Dreaming of a living room that radiates the pure, unapologetic glamour of the Roaring Twenties? Welcome to Art Deco—a style that’s all about bold geometry, rich materials, and sophisticated drama. Forget quiet minimalism; this is about making a statement with high-shine metallics, lush velvets, and striking patterns.
Ready to infuse your home with the spirit of the Jazz Age? We’ve curated 21 spectacular ideas to create a space that’s both timelessly chic and wonderfully livable. For a deeper dive into the core principles, check out our complete guide to Art Deco interior design.
Let’s get this party started!
1. Embrace Sumptuous, Curved Seating
The heart of any living room is the sofa, and in an Art Deco space, it needs to be an absolute showstopper. Forget boxy, unassuming shapes. Think dramatic curves, sensual silhouettes, and fabrics that beg to be touched.
Look for sofas and armchairs with:
- Channel Tufting: Vertical stitching that creates elegant, repeating lines.
- Shell-Backs: Scalloped, fan-like backs that are an iconic Art Deco motif.
- Curved Silhouettes: Sofas that gracefully curve in a gentle semi-circle, encouraging conversation and creating a soft, inviting focal point.
Expert Tip: Choose a rich velvet in a deep jewel tone. An emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red sofa instantly anchors the room with a sense of decadent comfort. This is the perfect way to create a stunning blue couch living room with a vintage twist.
2. Go Bold with Geometric Patterns
Symmetry and pattern are the twin pillars of Art Deco design. This style is defined by its love of clean, sharp, and repeating geometric motifs. Weaving these into your living room is essential for capturing its authentic spirit.
Don’t be shy! Introduce patterns through:
- Wallpaper: A feature wall with a bold fan, sunburst, or chevron pattern is a classic move.
- Rugs: An area rug with a strong geometric design can ground your seating area and define the space.
- Textiles: Cushions, throws, and even drapery are perfect for adding smaller pops of pattern.
Expert Tip: A high-contrast color palette makes these patterns truly sing. A striking black and white living room theme, punctuated by metallic gold or silver, is the epitome of Art Deco chic and provides a timeless backdrop for your geometric designs.
3. Mix Metals and Mirrored Surfaces
Nothing says “glamour” quite like the gleam of metal and the sparkle of mirrored glass. Art Deco design uses these reflective surfaces to bounce light around the room, creating a sense of grandeur and brightness. This isn’t just decoration; it’s a strategy for creating a truly luxury living room.
Incorporate these elements with:
- Gold and Brass Accents: Think coffee table legs, lamp bases, picture frames, and decorative objects.
- Polished Chrome: Often used for a sleeker, more streamlined look on furniture and fixtures.
- Mirrored Furniture: A mirrored coffee table or cabinet can be a stunning centerpiece that adds depth and reflects your beautiful decor.
- Sunburst Mirrors: A classic Art Deco icon, a sunburst or starburst mirror is a must-have piece of wall art.
Expert Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix your metals! The key to making it look intentional is to choose one dominant metal (like brass) and use another (like chrome) as a smaller accent. This creates a layered, curated feel.
4. Frame Your Views with Theatrical Drapery
In an Art Deco living room, curtains are not merely window coverings; they are part of the stage set. The goal is drama, luxury, and a sense of plush enclosure. Forget flimsy, sheer panels—Deco drapery has weight and presence.
To achieve this look, go for:
- Heavy, Sumptuous Fabrics: Velvet is the ultimate choice, but heavy silk or satin also work beautifully.
- Floor-Puddling Length: Let your curtains hang long so they “puddle” slightly on the floor for a truly opulent look.
- Dramatic Tie-Backs: Use ornate, metallic tie-backs or thick, tasseled ropes to hold the drapes open in a grand, sweeping gesture.
- Decorative Pelmets: A fabric-covered or shaped wooden pelmet at the top of the window conceals the curtain hardware and adds a finishing touch of tailored elegance.
Expert Tip: To get the most luxurious hang, choose lined or even interlined curtains. The extra weight helps them fall in beautiful, heavy folds and also provides excellent insulation and light-blocking capabilities.
