Art Deco Waterfall Armoire Value Guide

1930s ArtDeco WaterFall Wardrobe Dresser Secretary - AptDeco
Art Deco Waterfall Armoire
Estimated Value
$950 – $1,150
Period
1930-1945
Origin
United States
Materials
Walnut veneer, wood, mirror, bakelite

The Art Deco Waterfall Armoire is a quintessential example of 1930s American furniture design, celebrated for its distinctive rounded, cascading edges. These pieces are highly collectible for their dramatic use of book-matched walnut veneers and the integration of multi-functional elements like central mirrored vanities and built-in secretary compartments.

What Is Art Deco Waterfall Armoire Worth?

The typical price range for Art Deco Waterfall Armoire is $950 - $1,150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the walnut veneer, as chips or lifting in the curved 'waterfall' sections significantly impact the $950-$1,150 price range.
  • Presence of original Bakelite hardware and the integrity of the central mirror glass.
  • Complexity of the interior configuration, such as the inclusion of a built-in desk or specialized secretary compartments.
  • The quality and symmetry of the wood grain matching across the large cabinet doors and drawer faces.

How to Identify Art Deco Waterfall Armoire?

  • Look for the signature 'waterfall' edge where the top of the unit curves seamlessly into the front without a sharp corner.
  • Examine the hardware for original Bakelite or early plastic pulls, which were standard for the 1930-1945 era.
  • Verify the use of exotic walnut veneers arranged in dynamic, symmetrical patterns across the drawer fronts and side cabinets.
  • Check for a central mirrored vanity section, a common structural feature of this specific American Art Deco style.

History of Art Deco Waterfall Armoire

The "waterfall" design emerged during the Art Deco movement, popular from the late 1920s through the 1940s. This style is characterized by its rounded, cascading edges, often seen in bedroom furniture like dressers and armoires. It typically utilizes exotic veneers, arranged in dynamic patterns to highlight the grain. This particular armoire combines functionality with the era's glamour, offering storage, a mirrored dressing area, and sometimes a built-in desk or secretary compartment, making it a versatile piece for the modern home of its time.

Shop Similar

Related Items

Have an antique to identify?

Get an instant AI appraisal with values, history, and market insights.

Download for iPhone