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(Above photo - Art Deco Cloud Suite Club Chairs Couch Period 1930)
The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, was an era of extravagance, innovation, and rapid social change that reflected itself in art, fashion, and, notably, interior design. As World War I ended and the world entered a new phase of optimism and industrial growth, interior spaces transformed to reflect the spirit of the age. Luxurious, glamorous, and modern, the interiors of the Roaring Twenties embraced Art Deco influences, rich textures, bold colors, and an eye for innovation. Here’s a deep dive into what made 1920s interiors so distinctive and why they continue to inspire designers today.
(Above photo - Art Deco Bergere Suite Club Chair Settee Mahogany 1920)
(Above photo - Period Art Deco Bedside Chests 1930s Nightstands)
Art Deco, with its emphasis on symmetry, geometry, and opulence, dominated the interior design world of the 1920s. Characterized by streamlined shapes, bold patterns, and luxurious materials, Art Deco designs emphasized both style and function. Furniture pieces often had sleek lines, with curves softened by materials such as polished metals, mirrored surfaces, and lacquered wood. This style gave interiors a highly stylized, modern look that was simultaneously sophisticated and daring.
The 1920s interiors often showcased expensive and exotic materials to express wealth and sophistication. Marble, ebony, ivory, and lacquer were frequently used for surfaces, while furniture and decorative pieces incorporated luxurious materials like velvet, silk, and satin. Glass and chrome were also popular choices, reflecting an era fascinated with innovation and luxury. Rich textures layered on top of polished surfaces created an unmistakable sense of extravagance and elegance.
Moving away from the subdued colors of previous decades, the 1920s celebrated bold and glamorous hues. Deep greens, rich burgundies, royal blues, and metallic shades of gold and silver were prevalent in 1920s interiors. Walls were often painted in rich, dramatic colors or covered in wallpaper featuring geometric patterns, zigzags, and fan motifs—typical of Art Deco designs. These colors made each room feel opulent and full of life, in tune with the energy of the Jazz Age.
Lighting took center stage in Roaring Twenties interiors, both in function and form. Chandeliers, wall sconces, and table lamps embraced bold geometric shapes and often featured frosted glass, chrome, and even crystal elements. Lighting fixtures served as both a functional and decorative focal point, adding drama and highlighting the sumptuous materials used throughout the space. The effect was to cast a soft, ambient glow that enhanced the richness of color and texture.
Furniture designs of the 1920s reflected both the Art Deco aesthetic and the influence of modernist ideals. Chairs, sofas, and tables often had clean, elegant lines, combining functionality with artistry. Metallic accents in brass, chrome, and polished steel were especially common, and furniture often featured inlays of marble, glass, or mirror. Pieces were frequently low-slung and streamlined, designed to be both stylish and functional, with an emphasis on comfort without sacrificing visual impact.
Mirrors were a staple in 1920s interiors, used both to create the illusion of space and to add glamour. Large, ornate mirrors framed in artful, geometric designs often adorned living rooms, dining rooms, and entryways, making rooms appear larger and enhancing the light. Reflective surfaces were popular not only for mirrors but also for furniture, fixtures, and even wallpaper. These elements gave interiors a sparkling quality, reflecting the dazzling lifestyle of the era.
Decorative accessories in the 1920s interiors were bold and often globally inspired, reflecting the period's fascination with travel and the exotic. Sculptures, vases, and ornamental objects inspired by ancient Egypt, Africa, and the Far East were common in Roaring Twenties interiors. These eclectic decorative touches complemented the opulent feel of Art Deco design, creating an atmosphere that felt both worldly and deeply luxurious.
(Above photo - Vintage Art Deco Drinks Cabinet Cocktail Chest 1920)
(Above photo - Art Deco Console Table Midcentury Interiors)
The living room in a Roaring Twenties home was a space of leisure and luxury. Sofas and chairs were often upholstered in luxurious fabrics, and coffee tables were sleek and decorative. This room would typically feature a statement piece, such as an elaborate chandelier or an oversized mirror, and be finished with lush rugs and patterned wallpapers that added warmth and depth.
(Above photo - Art Deco Desk Bureau Plat Inlay Interiors)
Dining rooms during this period were formal and dramatic, often centered around a grand dining table with upholstered chairs. Crystal and glass tableware, along with metallic accents, created a sophisticated and opulent dining experience. Wall sconces and chandeliers provided ambient lighting, while a bar or cocktail cabinet was a typical addition for entertaining.
Bathrooms in the 1920s embraced luxury and modernity, incorporating tiled walls, marble floors, and freestanding bathtubs with metallic fixtures. Art Deco influences were evident in the use of geometric patterns and chrome detailing. Bathrooms became more than just functional spaces; they were designed to be relaxing retreats, filled with gleaming surfaces and chic, clean lines.
(Above photo - Art Deco Chest Drawers Commode Roaring Twenties Interiors)
The interior design of the 1920s remains iconic because it captures a unique blend of glamour, sophistication, and innovation. This decade was an era of cultural exuberance, and its interiors reflect a luxurious aesthetic that appeals to our enduring fascination with beauty, innovation, and optimism. Today, modern designers continue to draw on the Roaring Twenties style, mixing Art Deco pieces, rich colors, and bold patterns with contemporary elements.
Whether it’s through a statement chandelier, a velvet sofa, or the sleek lines of Art Deco furniture, bringing elements of 1920s design into a modern home allows for a unique connection to an era that celebrated beauty, artistry, and life.
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