Luxurious. Glamorous. Timeless. These are just a few words that describe the allure of Art Deco living rooms. Originating in the 1920s, the Art Deco design movement brought bold geometric patterns, opulent materials, and sleek, modern forms into homes worldwide. 

Fast forward to today, and its rich aesthetic still captures the hearts of interior design enthusiasts. 

If you’re looking to infuse your living space with a touch of vintage charm while maintaining a contemporary edge, Art Deco offers the perfect solution. This article will walk you through key elements of this iconic design style, introducing you to 20 unique Art Deco living room ideas. 

Key Elements of Art Deco Design 

Before we jump into specific room ideas, it’s essential to understand the foundational elements of Art Deco design. These characteristics will serve as your guide as you create a cohesive and stunning living room. 

1. Geometric Patterns 

Bold, symmetrical patterns define the Art Deco movement. Incorporate geometric designs through wallpaper, rugs, artwork, or textiles. Think repeating zigzags, chevrons, or stylized steps. 

2. Sunburst Motifs 

The sunburst motif is one of Art Deco’s most recognizable features. Use it on mirrors, wall art, or light fixtures to introduce this signature element into your space. 

3. Chrome and Glass Furniture 

The sleek combination of chrome and glass is synonymous with the era. Consider coffee tables, side tables, or even bar carts featuring these materials for a polished, modern look. 

4. Velvet Upholstery 

Luxurious velvet finishes help bring an inviting decadence to your living room. Add velvet sofas, chairs, or accent pillows in rich tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep gold. 

20 art deco living room

1. Introduce Statement Wall Paneling 

Decorative paneling instantly elevates any room with a touch of elegance and drama. Opt for deep, sophisticated hues like teal, navy, or burgundy to create a rich, luxurious ambiance. 

Pair these colors with bold architectural lines, such as fluted or geometric patterns, to channel the structured sophistication of Art Deco design. 

Statement paneling can also serve as a stunning backdrop for your furniture and artwork. 

2. Add a Geometric Rug 

Geometric rugs are not just floor coverings—they’re artwork for your floors. Choose rugs with intricate patterns, such as interlocking shapes or bold lines, to ground your space and add visual interest. 

Coordinate the rug’s colors with your room’s palette to create cohesion and let it guide the tone of your overall design. 

A geometric rug can tie together modern and vintage influences for a polished, Art Deco-inspired look. 

3. Mix Metallic Accents 

Metallic accents are a hallmark of Art Deco style, evoking the era’s obsession with glamour and shine. Blend metals such as gold, brass, or chrome into key elements like mirrors, light fixtures, or even coffee table legs. 

You can also extend metallic details to smaller decor items like vases, picture frames, or trays. 

The combination of different metallic tones can add depth, while their reflective finishes bring light and a sense of luxury to the space. 

4. Opt for Symmetry 

Symmetry is a core principle of Art Deco design, creating balance and harmony in your room’s layout. 

When arranging furniture, such as a pair of armchairs, accent tables, or coordinating sconces, aim for a mirrored effect to achieve a clean, organized feel. 

Symmetrical arrangements work especially well in living rooms and bedrooms, drawing the eye to the center of the space and enhancing its overall sophistication. 

5. Display Abstract Artwork 

Abstract artwork adds a modern and dynamic touch to any Art Deco-inspired interior. Look for framed prints, paintings, or sculptures featuring bold forms, geometric shapes, or vibrant colors. 

Pieces that incorporate gold or metallic tones can enhance the glamorous aspect of the theme. 

Position artwork as a focal point, whether above a sofa, mantel, or console table, to tie the room’s design elements together. 

6. Layer Stunning Mirrors 

Mirrors are a staple of Art Deco interiors as they amplify light and create a sense of luxury. Add visual interest by layering mirrors in unique shapes, such as sunburst or geometric designs. 

Mirrored furniture, like coffee tables or wall panels, can further enhance the brightness and grandeur of the space. 

The reflective surfaces not only make the room feel larger but also reinforce the elegance that defines Art Deco. 

7. Go Bold With Furniture Shapes 

Art Deco furniture is all about striking silhouettes that make a statement. Choose sofas, chairs, or tables with curved forms, stepped designs, or scalloped edges to add drama and character to your space. 

Upholstered furniture in plush fabrics like velvet or leather, paired with bold shapes, will exude the timeless glamour associated with this style. These standout pieces can serve as focal points within your room. 

8. Play With Jewel Tones 

Jewel tones are rich, vibrant, and perfect for creating a sumptuous retreat. Add emerald greens, ruby reds, sapphire blues, or amethyst purples through furniture, throw pillows, or drapes to bring depth and drama into the room. 

Pair jewel tones with metallic accents or neutral backgrounds to ensure balance and prevent the space from being overwhelming. These colors add richness and a sense of sophistication to any Art Deco-inspired design. 

9. Incorporate Shiny Finishes 

High-gloss finishes are essential for capturing the sleek, polished aesthetic of Art Deco. Look for lacquered furniture in bold colors like black, white, or even deep red to introduce a sophisticated sheen to the room. 

Shiny finishes can extend to cabinet doors, console tables, or even decorative accents like trays and vases. 

These reflective surfaces help to create a sense of modernity while paying homage to the luxurious feel of the Art Deco era. 

10. Include Sculptural Elements 

Sculptural decor, such as bronze or chrome statues, adds an artistic and sophisticated edge to your space. Look for pieces with clean, streamlined silhouettes or geometric patterns to align with the Art Deco aesthetic. 

Beyond traditional sculptures, you can also incorporate sculptural lighting, vases, or decorative objects to add layers of interest and texture. 

These elements serve as conversation starters and bring a curated, museum-like quality to your home.

