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.
$4,500 / set
Art Deco Brazilian Hardwood Petite Chairs
Located in North Miami, FL
These truly special small scale chairs in Brazilian hardwood and original woven cane seats feature cheetah print cushions (removable) and just a wond...
Wicker, Wood
$7,800 / set
Pair of Art Deco Walnut Side Chairs in Mohair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Art Deco walnut side chairs with a solid walnut frame and mohair fabric..
Mohair, Walnut
COLLECTABLE 1940's ORIGINAL UPHOLSTERY DOROTHY DRAPER GROSFELD HOUSE SIDE CHAIR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, highly collectable original circa 1940's Dorothy Draper Grosfeld House side chair ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Pair of 1940 This Side Chairs Birch with Real Leather in Crocodile Print
By Jules Leleu
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Pair of very elegant 1940 this side or office chairs clear birch restored and reupholstered and recovered with real leather with crocodile print.
Leather, Birch
PAIR OF ENGLISH OAK ART DECO HALL CHAIRS WiTH LATIN INSCRIBED SEAT UPHOLSTERY
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of circa 1930's Art Deco English oak hall chairs with Latin inscribed upholstery Please n...
Upholstery, Oak
$15,000 / set
Paul Follot Four Sculpted Rosewood Side Chairs
By Paul Follot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Classic French Art Deco set of four sculpted rosewood dining chairs by Paul Follot. Model compendium, Paul Follot, by Leon Riotor, Conseiller Municipal de Paris Secretaire General de...
Rosewood
Dominique et Cie French Art Deco Mahogany Beige & Gold Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 7 French Art Deco dining / side chairs with mahogany frames, upholstered in a beige patterned fabric with veins of gold, bordered with matching piping, resting on shaped mahog...
Wood, Mahogany, Fabric, Upholstery
Suite of Four English Oak circa 1940's Folding Steamer Chairs Stunning Patina
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely suite of four original circa 1940's English oak slatted folding steamer chairs A very good looking well ...
Oak
$3,256 / set
Set of Three Art Deco Side Chairs, France, 1940s
By René Prou
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Charming and elegant set of three wrought iron side chairs, with lovely original verdigris paint and gilt accents. Beautifully made. The seats and medallion backs have been newly...
$5,500 / set
Set of 4 French Art Deco Bleached Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 French Art Deco bleached side chairs with slat back and seat.
Wood
Early 20th Century Occasional Swan Neck Single Chair, Swedish
Located in London, GB
This is a very elegant and versatile swan neck chair with a beautiful black curved frame, Swedish circa 1930s. The chair has been newly upholstered in...
Fabric, Oak
Linen Covered Boudoir Chair
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A good cream floral linen covered deep buttoned boudoir chair in excellent overall condition. You are welcome to view this item at our showroom, please phone ahead of visiting. Plea...
Linen
Pair of Finest Quality Waring & Gillows Side Bedroom Chairs Part of Large Suite
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of finest quality Waring & Gillow Lancaster, Walnut inlaid side occasional or bedroom chairs which are part of a large suite. This piece is part of a bedroom set, I have in total a triple bank wardrobe...
Walnut
Art Deco Vintage Rustic Ash Armchair Oskar Strnad circa 1925 Austria
By Oskar Strnad
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Deco vintage armchair designed by Oskar Strnad attributed and manufactured in Vienna Austria, circa 1925. A fabulous armchair from carved and turned solid ashwood with cord woven...
Cord, Ash
Small Art Deco Chair with Rope & Tassel Detail - France, 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very charming and well-made petite side chair in the manner of Paul Follot, with rope and tassel detail on the back and legs. Reeded and tapering front legs. Original blue color, w...
Settee in Stained Beech, Italy, 1940s
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Antwerp, BE
1940s Italian settee is a striking example of mid-century design that blends cubist influences with the timeless elegance of Art Deco. Crafted during a pivotal moment in Italian furn...
Beech