HOW TO SOURCE ART DECO FURNITURE FOR LUXURY SPACES

How to Source Art Deco Furniture for Luxury Spaces

How to Source Art Deco Furniture for Luxury Spaces

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Art Deco is a timeless design style that brings elegance, glamour, and sophistication into any space. With its bold geometric shapes, rich materials, and luxurious finishes, Art Deco furniture is a popular choice for designers, architects, and property owners who want to create a high-end, stylish atmosphere. Whether you are decorating a hotel, restaurant, lounge, or home, sourcing the right Art Deco furniture can transform an ordinary space into something truly magnificent.


In this blog, we will guide you step by step on how to source Art Deco furniture for luxury spaces. We’ll cover design characteristics, sourcing tips, material choices, and key things to remember before making a purchase.






What Is Art Deco Furniture?


Art Deco originated in France during the 1920s and became one of the most popular global design movements by the 1930s. It reflects luxury, modernity, and optimism. In furniture, Art Deco is known for:






    • Clean lines and geometric patterns








    • Symmetry and stylized forms








    • Rich materials like lacquered wood, marble, brass, chrome, and glass








    • Bold contrasts and colors (black, gold, ivory, emerald, and sapphire)








    • Ornamental yet structured designs





Art Deco is both functional and decorative. When used in luxury spaces, it creates a statement of class and cultural refinement.






Why Choose Art Deco for Luxury Spaces?


Luxury interiors require more than just expensive materials. They need a strong visual identity. Art Deco provides this through:






    • Sophistication: The clean lines and symmetry offer elegance without being excessive.








    • Timeless Appeal: Art Deco doesn’t go out of fashion easily. It is always associated with high taste.








    • Uniqueness: Each piece often feels like a piece of art. This helps spaces stand out.








    • Balance of Function and Style: Art Deco furniture is both beautiful and useful.





Hotels, lounges, and fine-dining restaurants often prefer Art Deco furniture to impress guests and offer a refined environment.






Step-by-Step Guide to Sourcing Art Deco Furniture


1. Define the Purpose of the Space


Before you start sourcing furniture, ask yourself what kind of luxury space you are designing:






    • Is it a hotel lobby or a private lounge?








    • Is it a fine-dining restaurant or an upscale living room?








    • Is the space meant for formal sitting or casual comfort?





Knowing the space type will help you choose the right furniture style and materials. A lobby may need bold centerpieces, while a private suite might need plush, detailed sofas and chairs.






2. Understand Key Art Deco Furniture Pieces


When sourcing, look for furniture that showcases signature Art Deco details:






    • Armchairs and Sofas: Look for curved lines, velvet or leather upholstery, and metallic legs or trims








    • Coffee Tables and Side Tables: Materials like marble tops and brass bases are common.








    • Cabinets and Consoles: Often feature lacquered finishes and geometric patterns.








    • Dining Tables and Chairs: Use luxurious materials like walnut wood and have a streamlined yet grand look.








    • Mirrors and Screens: These add glamour with chrome, gold leaf, or stylized art on glass.





The more attention you give to these design elements, the more authentic your space will feel.






3. Choose the Right Materials


Materials are key to giving Art Deco furniture its richness and character. The best Art Deco pieces include:






    • Woods: Mahogany, walnut, ebony – often with glossy or lacquered finishes








    • Metals: Chrome, brass, gold-plated steel – used for trims, legs, or decorative inlays








    • Stone: Marble and onyx tops on tables or consoles








    • Upholstery: Velvet, leather, or satin for a rich, tactile feel








    • Glass and Mirror: Often used in cabinets, screens, or decorative accents





Always check the quality of materials used. Luxurious spaces need furniture that not only looks good but also lasts long.






4. Find Reliable Sources


When looking for Art Deco furniture, there are three main sources:



a. Custom Furniture Makers


Some artisans and boutique studios specialize in custom Art Deco furniture. You can share your design concept and get pieces made to fit your space perfectly. This is ideal for luxury projects where uniqueness matters.



b. Antique Markets and Dealers


Original Art Deco pieces from the 1920s–40s are available through antique dealers. These are often expensive but carry historical value. Make sure to verify authenticity.



c. Specialist Manufacturers and Brands


Several high-end furniture brands and manufacturers offer modern reproductions of classic Art Deco styles. These pieces use updated techniques while keeping the original look alive.


