Features of the Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet

Art Deco Drinks Cabinet Walnut Vintage 1930s

(Above photo - Art Deco Drinks Cabinet Walnut Vintage 1930s )

The art deco movement of the 1920s provided one of the most defining moments for furniture designers and makers. It marked a departure from the past when furniture pieces were bulky to modernity, emphasizing minimalist details. Art deco designers sought to create something sleek with a non-traditional sense of elegance while symbolizing the sophistication and wealth of the roaring twenties. One of the best-known furniture pieces of that time is the art deco cocktail cabinet.

This article discusses the characteristics of the art deco cocktail cabinet with the view of helping you easily identify it. Read on for more information.

1. Geometric Shapes

(Above photo - Period Art Deco Cocktail Cabinet Vintage Drinks Chest 1930 )

Art deco cocktail cabinets typically feature geometric shapes of sleek futuristic forms. On these and other art deco items, you will notice shapes like triangles, squares, rectangles, and so on. The furniture pieces brought out a unique sense of symmetry and balance.

2. Materials

(Above photo - Vintage Art Deco Drinks Cabinet Cocktail Chest 1920 )

The art deco style incorporated different materials, including wood, marble, polished metals, plastics, chrome, stainless steel, ivory, and glass. Art deco cocktail cabinets mostly featured exotic wood such as teak, Macassar, and ebony. The cabinet top would be made from glass or marble to give it a characteristic luxurious look. When choosing materials, furniture makers sought to show just how much hard work they had put into it.

3. Ornamentation

Like other types of art deco furniture, cocktail cabinets featured ornamentation in geometric shapes. The sole purpose of that was to create a sense of geometric symmetry. They have intricate inlays of exotic woods, angular or symmetrical lines, and smooth, long, and sweeping curves. Some have decorations such as stars, sunbursts, zigzags, V-shapes, and animals. Also noticeable are shagreen features like shark, snake, and zebra skin.

4. Designers

(Above photo - Period 1920s Cocktail Cabinet with Chinoiserie )

While looking at the different features makes it easy to identify art deco furniture pieces, it is much better if you know the designer behind each piece. The furniture usually comes with documents showing who designed and made it. Be sure to look at these documents to know the exact origin of a particular furniture piece. Well-known art deco designers include Gio Ponti, Paul Evans, Paul Mccobb, Jules Leleu, Milo Baughman, Hans J. Wegner, and Arne Jacobsen.

Art Deco Furniture Today

(Above photo - Art Deco Drinks Cabinet Chinoiserie Vintage Cocktail 1930 )

The revolutionary nature of the art deco style made it attract lots of criticism in the 1920s and 1930s. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after furniture styles. People use them to decorate their homes to a better and greater effect than most other furniture styles. If you are looking for a way to add a sense of luxury and functionality to your space, art deco is the way to go. For example, an art deco cocktail cabinet is great for holding your drinks and enhancing your home’s interior décor.

In conclusion, if you are looking for an art deco cocktail cabinet to purchase, we have some of the best in our shop. Reach out to us online or in-store to sample what we have to offer.