11. Incorporate Stained Glass 

Introduce frosted or stained glass details in your home to instantly evoke the timeless charm of Art Deco. You can incorporate stained glass into lighting fixtures, decorative panels, or even furniture like side tables or cabinet doors. 

These intricate designs not only catch and reflect light beautifully but also add a sense of artistic craftsmanship to your space. 

For an authentic Art Deco vibe, choose stained glass with bold geometric patterns, sunburst designs, or soft pastel hues in shades of pink, blue, or green. These details can elevate even the simplest of interiors with a touch of elegance and sophistication.

12. Decorate With Velvet Curtains 

Floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes do more than just frame your windows—they transform your space into a luxurious retreat. Velvet curtains bring a sense of opulence, warmth, and depth to any room, making them a perfect choice for an Art Deco-inspired look. 

Choose rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep sapphire, or burgundy for a dramatic effect, or opt for soft golds and silvers for a more understated elegance. Pair them with metallic tiebacks or decorative curtain rods to complete the luxurious feel. 

These drapes not only provide privacy but also create an atmosphere of indulgence and sophistication.

13. Choose Black and White Tile Flooring 

Revamp your floors with the bold statement of a black-and-white checkerboard tile pattern. This iconic flooring choice is synonymous with the Art Deco era and instantly brings a sense of timeless elegance to any room. 

The dramatic contrast of black and white pairs beautifully with metallic accents, mirrored furniture, or richly colored upholstery. Use this flooring in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, or large open spaces to make a striking impression. 

The classic checkerboard design not only enhances the visual appeal but also remains a timeless style that will never go out of fashion.

14. Add Vintage Lighting Fixtures 

Lighting is a key element in any Art Deco-inspired space, and vintage fixtures are the perfect way to capture the essence of the era. Install geometric chandeliers, frosted globe lamps, or tiered sconces to add both functionality and style to your home. 

Look for pieces featuring chrome details, symmetrical designs, or frosted glass elements that reflect the sleek and glamorous aesthetic of the 1920s and 1930s. 

Consider placing these fixtures strategically—like a chandelier over the dining table or sconces lining a hallway—to create a warm, inviting glow while serving as statement decor pieces.

15. Create a Cocktail Bar Corner 

Pay homage to the social elegance of the 1920s and 30s by creating a dedicated cocktail bar corner in your home. A sleek chrome bar cart filled with crystal glassware, vintage shaker sets, and your favorite spirits can turn any corner into a glamorous entertainment area. 

Alternatively, opt for a statement cocktail cabinet with mirrored accents, Art Deco patterns, or geometric details to serve as both a functional and decorative piece. 

Style it with accessories like cocktail recipe books, bold coasters, and unique decanters to make it feel polished and ready for your next gathering.

16. Highlight With Bold Drapery 

Dramatic, statement-making curtains are a hallmark of Art Deco design. Choose bold patterns like zigzags, sunbursts, or fan motifs that capture the geometric flair of the era. 

These curtains can act as a focal point in your room, providing a striking contrast to neutral walls or tying together other Art Deco elements. Use them in living rooms, dining areas, or bedrooms to create a cohesive, dramatic look. 

For added luxury, consider using fabrics with metallic threads or silk-like finishes that catch the light and amplify the sense of sophistication in your space.

17. Blend Old and New Pieces 

Creating an Art Deco-inspired space doesn’t mean you have to abandon modern decor. In fact, blending vintage pieces with contemporary accents can strike the perfect balance between the past and present. 

Look for vintage furniture like curved sofas, sleek sideboards, or armchairs with bold lines, and pair them with modern decor elements like minimalist lighting or abstract artwork. 

This mix not only keeps your space feeling fresh and relevant but also highlights the timeless appeal of Art Deco design. The combination allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds while celebrating the iconic style of the era.

18. Bring In Mosaic Tiles 

Add texture, color, and a touch of luxury to your space by incorporating mosaic tiles. These tiles work beautifully on fireplaces, accent walls, backsplashes, or even bathroom floors, creating striking focal points that echo the intricate patterns of Art Deco design. 

Opt for bold geometric arrangements or metallic finishes, such as gold or silver, to enhance the sophistication of your interiors. 

Mosaic tiles not only add a layer of artistic detail but also reflect light in interesting ways, making your space feel more vibrant and unique. They’re a perfect way to elevate even the smallest areas.

19. Invite Nature Indoors 

Soften the bold lines of Art Deco with the addition of tropical or leafy plants. Bring nature indoors by placing palms, monstera, or ferns in metallic, geometric, or ceramic planters. 

These plants not only add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the structured design elements of Art Deco but also evoke the lush, glamorous vibe of the 1920s. Position them near windows, alongside furniture, or in empty corners to breathe life into your space. 

For an added touch, choose planters with bold patterns or metallic finishes to tie them into the overall theme.

20. Complete the Look With a Grand Chandelier 

No Art Deco living room is truly complete without a show-stopping chandelier. A grand chandelier serves as the perfect centerpiece, drawing the eye upward and adding a sense of drama and opulence to the space. 

Look for designs with layers, cascading crystals, geometric lines, or frosted glass elements to capture the essence of the Art Deco era. 

FAQs 

Bottom lines  

Art Deco living rooms effortlessly blend luxury and comfort, making them a timeless choice for any home. By focusing on signature elements—bold patterns, plush materials, and metallic accents—you can transform your living room into a sophisticated retreat. 

Whether you’re doing a full makeover or incorporating just a few key pieces, Art Deco is all about making a bold statement while staying true to your personal vision. Start small or go big, but remember—the charm of Art Deco lies in its ability to fuse vintage allure with modern functionality.