5. Fall in Love with High-Shine Lacquer
Sleek, glossy, and impossibly chic, lacquered furniture is a cornerstone of the Art Deco look. Reflecting the era’s fascination with new materials and streamlined forms, these high-shine surfaces bring a dose of modern glamour and sophistication to any space.
Think beyond simple wood finishes. Lacquer allows for deep, saturated color and a flawless, reflective sheen that feels both luxurious and futuristic.
- Key Pieces: Sideboards, cabinets, and coffee tables are perfect candidates for a lacquer finish.
- Color Choices: Classic black is always a winner, but don’t shy away from bold choices like deep red, cream, or even a moody teal.
Expert Tip: A single, statement-making lacquered piece can elevate the entire room. To balance its hard, glossy surface, surround it with soft textures like a wool rug or plush velvet seating. This mix of textures is also a key principle in a contemporary living room, making it a great way to blend styles.
6. Curate a Rich and Moody Color Palette
While black, white, and gold form the classic Art Deco trio, the style truly comes alive with a rich and dramatic color palette. The movement celebrated opulence, and the colors used were no exception. Think deep, saturated jewel tones that create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Popular shades to embrace include:
- Emerald and Forest Green: For a touch of natural luxury.
- Sapphire and Navy Blue: To create a deep, calming, and elegant mood.
- Ruby Red and Burgundy: For a passionate and dramatic flair.
- Mustard Yellow and Ochre: To bring in warmth and a pop of earthy color.
Expert Tip: The key to using these bold colors without overwhelming the space is to balance them with neutrals. Paint your walls in a deep, moody hue and then bring in lighter furniture, or do the opposite. A bold emerald sofa, for instance, can be the star of your green living room ideas while being beautifully complemented by cream or grey walls.
7. Weave in Exotic Woods and Inlays
The dawn of global travel during the Art Deco period brought a fascination with exotic materials from around the world. This translated into furniture that featured stunning, highly figured woods and intricate inlay details, showcasing superior craftsmanship.
Look for pieces made from or featuring:
- Burl Wood: With its swirling, irregular grain, burl wood adds incredible texture and visual interest.
- Exotic Grains: Woods like Macassar ebony, rosewood, and zebrawood were prized for their dramatic stripes and rich colors.
- Inlay Details: Mother-of-pearl or ivory (or modern, ethical alternatives) were often used to create delicate patterns and lines on darker wood surfaces.
Expert Tip: A beautiful burl wood coffee table or a sideboard with a dark wood finish can serve as a stunning anchor piece. This is a fantastic way to style a dark brown couch living room, as the rich tones of the wood will complement the sofa beautifully, creating a warm and cohesive look.
8. Get Smart with Symmetrical Layouts
Order and balance are at the heart of Art Deco’s visual language. Symmetry was used to create a sense of harmony, grandeur, and intention. Applying this principle to your furniture layout is one of the easiest ways to get the look right.
Create balance in your living room by:
- Flanking the Fireplace: Place identical armchairs or bookcases on either side of your fireplace or a central console table.
- Creating Pairs: Use matching table lamps on end tables, or hang a pair of identical art prints side-by-side.
- Centering the Rug: Position your main seating area (sofa and chairs) symmetrically around a central area rug and coffee table.
Expert Tip: A symmetrical layout can make even a small room feel more organized and grand. This principle of creating deliberate, balanced zones is a lifesaver in compact homes, a core concept in our guide to living room designs for small spaces.
9. Walk on the Wild Side with Animal Prints
Reflecting the era’s spirit of adventure and fascination with the “exotic,” animal motifs and prints were a glamorous and playful part of the Art Deco repertoire. From stylized sculptures to bold textiles, these touches brought a sense of untamed energy into sophisticated interiors.
How to incorporate this trend tastefully:
- As an Accent: This is key! A little goes a long way. Think a single zebra-print cushion, a leopard-print ottoman, or a small faux-hide rug layered over a larger neutral one.
