Art Deco Interior Design Ideas To Style Your Home Like Gatsby

Updated: Apr 24, 2025

Art Deco interior design captures the glamor and elegance of the past with its bold shapes and vibrant colors. But you don’t need a million dollar house to include this style in your decor. And we’ll show you how to adapt these elements to suit a more casual, modern home.

A collage of art deco interiors with the text Art Deco interior design ideas overlaid down the middle

Are you as enchanted by the glamor and elegance of the Art Deco interior style as I am?

If so, you’re in the right place.

This is your guide to the main elements that define Art Deco interior design, from its bold shapes to its vibrant colors, complete with pictures to illustrate these features.

Plus, I’ll share how I’ve adapted these elements to fit my builder-grade house.

While I love everything about Art Deco, the original version is a bit too formal for my taste (and my home).

Which is why I’ve taken the essence of Art Deco design principles and scaled them down to create a look that’s both stylish and approachable.

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of glamor or simply want to refresh your space with some vintage flair, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and practical Art Deco decorating ideas that you can easily implement in your own home.

Some of the images below are not mine and cannot be pinned from this page. Please click through to the original source to save them.

  • 1 | Decorate with jewel tones

    An Art Deco living room with dark green walls, a blue sofa, purple chairs and a curved coffee table

    Art Deco interior design is all about luxury and glamour, and jewel tones play a big role in achieving that look.

    Think deep emerald greens, rich sapphire blues, and bold ruby reds.

    These colors add a sense of opulence and drama to a space, making it feel both sophisticated and inviting.

    These jewel tones are often paired with sleek materials like glass, chrome, and mirrors, which help to reflect light and enhance the vibrant colors.

    I have always been a big fan of jewel tone colors, so it’s no wonder that I love Art Deco decor.

    Bedroom decorated in Art Deco jewel tones of purple, blue and green

    In my primary bedroom, I went full-on jewel tones.

    I painted the walls and ceiling a deep purple, added a royal blue bed frame, and finished the look with a duvet cover that uses those two colors plus green.

    These colors totally transform the space into something that feels truly special.

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  • 2 | And animal print

    An Art Deco style bedroom with black and white on the walls and ceiling, and leopard print accents
    photo by DUO DESIGN STUDIO (via houzz.com)

    Animal prints are a bold and exciting element in Art Deco interior design.

    They add a touch of the exotic and a sense of adventure to any space.

    Whether it’s zebra stripes, leopard spots, or tiger patterns, these prints bring a dynamic energy that can make a room feel both luxurious and playful.

    In Art Deco, animal prints are often used in upholstery, rugs, or even as wallpaper to create a striking focal point.

    Animal print just happens to be another one of my favorite design elements. I think every room should have at least a little bit of it.

    Art Deco style bathroom with marble-top vanity, black and white floor tile and zebras stneciled on the wall

    In my primary bathroom, I even stenciled zebras on the walls. Which definitely adds a unique and personal touch to the space.

    It was inspired by a very expensive Scalamandre wallpaper, but painting it on was a much more budget-friendly option.

  • 3 | Use lots of black and white

    A black and white kitchen with Art Deco geometric lines in the backsplash
    photo by Zieba Builders, Inc. (via houzz.com)

    In Art Deco interior decorating, black and white adds a sense of drama and sophistication to any room.

    The contrast between these two colors creates a striking visual effect that can make a room feel both modern and timeless.

    You can use black and white in various ways, such as in geometric patterns on floors, bold stripes on walls, or even in the details of furniture and accessories.

    And it’s a classic combination that goes with pretty much every color scheme.

    An Art Deco inspired round white leather and black coffee table in a living room

    I use it all over my house, but this black and white coffee table in my living room is one of my favorite Art Deco inspired pieces of furniture.

  • 4 | Add geometric lines

    Geometric lines are a cornerstone of Art Deco design.

    They bring a sense of order and symmetry to a space, creating a bold and structured look.

    You can incorporate geometric lines through patterned wallpaper, floor tiles, or even in the design of furniture and light fixtures.

