Art Deco Living Room Design Ideas: A Timeless Design Style

Art Deco Living Room Design Ideas. Art Deco, short for “Arts Decoratifs,” is a style of visual arts, architecture, and design that first appeared in France just before World War I. It became popular in the 1920s and 1930s and is characterized by its bold geometric shapes, lavish ornamentation, and use of rich, luxurious materials.

An Art Deco living room blends opulence with a modern flair, making it a popular choice for those looking to add a sophisticated yet timeless touch to their home décor.

Art Deco’s distinctive features include sleek, streamlined forms, strong symmetry, bold patterns, and striking contrasts. With influences from various art movements such as Cubism, Futurism, and Bauhaus, it is a style that offers both elegance and a sense of progressiveness.

Whether you are designing a brand-new living room or renovating an existing one, incorporating Art Deco elements can add a unique charm and luxury to your space.

What Is an Art Deco Living Room?

An Art Deco living room is a design style that incorporates sleek geometry, bold colors, metallic accents, and a rich combination of materials. This style evokes the glamour and sophistication of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age.

The key to creating an Art Deco-inspired living room is to use opulent furnishings, shiny surfaces, and striking contrasts that reflect the exuberant spirit of the 1920s while maintaining a modern edge.

Key Characteristics of Art Deco Design:

• Geometric shapes and symmetry: Art Deco is known for its love of clean lines and geometric patterns. Zigzags, chevrons, and sunbursts are common motifs.
• Bold colors and contrasts: Deep tones like emerald green, royal blue, black, and gold are paired with lighter shades such as cream and beige.
• Luxurious materials: Think marble, glass, lacquer, polished wood, and metals like brass and chrome.
• Glamorous accents: Mirrored surfaces, glass panels, and luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk are used to add a sense of opulence.
• Streamlined furniture: Furniture in Art Deco is typically sleek and simple in form but is often embellished with rich detailing.

Types of Art Deco Living Rooms:

1. Classic Art Deco: This type of living room strictly adheres to the key elements of the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco style. It incorporates strong geometric patterns, bold colors like black, white, and gold, and luxurious materials such as lacquered wood, polished metal, and glass.
2. Modern Art Deco: A more subtle, modernized version of Art Deco that combines traditional elements with contemporary design features. It may feature softer geometric patterns, a more muted color palette, and streamlined, minimalistic furniture pieces, while still retaining the glamour and opulence of the original style.
3. Eclectic Art Deco: In this design, the living room incorporates elements from different styles but still reflects an overall Art Deco vibe. Eclectic Art Deco might blend vintage and modern furniture, different types of materials, and a more playful color palette.
4. Glamorous Art Deco: This style amplifies the opulent aspects of Art Deco, featuring rich jewel tones, luxurious textures like velvet and silk, gold accents, and large, eye-catching chandeliers or mirrored surfaces. The overall aesthetic is dazzling and opulent.

Materials to Use in an Art Deco Living Room:

• Metals: Brass, chrome, and stainless steel are the go-to metals for an Art Deco room. These shiny, reflective surfaces are used in furniture accents, light fixtures, and wall décor.
• Glass and Mirrors: Glass, particularly frosted or etched glass, is a key material used in Art Deco furniture and lighting. Mirrored surfaces on walls, furniture, or as decorative pieces help create the sense of glamour synonymous with the style.
• Wood: Polished dark wood, like ebony or walnut, is often used in Art Deco furniture. Wood is usually lacquered to give it a glossy, luxurious finish.
• Marble: Marble, especially black or white with strong veining, is frequently used in Art Deco living rooms, either for flooring, tables, or even decorative accents.
• Leather and Velvet: Upholstery in Art Deco furniture is often made from luxurious fabrics like velvet and leather. Rich colors such as emerald green, royal blue, and deep burgundy are common choices.
• Inlays: Art Deco is known for its detailed inlays, often combining multiple materials like wood, ivory, or metal to create intricate patterns in furniture or flooring.

15 Art Deco Living Room Design Ideas:

1. Geometric Wall Patterns

Incorporate geometric patterns on the walls by using wallpaper or stencils that feature motifs such as chevrons, sunbursts, or zigzags.