- In Sculpture: A sleek, stylized panther or gazelle sculpture in black or polished brass on a mantel or console is the epitome of Art Deco elegance.
Expert Tip: To keep the look chic rather than chaotic, pair your animal print with a solid, sophisticated base. A bold zebra print looks incredible against a classic neutral sofa. This juxtaposition is one of our favorite grey sofa living room ideas for adding a dose of personality.
10. Create Drama with a Jeweled Color Scheme
If a single moody color isn’t enough for you, dive headfirst into one of Art Deco’s most decadent trends: layering multiple jewel tones. This isn’t about clashing colors, but creating a rich, harmonious tapestry of deep, saturated hues that vibrate with energy and luxury.
Think of your room as a jewelry box and fill it with:
- Sapphire Blue & Mustard Yellow: A classic pairing that feels both regal and warm.
- Emerald Green & Blush Pink: A softer, more romantic take on the jewel-toned trend.
- Burgundy & Gold: The ultimate combination for pure, unadulterated opulence.
Expert Tip: Feeling bold? A multi-hued scheme can be one of the most rewarding colorful living room ideas. To maintain balance, follow the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of the room is your dominant color (like walls), 30% is a secondary color (sofa, curtains), and 10% is your accent pop (cushions, art).
11. Modernize the Look with a Transitional Twist
Love the glamour of Art Deco but worry it might feel too much like a time capsule? The solution is simple: create a transitional space by blending Art Deco elements with modern design. This approach allows you to cherry-pick your favorite Deco features and pair them with contemporary comforts.
Here’s how to strike the perfect balance:
- Mix Silhouettes: Pair a curvy, channel-tufted Art Deco armchair with a clean-lined, modern sofa.
- Statement Piece Focus: Keep your main furniture simple and contemporary, but go all-out with an Art Deco statement piece like a spectacular sunburst mirror or a tiered chandelier.
- Pattern Pop: Use a modern, neutral color scheme but introduce an Art Deco geometric pattern in a rug or a single accent wall.
Expert Tip: The art of blending old and new is the very essence of a transitional living room. The key is to let one style lead while the other acts as a supporting character. This creates a space that feels curated and personal, not like a page from a history book.
12. Create a Cohesive Home with Consistent Style
To make your Art Deco theme feel truly immersive and intentional, let its influence spill beyond the living room. Creating a cohesive design story that flows from one space to the next is the secret to a high-end, professionally designed feel. You don’t need to replicate the design everywhere, but echoing key elements creates a beautiful sense of harmony.
Think about carrying over:
- The Color Palette: Use a shade from your living room’s color scheme in an adjacent hallway or dining area.
- Metallic Finishes: If your living room features brass, continue using brass for light fixtures, hardware, or frames in nearby spaces.
- Geometric Motifs: A pattern from your living room rug could be echoed in the tile of a nearby powder room floor.
Expert Tip: A bathroom is a fantastic space to experiment with a bolder version of your theme. Because it’s a smaller, enclosed room, you can make a big statement without overwhelming your home. Dive into our guide to creating a stunning Art Deco bathroom for inspiration on how to extend the glamour.
13. Design a Dramatic Fireplace Focal Point
In many homes of the 1920s and 30s, the fireplace was the undisputed heart of the living room—an architectural anchor that demanded attention. An Art Deco fireplace is a masterclass in geometry, often featuring bold, stepped forms (known as ziggurats) that draw the eye upward.
Upgrade your fireplace with:
- Polished Marble: Black, white, or deep green marble with dramatic veining creates an instant sense of luxury.
- Geometric Tile: A surround made of fan-shaped, chevron, or simple square tiles in a high-contrast pattern is pure Deco.
- Sleek Mantel: Keep the mantel itself clean and uncluttered. It’s the perfect stage for symmetrical styling—a central clock flanked by two identical vases or sculptures.
Expert Tip: Even if you don’t have a built-in fireplace, you can get the look. A freestanding electric fireplace with a bold, geometric frame can create a stunning and cozy focal point without the need for major renovations.
