Art Deco Furniture: The Complete Guide to Choosing & Styling Art Deco Interiors
Bold curves. Beautiful materials. A little glamour. Art Deco furniture has never been about blending into the background. From sculptural buffets and elegant marble tables to velvet dining chairs and statement lighting, it's a design style that knows how to make an entrance.
At Attica House, our curated collection of Art Deco Furniture brings the sophistication of the 1920s and 1930s into contemporary Australian homes. Think antique gold finishes, curved silhouettes, luxurious upholstery and furniture that's as beautiful as it is functional.
Whether you're furnishing a modern apartment, creating an elegant dining room or introducing a touch of Hollywood glamour to your living space, this guide will help you choose Art Deco furniture that feels timeless rather than theatrical.
What Is Art Deco Furniture?
Art Deco is a design movement that emerged in the 1920s and flourished during the 1930s. Recognised for its bold geometry, symmetry, luxurious materials and decorative detail, the style influenced architecture, furniture, fashion and interiors around the world.
Traditional Art Deco furniture often features geometric patterns, lacquered surfaces, polished metals, exotic timbers, marble and rich upholstery. Modern Art Deco furniture interprets these characteristics for contemporary homes, combining sculptural forms and glamorous finishes with cleaner lines and everyday functionality.
Our styling advice: You don't need to furnish an entire room in Art Deco style. One beautifully proportioned buffet, curved coffee table or statement chandelier can introduce the character of the era without overwhelming your interior.
Modern Art Deco vs Traditional Art Deco: What's the Difference?
Traditional Art Deco interiors embraced elaborate detail, high contrast and luxurious finishes. Black lacquer, polished chrome, rich timber, mirrored surfaces and geometric patterns were defining characteristics.
Modern Art Deco retains the glamour but introduces softer shapes, lighter palettes and a more restrained approach. Think ivory and antique gold instead of exclusively black and chrome. Curved buffets rather than heavily ornamented cabinetry. Sculptural marble tables paired with contemporary upholstered chairs.
The result is sophisticated, expressive and perfectly suited to modern Australian interiors.
What Is Hollywood Regency Furniture?
Hollywood Regency is a related but distinct decorative style associated with the glamour of Hollywood interiors, particularly during the 1930s and later decades.
Where Art Deco often emphasises geometry and symmetry, Hollywood Regency tends to be more theatrical, combining mirrored finishes, velvet upholstery, brass accents, luxurious textures and dramatic lighting. The two styles complement each other beautifully.
At Attica House, many of our statement pieces bring together the architectural elegance of Art Deco and the playful glamour of Hollywood Regency. Explore the look further in our Hollywood Regency furniture collection.
Art Deco Buffets & Sideboards: Statement Storage
An Art Deco buffet can completely transform a dining room, living room or entrance hall. Unlike conventional storage furniture, Art Deco-inspired buffets often feature sculptural curves, decorative door fronts, metallic detailing and beautifully proportioned silhouettes.
Curved Art Deco Buffets
Curved furniture is one of the most effective ways to introduce Art Deco character into a contemporary interior. Rounded ends, softened corners and flowing lines provide a beautiful contrast to rectangular dining tables, straight walls and architectural spaces.
Our Portofino Curved Buffet Cabinet, available in black and white, shows how a sculptural silhouette can create visual interest without excessive ornamentation.
Antique Gold & Statement Buffets
For a more glamorous interpretation, antique gold finishes and decorative detailing introduce warmth and personality.
The Monte Carlo Buffet Cabinet and Amara Art Deco Buffet offer distinctive options for interiors where storage should be as impressive as the furniture surrounding it. Browse more in our buffets & chests collection.
What Size Buffet Should You Choose?
A buffet should suit both the available wall space and the scale of the dining table or surrounding furniture. As a general guide:
- 120–150cm wide: Suitable for smaller dining rooms and apartments.
- 150–180cm wide: A versatile choice for many dining rooms.
- 180–220cm wide: Ideal for larger spaces and statement installations.
Leave enough clearance for cabinet doors and drawers to open comfortably. For a balanced arrangement, choose a buffet that feels proportionate to your dining table rather than simply selecting the largest piece that fits the wall.
Hanging art above your buffet? Our wall art guide covers sizing and hanging heights.
Art Deco Dining Furniture: Glamour Meets Function
An Art Deco-inspired dining room should feel elegant without sacrificing comfort or practicality. The secret is combining a beautifully shaped dining table with chairs that introduce texture, contrast or decorative detail.
Art Deco Dining Tables
Look for dining tables featuring sculptural bases, oval silhouettes, polished finishes and refined proportions. Oval tables are particularly effective because their softened shape creates a more fluid arrangement and encourages movement around the room.
Pieces such as the Amalfi Oval Dining Table and Brunella Oval Dining Table show how contemporary dining furniture can capture the spirit of Art Deco design.
Velvet Art Deco Dining Chairs
Velvet upholstery introduces the rich texture traditionally associated with glamorous interiors. Deep green, rust, charcoal and other jewel-inspired colours work beautifully with brass, marble and dark timber.
