Art Deco furniture is characterized by its celebration of modern life. More than its emphasis on natural wood grains and focus on traditional craftsmanship, vintage Art Deco dining chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture — which typically refers to pieces produced during the 1920s and 1930s — is an ode to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties.”
ORIGINS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE ART DECO FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship.
Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu.
The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)
Art Deco textile designers employed dazzling floral motifs and vivid colors, and while Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked, they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture.
From mother-of-pearl inlaid vitrines to chrome aviator chairs, bold and inventive works in the Art Deco style include chaise longues (also known as chaise lounges) and curved armchairs. Today, the style is still favored by interior designers looking to infuse a home with an air of luxury and sophistication.
The vintage Art Deco furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes dressers, coffee tables, decorative objects and more.
Antique 1920s Silver & Tortoise Shell Page Turner by Grey & Co. London, England
By Grey & Co., Chester, Asprey International Limited
Located in Andernach, DE
Antique English page turner from sterling silver and tortoise shell. Most rare piece, made and stamped by Grey & Co. London, possibly for Asprey London. The Stamp is the London Lion,...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Deco Art Nouveau Hammered Gilt Bronze Ormolu Floral Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Art Deco Art Nouveau Hammered Gilt Bronze Ormolu Floral Letter Opener Continental Bronze Early 20th Century Dimensions: Length 25.5cm Using a variety of crafting te...
Bronze
Vintage Leather and Brass Desk Set Brass Letter Opener and Scissors 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Leather and Brass Desk Set Brass Letter Opener and Scissors 1940s. Italian desk set scissors and letter opener with leather black pouch. Classic and traditional luxury desk l...
Metal, Brass
Danish Crown Letter Opener in Sterling Silver, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish paper knife with elongated sterling silver handle set with the Danish Royal Crown hence its name Danish Crown or Dansk Krone in Danish. Fully Hall-marked. Measurements: ...
Silver, Steel
Antique French Art Deco Bronze Gemini Zodiac Sign Letter Opener Max Le Verrier
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Art Deco Bronze Gemini Zodiac Sign Letter Opener Max Le Verrier France Bronze c. 1920s Dimensions: Length 21cm With a design inspired by the zodiac signs, th...
Bronze, Ormolu
Art Deco Édouard Marcel Sandoz Bronze Macrurus Desk Letter Opener
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Édouard Marcel Sandoz Bronze Macrurus Desk Letter Opener. Édouard Marcel Sandoz's Art Deco letter opener is a unique piece distinguished by its...
Bronze
Just Andersen - Letter-knife in Mint Condition - Original box - Art Deco, 1930's
Located in Stockholm, SE
One of a kind letter knife made by Just Andersen, Denmark in the 1930's with the original box from the Jeweller that the knife were bought from. Mint condition been laying in the bo...
Pewter
Deco Style Modernist Silver Female Figure Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular and very unique letter opener. Silver plate or Pewter, however it's the design that makes the piece so great. A compliment to any desk, or work station, in a residence ...
Aluminum, Silver
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen Gold & Silver France circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen, Gold & Silver Plate, France, circa 1980s An iconic vintage ballpoint pen by Cartier from the so...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Marshall Field & Co. Antique Viking Bronze Letter Opener, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period "Viking" collection bronze letter opener In the manner of Tiffany Studios By Marshall Field & Co. USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 10.25"W x ...
Bronze
Art Deco Letter Opener vienna around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco Letter Opener vienna around 1920s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
Vintage Austrian Art Deco Industrial Worker Bronze or Brass Letter Opener, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Solid Brass or Bronze Letter Opener, Austria, Art Deco / Industrial Brutalist Style A striking vintage letter opener cast in solid brass or bronze and modeled as an industri...
Brass
Bronze Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Bronze Letter Opener designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Bronze letter knife * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B1502 * Year: 1934 * Condition: Good vintage condition. ...
Bronze
Substantial Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Bronze Letter Opener designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A beautiful piece for an elegant desk. * Bronze letter knife * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B216 * Year: 1925-...
Bronze
Scandinavian Art Deco Letter Opener in Brass, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Aviation inspired paper knife in solid brass. Distinct art deco styling. It was made in Scandinavia during the 1920s or 30s. It has previous owners initials to one side of the blade....
Brass
$980Sale Price|30% Off
French Art Deco Bronze Claw & Quill Letter Opener, Rare Bronze Letter Opener
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco Bronze Claw & Quill Letter Opener – France, circa 1920s–30s An exceptional and imaginative French Art Deco bronze letter opener, cast in the form of a bird's talon gras...
Bronze
Antique Austrian Art Deco Gold Bronze Letter Opener Accessory Peter Tereszczuk
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Austrian Art Deco Gold Bronze Letter Opener Accessory Peter Tereszczuk Austria Bronze c. 1920 Dimensions: Length 23cm Crafted in the early 20th century during the heig...
Bronze
German Steel Letter Opener with Spiral Bakelite Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful German Steel Letter opener with a unique persimmon Color Bakelite Swirled handle. A compliment to any desk or work station - lovely laying out on peaking out of a cylind...
Steel
$880Sale Price|20% Off
"Seahorse Letter Opener, " Rare, Beautiful Art Deco Bronze by Vitello
By Vitello
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare and beautifully crafted, this Art Deco letter opener features a high relief seahorse on its handle and a wide, tapering blade, all in a gold-toned bronze. The sculptor was Vitello, a French artist who specialized in very fine bronze desk items...
