Art Deco Decor Value & Price Guide

Art Deco decor represents the pinnacle of early 20th-century luxury, blending industrial modernity with exquisite craftsmanship. These collectibles are defined by their bold geometric shapes, streamlined curves, and a distinct sense of glamour that transformed everyday household objects into works of art.

Price Range: $180 - $220 based on recent sales

History of Art Deco Decor

The Art Deco movement emerged in France just before World War I and gained international prominence following the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. It represented a break from the organic curves of Art Nouveau, favoring symmetry, repetition, and the celebration of the machine age. During the 1920s and 1930s, this aesthetic permeated every aspect of the home, from religious icons like crucifixes to functional vanity trays and tea sets. As the movement evolved into the 1940s, it transitioned from the opulent 'Zigzag' style of the Roaring Twenties into the more utilitarian and aerodynamic 'Streamline Moderne.' This shift reflected the changing global landscape, moving from post-war exuberance to the industrial efficiency necessitated by the Great Depression and the approach of World War II.

Value Factors for Art Deco Decor

The typical price range for Art Deco Decor is $180 - $220 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material rarity, such as the use of genuine alabaster or exotic woods versus common plaster or glass.
• The presence of iconic motifs like stylized animals, sunbursts, or aviation-inspired designs which command higher premiums.
• Condition of the finish, particularly on chrome or brass items where pitting or heavy corrosion can significantly decrease market value.
• Subject matter appeal, with unique items like wall masks and figural bookends often outperforming standard utilitarian pieces like canisters.

Tips for Buying Art Deco Decor

• Examine the materials used, as authentic pieces often feature high-quality period elements like alabaster, brass, chrome, and early plastics like Bakelite.
• Look for the 'Streamline Moderne' influence in items like airplane ashtrays and cigarette dispensers, characterized by aerodynamic lines and a sense of motion.
• Check for designer hallmarks or manufacturer stamps, though many smaller decorative items like wall masks and canisters may be unsigned but still highly valuable based on style.
• Verify the patina on metal items like brass vases and candlesticks to ensure the aging is consistent with pieces from the 1920s and 1930s.

Items in This Collection

• Art Deco Crucifix
• Art Deco Brass Vase
• Art Deco Cigarette Dispenser
• Art Deco Candlestick
• Art Deco Airplane Ashtray
• Art Deco Alabaster Bookends
• Art Deco Elephant Bookends
• Art Deco Wall Mask
• Art Deco Tea Set
• Art Deco Vanity Tray
• Art Deco Canister