Let’s talk about Art Deco—the design style that’s basically the Gatsby of interior design. Bold, unapologetically glamorous, and with just the right amount of drama.
When I first fell in love with Art Deco, I thought it might be too “extra” for everyday living, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
This 1920s and 30s style isn’t just for fancy hotels and period films—it can turn your living room into the sophisticated space you’ve always dreamed of.
Whether you’re ready to go full Gatsby or just want to add a touch of vintage glamour to your space,
I’ve got Art Deco living room ideas that’ll make your guests do a double-take (in the best way possible).
Let’s dive into this world of geometric patterns, rich colors, and unabashed luxury!
What Actually Makes a Living Room “Art Deco”?
Before we start throwing gold leaf at everything, let’s break down what makes Art Deco, well, Art Deco.
This isn’t just any old vintage style—it’s a very specific aesthetic born from the optimism and luxury of the post-WWI era.
At its core, Art Deco celebrates the sleek and the bold. It’s a style that said “goodbye” to the frilly excesses of Art Nouveau and “hello” to clean lines, geometric patterns, and industrial influences. Think zigzags, sunbursts, stepped forms, and streamlined silhouettes. It’s like the design equivalent of jazz music—structured but with plenty of flair.
Art Deco pulls inspiration from a fascinating mix of sources—ancient Egyptian motifs (thanks, King Tut’s tomb discovery!), African art, Cubism, and even the machinery of the industrial age.
The result? A style that feels both historic and futuristic at the same time.
The non-negotiable elements of an Art Deco living room include:
- Bold geometric patterns (zigzags, chevrons, sunbursts)
- Rich, jewel-tone colors
- Luxurious materials (velvet, silk, exotic woods)
- Metallics (especially gold, silver, and chrome)
- Statement lighting
- Sleek, curved furniture
- Mirrored and lacquered surfaces
The beauty of modern Art Deco is that you don’t have to go all-in to capture the essence. You can incorporate elements that speak to you while leaving behind the parts that don’t.
It’s all about finding that sweet spot between vintage glamour and livable comfort.
Black and White Art Deco: Timeless Contrast That Never Goes Out of Style
If there’s one color combination that screams Art Deco louder than any other, it’s black and white.
This high-contrast duo creates the perfect backdrop for the geometric patterns that define the style.
Plus, it’s basically impossible to mess up—these colors will always look sophisticated together.
I redid my apartment’s living room in a black and white Art Deco theme last year, and let me tell you—it’s like living in a classic film that never gets old.
The key is to use patterns strategically. A black and white chevron rug, for example, creates an instant Art Deco foundation that you can build upon.
Make black and white Art Deco work by:
- Using black as your accent rather than your dominant color (unless you’re going for vampire chic)
- Incorporating different textures to add dimension—think glossy black coffee tables against matte white walls
- Adding mirrored surfaces to bounce light around and prevent the space from looking flat
- Including at least one geometric pattern, whether it’s on your rug, throw pillows, or wall art
The beauty of starting with black and white is that you can always add pops of color later if you decide the monochrome look is too stark.
A ruby red cushion or emerald green vase can instantly transform the space without requiring a complete redesign.
Go for the Gold: Art Deco Living Rooms That Shine
If Art Deco had a love language, it would definitely be gold. Nothing says “Roaring Twenties luxury” quite like golden accents catching the light across your living room.
And before you worry—no, you don’t need to be a millionaire to incorporate this look. A little gold goes a surprisingly long way.
Gold in Art Deco isn’t just about showing off (though that’s certainly part of the fun). It adds warmth and richness that elevates everything around it.
I added gold-framed mirrors to my living room, and suddenly my standard-issue apartment walls looked like they belonged in a design magazine.
Ways to add gold without looking like King Midas went wild:
- Gold-framed mirrors (the bigger, the better)
- Picture frames with gold details
- Light fixtures with brass or gold finishes
- Small accent furniture pieces with gold legs or trim
- Gold bar carts (practical AND pretty)
The trick with gold is to use it strategically. Pair it with rich, deep colors like black, emerald, or sapphire to balance the metallic shine. And remember—gold mixes beautifully with other metallics like silver and copper, so don’t feel like you have to commit to just one.
Emerald Green Art Deco: Jewel-Toned Perfection
Emerald green is the unofficial mascot of Art Deco color schemes, and for good reason.
This rich, saturated hue perfectly captures the luxurious essence of the style while adding a refreshing natural element to your space.
Plus, green has been proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation—something we could all use more of, right?
My friend transformed her living room with an emerald green velvet sofa, and now I can’t visit without feeling a twinge of furniture envy.
The color is bold without being overwhelming, especially when balanced with neutral tones and metallic accents.
How to rock the emerald look:
- Consider an emerald green velvet sofa as your statement piece
- Paint a single accent wall for major impact with minimal commitment
- Add emerald through accessories if you’re color-shy—pillows, throws, or art
- Pair with gold accents to really lean into that luxury vibe
- Balance with cream, beige, or white to keep the space from feeling too dark
The key with emerald green is to treat it as your star player and build your design around it. Let it shine in key areas while using more neutral tones for supporting elements.
