From the Floors Up

A Furniture Style Guide for the 20th Century

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Do you often wonder what furniture styles properly describe your tastes? Unless you took a furniture history course in school you might not know what style particular furniture pieces are. Here is a quick guide to help you recognize the characteristics from certain time period pieces.

Art Deco is a popular furniture style, originating in the 1920’s. Once you know what to look for it is easy to spot this type of furniture styles. Look for bright red, blue, orange and teal finish colors. This style used bold geometric patterns with sharp angles and the use of zig zag patterns.

Modernist was prevalent during the 1930’s and 1940’s. This particular furniture style uses simple and clean lines as well as contrasting colors. This style also uses contrasting textures as well. Popular color choices of this time are black, white, red and orange.

Mid-Century Modern is made up of clean lines. Minimalist design was very popular back then. Surprising colors were used. Look for pastel colors as well as blues, greens and especially rust colors.

Minimalist was the style for the 1960’s. Furniture design was heavily influenced by Japanese styling. The focus on negative space became apparent. Popular colors for this time period was the primary colors, red, yellow and blue; as well as black and white.

The 1970’s was a time for self-expression. There was a combination of hi-tech and natural elements. Bold patterns were used with earth tones. Brick red, avocado green, pink and rust were all very popular colors.

The 1980’s was an age of over indulgence and comfort. The furniture was large and upholstery pieces were overstuffed. Floral patterns and prints were very popular with bold colors. Jewel tones and pastels were popular color choices. Burgundy, mauve and gold were also popular color choices.

The 1990’s was a time where previous furniture styles were kind of fused together. There was a mix of Art Deco, Minimalist and Modern elements in furniture. Greys and beiges became really popular as well as the use of hunter and mint green. Peach was a popular color that was often paired with grey and beige. Natural elements such as metal and glass were incorporated as accents.

Have fun with this new knowledge!  What decade best describes your tastes?

Art Deco Christmas Decor

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As Art Nouveau faded out of style, a new era of Art Deco began to take its place in the interior design industry. Prior to the 1920s, very robust and extravagant styling was compacted into interior design; however, Art Deco began to take a more minimalistic and futuristic approach to this styling. While keeping very bold pieces and lavish styling, Art Deco included very geometrical patterns and bold statements throughout the design. This style is still used today by people who love Art Deco for what it was. If you love Art Deco or have your home styled after Art Deco, you may have a difficult time decorating for Christmas. Many traditional Christmas decorations would look out of place in this design; however, there are still many ways to decorate for the season while still giving homage to this exotic, glamourous style.

Christmas Tree

What makes up many focal points in Art Deco are metals and geometric patterns. Consider creating your own interpretation of a Christmas tree. A triangular figure with consistent lines or a gold, metallic, or chrome frame can be the perfect way to incorporate this into your home. There are many Art Deco Christmas tree designs to explore. In fact, there are several unique and fun ways to have this past interpretation of a futuristic look and adapt it to Christmas. Just remember, with Art Deco, you want your Christmas tree to stand out and be bold.

Lighting

Lighting can be your connecting-ground between the two styles. Art Deco often uses metallic finished or glass lighting to help create the theme. Be creative and try to find ways of making your Christmas lighting complement the style of your home. Plus, it can also be a chance to use color lights in order to add more colors to your space.

Décor

Remember, lavish and stunning details help create this glamorous look. Whether ornaments or another décor piece, think bold and shiny. Adding some flare to your space can go a long way in Art Deco. Look for repetition in geometrical patterns to help create this style throughout your home. Allow your space to feel uniform while also festive.

Art Deco is a fascinating style. It can take some time to master, but once it is done correctly, it can be quite stunning. If you have this style in your own home, do not let your holiday décor clash with it. Find a way to have the two themes complement each other and thrive together in creating the perfect Art Deco Christmas oasis.

Art Nouveau Versus Art Deco: What is the Difference?

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This image features the well-known “Art Deco” interior design style

Many interior design names are used interchangeably; however, they can have very different key features. Art Deco and Art Nouveau are both popular designs used today. Besides both having the word “Art” in the name, these designs are far from similar. They are still both sophisticated looks, but both have entirely different approaches. We explored both of these designs to see their similarities and differences. Knowing their key attributes can help you easily distinguish one from another and even use them in your own home or business décor.

Art Nouveau

This design style was created in Europe at the end of the 19th century as a response to many radical designs used in that century. Many designers wanted to create a new world design that had never been created. It is easily recognized by its dramatic curvature in the architect. It feels almost phantasmagorical and unearthly in a sense. Art Nouveau took an extreme in being completely opposite to Art Deco. Where Art Deco would incorporate hard lines and geometrical patterns, Art Nouveau would use the opportunity to use more whimsical and unorthodox curves. The French helped with the movement by emphasizing a more sophisticated look into the design. This style is luxurious but strays from any hard cut or sleek lines, finding more value in curves and asymmetry.

Art Deco

Art Deco is still a very ornate design; however, it is influenced more by geometrical patterns. It will involve hard lines and shapes yet avoid complexity. This design is still a very lavish look which embraces rich décor and visual drama. While also feeling a tad futuristic, Art Deco will use metallics trims to add a visual “pop” to the room. Art Deco is heavily rooted in the 1920s and 1930s and has a daring contemporary feel. Many retro attributes and visible luxuries help add depth and attention to the design. Large, daring décor has made a trademark in this extravagant styling.

Both these stylings can be recognized by their attempt for a contemporary influence on a more antique styling. Architecture, textiles, and simple décor can help embrace these diverse looks in your home. For more insight on design comparisons, make sure to subscribe. Thanks for reading!

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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