Oh, darling, if there’s one style that truly speaks to my soul with its sheer elegance and a touch of dramatic flair, it’s Art Deco! The dining room, especially, is such a wonderful place to infuse this era’s signature look. It’s where we gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories, so why not do it in a space that feels positively captivating? I’ve always been drawn to the luxurious feel and the bold statements of Art Deco design, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few favorite ways to bring that magic into the heart of the home. Today, I’m excited to share 12 Art Deco dining room ideas that will help you host glamorous gatherings and make every meal feel like a special occasion.
Bold Geometric Rugs for Your Art Deco Dining Room
Let’s start from the ground up, shall we? An Art Deco dining room simply isn’t complete without a rug that makes a statement, and nothing says Art Deco quite like bold geometric patterns. I remember finding the most incredible black and gold rug for my own dining room; it instantly anchored the space and set the tone for everything else. These rugs don’t just cover the floor; they are works of art that draw the eye and introduce that signature Art Deco energy.
Why This Works:
A geometric rug introduces visual interest, defines the dining area, and adds a layer of texture and color that is essential to the Art Deco aesthetic. The patterns are a hallmark of the era, bringing dynamism and modernism while grounding the space.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Look for rugs featuring chevrons, zigzags, fans, or stylized floral patterns.
- Choose colors like black, gold, silver, deep blues, greens, or reds.
- Ensure the rug is large enough so chairs remain on it even when pulled out.
Adding a Mirrored Bar Cart in Your Art Deco Dining Room
Oh, a mirrored bar cart! This is one of those pieces that just scream Art Deco glamour. It’s not just a place to keep drinks; it’s a mobile statement piece that adds sparkle and sophistication. I adore how the mirrored surfaces catch the light and reflect your beautiful dining room. It’s such a practical yet utterly chic addition, perfect for serving cocktails or displaying your most elegant decanters.
Why This Works:
A mirrored bar cart adds functionality for entertaining, introduces a glamorous reflective surface, and serves as a decorative element that enhances the luxurious and social atmosphere typical of an Art Deco dining space.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Find a bar cart with mirrored shelves and metallic frames (chrome, brass, or gold are perfect).
- Style it with elegant glassware, decanters, cocktail shakers, and maybe a small plant.
- Place it in an accessible spot that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the room.
Dramatic Lighting Fixtures in an Art Deco Dining Room
Lighting is everything in an Art Deco space, and the dining room is where you can really go for drama! Think chandeliers that cascade with crystals, fixtures with geometric shapes, or even elegant wall sconces that cast beautiful patterns on the wall. My dining room chandelier is a true showstopper; it transforms the entire mood the moment the lights are turned on.
Why This Works:
Dramatic lighting serves as a focal point, provides essential ambient and task lighting for dining, and reinforces the luxurious and theatrical nature of Art Deco design through sparkling materials and striking forms.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Select chandeliers, pendants, or sconces with materials like crystal, glass, polished chrome, or brass.
- Look for geometric shapes, tiered designs, or fan-like motifs.
- Consider installing a dimmer switch to control the ambiance.
Choosing a Polished Wood Table for your Art Deco Dining Room
While Art Deco is known for mixed materials, a beautiful, polished wood table brings a sense of warmth and timeless elegance to the dining room. Think dark woods like mahogany or walnut with a high-gloss finish that reflects the light and your dinner guests. It’s a classic choice that provides a solid foundation for the more glamorous elements you’ll add around it.
Why This Works:
A polished wood table adds warmth, natural beauty, and a sense of permanence. The polished finish enhances the luxurious feel and complements the reflective surfaces common in Art Deco design, such as mirrors and metallics.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Look for dining tables made from dark woods like mahogany, walnut, or even ebony-stained wood.
- Ensure the table has a smooth, high-gloss or semi-gloss finish.
- Consider tables with simple, clean lines or subtle, rounded edges.
Velvet Upholstered Chairs for Art Deco Dining Room Glamour
Talk about sinking into luxury! Velvet upholstered chairs are an absolute must for bringing that plush Art Deco glamour into your dining room. The way the light catches the fabric, the rich colors, the pure comfort – it’s simply divine. I went for deep emerald green velvet chairs, and they make every meal feel like a special occasion. They invite you to linger and enjoy the conversation.
Why This Works:
Velvet upholstery adds a touch of opulence, provides a rich texture, and offers comfort. The deep colors often used in velvet complement the Art Deco palette, enhancing the feeling of luxury and indulgence in the dining space.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Choose dining chairs with full velvet upholstery in rich, jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, or deep purple.
- Look for chairs with elegant shapes, perhaps with slightly curved backs or detailed legs.
- Consider chairs with subtle channeling or tufting for added interest.
Incorporating Metallic Accents in the Art Deco Dining Room
Art Deco loves to shine, and metallic accents are your best friend for achieving this! Think touches of gold, silver, chrome, or brass. These aren’t just for hardware; they can be seen in light fixtures, photo frames, decorative objects, or even the legs of your furniture. My home truly came alive when I started adding little pops of brass – it catches the light beautifully.
Why This Works:
Metallic accents introduce sparkle, luxury, and visual highlights. They reflect light, adding brightness and a sense of opulence, and are a defining characteristic of the glamorous Art Deco style.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Use metallic finishes on light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and furniture legs.