Trust me, this jewel tone can hold its own as the focal point of your Art Deco dream space.
Orange Art Deco Living Rooms: Unexpected But Totally Amazing
Orange might not be the first color that comes to mind when you think of Art Deco, but it actually has deep roots in the style—especially burnt orange and terracotta tones.
These warmer hues add energy and optimism to your space while still feeling sophisticated enough for an Art Deco setting.
I was skeptical about orange until I saw a friend’s burnt orange accent chairs against a cream wall with gold sconces.
The combination was so striking and welcoming that I immediately reconsidered my color prejudices.
Orange options that work beautifully in Art Deco spaces:
- Burnt orange velvet armchairs or sofas
- Terracotta walls paired with cream trim
- Copper metallic accents (orange’s metallic cousin)
- Orange geometric cushions on a neutral sofa
- Amber glass decorative pieces
If you’re nervous about orange being too overwhelming, start small with accessories and work your way up.
And remember that orange pairs surprisingly well with blues, greens, and purples for a complementary color scheme that has serious visual impact.
Blue Art Deco Living Rooms: Cool, Calm, and Collected
While Art Deco is often associated with warmer tones, blue deserves a special mention for bringing a sense of calm sophistication to the style.
From deep navy to sapphire, blue provides a perfect backdrop for the metallic accents that define Art Deco design.
Blue works particularly well in Art Deco living rooms because it creates a sense of depth and luxury without feeling overwhelming.
I painted my hallway in a deep sapphire blue with silver trim, and it’s now my favorite transition space in the house.
Blue Art Deco ideas worth trying:
- Navy blue walls with silver sconces
- Sapphire blue velvet upholstery
- Pale blue and silver geometric wallpaper
- Peacock blue accent pieces against a neutral backdrop
- Midnight blue ceiling for a dramatic touch (if you’re feeling bold!)
The versatility of blue makes it perfect for Art Deco—it can be the star of the show or a supporting player, depending on your preference.
Pair deeper blues with silver for a cool, sophisticated palette, or mix with gold for a more unexpected contrast.
Red Art Deco Living Rooms: Drama, Passion, and Energy
Nothing says “dramatic entrance” quite like walking into a red Art Deco living room.
This color choice is bold, passionate, and definitely not for the faint of heart—but when done right, it creates an unforgettable space that radiates energy and excitement.
Red was actually quite popular during the original Art Deco period, often appearing in theaters, restaurants, and the homes of particularly adventurous decorators.
It’s the perfect color for those who want their living room to make a statement.
Ways to incorporate red without feeling like you’re in a Valentine’s Day card:
- Ruby red velvet statement sofa or chairs
- Red lacquered side tables or cabinets
- Red and gold geometric wallpaper on an accent wall
- Crimson cushions against a neutral backdrop
- Rich red artwork in gold frames
The secret to making red work is balancing it with plenty of neutral space. White, cream, or black provide necessary visual relief from the intensity of red.
And if a red sofa feels too committed, start with smaller red accents and see how you feel before going all-in.
Silver Art Deco Living Rooms: Modern Elegance with Vintage Flair
Silver brings a cool, contemporary edge to Art Deco that feels both authentic to the period and perfectly suited to modern homes.
It’s like the sophisticated cousin of gold—a bit more understated but every bit as luxurious.
I love silver in Art Deco spaces because it creates the perfect backdrop for both bold colors and subtle neutrals.
A silver-leafed coffee table or mirror can transform even the most basic living room into something special.
Silver Art Deco elements to consider:
- Mirrored furniture with silver trim
- Chrome lighting fixtures
- Silver-framed mirrors (the bigger, the better)
- Metallic wallpaper with silver geometric patterns
- Silver picture frames grouped together as a gallery wall
Silver pairs beautifully with cool tones like blue, purple, and green, but also creates a striking contrast against warmer colors like pink and red.
It’s particularly effective in rooms that don’t get a lot of natural light, as the reflective quality helps brighten the space.
Make It Your Own: Art Deco for Real Life
Here’s the thing about Art Deco—while it has specific characteristics, there’s no design police that will revoke your style card if you put your own spin on it.
The best Art Deco living rooms feel personal and lived-in, not like museum exhibits.
My advice? Start with one or two elements that speak to you. Maybe it’s a geometric rug or a velvet sofa in a jewel tone.
Build from there, adding pieces that complement your initial choices while still serving your everyday needs. (Yes, you can have an Art Deco living room that’s also kid-friendly—performance fabrics and clever storage are your friends!)
Remember that the people who created the original Art Deco style were forward-thinking and experimental.
They wouldn’t want you slavishly copying the past—they’d want you to take their ideas and make them your own.
So go ahead, mix that vintage Art Deco side table with your modern sofa. Hang contemporary art above your geometric console.
Use colors that make you happy, even if they weren’t traditionally part of the Art Deco palette. The best spaces tell your story while nodding to the styles that inspire you.
Ready to embrace the glamour of the Roaring Twenties? Trust me, once you go Art Deco, you’ll never want to go back to basic.
Your living room is about to get the upgrade it deserves, and your guests will be asking for your designer’s number (little do they know, you’re the mastermind behind it all).
Time to raise a glass to fabulous living! 🥂
