Strong curves in furniture fit an art deco theme.
Art Deco is a bold, adventurous style characterized by contrast, combining geometric shapes and strong curves, plump, overstuffed cushions and hard, shiny surfaces. The spirit of the art deco movement was exuberant optimism after the first World War, and uplifting themes are found in the artwork, the shapes and the decorative embellishments.
Art Deco Bar Furniture
The furniture in an art deco style bar should be rounded and intimate. Seating should be overstuffed but tightly controlled, resembling tuck and roll automobile upholstery as opposed to the loose, pillow-like cushions that appeared during the 1980s and are still popular today. Chairs and couches should curve slightly inward, and bar and table edges should be rounded and smooth.
Geometric embellishments on wood furniture are common in art deco decor and add to the overall idea of contrasts. The most recognizable examples include sunbursts and geometric fan shapes. A dimensional fan-shaped overlay on a lacquered wood surface typifies art deco.
Colors, Patterns and Textures
For an authentic art deco look, use gem tones in reds, golds, deep purples or royal blues. For patterned fabrics, choose bold geometric, oversized floral or exotic animal prints.
Materials and Finishes
To create the contrast inherent in art deco, use highly reflective hard surfaces, such as heavily lacquered woods, glass, chrome or metals. Inlaid and overlaid embellishments are common, ranging from inlaid glass marbles to intricate fretwork overlay.
On the Walls
Art Deco artwork features stylized people in elegant dress with elongated, curving shapes. Themes that represent opulence and indulgence are common, and art often featured peacock feathers, grand pianos, people dancing, lounging or enjoying cocktails, tropical plants and exotic animals. For a budget-friendly option, consider stenciling silhouettes of dancing figures spaced around the room. For example, the wall adjacent to each booth could feature the silhouette of an elegant dancing couple superimposed over a moon or sunburst shape in a glimmering paint color just a little paler than the wall color.
Lamps, Statuary and Plants
Perhaps the most iconic representation of art deco is the lady lamp, featuring a nude or elegantly dressed bronze woman in a dramatic pose, holding either an incandescent orb or a translucent flat circle with a bulb behind it. These mass-produced low-wattage lamps are still on the market today and can be used to create intimate and dramatic table lighting perfect for an art deco bar. Continue the theme with bronze, wrought iron or ceramic representations of elongated whippets, panthers or peacocks. Add contrast and exoticism with feathery potted palm trees.
Geometric lamps also represent art deco. Look for architecturally designed lamps inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Tags: furniture deco, geometric shapes, should rounded