconic style.
Spoiler alert: you’ll want to redo your entire living room after this.
1. Bold Geometry Is the Backbone
Art Deco LOVES a good shape. Like, if symmetry and sharp angles were people, Deco would’ve already proposed.
What does this actually look like?
- Chevron patterns (the stylish “V” that just keeps giving)
- Zigzags, triangles, and stepped forms
- Sunbursts (ever seen a mirror that looks like the sun is exploding? That’s it.)
Why it matters: These patterns aren’t just for show—they give the style its strong, structured, architectural feel.
I once slapped a chevron wallpaper on a boring hallway wall and suddenly, people thought I hired a designer.
(Nope. Just me, an Amazon order, and a YouTube tutorial.)
2. Luxurious Materials, No Apologies
Let’s be real—Art Deco doesn’t do minimalism. It does glam. Big time.
The MVP materials of Art Deco include:
- Velvet and leather (both say, “Touch me, I’m fancy.”)
- Brass and chrome (shiny = sexy)
- Glass and mirror surfaces (hello, sparkle)
- Lacquered wood (that smooth, glossy finish screams expensive)
FYI: You don’t need a trust fund to pull this off. A velvet pillow here, a thrifted mirror there—and boom, you’re channeling 1920s Paris on a budget.
3. Dramatic Color Combos
Muted tones? Who invited them? Art Deco’s color palette is moody, rich, and unbothered by subtlety.
Popular Art Deco color pairings:
- Black + gold (iconic)
- Navy + brass
- Emerald + ivory
- Blush pink + chrome
Want to play it safe? Go with black and white. Want to feel like royalty? Splash in some deep jewel tones.
Honestly, even if you just add a burgundy velvet chair, the whole room starts acting like it has better manners.
4. Symmetry is Sacred
Unlike styles that love “organized chaos” (lookin’ at you, boho), Art Deco thrives on balance.
It’s the Marie Kondo of historical design—it wants everything in its place and everything to spark a little joy and symmetry.
Simple ways to get this right:
- Pair your decor: matching lamps, matching chairs, even matching art
- Mirror your layout: if you’ve got an armchair on the left, pop one on the right
- Balance your shelves: if one side has books, the other gets a sculpture or a vase
Ever wonder why Deco rooms feel so satisfying? It’s this. Your brain loves symmetry, even if it doesn’t know it.
5. Focus on Form as Much as Function
Here’s something I love about Art Deco: it never sacrifices beauty for convenience. Furniture and decor pieces are functional—but they’re also drop-dead gorgeous.
Expect pieces like:
- Curved arm sofas with sleek legs
- Bar carts that look like they belong on a movie set
- Tables with bold bases and geometric silhouettes
I once bought a gold-and-glass side table that, admittedly, isn’t super practical.
But does it look like it came from a penthouse suite in 1932 Manhattan? Yes. Worth it.
6. Stylized Nature Motifs (But Make It Glam)
Yes, Art Deco includes natural elements—but don’t expect dainty flowers and leafy vines. It’s nature with an edge.
Common motifs include:
- Fan shapes (inspired by palm leaves)
- Feathers and shells (but more Vogue cover than beachy)
- Animals (think panthers, peacocks, and swans—no house cats here)
These details usually show up in textiles, wallpaper, or artwork—and they’re always just the right amount of extra.
7. Statement Lighting Is Non-Negotiable
Bad lighting is the ultimate design buzzkill. Art Deco lighting brings the drama like a Broadway star with a spotlight obsession (in a good way).
Top lighting styles:
- Geometric chandeliers with layered glass or metal
- Sconces that fan out like seashells
- Table lamps with artful bases and globe bulbs
Want to level up instantly? Swap your basic lamp for a Deco-style one. It’s the fastest way to say, “Yeah, I have taste.”
8. Repetition Is Key to Cohesion
One bold piece? Great. Five bold pieces with no connection? Chaos.
Deco uses repetition to tie the room together. You’ll see the same patterns or materials used multiple times—but never in a boring way.
How to use repetition:
- Repeat colors or finishes across furniture and decor
- Echo shapes like triangles, arches, or sunbursts
- Stick to a theme (like brass + velvet + chevron)
Think of it like telling a story. Each piece should “talk” to the others. (Not literally. That would be weird.)
9. Clean Lines, No Fuss
Even though it’s glamorous, Art Deco keeps its lines crisp. You won’t see ornate carvings or frilly details. It’s all about streamlined shapes and architectural vibes.
Look for:
- Straight lines and edges
- Smooth curves (on things like chairs or mirrors)
- Framed furniture that feels polished
Deco wants you to feel like you’re walking through a space that’s been designed—not just thrown together during a clearance sale.
10. Glamorous Accessories (But Not Clutter)
Here’s where things get fun. Art Deco styling loves accessories—but only the chic ones. That means ditching the random knickknacks and curating pieces that scream style.
Art Deco accessories to try:
- Mirrors with bold frames
- Sculptures (abstract, figurative, or metallic)
- Books with beautiful covers
- Gold trays, jewel-toned vases, or cut-glass candle holders
IMO, less is more only if each item makes a statement. You want the room to say “museum-worthy,” not “yard sale leftovers.”
Final Thoughts: So, What Really Defines Art Deco Interior Design?
To sum it all up? Art Deco interior design is bold, balanced, and undeniably beautiful. It’s the style that refuses to be boring—ever. The core principles to remember are:
- Strong geometry
- Luxe, high-gloss materials
- Moody, dramatic colors
- Symmetry and repetition
- Streamlined forms with bold accents
And honestly? You don’t have to commit to the full Gatsby fantasy to pull it off.
Start with a few Art Deco principles—a mirror here, a velvet chair there—and watch your space level up like it’s headed to a jazz-age soirée.
P.S. If someone tells you Art Deco is “too much,” just smile politely and keep your gold sunburst mirror. They’ll come around once they see your place glowing like a 1920s dream. 😉
Now go glam it up. Your martini tray’s waiting. 🍸
