Art Deco furniture is characterized by its celebration of modern life. More than its emphasis on natural wood grains and focus on traditional craftsmanship, vintage Art Deco dining chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture — which typically refers to pieces produced during the 1920s and 1930s — is an ode to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties.”
ORIGINS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE ART DECO FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship.
Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu.
The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)
Art Deco textile designers employed dazzling floral motifs and vivid colors, and while Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked, they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture.
From mother-of-pearl inlaid vitrines to chrome aviator chairs, bold and inventive works in the Art Deco style include chaise longues (also known as chaise lounges) and curved armchairs. Today, the style is still favored by interior designers looking to infuse a home with an air of luxury and sophistication.
The vintage Art Deco furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes dressers, coffee tables, decorative objects and more.
"Cronos" Grand Saloon Pendola in Mirror by Fratelli Tosi Murano
Located in Murano Venezia, IT
This marvelous and luxurious Grand Saloon clock named "Cronos" after the Greek God of Time, has mounted on a walnut-colored varnished wooden case with 24 Kt gold leaf frames a mechan...
Mirror, Murano Glass, Giltwood
'Bauhaus' Chrome Art Deco Longcase Clock
By Bauhaus
Located in Norwich, GB
‘Bauhaus’ Chrome Longcase Clock Chrome and ebonized longcase clock resting on a heavy ebonised base with four chrome tubular pillars supporting a square pediment with a glass dial...
Chrome
Art Deco Oak and Mahogany Longcase Clock by Enfield
By Enfield Clock Company 1
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco oak cased longcase clock with arched top and mahogany moulding, serpentine shaped base standing on block feet and with glazed trunk door. Silvered dial with Arabic numerals...
Oak
$23,736
Art Deco 1930's Regulator
Located in Amersham, GB
A very fine regulator dating from 1936 in a restrained art deco style. The large precision 8 day movement with Harrison’s maintaining power, and a dead beat escapement with six bar wheels...
Brass, Steel
Art Deco Portois and Fix Viennese Tall Case Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting an amazingly rare piece of Art Deco furniture by an exceptionally rare maker, namely, an Art Deco Portois and Fix Viennese Tall Case Clock. ...
Brass
$696
H 10.24 in W 15.75 in D 6.3 in
Original Art Deco Table Clock, Walnut, Chrome, Glass, Repolished, Czech, 1920s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This refined table clock is an excellent example of Czechoslovak Art Deco from the 1920s. It represents an era when geometric purity and luxury materials became the standard for mode...
Chrome
Antique Mahogany 8 Day Painted Face Longcase Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding antique mahogany 8 day painted face longcase clock signed Johnson Knaresboro with a swan-neck pediment with original brass finials. This a stunning piece, very decorative...
Brass
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Grey Acquamarine Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...
Murano Glass
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Amber Horizon Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber Murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so...
Murano Glass
Antique Art Deco Walnut Mantel Desk Clock Key Wound Chiming Bauhaus 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique art deco style, key wound, chiming mantel clock with a wooden oxbow/yoke shaped case and brass numbers. Dimensions 26” x 4” x 8.25” / Face – 6.75” (Width x Depth x Height/Di...
Walnut
$8,000
H 21 in W 13 in D 7 in
19th Century Meissen Porcelain & Gilt Bronze Clock by Japy Frères Grand Med
By Japy Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classical Meissen porcelain and gilt bronze clock by Japy Frères Grand Med D'Honneur. Made in France, 19th Century. *Each porcelain has its correspondent stamp / signed. Dimensions:...
Bronze
Venini Clessidra Hourglass in Sapphire Cipria Pink Murano Glass
By Fulvio Bianconi, Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Clessidra hourglass in amber murano glass by Paolo Venini and Fulvio Bianconi. Little grains of sand, impalpable and unnoticeable as a whole yet so real, like time ticking away. In 1...
Murano Glass
$3,074
H 12.38 in W 8.5 in D 4.25 in
Rare Art Deco / Bauhaus Bronze Table or Mantel Clock by Lenzkirch / C.Kühling
By Lenzkirch
Located in Lisse, NL
Bronze table clock from the transitional period between Art Nouveau and Art Deco. This rare bronze table clock is by Lenzkirch and it dates from the transitional period of the Jugen...
Bronze, Enamel
$746
H 10.63 in W 8.67 in D 2.76 in
Art Deco Peach Mirror Glass Mantle Clock by Smiths Clock Company, c1930
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Devon, England
Superb 1930's Art Deco mantel clock by Smiths the British clockmakers . Heavy thick peach mirror glass with gold tone stylized Deco numerals all resting on a chrome plinth . Beautifu...
Brass, Chrome
$180
H 5.5 in W 4.75 in D 2.75 in
Hammond Art Deco GRENADIER Synchronous Electric Table Chrome Clock 1930s
By Hammond Clock Company 1
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco period clock designed and manufactured by Hammond Clock Co. of Chicago. This is the Grenadier Synchronous clock featuring Laurens Hammond's innovated electric motor. The face of the clock's hour numbers, in a Deco font, are set on a gold circle with a beige background. It is stamped HAMMOND Synchronous on the front. The face is contained within a chrome front, in very good condition, and held up by two oblong chrome legs. GRENADIER is inscribed on the back brass leg. Hammonds clock are not self starting so in case the electricity goes out the clocks will have to be restarted by using the START knob on the back. The company was in business from 1928 to 1941. The production of clocks was discountinued in 1935 and the company changed its name to Hammond Organ...
