The roaring ’20s are back! To celebrate, we’re embracing Art Deco style and all its glamor.
Art Deco, short for Arts Décoratifs, is characterized by decadent details, bold patterns, and rich colors — lending perfectly to ceramic tile design. These elements also helped define 1920s floor tiles, which often featured rich geometric motifs and luxurious materials like mosaic tiles.
Here are some Art Deco tile looks from Instagram that we think are the bee’s knees!
Sunbursts and Sunrise Motifs
Sunbursts and sunrise motifs are quintessential Art Deco designs, conveying the energy and optimism of the era. We love the versatility of this pattern, which can be achieved with straight vertical lines as in the green hexagon wall tile example above or with the rolling rainbow-esque motif of the black and white shower tile.
These timeless motifs often appeared in floor tile patterns in the 1920s, adding movement and elegance to entryways and powder rooms.
Both design approaches can combine to create luxurious fan-like tile designs. Notice in the example below the attention to detail in the texture of the bronze tile.
When you invert the sunrise motif, you’ll get the scalloped (or fish scale) design seen below in this delicate luster pink textured tile.
[Related: 2019 Tile Trends: Textured Tile]
Rounded Shapes
However, Art Deco isn’t afraid to take a curved theme and get creative — just look at the unique curved design above that shows the incredible versatility of Art Deco style. We think the exaggerated curves of this pink tile are “the berries!”
Curved mosaic tiles were also a common feature in 1920s floor tiles, often forming elegant borders or framing larger geometric patterns.
Gold Tones
A little gold never hurt anyone, especially when it comes to Art Deco design. Gold evokes the luxury of Art Deco style and the glamor of classic Hollywood. Golden tones pair dramatically with the sunrise motif — just look at this dazzling gold sunrise mosaic.
Gold also delicately accents the pink, white, and black marble-look tile below, as well as making a bold statement in the brown and black chevron mosaic tile.
Geometric Patterns
Art Deco borrows sleek, straight lines and geometric patterns from Cubism. While the tile above achieves an Art Deco look with a star (or sunburst!) pattern, the tile below works squares and triangles together for a unique design. Both options look swell to us!
These patterns remain iconic in 1920s floor tiles, where bold geometry and symmetry ruled the scene.
[Related: 2019 Tile Trends: Geometric Tiles and Pattern Play]
V Shapes, Triangles, & Chevrons
V shapes are in full swing with the Art Deco style, whether with triangle tiles, triangle patterns, or chevrons. The blue, black, and white geometric tile above creates a clean design that’s playful, and the gold-accented white marble chevron tile below is fit for the home of Gatsby himself.
Classic Art Deco floor tile designs often included chevrons and triangle motifs that added movement and direction to the space.
Stylized Floral Patterns
Florals are another Art Deco favorite, whether as an accent to a larger tile design or as the main pattern. This example combines a diamond pattern with various floral motifs in bold colors for a statement look.
Floral mosaic tiles were especially popular for adding texture and charm to floor tiles in bathrooms and foyers.
[Related: 2019 Tile Trends: Florals and Leaves]
Art Deco Tile — The Cat’s Meow
We can’t know for sure what the 2020s will bring, but we have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of Art Deco tile styles. Want to jazz up your home with the keen looks of Art Deco? Visit our Art Deco Tile Pinterest board for more inspiration — whether you’re dreaming of glamorous wall décor or timeless 1920s floor tile patterns made with elegant mosaic tiles.