You can also explore local restaurant furniture manufacturers who offer Art Deco collections for upscale commercial spaces.






5. Prioritize Craftsmanship


Good design is nothing without great craftsmanship. When sourcing Art Deco furniture, check for:






    • Seamless joints and finishing








    • Smooth lacquer or polish








    • Upholstery with even stitching and tight fitting








    • Durable and well-treated wood or metal





Art Deco furniture should not just look luxurious, it should also feel sturdy and last long under regular use.






6. Think About Color and Finish


Color plays a huge role in achieving an Art Deco feel. Choose bold, rich colors or classic combinations:






    • Black and gold








    • Navy and brass








    • Emerald and ivory








    • Deep burgundy with chrome





The finish is equally important. Glossy surfaces, polished metals, and mirror accents help achieve that signature shine of Art Deco design.


Make sure your finishes are coordinated across the furniture pieces for visual harmony.






7. Plan the Layout and Scale


Luxury is not about crowding furniture; it’s about space and flow. While Art Deco furniture can be bold, make sure it fits well within your layout. Use:






    • Large statement pieces (e.g., a grand velvet sofa) as focal points








    • Balanced supporting pieces like side tables or ottomans








    • Adequate space between furniture for comfort and movement





Measure your space carefully before ordering. Oversized furniture in a small space can look cramped rather than luxurious.






8. Mix with Modern Touches


Art Deco works beautifully when paired with modern elements. To create a more updated luxury space:






    • Combine Art Deco furniture with modern lighting








    • Add abstract or contemporary art on walls








    • Use modern neutral rugs under classic pieces








    • Choose minimalist curtains to let furniture shine





This balance creates a timeless space that feels both vintage and fresh.



9. Customize for Brand Identity


If you're sourcing Art Deco furniture for a business, like a boutique hotel or upscale restaurant, try to incorporate elements of your brand:



    • Use upholstery colors that match your brand palette








    • Engrave or emboss logos in subtle ways (like inside drawers or armrests)








    • Match furniture curves and trims with your space’s architectural features





Customization adds value and makes the furniture more than just decoration—it becomes a part of the identity.






10. Set a Realistic Budget


Art Deco furniture is an investment. Because of its complex design and quality materials, it often costs more than modern mass-produced furniture.


However, you can manage your budget by:






    • Mixing originals and reproductions








    • Investing in standout pieces while keeping others simpler








    • Working with manufacturers who offer flexible pricing for bulk orders





Always consider delivery and installation costs when finalizing your budget.






11. Check Lead Times and Delivery Options


Custom-made or imported Art Deco furniture may have longer lead times. Plan your sourcing schedule to avoid delays. Ask suppliers:






    • How long production takes








    • Whether they offer on-site assembly








    • What return or damage policies they have


       



For luxury projects, furniture must arrive on time and in perfect condition.






12. Think Long-Term Maintenance


Luxury spaces require furniture that stays beautiful over time. Choose Art Deco furniture that is:






    • Easy to clean and maintain








    • Resistant to spills, especially for hospitality use








    • Made with finishes that don’t fade easily








    • Sturdy enough for regular use, especially in high-traffic areas





Get cleaning instructions from your supplier and train your housekeeping or maintenance staff accordingly.



Final Thoughts


Sourcing Art Deco furniture for luxury spaces is both an art and a process. It takes patience, understanding of the design, and a clear vision of the space. With the right approach, you can create interiors that are not only stylish and elegant but also welcoming and functional.

From iconic materials and timeless silhouettes to flawless craftsmanship and bold accents, Art Deco brings a unique charm to luxury interiors. Whether you're working on a lavish hotel lobby, a gourmet dining room, or a stylish home, choosing the right Art Deco furniture can elevate the atmosphere dramatically.

If you are working with experienced designers or architects, involve them early in the furniture sourcing process. And always rely on trusted partners—whether antique dealers, boutique brands, or restaurant furniture manufacturers—to bring your vision to life.

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