Between World War I and World War II, escapism through art was born and made its way into all lifestyles. It was seen in furniture, jewelry, and architecture. This new revolution in art became known as “Art Deco” and it 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 because of the economic difficulties people faced. Many of the pieces are now part of art collections.
Characteristics of Art Deco furniture
In the furniture, the artist incorporated themes of fountains and sun rays to symbolize the dawn of a new modern era. There were also geometric shapes that were symbolic for technology and machinery. The artists were also inspired by ancient cultures such as the civilizations of Central America, Egypt, and Asia. They used lush fabrics and vibrant colors. Wear satin metal finishes, garish mirrors, exotic ornaments like jewelry, 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 symmetry and repetition, wide curves, the sunburst motif, and chevron patterns.
Types of furniture
• Mirrors-dressers, coffee tables and dresser and dresser with mirrors were manufactured
• Exotic wood furniture: Various pieces of furniture were being created using rare woods such as ebony, Amboina, violetwood and mahogany. They also used woods that were not as expensive as ash, broad, and oak. After the furniture is finished, they will be put on a coat of lacquer that will give it an elegant and glamorous look. When making Art Deco cabinets, the use of lacquer was widespread.
• Metal finishing: in the 1920s the industrial boom and the Machine Age were symbolized, which was 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 great success. The furniture was made of soft, richly textured leathers in three main colors, which were tan, black, and brown. Some dyed the leather in garish colors like mandarin orange or cherry red. You could find leather ottomans, armchairs, and sofas.
• Wood Inlays – A main feature of the Art Deco era was to give armchairs and sofas a classic wood inlay. This gave the furniture a sophisticated and expensive appeal. The colors used primarily by the artists were rich shades of gold, copper, and metallic.
• Luxe Trim: Furnishings are embellished 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.
