Top 10+ Ways to Style an Art Deco-Inspired Living Space

Bold Geometric Patterns

Nothing says Art Deco quite like daring geometric patterns. These designs, whether found in wallpaper, rugs, or throw pillows, instantly inject energy and movement into a room.

Think chevrons, zigzags, and intricate mosaics—shapes that almost seem to dance across your walls and floors. Wallpaper with black and gold angular lines can create a backdrop that commands attention, while a geometric rug grounds the space with visual interest.

Even small touches, like vases or lampshades with repeating patterns, can make a big impact. These patterns aren’t just decorative; they’re a statement about loving bold design and living without hesitation.

Choosing contrasting colors for your patterns multiplies the effect, making every glance around the room feel like an adventure.

Luxe Metallic Accents

Art Deco is all about unabashed luxury, and metallics are its crown jewels. Incorporating gold, silver, or brass accents throughout your living space immediately raises the glamour factor.

A gold-framed mirror, a set of silver candlesticks, or a brass side table gleam under the lights, catching the eye and reflecting a sense of opulence. Metallic finishes can show up in everything from light fixtures to drawer handles.

The trick is to sprinkle these accents thoughtfully, so they highlight your favorite features without overpowering the room. Imagine the effect of a shimmering chandelier overhead or a sleek metallic tray on your coffee table—it’s pure, unfiltered elegance.

Velvet & High-Gloss Furniture

There’s something irresistible about sinking into a plush velvet sofa or running your hand over a gleaming high-gloss table. Art Deco interiors embrace furniture that feels as indulgent as it looks.

Deep jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, or ruby—make velvet pieces pop, while high-gloss lacquered finishes bounce light around the room. Picture a sapphire velvet armchair beside a glossy black coffee table with sharp lines—each piece inviting you to relax, yet making you feel like a movie star.

Mixing these textures adds depth and richness, creating a space that’s both inviting and undeniably chic. Curved edges and streamlined forms only add to the allure, balancing comfort with bold sophistication.

Statement Lighting

Lighting in Art Deco isn’t just practical—it’s pure theater. Imagine a dramatic chandelier dripping with crystals or a table lamp with a sculptural, geometric base.

These lighting choices do more than brighten the room; they set the mood and anchor the style. Fixtures that combine glass, metal, and even crystal reflect the era’s fascination with luxury and innovation.

A starburst ceiling light or a pair of matching sconces can become conversation starters, drawing the eye upward and amplifying the room’s grandeur. Even smaller touches, like a metallic lamp shade or an angular floor lamp, help reinforce the theme.

Every corner of the room should feel intentionally illuminated, with light and shadow playing off each other in a captivating dance.

Mirrored & Glass Surfaces

Mirrors and glass surfaces are signature elements in Art Deco interiors, prized for their ability to catch and reflect light. A mirrored coffee table, glass shelving unit, or even a large decorative mirror can visually expand your living space, making it feel more open and luminous.

These surfaces also add a touch of glamour, echoing the shine of metallics and the sleekness of high-gloss finishes. An ornate mirror frame or a glass-topped console table can anchor a wall or entryway, giving a sense of depth and elegance.

The sparkle of these elements complements the geometric patterns and bold colors elsewhere in the room, tying the space together with a sense of effortless luxury. Even smaller details, like mirrored coasters or glass candleholders, can subtly reinforce the look.

Exotic & High-Contrast Materials

Art Deco style isn’t afraid to mix materials that feel rich and unexpected. Think of marble tabletops, ebony wood accents, or even touches of animal print—each one lending an air of mystery and worldliness.

High-contrast combinations, like dark woods set against pale fabrics or striking black and white patterns, instantly grab attention. A marble-topped side table paired with a zebra-print rug, for example, creates a dynamic interplay of texture and color.

These exotic details whisper of far-off places and adventures, adding layers of intrigue to your living space. Even a simple vase made from a unique stone or a decorative box inlaid with shimmering shell can elevate the room’s overall feel.

Symmetry & Streamlined Shapes

Order and harmony are at the heart of Art Deco design, and symmetry plays a starring role. Arrange your furniture and decor in balanced pairs—matching side tables, twin lamps, or even two identical armchairs facing each other.

This symmetry creates a sense of calm and intention, making the room feel both elegant and welcoming. Streamlined shapes, such as gently curved sofas or sharply angular chairs, reinforce the theme.

Look for furniture and decor that combine clean lines with subtle decorative touches, striking a balance between simplicity and drama. This approach not only pleases the eye but also makes the space feel thoughtfully curated and complete.

Art Deco Wall Art & Sculptures

No Art Deco-inspired living space is finished without artwork that channels the spirit of the era. Bold prints, geometric canvases, and sculptural pieces in metallic or glass are all excellent choices.

Seek out wall art that features stylized figures, abstract forms, or iconic motifs from the 1920s and 1930s. A large, framed print above the sofa or a cluster of small geometric sculptures on a shelf can bring character and personality to the room.

These pieces tell a story—and invite your guests to imagine the world of jazz, glamour, and creativity that inspired them. Even a single striking artwork, carefully placed, can set the tone for the entire space.

Black & White with Pops of Color

A black and white palette is a timeless foundation for Art Deco design, radiating sophistication and clarity. But what really brings it to life are pops of bold color—think emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep red—layered through cushions, throws, or decorative objects.

This contrast creates a sense of drama and excitement, making each colorful accent feel like a precious jewel against a classic backdrop. A white sofa with black piping, for instance, instantly feels more luxurious with a few jewel-toned pillows or a vibrant piece of art hanging above it.

This combination is both classic and playful, letting your personality shine through.

Sunburst & Fan Motifs

Few shapes are more closely associated with Art Deco than the sunburst and fan. These motifs symbolize optimism and forward movement, echoing the spirit of the era.

You’ll find them everywhere, from mirrors to wall art, headboards to light fixtures. A sunburst mirror above the mantel or a set of fan-patterned cushions can anchor your design and spark conversation.

These shapes add a playful sophistication, breaking up rigid lines with their radiating forms. Incorporating sunburst and fan motifs is like signing your living room with a flourish—a final, unmistakable nod to the glamour and excitement of Art Deco.