The Paris Dining Chair and Harlow Dining Chair offer options for introducing a more luxurious, decorative look to a dining space.
Our styling tip: If your dining table has a strong sculptural base, choose chairs with a more restrained silhouette. If the table is simple, upholstered chairs can provide the personality.
How Much Space Do You Need Around a Dining Table?
Aim for approximately 90cm of clearance between the table edge and surrounding walls or furniture where possible. This provides room to pull out chairs and move around the dining setting.
For comfortable everyday dining, allow roughly 55–65cm of table-edge space per person, depending on the chair design. A 2.4m oval table, for example, comfortably seats eight.
Art Deco Coffee Tables: Curves, Marble & Metallic Finishes
A coffee table is one of the easiest ways to introduce Art Deco style into a living room. Look for curved or geometric silhouettes, marble surfaces, metallic accents and sculptural bases.
The Monaco Coffee Table in antique gold and the Savannah Bone Inlay Coffee Table offer two different interpretations of decorative statement furniture. See more in our marble furniture collection.
What Size Art Deco Coffee Table Suits Your Sofa?
As a general guide, a coffee table measuring approximately half to two-thirds the length of your sofa creates balanced proportions. For a 2.4 metre sofa, a coffee table around 120–160cm long works well, although smaller or round tables may suit compact rooms.
Leave approximately 35–45cm between the sofa and coffee table for comfortable access. The table's height should be close to the sofa seat height, or slightly lower.
Art Deco Bedroom Furniture: Beautifully Considered Glamour
Art Deco bedrooms combine symmetry, luxurious materials and decorative detail. A pair of statement bedside tables, a beautifully proportioned chest of drawers and elegant lighting can create a sophisticated atmosphere without making the room feel overly formal.
Art Deco Bedside Tables
Look for curved edges, decorative drawer fronts, metallic finishes and refined proportions. The Monte Carlo Large Bedside Table, available in black, white and antique gold, offers a glamorous interpretation of contemporary Art Deco furniture.
What Size Bedside Table Suits a King Bed?
For an Australian king bed, bedside tables approximately 50–70cm wide often create balanced proportions, depending on the bedhead and available space. The ideal bedside table height is close to the top of the mattress, typically within a few centimetres.
Measure your bed before purchasing, as mattress and bed-base heights vary. Browse the full range of bedside tables.
Art Deco Chests of Drawers
A statement chest can introduce decorative interest while providing practical bedroom storage. The Amara 6-Drawer Chest and Monte Carlo 3 Drawer Chest combine storage with an expressive Art Deco-inspired aesthetic.
Our styling tip: Matching bedside tables create the symmetry associated with traditional Art Deco interiors. For a more contemporary approach, coordinate their finishes with a contrasting chest or statement lamp.
Art Deco Lighting: The Finishing Touch
Lighting plays an important role in Art Deco interiors. Sculptural chandeliers, cut glass, marble lamps and metallic finishes can introduce glamour even when the surrounding furniture is relatively understated.
Art Deco Chandeliers
A statement chandelier can anchor a dining room, entrance hall or living space. Look for decorative glass, geometric forms, metallic detailing and beautifully balanced proportions.
Pieces such as the Virgin Cut Glass Chandelier and Paloma Shell Chandelier offer different interpretations of glamorous statement lighting. Explore our full chandeliers collection.
Art Deco Table Lamps
Marble and decorative glass lamps are particularly effective on buffets, bedside tables and consoles. The Paola Marble Table Lamp and Spirit Crystal Table Lamp provide elegant options for introducing material contrast and decorative detail. See more table lamps.
How Large Should a Chandelier Be Above a Dining Table?
As a general starting point, choose a chandelier approximately one-half to two-thirds the width of the dining table, depending on its shape and design. For a rectangular or oval table, consider the fixture's overall length as well as its width.
The bottom of the chandelier is commonly positioned around 75–90cm above the tabletop, adjusted for ceiling height, fixture design and sightlines. Hard-wired fittings should be installed by a licensed electrician.
Art Deco Bar Carts & Drinks Trolleys
Few furniture pieces capture the glamour of entertaining quite like an Art Deco-inspired drinks trolley. Mirrored surfaces, polished metal, stone shelves and sculptural frames create a sophisticated setting for glassware and decorative accessories.
The Madison Drinks Trolley, Southside Stone Bar Cart and Brooklyn Mirrored Bar Cart offer distinctive options for living rooms, dining rooms and entertaining spaces. Browse all drinks trolleys or our home bar range.
How Do You Style an Art Deco Drinks Trolley?
Keep the arrangement considered rather than overcrowded. Combine a small selection of glassware, a decorative tray and one or two sculptural accessories.
Leave some of the surface visible so the materials and design of the trolley remain part of the presentation.
What Colours Work Best With Art Deco Furniture?
Art Deco interiors are often associated with black and gold, but contemporary interpretations offer a much broader palette:
- Black and antique gold: Dramatic, glamorous and sophisticated
- Ivory and brass: Elegant, light and contemporary
- Emerald green and gold: Rich, luxurious and expressive
- Rust velvet and walnut: Warm, inviting and refined
- White marble and black: Architectural and timeless
- Champagne and warm neutrals: Soft, understated glamour
For a modern Art Deco interior, consider using a neutral foundation and introducing metallic accents through selected furniture and lighting. This creates a sophisticated look without making the room feel overly decorative.