- Incorporate metallic photo frames, vases, or decorative bowls.
- Choose serveware or barware with metallic details.
Using Sunburst Mirrors in Your Art Deco Dining Room
A sunburst mirror is not just a mirror; it’s a piece of art that radiates energy and light, perfectly capturing the optimism and dynamism of the Art Deco era. Hanging a large sunburst mirror in my dining room instantly made the space feel bigger and brighter. It reflects the beautiful centerpiece and adds a striking visual element above a sideboard or on a key wall.
Why This Works:
Sunburst mirrors are iconic Art Deco motifs that add a dramatic focal point. They reflect light, making the room feel larger and brighter, and bring a sense of energy and movement to the wall decor.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Select a sunburst mirror in a prominent metallic finish like gold, silver, or black.
- Hang it above a sideboard, console table, or on a feature wall.
- Ensure its size is appropriate for the wall and the scale of the room.
Elegant Art Deco Wallcoverings and Paint
The walls are a canvas, and Art Deco offers some truly stunning options! From rich, deep paint colors to wallcoverings with stylized patterns, your walls can either be a dramatic backdrop or a subtle nod to the era. I’ve seen incredibly chic dining rooms with deep navy walls paired with gold accents, or others with a stunning wallpaper featuring a fan or geometric motif on just one wall. It sets a sophisticated mood.
Why This Works:
Wall treatments establish the background and mood of the room. Deep colors or patterned wallcoverings enhance the sense of luxury, depth, and visual interest characteristic of Art Deco interiors.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Paint walls in rich, saturated colors like deep blue, emerald green, burgundy, or even black.
- Consider wallcoverings with Art Deco patterns such as fans, geometric shapes, or stylized florals.
- Use wallpaper on all walls for a bold look or on a single accent wall.
Statement Servingware for a Glamorous Dining Experience
Dining is an experience, and your servingware can elevate it further in an Art Deco setting. Think beyond just plates and cutlery; consider elegant serving platters, beautiful tureens, or even a stylish ice bucket. When I host a dinner, I love bringing out my special pieces – it makes everything feel a bit more grand and considered. It’s all about the details that make the meal feel like an event.
Why This Works:
Statement servingware enhances the dining experience, contributes to the overall decorative scheme, and adds a touch of luxury and formality suitable for glamorous gatherings.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Invest in serving platters, bowls, or tureens with metallic accents or geometric patterns.
- Look for glassware or decanters with etched designs or crystal details.
- Choose cutlery with stylish handles or metallic finishes.
Showcasing Vintage Art Deco Serveware
This is where the treasure hunt begins! Finding authentic vintage Art Deco serveware is such a joy. From cocktail shakers and champagne buckets to elegant cake stands and punch bowls, these pieces bring a genuine sense of history and character to your dining room. I have a set of Art Deco glasses I inherited, and using them always makes me feel connected to the past while creating new memories.
Why This Works:
Vintage serveware adds authenticity, uniqueness, and historical charm. These pieces often feature the true craftsmanship and design elements of the era, enhancing the genuine Art Deco feel of the room.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Browse antique shops, flea markets, or online vintage sellers for authentic pieces.
- Look for items made of chrome, silver, crystal, or bakelite with Art Deco motifs.
- Display your vintage finds on your bar cart, sideboard, or open shelving.
Selecting Architectural Elements in the Dining Space
While you might not be able to add a full-blown Art Deco fireplace (unless you’re lucky!), you can incorporate architectural hints that nod to the style. This could be through decorative moldings, a unique doorway, or even the shape of a built-in cabinet. Even subtle details, like the profile of the skirting boards or the design of a ceiling rose, can contribute to the overall feel. It’s about creating a sense of structure and detail.
Why This Works:
Architectural elements provide a permanent structural basis for the Art Deco style, adding depth, character, and a sense of formality and grandeur to the dining room.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Install decorative moldings like wainscoting or crown molding with simple geometric profiles.
- Consider adding picture rails or paneling.
- Look for doors or windows with subtle fanlight elements or geometric leading.
Finishing Touches for Your Art Deco Dining Room
The magic is often in the details! Once you have your main pieces, layer in the finishing touches that tie everything together. This includes things like luxurious textiles (think silk cushions on chairs), elegant candlesticks, a beautiful table runner, or carefully chosen artwork. It’s those final elements that make the space feel complete and personal. It’s about curating a collection that feels special.
Why This Works:
Finishing touches add layers of texture, color, and personality. They complete the design, enhance the sense of comfort, and provide opportunities to incorporate smaller Art Deco-inspired pieces that reinforce the style.
How You Can Recreate It:
- Choose textiles in luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet for cushions or runners.
- Add elegant candlesticks, decorative bowls, or small sculptures with metallic finishes or geometric shapes.
- Select artwork that features geometric patterns, stylized figures, or period graphics.
Conclusion
Creating an Art Deco dining room is a journey filled with glamorous possibilities! By layering in these elements, from bold rugs and plush chairs to sparkling mirrors and dramatic lighting, you can transform your space into a place that’s not only beautiful but also perfect for hosting unforgettable gatherings. It’s about embracing the luxury, the geometry, and the sheer joy of this incredible style. Have fun bringing that gorgeous 12 Art Deco dining room ideas into your home!
