When I think of vintage glam, I immediately picture the 1920s. Hollywood’s Golden Age, Flapper Girls, Jazz, the Great Gatsby, Art Deco… what’s not to love?
It was an era characterised by stunning, rich colours, luxurious materials, and sheer opulence. And guess what – you can recreate it at home!
It’s easier than you think to pay homage to the glamorous 1920s and 1930s via your choice of furnishings, accessories and wall décor, and I hope these 10 tips to modern vintage décor will inspire you.
Key Takeaways
This blog post will help you:
Discover the key elements of the art deco style, including the use of luxurious materials, geometric patterns, and vibrant colours.
Learn how to capture the glamour and elegance of the Roaring Twenties through strategic design choices.
Explore the influence of art deco on architecture and interior design, and how to incorporate its timeless appeal into your own living space.
Discover the art deco style revival and its enduring impact on fashion, accessories, and contemporary design.
Let’s begin by recapping what makes Art Deco so special…
What is Art Deco Style?
In a nutshell, Art Deco style is an eye-catching trend from the 1920s, elegant and charming, with sleek lines, metallic touches and bold designs.
Art Deco design was seen in furniture, interior décor, accessories, architecture and more. And it will continue to charm us into 2025.
Key elements of the Art Deco style include:
Geometric shapes and patterns - Angular lines, chevrons, and streamlined forms
Metallic accents - Gleaming brass, chrome, and silver finishes
Rich, luxurious materials - Lacquered woods, marble, and mirrored surfaces
Bold, saturated colours - Deep blues, emerald greens, and opulent reds
So, let’s see how you can easily add a vintage touch to your interior decorating style…
10 Ways to Add Art Deco into Your Life and Home
1. Get Thrifty
If you’re willing to put in the time, you can still find some great authentic Art Deco finds in thrift and charity shops. Especially if you’re willing to put in the elbow grease it may need to make some of these vintage finds like new again.
Vintage furniture, for instance, may have defects that need to be carefully restored. The key is to know what you’re looking for and what is valuable.
TIP: Popular Art Deco discoveries in thrift and charity shops include glassware, mirrors, vases, candlesticks, vanity tables, coffee tables, frames, and more.
If you’re not sure what’s Art Deco and what isn’t, consider the description above and remember – Art Deco design is all about drama, glamour and grandeur.
2. Channel Great Gatsby Opulence
F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" captures the Roaring 20s like nothing else. Embrace the luxury and lavish decor and bring Gatsby's style into your own home.
TIP: Bring this luxury into your home via...
Opulent chandeliers and sconces
Tufted Chesterfield sofas and velvet armchairs
Gilded mirrors and intricate wall panelling
Ornate area rugs and sumptuous textiles
Grandiose crystal decanters and glassware
3. 1920s Colour Palette
The 1920s colour palette is making a big comeback in home decor. People are loving the lavish jewel tones that were so popular back then. These colours bring a bold and sophisticated look to any room.
Rich Jewel Tones and Metallic Accents
Expect to see lots of emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple in homes soon. These rich colours will be paired with metallic accents like gold and silver. This mix will add a luxurious feel to any space.
TIP: Try mixing contrasting colours, like navy and gold or emerald and coral, for a sophisticated look.
MY MOST POPULAR ART DECO-STYLE TABLE DECOR... In teal, gold and red.
4. Geometric Patterns and Bold Lines
At the core of Art Deco is its eye-catching geometric patterns and bold lines. The geometric shapes and bold lines of Art Deco design reflected the technological advancements and industrialisation of the 1920s.
Those looking to add 1920s flair to their homes will love the angular, modern look of geometric patterns. Walls can feature sleek chevron motifs, and furniture should have bold, linear designs.
Straight-edged shapes, sharp corners, and clean lines will bring a sense of balance and harmony.
TIP: Use bold, geometric patterns in your wallpaper, upholstery, or tile work to capture the art deco spirit.
5. Tap Into the Flapper Fashion Trend
The 1920s was a decade of big change, with new trends in fashion, music, and home decor.
The Flapper look for women was a huge part of that – think short, beaded dresses, bold makeup, and bobbed hair. Before you say that you can’t add that to your interior décor, think again.
You can channel this fun and flippant fashion revolution via the art on your walls or the fabric in your house…
TIP: To bring this look into your home, opt for fringed décor and beaded cushions, ideally in eye-catching jewel colours. Think fringed lampshades and throw pillows.
6. Channel Prohibition Era Chic
Ok, so we didn’t have Prohibition in the UK, but we can co-opt the American version. The 1920s Prohibition era was full of secret speakeasies and seductive glamour.
You can bring this hidden, exclusive vibe into your home in 2025 with some clever design elements, such as:
Concealed entrances and hidden doorways
Moody lighting and sultry, atmospheric ambience
Vintage-inspired furnishings and fixtures
TIP: Search for Prohibition Wall Art to capture the speakeasy glamour.
7. Vintage Phonographs and Radios
Vintage technology – in particular phonographs or radios – is in high demand nowadays, savoured for its nostalgic charm. A portal to the past, it reminds us of the beauty of an analogue world – a simpler time. Vintage radios can also look beautiful, especially those made with 1920s glam in mind!
Adding vintage phonographs and vintage radios to your home decor mixes old and new beautifully. Make them the centrepiece or a subtle addition to your decor.
TIP: Opt for a revival or retro version if you can’t source or afford a genuine vintage radio or phonograph. There are some fantastic recreations out there that will still capture the vibe you want.
8. Gatsby-Inspired Outdoor Living
The lavish lifestyle of "The Great Gatsby" is now moving outdoors. Adding some Gatsby-inspired touches to your outdoor living spaces can transform your garden into your own, perfect little slice of the Roaring 20s.
To achieve the look, add ornate fountains or intricate wrought-iron furniture, combined with lush, manicured landscaping.
TIP: To create a true 1920s outdoor living experience, consider vintage-inspired lighting. Think ornate chandeliers or antique-style lanterns.
Adding musical entertainment, like a grand piano (if you happen to have one to hand!) or a retro phonograph or radio (as mentioned above), will bring the Jazz Age to life.
9. Luxurious Materials
Art Deco design is known for its rich, ornate details and luxurious finishes. Architects and designers used materials like polished marble, gleaming chrome, and shimmering glass to add sophistication.
Capture the Art Deco vibe with:
Lavish use of art deco style ornamentation, including bold shapes, sleek lines, and intricate motifs
Incorporation of opulent materials such as marble, chrome, and glass to exude a sense of luxury
Attention to detail and craftsmanship to achieve a glamorous design
TIP: Add shiny metallics like brass or chrome to add glamour to your room.
10. SOURCE VINTAGE-STYLE WALL ART
One of the easiest ways to add a vintage feel or Art Deco ambience to your home is to choose statement wall art, selecting pieces that evoke the era's essence.
Black and white photographs capture nostalgic moments, adding a timeless allure.
Art Deco-inspired patterns, characterised by geometric shapes and bold colours like gold and teal, lend sophistication and glamour.
TIP: Incorporate mirrored surfaces or metallic frames in your wall art to enhance the period's opulence.
INTRODUCING MY ART DECO ACCESSORIES... BECAUSE SOMETIMES YOU NEED A BIT OF VINTAGE GLAM IN YOUR MAKEUP BAG too
As you might have guessed, I love Art Deco Style. I would love it if you'd like to take a closer look at some of my 1920s/ Art Deco-style compact mirrors (examples below). You can see them all here: https://www.toteallyvintage.com/vintage-compact-mirrors
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