    These lines often form intricate patterns that add visual interest and depth to a room. When combined with the luxurious materials and rich colors typical of Art Deco, geometric lines help to create a space that feels both elegant and modern.

    An art deco style bathroom with black and white geometric floor tiles and black crown molding

    I used this design element in my primary bathroom where the black crown molding creates a geometric outline just because of the shape of the room.

    And the black outlined tiles on the floor add a geometric design to the floor.

    It’s a simple yet effective way to add a touch of Art Deco flair to the bathroom.

  • 5 | Incorporate curves

    A dining room with a round table and a round chandelier over it
    photo by Evelyn James Interiors (via houzz.com)

    Curves are another signature element in Art Deco interior design, bringing a sense of fluidity and elegance to a space.

    You can incorporate curves through furniture pieces like round tables, curved sofas, or even in architectural details like arched doorways.

    These shapes add a softness that balances the bold geometric patterns often found in Art Deco interior decorating.

    Repeating circles in multiple places throughout the room (like hanging a round light fixture above a round table) really helps to emphasize the motif.

  • 6 | Use lots of pattern

    A hallway with black and white Art Deco wallpaper and checkered tile floor
    photo by Evelyn James Interiors (via houzz.com)

    Patterned wallpaper and fabric, such as Chinoiserie, feather designs and abstract florals, are big in Art Deco design.

    These patterns often feature bold, symmetrical designs that draw the eye, add layers of interest and create a sense of movement.

    You can use them on walls, upholstery, or even in small accents like cushions and throws.

    An art deco inspired Chinoiserie stencil on a hallway wall

    This Chinoiserie design I stenciled on my hallway wall was inspired by the Chinoiserie wallpaper often seen in Art Deco dining rooms.

    Since I don’t have a proper dining room in my house and the hallway was a large blank wall, this seemed like the best place to do it.

  • 7 | Add metal accents

    A white bathroom with copper accents in Art Deco style

    Metal accents are an element of Art Deco design that adds some glamour and sophistication to the room.

    While warm metals like gold and bronze are the most common, silver can also work beautifully.

    These metals are typically incorporated through light fixtures, furniture details, or decorative accessories.

    They reflect light and add a bit of sparkle, enhancing the luxurious feel of the room.

    When combined with the bold colors and geometric patterns typical of Art Deco, metal accents help to create a space that feels both elegant and modern.

    A gold light fixture hung in front of a picture and panels covered with gold wallpaper

    I have metals of all kinds in my house—another design element I think should be in every room.

    From my primary bathroom that is painted silver to the gold light fixtures and wallpaper panels in the guestroom, metals are an easy way to add a touch of Art Deco glam to any room.

  • 8 | Include natural materials

    An Art Deco bathroom with black marble tile and gold accents
    photo by Maven Home Interiors (via houzz.com)

    Art Deco design is all about elegance and luxury, and one way to achieve this is by incorporating natural materials, such as rich woods, sleek metals, luxurious fabrics (such as leather) and beautiful stones (like marble).

    These materials not only bring in a touch of nature but also create a stunning contrast with the geometric shapes and bold colors that are typical of Art Deco.

    A guest bathroom with a split-face lime stone backsplash behind the vanity, a tall Venetian mirror and Art Deco style sconces

    My guest bathroom is really small so I decided it was a good place to splurge on some natural stone. (Even though it was expensive, I didn’t need very much of it so it didn’t break the bank).

    I installed a split-face limestone backsplash behind the vanity. Then added a tall Venetian mirror and Art Deco style sconces on either side to create a beautiful focal point.

    It all makes this small bathrooms feel both luxurious and unique, capturing that Art Deco vibe perfectly.

  • 9 | Hang a showstopping mirror

    A green Art Deco bathroom with a large Venetian mirror over a white sink with gold faucets
    photo by Arazi Levine Design (via houzz.com)

    Speaking of mirrors, they are used often in Art Deco interior design. And usually feature bold geometric shapes or intricate frames that add a touch of glamour.

    Which turns them into a showstopper that reflect light, make the space feel larger and are the focal point of a room.