A black and gold or black and white color scheme enhances the Art Deco effect.

You could also add a statement mirror in a geometric shape, such as a sunburst or hexagon, to amplify the theme.

2. Velvet Upholstered Furniture

Invest in a velvet-upholstered sofa or armchairs in rich, jewel-toned colors like emerald green, royal blue, or deep purple.

Pair the furniture with polished metal accents in brass or chrome for a luxurious, vintage look.

3. Statement Lighting

Chandeliers are a staple in Art Deco design. Opt for a bold chandelier made from glass, crystal, or polished metal. Look for designs with geometric shapes or fan-like patterns to embody the glamour of the 1920s.

Smaller accent lighting, such as globe-shaped lamps with metal detailing, can complement the space.

4. Mirrored Coffee Table

A mirrored coffee table can act as the centerpiece of the room, reflecting light and adding a touch of glamour.

Pair it with a bold, geometric area rug underneath to emphasize the Art Deco aesthetic.

5. Black and Gold Color Palette

Black and gold is a classic Art Deco color combination.

Consider painting an accent wall in a deep black or charcoal and adding gold trim or metallic accents to the room.

Complement this palette with furniture and accessories in shades of white or cream to balance the richness.

6. Marble Accents

Use marble for side tables, coffee tables, or even a statement fireplace surround.

Black or white marble with bold veining will create a luxurious and timeless feel in your living room.

Pair with gold or brass accents for a cohesive look.

7. Metallic and Glass Shelving Units

Displaying decorative items on sleek shelving units made from brass, chrome, or glass can enhance the Art Deco aesthetic.

Choose shelves with geometric designs or sharp angles to bring in a sense of symmetry and sleekness.

8. Art Deco-Inspired Artwork

Incorporate Art Deco prints, posters, or sculptures into your living room’s décor.

Look for artwork with geometric shapes, abstract designs, or themes that evoke the opulence of the Jazz Age.

Frame them in black or metallic frames to tie them into the overall aesthetic.

9. Bold Area Rugs

An area rug with a geometric pattern in bold colors such as black, gold, and cream can anchor the room and bring together the various elements of the design.

Rugs with zigzag patterns, diamonds, or chevrons are particularly fitting.

10. Sleek and Symmetrical Furniture

Furniture in an Art Deco living room should be sleek and symmetrical.

Look for pieces with strong lines, curved arms, and tapered legs.

A streamlined leather sofa or armchair paired with polished metal and glass furniture will reflect the Art Deco style.

11. Layering Luxurious Textures

To create a truly opulent living room, layer textures such as velvet, silk, and fur.

Throw pillows in rich fabrics or a plush area rug can add warmth and luxury to the room.

The contrast between soft textures and sleek surfaces is key to achieving the Art Deco look.

12. Gold or Brass Accents

Incorporate gold or brass accents throughout the room, from picture frames and light fixtures to furniture detailing and hardware.

Metallic finishes enhance the glamour and sophistication that defines Art Deco.

13. Arched Windows or Mirrors

If possible, install arched windows or mirrors to capture the elegance of Art Deco architecture.

Arches were a common feature in Art Deco design and can give the room a grander, more luxurious feel.

14. Patterned Floor Tiles

Add interest to the floor by using patterned tiles.

Marble, black-and-white checkered tiles, or geometric designs can turn the floor into a bold Art Deco statement.

For a more subtle approach, consider adding a large geometric rug instead.

15. Sunburst Motif

The sunburst is an iconic motif in Art Deco design.

Incorporate it through a large statement mirror above the fireplace or as a pattern on the wallpaper, furniture, or lighting fixtures.

This instantly recognizable design element will bring a classic Art Deco feel to your living room.

Conclusion: Art Deco Living Room Design Ideas!

Designing an Art Deco living room is all about balancing bold, geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and rich colors with modern-day elegance.

By incorporating the right materials such as velvet, brass, marble, and glass and sticking to the style’s defining features, you can create a space that feels both glamorous and timeless.

Whether you want to go all-in with a vintage-inspired design or opt for a more subtle modern take, the Art Deco style offers endless possibilities for adding a touch of sophistication and luxury to your home.