Bronze
Art Deco Letter Opener
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art Deco letter opener Bronze material with brown patina Circa 1928 Origin France Reason: female figure Signed and dated LUCIEN BAZOR.
Bronze
Édouard Marcel Sandoz letter opener of a silver-plated fish
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Édouard Marcel Sandoz Silver Fish Letter Opener Édouard Marcel Sandoz's Art Deco letter opener is a unique piece distinguished by its ingenious silver fish design. The piece is craft...
Metal
Art Deco envelope holder, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Crystal, Chrome
1920s Antique Art Deco Brass Bowls by Corfalgar London England
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1920s Antique Art Deco Brass Bowls by Corfalgar London, England Smooth interior textured exterior Stamped by maker. 5.25 diameter x 1.75 tall Preowned unrestored vintage condition. W...
Brass
$260
H 1.13 in W 9 in D 0.63 in
Antique French Art Nouveau Nude Girl Bronze Letter Opener, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece ...
Bronze
$180
H 1.25 in W 9.63 in D 0.25 in
Antique French Signed Art Nouveau Bronze Duck Figure Letter Opener by Frecourt
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener by the sculptor Maurice Frécourt. Circa 1900. It is signed "Frécourt". This piece is in goo...
Bronze
Antique Italian Dolphin Venice Bronze Letter Opener, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1920s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle ...
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener with Lion
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 20th Century, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle scul...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Claw & Quill Letter Opener, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1920s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle ...
Bronze
$280
H 10.38 in W 1.25 in D 1.5 in
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Claw & Marble Ball Letter Opener, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle ...
Marble, Bronze
$200
H 1.25 in W 6.88 in D 0.38 in
Vintage Austrian Art Nouveau Style Nude Girl Bronze or Brass Letter Opener 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Solid Brass Nude Lady Letter Opener, Austria, Mid-20th Century A striking vintage letter opener cast in solid brass and modeled as a reclining nude female figure. This decor...
Brass
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener, 1900s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1900s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece ...
Bronze
$210
H 1.25 in W 8.75 in D 0.25 in
Antique French marked Art Nouveau Bronze Wheat Sheaf Letter Opener , 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor and marked “Bronze” and “Fai...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener, 1920s or earlier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 20th Century, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle scul...
Bronze
$260
H 9.88 in W 1.25 in D 0.25 in
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Bird & Roses Letter Opener, 1900s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener dating to the 1900s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau ...
Bronze
Art Deco Gem Set Owl Letter Opener in Silver Plate, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Gem set letter opener in partially hammered high-quality silver plate. The handle shaped as an owl with green gem stone eyes. Made by Hugo Grün in Denmark circa 1925-40. Measurem...
Silver Plate
Vintage Boho Tiffany Studios Letter Opener
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your desk or bookshelf with this exquisite vintage letter opener, attributed to the iconic Tiffany Studios. Showcasing timeless Art Deco-inspired detailing and a richly patin...
Metal
Sold
H 9.75 in W 1.5 in D 0.25 in
Art Deco Emerald Green Dyed Equine Shagreen Letter Opener of Page Turner
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Art Deco letter opener or page turner in emerald green stained equine shagreen over wood. Equine shagreen is a finely grained leather made from the hide of a donkey, mule, horse or o...
Shagreen, Wood
Elias Pewter and Sterling Airplane Letter Opener 1991
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elias Pewter and Sterling Art Deco or Streamline Style Airplane Letter Opener. Dated 1991 on back. Nice condition and great styling!
Sterling Silver, Pewter
Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Bronze Letter Opener designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. An elegant piece for a beautiful desk. * Bronze letter knife * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B2067 * Year: 1980 * Con...
Bronze
Antique Scandinavian Golf Club Letter Opener in Pewter
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Antique paper knife in the shape of a golfclub. Its top/handle is fashioned from pewter and its blade from un-hallmarked white metal. The handle is...
Metal, Pewter
Vintage sterling silver scottie dog letter opener, Art Deco
Located in NEWARK, GB
An amazing vintage sterling silver letter opener. It is crafted from solid sterling silver and has a very well detailed and designed little scottie dog. Perfect for the Scottish ...
Sterling Silver
Solid Bronze Letter Opener by Gab Sweden, Attr to Jacob Ängman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An Art Deco Bronze letter opener produced by GAB Sweden circa 1930s. Same motif has been used on other items designed by Jacob Ängman. Very minimalist with a great little Art Deco de...
Bronze
Letter Opener by George Omerth
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Letter Opener by George Omerth Origin France Circa 1920 art deco style Excellent condition Gilt bronze and patina Omerth's life dates are not known in literature. He was a student of...
Bronze
Italian Art Deco Letter Holder in Stainless With Brass Accents
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant mirror shine, Letter holder like new condition circa 1940's stamped made in Italy great for Mid Century Danish Modern Deco decor.
Brass, Stainless Steel
Art Deco Gilt Silver Letter Opener
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco fluted and partially gilt letter opener. The knife shaped silver opener features a fluted handle with gilt band and a tapering blade. An elegant and truly stylish desk acces...
Silver Plate
Sterling Silver Mid century Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and elegant Sterling silver Letter Opener originates from the United States During the 20th Century. With a slender profile and ornate and well spaced detailing adoring th...
Sterling Silver