Guest Picks: Throw a Dinner Party in an Art Deco Dining Room
Art deco can lean so many different ways, and I chose to elaborate on an intimate speakeasy with brass tones, as opposed to the often-used chrome (which feels very cold). I hope this inspires you to don your dinner jacket and invite some friends over to pop a bottle. — Dean from My Little Apartment
Keeping it simple with these antique French chairs means that you can pull in color and pattern via the wallpaper, rug and table accessories. And because the chairs are armless and have a fairly small footprint, you can squeeze a few extra people around the table if needed.
This stunning chandelier proves again that the Swedes know how to do deco right. Leave it to Hans Agne Jakobsson to design a unique glass and brass light fixture that is sure to set the tone of a deco dining room. I love the blue and the round bulbs within the glass shades.
Every space needs mood lighting, and sconces are a perfect way to bring in an additional light source. These simple brass fixtures with an ivory linen shade will complement, not compete with, the showstopping chandelier. Don't forget to put everything on a dimmer!
This is a rug of my dreams. The pattern is so intricate, yet the shapes are straightforward and geometric. It has hints of gold and pink but doesn't read overly feminine, and I love the mint-green background. It's so current and totally classic at the same time. This rug would provide an eye-catching pattern underfoot to balance the simple table and chairs.
In my opinion, every occasion calls for champagne. You can keep with your deco vibe by serving bubbly in coupes rather than flutes.
Gold-toned flatware is unexpected and elevates any dining experience. Even cereal is suddenly fancy with a gold spoon! And while the word "deco" brings to mind polished chrome and nickel, I prefer to focus on the gorgeous brass, bronze and copper tones of the Roaring '20s.
Wallpaper is coming back in a big way and is the perfect way to establish a specific vibe in a space. Be brave and do something a little different: Install this concentric circular pattern on your ceiling to add some visual interest beyond the chandelier.
Don't forget the little details! Something as simple as an art deco switch plate can take your space from halfway there to totally polished.
I love a huge mirror in the dining room. It reflects light, makes the room appear bigger and makes the party seem fuller. This understated deco piece would be gorgeous hung above a buffet or console table.
This bar cart makes my heart beat so fast, I think I need a drink! The shape is definitely from a bygone era, but it's also quite modern. I love how it could read very masculine, but the brass touches also give it a glamorous edge. Stock this cart with some bottles of absinthe and you're ready to get the party going, speakeasy style.
Create a unique tablescape that's totally your own by having napkins made from this deco-inspired pattern. Making custom napkins is an inexpensive way to personalize your dinner party.
This copper and brass bowl would be an ideal accent on the bar cart or on a side table styled with a little fern peeking out. Every room needs some greenery, and the planters are equally as important as the plants.
Deco and drama go hand in hand. Add elegance to your dining space with floor-to-ceiling black silk curtains.
What better to hang your curtains with than a vintage curtain rod with a deco finial? These will give your room a finished look and feel and keep the black silk curtains from being too contemporary.
I prefer to keep the plates simple, as you're just piling food on top of them anyways. These are a perfect nod to the deco vibe, with a simple gold band to lend a bit of fancy to the table.
Um, yes please! This lacquered credenza is as classic deco as it gets. The geometric design would take the room close to being over the top, but then again, more is more — right?
A pair of these marble and brass lamps would be perfect atop the very busy credenza. These are new, but suit the style of the room. It's important to bring in a mix of vintage, antique and modern pieces, otherwise your space will look more like a flea market.
Bring in a little whimsy with this colorful serving tray. It features Pierrot clowns and dancers, printed on paper and covered in glass. It's bold enough to center on the sideboard without styling anything atop it.
If your dining space allows, a bench is a great piece to bring in as added seating for casual parties. This rounded mahogany option is slightly before the deco era but still feels very appropriate.Next: 'Great Gatsby' Style: 9 Inspiring Art Deco Escapes
This affordable dining table has all the classic elements of deco and would be the perfect place to host an in-the-round dinner party for up to eight guests.
Q