14. Step Up Your Style with Ziggurat Shapes
The ziggurat—a stepped pyramid form inspired by ancient Mesopotamian temples—is one of the most powerful and recognizable shapes in the Art Deco lexicon. It symbolized modernity, power, and the soaring height of the new skyscrapers. Incorporating this shape is a surefire way to add architectural gravitas to your living room.
You can find this “stair-step” motif on:
- Mirror Frames: A mirror framed with a stepped border is an iconic Deco piece.
- Lamp Bases: Table lamps and floor lamps often featured ziggurat bases in chrome, brass, or ceramic.
- Furniture Details: Look for the motif on the legs of a console table or carved into a fireplace mantel.
Expert Tip: The ziggurat’s vertical lines naturally draw the eye upward. Use this to your advantage to create an illusion of height, making your living room feel grander and more spacious. A pair of table lamps with ziggurat bases on a sideboard is a perfect example of this.
15. Finish with Sculptural and Figural Objects
Complete your Art Deco living room by styling it with the kind of decorative objects that defined the era. Art Deco sculpture was all about elegant, streamlined forms, often depicting the human figure, animals, or abstract shapes. These small touches act as the jewelry of the room.
Curate your surfaces with:
- Figural Statues: Look for stylized sculptures of dancers, athletes, or elegant women, often crafted from bronze, chrome, or ivory alternatives.
- Animal Sculptures: A sleek panther, a proud gazelle, or a pair of racing greyhounds are classic motifs that add a touch of dynamic energy.
- Abstract Forms: Simple, geometric objects in polished metal or stone that celebrate pure shape and line.
Expert Tip: The key to styling these objects is to give them space to breathe. A single, beautiful sculpture on a mantelpiece or a pair of bookends on a shelf makes a stronger statement than a cluttered surface. This is a perfect way to elevate a simple space into a truly luxury living room.
16. Embrace the Beauty of Fluted Details
Fluting—a series of shallow, vertical grooves—is a subtle yet incredibly effective way to add texture and a touch of classical elegance to your Art Deco living room. This detail, borrowed from ancient Greek and Roman columns, was streamlined and modernized during the Art Deco period.
You can find fluting on:
- Furniture: On the doors of a sideboard, the base of a coffee table, or even the legs of an armchair.
- Glassware: Look for beautiful fluted cocktail glasses or decanters for your bar cart.
- Wall Paneling: For a truly high-end look, a feature wall with fluted wood or plaster paneling is a showstopper.
Expert Tip: Fluted details add texture without adding pattern, making them perfect for layering. A fluted wooden cabinet provides a beautiful tactile contrast to a smooth velvet sofa or a high-shine metal lamp, adding depth and interest to the room. This focus on refined detail is also a hallmark of a Scandinavian living room, but here it’s paired with opulence instead of minimalism.
17. Hang an Iconic Sunburst Mirror
If there is one single object that screams Art Deco, it’s the sunburst mirror. More than just a place to check your reflection, this piece is pure wall sculpture. Symbolizing the optimism, energy, and dawn of a new age, its radiant form is a powerful and glamorous statement.
A sunburst mirror is the perfect way to:
- Create a Focal Point: Hang it above a fireplace, a sofa, or a console table to instantly draw the eye.
- Amplify Light: Like any mirror, it will bounce light around, but its sculptural frame adds far more interest and drama than a simple flat mirror.
- Introduce Metallics: They are most commonly found in brilliant gold or brass, but you can also find them in silver, chrome, or even lacquered black for a moodier take.
Expert Tip: Pay attention to scale. A small sunburst mirror can get lost on a large wall. Don’t be afraid to choose a large, dramatic piece that truly commands the space. It’s a work of art, so let it be the star.
18. Wheel in the Glamour with a Bar Cart
Nothing captures the sociable, celebratory spirit of the Jazz Age quite like a beautifully stocked bar cart. With the end of Prohibition, cocktail culture blossomed, and having a dedicated spot for mixing drinks became a symbol of a sophisticated modern host. The bar cart is an essential piece that is both functional and fabulous.