How to Mix Art Deco Furniture With Modern Furniture
One of the most common decorating questions is whether Art Deco furniture can work in a contemporary home. Absolutely. In fact, combining the two styles can create a more interesting interior than decorating exclusively in one period.
Start With One Statement Piece
Choose a curved buffet, sculptural coffee table or glamorous chandelier as the focal point. Keep surrounding furniture relatively simple so the statement piece has room to shine.
Repeat Materials Rather Than Matching Everything
A brass detail on a buffet can connect visually with a table lamp or chandelier. Similarly, a marble coffee table can complement stone accessories or a dining table without requiring identical finishes.
Balance Curves With Straight Lines
Art Deco furniture often features rounded corners, curved fronts and sculptural forms. Pair these with contemporary sofas, simple dining chairs or architectural lighting to create contrast and balance.
Avoid Overcrowding the Room
Art Deco is expressive by nature, but every piece doesn't need to compete for attention. A few beautifully chosen statement pieces will usually create a more sophisticated result than filling the room with decorative furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Art Deco Furniture
What defines Art Deco furniture?
Art Deco furniture is characterised by bold geometry, symmetry, decorative detailing and luxurious materials. Common features include curved silhouettes, polished metals, marble, rich upholstery, geometric patterns and contrasting finishes.
Is Art Deco furniture still in style?
Art Deco remains influential in contemporary interior design because of its sculptural shapes, luxurious materials and distinctive character. Modern interpretations combine these decorative features with cleaner lines and practical functionality.
Can Art Deco furniture work in a modern home?
Yes. Art Deco furniture works particularly well in contemporary interiors when introduced selectively. A curved buffet, marble coffee table or statement chandelier can add personality while complementing modern sofas, dining tables and architectural spaces.
What is the difference between Art Deco and Hollywood Regency?
Art Deco emphasises geometry, symmetry and decorative craftsmanship, while Hollywood Regency is generally more theatrical and glamorous, featuring mirrored surfaces, luxurious upholstery, metallic finishes and dramatic contrasts. Both styles share an appreciation for statement design.
What colours are typical of Art Deco furniture?
Classic Art Deco palettes include black, gold, cream, emerald green, burgundy and rich timber tones. Contemporary Art Deco interiors also embrace ivory, champagne, warm neutrals, rust and antique brass.
What furniture should I buy first for an Art Deco living room?
Start with one statement piece, such as a curved coffee table, decorative buffet or sculptural armchair. Build the room around its shape, colour and materials rather than purchasing a complete matching furniture set.
What type of dining table suits an Art Deco interior?
Oval, round and geometrically shaped dining tables work particularly well. Look for sculptural bases, polished finishes, marble-inspired surfaces and distinctive proportions. Pair the table with upholstered chairs for a more glamorous look.
What size Art Deco buffet should I choose?
For many dining rooms, a buffet around 150–180cm wide provides useful storage and balanced proportions. Larger spaces may accommodate cabinets around 180–220cm wide. Always check available wall space, room circulation and door clearance.
What is the best material for Art Deco furniture?
Art Deco furniture is associated with materials such as marble, polished metal, timber, glass, lacquer and luxurious upholstery. The best choice depends on the furniture's function, your preferred aesthetic and the maintenance requirements of each material.
Does Art Deco furniture have to be black and gold?
Not at all. While black and gold are iconic Art Deco colours, modern interpretations include white, ivory, champagne, natural timber, antique brass and rich upholstery colours. A restrained palette can create a softer, more contemporary look.
Can I mix Art Deco furniture with Scandinavian or minimalist furniture?
Yes. Simple contemporary furniture can provide an effective backdrop for Art Deco statement pieces. The contrast between clean lines and decorative curves often creates a sophisticated, balanced interior.
Are curved buffets considered Art Deco?
Curved buffets are frequently associated with Art Deco-inspired design, particularly when combined with symmetry, decorative detailing or luxurious finishes. However, curved furniture also appears in other design movements, so the overall silhouette and materials determine its character.
Where can I buy Art Deco furniture online in Australia?
Attica House offers a curated collection of Art Deco-inspired furniture and décor for Australian homes. Discover curved buffets, decorative bedside tables, marble and sculptural coffee tables, velvet dining chairs, statement chandeliers and glamorous drinks trolleys, with Australia-wide delivery.
Discover Art Deco Furniture at Attica House
Some furniture simply fills a room. Other pieces give it character. From sculptural buffets and beautifully curved tables to velvet dining chairs, glamorous lighting and statement bedroom furniture, Attica House celebrates the enduring sophistication of Art Deco design.
Whether you're creating a dramatic dining room, an elegant bedroom or a contemporary living space with a touch of Hollywood glamour, discover furniture that refuses to be ordinary.
Timeless glamour. Sculptural beauty. A little decadence never hurt.
