Art Deco home furnishings have been around for the better part of a century now, and while many trends come and go, this interior style still holds a dear place in designers’ hearts. Known for artistic craftsmanship, diverse materials, and geometric shapes, it’s only fitting that Art Deco lighting is used to achieve fresh and eccentric interior style.

In this interior design guide, we’ll discuss the history and defining qualities of this standout décor style, and explore different Art Deco lighting ideas that will help achieve the mood and aesthetic you’re hoping for. Let’s dive right in!

The Origins of Art Deco Style and Lighting

The popularity of Art Deco arose after WWI in fashion capitals like New York, London, and Paris, where artistic movements such as Cubism, Futurism, and Bauhaus were gaining traction. As a response to the flowy shapes of the Art Nouveau style, Art Deco focused on streamlined geometries that feature elaborate patterns complete with eye-catching colors and textures. Art Deco light fixtures followed suit, using materials like chrome, glass, or wood to embolden the form and function of the light source.

Key Elements of Art Deco Lighting

Here are the main components you will find in Art Deco lighting:

• Opulent Materials – Whether it’s polished metals, frosted glass, or lacquered wood, Art Deco features a variety of material combinations that are easily distinguishable.
• Geometric Forms – Sleek, aerodynamic shapes characterize the innovation of Art Deco lighting, using more angular forms that have a unique appearance.
• Bold Colors and Eccentric Patterns – While rich shades of neutral colors usually dominate the palette, brighter contrasting tones and artistic patterns help give these fixtures even more visual pop.
• Layered Designs – Larger pieces like chandeliers and floor lamps may have sections or tiers that exhibit a more architectural feel, which mirrors the innovative designs of the era.

How to Incorporate Art Deco Lighting into Different Rooms

When selecting Art Deco lighting for different rooms in your home, there are a few things you’ll want to consider, the first being the size of the space. Places like the living and dining rooms are great settings for large chandeliers or pendants, especially when there are other shiny and reflective materials around.

However, there are many areas in which you can include subtle lighting fixtures throughout your home, like wall sconces in the bathroom or hallway, floor lamps in the bedroom, or flush mounts in the entryway to establish varying degrees of ambiance and dramatic effect. You just want to ensure their forms and functions align.

Poppy Large Pendant by Regina Andrew

@nicoleyeeinteriors

The Poppy 24-inch Large Pendant by Regina Andrew is a stunning, sputnik-style orb chandelier that exudes ambient illumination through undulating white glass discs. Hanging luxuriously above this living room seating area, the bronze rods match nicely with the beige color scheme, while natural lighting further accentuates the glass during the daytime.

Pairing Art Deco Lighting with Complementary Décor

One of the most important aspects of the Art Deco style is that the décor has an opulent and decadent look and feel. Art Deco table accents, Art Deco ceiling fans, and Art Deco paints are all additional furnishings that enhance the feeling of elegance within a room. When your lighting’s shape and material complement the visual aesthetic, you achieve a more cohesive feeling overall. 

Sprig Multi Light Pendant by Hubbardton Forge

@joyfuldesignsstudio

This incredibly vibrant hallway is enhanced by the Sprig 42 Inch 4 Light Multi Light Pendant by Hubbardton Forge, which features sculptural steel and glass berries in multiple sizes on a stemmed botanical frame. With a combination of refined brass and opaline glass, it’s an immediate focal point that complements the unique decor perfectly.

Choosing the Right Materials for Art Deco Lighting Fixtures

Luxurious materials such as metal, crystal, and glass are the hallmarks of Art Deco lighting. These lavish materials elevate the ambiance of the space. For instance, Art Deco Wall Sconces feature shiny or satin finishes with clear glass, crystal, or alabaster shades. These materials underline the elegance and grandeur associated with the Art Deco movement.

Happy Wall Sconce by Regina Andrew

@remycreative, photography by @mcbecks_pix

The simple, asymmetrical charm of the Happy 16-inch Wall Sconce by Regina Andrew creates uplifting illumination that fits into this bathroom concept effortlessly. With its metal frame and contrasting matte white glass globes, its coordination with the powder room’s countertop and faucet is seamless.

The Differences Between Art Deco and Modern Lighting

While modern lighting tends to be more clean-cut and minimalist, Art Deco focuses on ornate, symmetrical forms with captivating geometries and bold color and decorative design. In sitting rooms, an artistic presence is noticeable if the fixture is the centerpiece, but more subtle lighting can complement details and finishes in places like the entryway or hallways.

You will even see these qualities in Art Deco outdoor lights, where outdoor post lamps, for example, use a combination of materials ranging from industrial metals for durability and optic glass to shape visual interest.

Matrix Linear Suspension Light by Varaluz

@maricelalopezdesign

The aged gold finish and retro-modern personality of the Matrix 48 Inch 8 Light Linear Suspension Light by Varaluz brings 70s glam and a metropolitan vibe to this dining room. With its Havana gold finish and the clear fluted glass cascading above the table, the Matrix meshes well with the other metallic accents and assorted white surfaces.

To view the full selection of Art Deco fixtures available at Capitol Lighting, visit our 2024 catalog and browse all the different options for every room in your home. With some of the finest and most respected brand names in our inventory, you’ll be sure to find the piece you’re looking for to create your own ideal, distinguished ambiance.