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ArtDeco,ArtNouveau,ArtsandCrafts:WhatstheDifference?

Roots of Style

Decorating Guides

Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts:

Whats the Difference?
If the zigzag and swirly designs of the past leave your head spinning, these
descriptions will straighten you right out
Laura Gaskill August 24, 2014
Houzz Contributor. I cover topics ranging from decorating ideas, product picks, Houzz...
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They all start with art, but each of these three styles has its own distinct look.
Here youll learn how to decipher the differences between art deco, art nouveau
and Arts and Crafts style once and for all. We will start with the newest to appear,
art deco, and work our way back through history, tracing the roots of each style.
Art Deco

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Mark English Architects, AIA

Becoming popular in the

1920s, art deco style
celebrated the changes
happening in the modern
world the excitement of
jazz music, electricity, the
radio, skyscrapers and
cubist art.

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ArtDeco,ArtNouveau,ArtsandCrafts:WhatstheDifference?

Doors

French Interior Design Studio

Zigzags and sharp angles

dominated the style in the
1920s. Mirrors and black
lacquered finishes were
popular too, as well as
glass and highly polished
metals. Think The Great
Gatsby.

Art Deco Armchair

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ArtDeco,ArtNouveau,ArtsandCrafts:WhatstheDifference?

1stdibs

By the 1930s art deco style

began taking on a softer
look, with curved lines (as
in the chair shown here)
taking the place of sharp
angles. Stepped forms
reminiscent of architecture
notably the Chrysler
Building, built in New York
in 1930 became popular.
Art Deco Elements Create
a Contemporary Flap

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ArtDeco,ArtNouveau,ArtsandCrafts:WhatstheDifference?

Caroline Beaupere Design

Art Nouveau
Working our way backward in time to the late 19th century, art nouveau was the
style of the day, although it wasnt called that at the time. Art nouveau is
immediately distinguishable from art deco, thanks to the whiplash curves and
ornate, nature-inspired designs featuring insect wings, flowers, feathers and vines.
Art nouveau was heavily influenced by the fine arts and included stained glass,
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ArtDeco,ArtNouveau,ArtsandCrafts:WhatstheDifference?

Gast Architects

painting, bas relief and

finely crafted wood and
metal, both in architecture
and interior design.

AN-2010-2 Mahogany Hand Carved 2-Panel Art Nouveau Double Door - $3,560

I like to think of art nouveau as Lord of the Rings style (even though the books
came much later), because the fine craftsmanship and natural forms remind me of
what the elves in Rivendell would make.
More about art nouveau style
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US Door & More Inc

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ArtDeco,ArtNouveau,ArtsandCrafts:WhatstheDifference?

Gardner Mohr Architects LLC

Arts and Crafts

The oldest of the three styles, Arts and Crafts originated in the mid-19th century in
Britain as a backlash against industrialism. The Arts and Crafts movement
celebrated a return to handcrafted, artisan-made goods, including wood furniture,
tapestries, wallpaper, pottery and stained glass.
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ArtDeco,ArtNouveau,ArtsandCrafts:WhatstheDifference?

Deep River Partners

Like art nouveau, the Arts and Crafts style was heavily influenced by nature, but the
motifs were more rectilinear not at all the extreme curves of art nouveau. Wood
was used heavily and almost always left with a natural finish. Decorative details
were handmade, from tile and vases to stained glass.
More about Arts and Crafts style

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Gardner Mohr Architects LLC

Cheat sheet:
Art deco: Popular in the 1920s and 1930s; zigzags, sharp angles and stepped
designs; influenced by jazz and skyscrapers. Think The Great Gatsby.
Art nouveau: Popular in the late 19th century; whiplash curves; nature-inspired
designs; finely crafted metal and wood. Think Rivendell or signs for the Paris
Metro.
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ArtDeco,ArtNouveau,ArtsandCrafts:WhatstheDifference?

Arts and Crafts: Popular in the mid-19th century; handcrafted and artisan-made
wood, pottery, tile and stained glass; nature motifs done simply; rectilinear forms.
Think William Morris and bungalow style.

Tell us: Art deco, art nouveau or Arts and Crafts which is your favorite style?
More: Great Gatsby Style: 9 Inspiring Art Deco Escapes

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