    You can hang them in living rooms, hallways, or bathrooms to enhance the overall aesthetic and bring a bit of sparkle to your decor.

  • 10 | Install detailed moldings

    A close-up of Art Deco style crown molding on the ceiling
    photo by Inviting Home Inc (via houzz.com)

    In Art Deco home decor, moldings often feature intricate patterns, fluted designs and sharp lines that echo the movement’s love for symmetry and glamour.

    These moldings add a touch of elegance and sophistication, creating a sense of depth and texture on your walls.

    And they can instantly transform a plain room into a space that feels both timeless and modern.

    In my house, I have a lot of angled ceilings, which makes installing crown moldings like the one in the picture above a bit tricky.

    A tall stairway with fluted moldings, black and white pictures and a leopard print runner

    So, I decided to use fluted moldings to add some interest to a very tall and otherwise pretty boring stairwell.

    The leopard print runner, vintage black and white pictures and glamorous chandelier also add to the Art Deco inspired look.

  • 11 | Add black lacquer furniture

    An Art Deco bathroom with black lacquer cabinets, black and white marble countertops, gold faucets and a geometric tile floor
    photo by Paper Moon Painting (via houzz.com)

    Art Deco style is all about bold contrasts and luxurious finishes.

    And black lacquer fits right in with its sleek, glossy surface.

    When you’re choosing furniture, look for those with clean lines and maybe a touch of metallic detail, like chrome or gold, to really capture that Art Deco essence.

    A black lacquer and gold bar cabinet

    Or if you don’t want to spend too much money, black lacquer paint is a good way to transform an old piece of furniture.

    I used it (along with some gold leaf) to makeover a functional but ugly bar cabinet. Now, it fits right in with the rest of my decor.

  • 12 | Incorporate a Starburst pattern

    A starburst mirror hung on a gold and blue wallpapered wall

    A Starburst pattern is a quintessential element of Art Deco design, which infuses your room with a touch of vintage glamour that feels both timeless and fresh.

    This pattern features radiating lines that create a burst effect, reminiscent of the sun or a star.

    It’s a bold choice that can be incorporated into various elements like wallpaper, textiles, light fixtures or even flooring designs.

    I haven’t used this pattern much in my home decor yet.

    A starburst light fixture in a green media room
    Image via: Blesser House

    But I would really like to install a Starburst ceiling fixture somewhere, similar to the one Lauren from Blesser House put up in her media room.

    I just need to figure out where.

  • 13 | Put up statement lighting

    A turquoise chandelier hung in a small bathroom with floral wallpaper and an orange framed mirror
    photo by Jennifer Gardner Design (via houzz.com)

    And that brings us to statement lighting. It is like the jewelry of an Art Deco room, adding the perfect finishing touch to your space.

    From wall sconces to chandeliers, you’ll find many layers of lighting in most Art Deco spaces.

    These fixtures often feature bold geometric shapes and luxurious materials, making them both functional and decorative.

    And since I happen to love lighting, I have no problem making extensive use of this design element.

    That’s why I have a chandelier of some kind in pretty much every room.

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Frequently asked questions

  • What are some common color schemes in Art Deco interior design?

    Art Deco interiors often feature bold and contrasting color schemes. Think rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep blue, and ruby red paired with metallics such as gold and silver. Neutrals like black, white, and cream are also popular, providing a sophisticated backdrop for more vibrant accents.

  • How can I incorporate Art Deco design in a small space?

    In a small space, focus on key Art Deco elements that make a big impact without overwhelming the room. Opt for a statement piece like a geometric-patterned rug or a bold piece of wall art. Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space and choose furniture with sleek lines to maintain an open feel.

  • What materials are typically used in Art Deco furniture?

    Art Deco furniture often features luxurious materials such as exotic woods, chrome, glass, and leather. Lacquered finishes and inlays of materials like ivory or mother-of-pearl are also common, adding to the opulent feel of the style.

Have comments or questions about our Art Deco interior decorating ideas? Tell us in the section below.

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