Look for a cart that features:
- A Metallic Frame: Polished brass, gold, or chrome are classic choices.
- Glass or Mirrored Shelves: These add to the glamour and make cleaning up spills a breeze.
- Elegant Lines: Whether it’s circular, oval, or rectangular, the silhouette should feel clean and considered.
Expert Tip: Styling is everything! Go beyond just lining up bottles. Invest in a set of beautiful crystal decanters, a chic cocktail shaker, an elegant ice bucket, and a set of glasses with a gold rim or etched detail. Add a small vase with a single bloom to complete the picture.
19. Fuse with Rustic-Modern for an Unexpected Twist
Here’s an idea for the design-forward rule-breaker: blend the polished glamour of Art Deco with the warm, organic textures of rustic design. It sounds like an unlikely pairing, but when done right, the result is a space that feels layered, unique, and deeply personal. This is where sleek meets soulful.
Create this stunning hybrid by:
- Mixing Materials: Place a high-shine lacquer console table against a raw, exposed brick wall. Pair a plush velvet Art Deco sofa with a live-edge wood coffee table.
- Contrasting Textures: Lay a glamorous, geometric-patterned rug over natural, wide-plank hardwood floors.
- Blending Silhouettes: Use sleek, metallic Art Deco lighting to illuminate a room with rustic wooden ceiling beams.
Expert Tip: The key to this fusion is to find a common thread, usually color. For example, the warm tones in a brass light fixture can pick up the warm tones in a rustic wood table. This intentional blend of polished and raw is a core concept in creating a compelling rustic-modern living room, giving you a space that has both history and heart.
20. Go Sleek with Streamline Moderne Curves
As Art Deco evolved into the 1930s, a new sub-style emerged: Streamline Moderne. Inspired by the aerodynamic designs of airplanes, ocean liners, and trains, this look is characterized by clean curves, long horizontal lines, and a sense of motion. It’s a softer, often more minimalist take on Deco glamour.
Incorporate this style with:
- “Waterfall” Furniture: Look for coffee tables or consoles where the surface curves down seamlessly to form the legs.
- Curved Corners: Sofas, cabinets, and armchairs with soft, rounded corners instead of sharp angles.
- Horizontal Lines: Emphasize the horizontal with long, low-profile media units and shelving.
Expert Tip: The clean lines and organic curves of Streamline Moderne make it a fantastic bridge to other styles. It pairs exceptionally well with the forms found in a Mid-Century Modern living room, allowing you to blend elements from both iconic eras for a unique and curated look.
21. Ground Your Design with Striking Flooring
While furniture and accessories are key, don’t overlook what’s underfoot! The right flooring can provide the perfect foundation for your entire Art Deco scheme, tying all the glamorous elements together.
Classic Art Deco flooring choices include:
- High-Gloss Hardwood: Dark woods like ebony or walnut, polished to a mirror-like shine. Arranging them in a chevron or herringbone pattern adds another layer of geometric interest.
- Checkerboard Tile: The ultimate in high-contrast flooring, black and white marble or ceramic tiles are timelessly chic and quintessentially Deco.
- An Opulent Rug: If changing your floors isn’t an option, invest in a high-quality area rug. Look for bold geometric patterns, sunburst motifs, or abstract linear designs in a rich color palette to anchor your seating area.
Expert Tip: If you choose a bold, patterned floor, keep your rug choice more subdued or skip it altogether to let the floor be the star. Conversely, if you have simple flooring, a statement rug is your best friend for injecting that crucial dose of Deco pattern and luxury.
Ready to Pour the Champagne?
And there you have it—21 ways to bring the dazzling energy of the Jazz Age right into your home. Art Deco is so much more than a design style; it’s an attitude. It’s about confidence, glamour, and creating a home that feels like a daily celebration.
So go ahead, mix that cocktail, turn up the jazz, and create a living room that’s as bold and brilliant as you are. Cheers to living beautifully!