Metal, Chrome
Swedish Painted Longcase Clock
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century painted pine tall clock by Mogens Peter Westh. Painted brass face. Clock face contains the designer's name and is dated 1879. Intricate details were created by a true cr...
Wood
$3,831
H 89.38 in W 20.08 in D 10.04 in
Antique George III Quality Mahogany Longcase Clock by Dan Williams, Crickhowell
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality mahogany longcase clock by Dan Williams of Crickhowell having a shaped pediment with three original turned mahogany finials above an arched glazed and maho...
Other
Sold
H 79.25 in W 21 in D 11 in
Art Deco Skyscraper Style Grandfather Clock in Walnut with Black Lacquer Accents
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable Art Deco grandfather clock, crafted in America circa 1935, showcasing the iconic architectural influences of the skyscraper design movement. The clock features a walnut ...
Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 55 in W 10.5 in D 7.5 in
Art Deco Walnut Floor Clock w/ Deco Numeral Dial and Black Lacquered Base
Located in New York, NY
A distinguished Art Deco book matched walnut floor clock featuring deco numeral dials and skyscraper-style hands, set atop a black lacquered base, American, circa 1935. This clock is...
Walnut, Lacquer
Art Deco Walnut Grandfather Clock 1930s
Located in Dereham, GB
Art Deco Walnut Grandfather Clock 1930s 3 Train Movement, Westminster Chimes, Part Chimes & Gong on Every Quarter hour, Chimes On Every Hour Or silent if wished Recently Serviced Ca...
Walnut
Sold
H 78.75 in W 25.99 in D 14.18 in
Restored Art Deco Longcase Clock, Walnut, Spruce, Polish, Czech, 1920s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This majestic Art Deco grandfather clock represents the pinnacle of Czechoslovak furniture design from the 1920s. Its elegant, geometric lines combined with wood and metal are a perfect example of the era design. The clock case is crafted from solid spruce veneered with walnut. The veneer has a distinctive, rich grain, especially on the base, and has been carefully restored with a revived original polish, highlighting its depth and luster. The clock is equipped with a fully functional three-weight...
Wood, Spruce, Lacquer, Walnut
Art Deco J. Brandmann of Berlin Long Case Chiming Clock, Circa 1930s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking Art Deco J. Brandmann grandfather clock, crafted circa 1930s, showcasing the elegance and geometry of the period. The case features rich walnut veneer with beautifully fig...
Burl
Breguet Month-Going Long Case Regulator Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
Completed on December 31st, 1931, this Breguet mahogany and brass floor month-going regulator clock is a perfect emblem of Breguet’s Art Deco and mechanical excellence during the important interwar period. Adorned with the hallmark Breguet features, including the famous moon tip Breguet hands and a beautifully polished brass frame, the clock is further enhanced with exquisite decoration on the plates. Featuring the most accurate escapement of its time, this month-going regulator stands as one of the most dependable timekeepers of its day. Its design even excludes a chime to...
Brass
1930's Art Deco Walnut Long Case Grandmother Clock
Located in London, GB
A fantastic original Art Deco period long case grandmother clock in walnut. This was made in England, it dates from the 1930’s. It is beautifully designed, is of excellent quality...
Walnut
Art Deco Floor Clock by Kieninger, 1940s
Located in Praha, CZ
Floor clock with case in walnut finish with brass column caps. Made in Germany in 1930s or 1940s. Perfect original condition. Beautiful sound.
Brass
Sold
H 79 in W 11.75 in D 24.25 in
Antique Oak Carved Tall Case Kieninger German Art Deco Grandfather Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
Art Deco German grandfather clock by Kieninger. This tall case clock has an oak wooden case with a round bonnet, and a plinth base featuring a...
Glass, Oak
Art Deco Walnut Grandfather Clock, England, circa 1930
Located in Devon, England
Magnificent Art Deco Grandfather clock dating to the 1930s, England. Extremely hard to source with such great styling. The craftsmanship to the case is spectacular, veneered in a mid tone walnut with beautiful detailing accentuating the shape, no expense spared when made. The dial has wonderful stylized raised chrome Art Deco numerals on a brass back plate. The whole case is very nicely portioned with square trunk...
Brass, Chrome
Rare Art Deco Longcase Clock / Cocktail Cabinet
By Smiths English Clock Systems
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco longcase clock Art Deco ebonized longcase clock standing on a three tiered stepped base, long chrome bound trunk door supporting a ...
Chrome
Rare Carved Wooden Chapman Longcase Clock
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Redding, CT
Rare carved wooden chapman longcase clock. Amazing and ornate detail to this hand carved and gilded floral bouquet top .Garnished with scrolled acanthus si...
Glass, Wood