How to Make an Entrance with Art Deco Style
Look to the roaring 1920s to create a welcome with added wow
If you want to make a grand entrance, Art Deco is the way to go in the hallway. This enduring look – which you can explore in more detail in this previous Houzz story – exploded in the 1920s machine age along with jazz, skyscrapers and exotic holidays, spawning an aspirational and glamorous home style that is still highly sought-after and much copied today. Get the full-on feel with marble flooring, sunburst mirrors, polished chrome and ornate styling, or cherry-pick the elements that will work in a more modest home.
Say yes to a statement mirror
Go large and create an entrance with impact and drama by choosing a stylish sunburst mirror that epitomises the Art Deco era. If you’re unsure in which direction to take your hallway, a mirror can often be a good starting point to inform the whole scheme. Will you choose the OTT glamour of bronze, opt for a classic fantail design or perhaps veer towards the industrial with a carriage mirror?
Go large and create an entrance with impact and drama by choosing a stylish sunburst mirror that epitomises the Art Deco era. If you’re unsure in which direction to take your hallway, a mirror can often be a good starting point to inform the whole scheme. Will you choose the OTT glamour of bronze, opt for a classic fantail design or perhaps veer towards the industrial with a carriage mirror?
Pick the right furniture
No fireplace? Then instead create a display area with a sleek console table, a sideboard with decorative inlaid panels or a glamorous black lacquered chest of drawers.
Oversized twin lamps act as symmetrical anchors and will frame your favourite pieces and draw the eye inwards. Why not use an embellished metallic tray to show off pretty glasses and decanters in the space in-between?
Browse perfect furniture partners for your hallway
No fireplace? Then instead create a display area with a sleek console table, a sideboard with decorative inlaid panels or a glamorous black lacquered chest of drawers.
Oversized twin lamps act as symmetrical anchors and will frame your favourite pieces and draw the eye inwards. Why not use an embellished metallic tray to show off pretty glasses and decanters in the space in-between?
Browse perfect furniture partners for your hallway
Show off a little sparkle
For a staircase with Hollywood glamour, glass panels combined with polished chrome rails are the way to go. The beauty of glass panels is that they can be personalised with frosting and etching techniques. And don’t forget the newell post, where you can really maximise the decadence factor with a bejewelled knob in crystal or coloured glass, or embellished with inlaid mother-of-pearl.
For a staircase with Hollywood glamour, glass panels combined with polished chrome rails are the way to go. The beauty of glass panels is that they can be personalised with frosting and etching techniques. And don’t forget the newell post, where you can really maximise the decadence factor with a bejewelled knob in crystal or coloured glass, or embellished with inlaid mother-of-pearl.
Ramp up detail on your flooring
Marble floors were highly coveted and a hallmark of opulent 1920s style. In a large space, a central motif, such as a starburst or geometric-patterned border, can really break up the expanse and add interest.
See more elegantly carpeted staircases like this one in our photo section.
Marble floors were highly coveted and a hallmark of opulent 1920s style. In a large space, a central motif, such as a starburst or geometric-patterned border, can really break up the expanse and add interest.
See more elegantly carpeted staircases like this one in our photo section.
Create an area of symmetry
If you have room for a fireplace, it’s the ideal way to bring in some classic Art Deco symmetry. Opt for identical wall sconces around a central mirror, and matching chairs on either side (high-backed Charles Rennie Mackintosh designs are a good choice; his Art Nouveau work fed directly into the development of Deco style).
Alternatively, consider twin occasional tables instead of chairs, featuring elegant metallic sculptures of the human form that so defined the era.
If you have room for a fireplace, it’s the ideal way to bring in some classic Art Deco symmetry. Opt for identical wall sconces around a central mirror, and matching chairs on either side (high-backed Charles Rennie Mackintosh designs are a good choice; his Art Nouveau work fed directly into the development of Deco style).
Alternatively, consider twin occasional tables instead of chairs, featuring elegant metallic sculptures of the human form that so defined the era.
Commission a stylish radiator cover
While ornate black metal column radiators or polished chrome sharp-angled designs would suit the Art Deco look, you could also consider having a radiator cover created for the hallway to finish off the look. Do your research and incorporate all the design details you most love about the era, or use another piece of furniture, such as a console table or chair, to inspire a cohesive look.
While ornate black metal column radiators or polished chrome sharp-angled designs would suit the Art Deco look, you could also consider having a radiator cover created for the hallway to finish off the look. Do your research and incorporate all the design details you most love about the era, or use another piece of furniture, such as a console table or chair, to inspire a cohesive look.
Introduce chevrons
Although the chevron dates back as far as 1800 BC, sharp geometric lines became increasingly popular in the 1930s and this strong zigzag design rose to prominence. Consider echoing this classic Deco motif by laying wood parquet flooring or tiles in a chevron formation.
An upholstered bench seat in a monochrome chevron pattern is another great way to introduce this bold look. Alternatively, go for a chic chevron runner or choose to wallpaper one wall. For a subtler approach, add small shots of this distinctive pattern to your hallway through cushions and lampshades.
Love Art Deco style? Discover how to get the look in your bedroom
Although the chevron dates back as far as 1800 BC, sharp geometric lines became increasingly popular in the 1930s and this strong zigzag design rose to prominence. Consider echoing this classic Deco motif by laying wood parquet flooring or tiles in a chevron formation.
An upholstered bench seat in a monochrome chevron pattern is another great way to introduce this bold look. Alternatively, go for a chic chevron runner or choose to wallpaper one wall. For a subtler approach, add small shots of this distinctive pattern to your hallway through cushions and lampshades.
Love Art Deco style? Discover how to get the look in your bedroom
Consider coving
Particularly effective with high ceilings and to add interest to a new-build property, coving with three or more straight lines will create a stunning stepped ceiling effect. Just think of the beautiful ceilings of classic Art Deco cinemas, and you’ll instantly envisage a dramatic sense of occasion.
TELL US…
We’d love to hear your ideas for Art Deco hallways. Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Particularly effective with high ceilings and to add interest to a new-build property, coving with three or more straight lines will create a stunning stepped ceiling effect. Just think of the beautiful ceilings of classic Art Deco cinemas, and you’ll instantly envisage a dramatic sense of occasion.
TELL US…
We’d love to hear your ideas for Art Deco hallways. Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Extravagant spiral or helical staircases with ornate balusters were highly sought-after in the jazz age, as new technology in production widened the options available.
Of course, not all of us are lucky enough to have a home with the proportions to take a stunning staircase like this, but elements of Art Deco design can be copied on a smaller scale, too. For a classic Deco look, you can’t beat the combination of twisting wrought iron balusters with a polished walnut handrail.
Be inspired by more beautiful curved staircases.