Design by Decade 1920's

Sounds of jazz drifting down busy streets, the scent of automobile exhaust, and glamorous, fresh styles welcomed men and women to the 1920s. Change came from every direction during this “roaring” period. Significant economic growth led to excess and luxury in everything from radios to clothes to the lighting that enhanced home décor.

Moving away from the dramatic curves of Art Nouveau and the masculine industrial styles of turn-of-the-century America, the 1920s saw the emergence of two powerful design movements that influenced art, architecture, fashion, design, and décor (including lighting): Bauhaus (1919-1933) and Art Deco (1925-1941).

The Bauhaus school in Germany, which combined the study of art, architecture, and design into one multidisciplinary approach, had an incredible and lasting influence on the world of design from its inception. The movement aimed to cultivate architecture and design objects that were highly functional while issuing the bare minimum in ornamentation. The concept was to maintain some creativity but stressed intellectualism, industrialism, and practicality. (Bauhaus should not be confused with Minimalism, which can actually impede performance for the sake of allure.)

Heavily influenced by the machine age and modern art, 1920s design and architecture also saw the birth of Art Deco, which essentially blended traditional and modern elements. The resulting style emphasized geometric and angular shapes, soft curves, intricate floral patterns, and shiny new materials like chrome.

IC Wall Sconce/Ceiling Semi Flush Mount by Flos Lighting

The IC wall sconce and ceiling semi flush mount borrows from the Bauhaus principle of minimum ornamentation, and its circular, frosted globe would be at home in the 1920s designscape. The light is modest, almost anti-ornamental, giving the impression of being hand crafted when actually mass manufactured. Its simple, spherical form has been given a contemporary update, offset by the angular metal arms in brushed gold.

Shop Now

Bruno Adjustable C Arm Table Lamp by Robert Abbey

A perfect example of Bauhaus design principles in action, the Bruno table lamp is simple and doesn’t impose. The head of the lamp is wide and highly functional – allowing for optimal light distribution (or as optimal as possible from a traditional incandescent bulb). While the design appears somewhat plain, its industrial appearance alone gives it visual appeal without demanding attention.

Show Now

Scudo Saraceno Classic Ceiling Flush Mount by Venetia Studium

This flush mount ceiling light has a certain Art Deco feel. Although the pattern is not floral per se, the design is noticeably intricate as well as extravagant and bold. Its bronze finish is a popular choice for the 1920s, and its silk shade provides a fanciful appearance, appropriate for the decade. Unlike Bauhaus style, the Scudo Saraceno draws attention to itself especially with the addition tassel that hangs from the fixture.

Shop Now

Valenzia Ceiling Semi Flush Mount by Artcraft

Lastly, the Valenzia speaks to the essence of the 1920s and even reminds us of the outgoing attitude of a flapper girl. Its chrome finish, luxurious dangling jewelry, and off-white, silk shade encompass the elegance and spontaneity of the decade.

Shop Now