Art Deco

Art deco bathroom buying guide

An art deco bathroom borrows its geometry from 1920s and 30s architecture: strong symmetrical lines, fluted or fanned detailing, and a bolder colour palette than most contemporary schemes attempt. It reads as glamorous rather than minimal, and it rewards committing to a few striking pieces.

Defining the art deco look

Art deco styling uses fluted or ribbed surface detailing, strong symmetry, and a bolder, often darker colour palette than most modern bathrooms, frequently paired with brass or matte black fixtures for contrast. It favours geometric repetition, fans, sunbursts and stepped forms, over the softer curves of mid century design.

Where to start

A fluted vanity front is usually the fastest way into the look, paired with a curved or pill-shaped basin. Ingrain's fluted and pill-shape vanities in this collection are a common starting point, since the fluting reads as the strongest single art deco signal in a room. Browse bathroom vanities for fluted and geometric options before selecting tapware and tiles.

A bolder material choice: stone baths

A stone bath makes a stronger statement than a standard acrylic tub, and its solid, weighted look suits art deco's confident, glamorous character better than a lightweight fitting would. Bao Bath's stone bath in this collection works as a genuine centrepiece if the room can accommodate the extra weight and a stone bath's typically larger footprint.

Choosing a colour palette

Darker colours suit the art deco look best, especially navy, forest green or charcoal, paired with brass or matte black tapware and fixtures for stark contrast. This contrast is what gives art deco its bolder, more dramatic feel compared to lighter contemporary schemes.

Tapware finishes

Brass, brushed gold or matte black tapware and towel rails give the contrast the era is known for, particularly against a darker vanity or tile colour. Phoenix's tapware ranges in this collection cover both finishes across basin, shower and bath fittings.

Hardware and finishing details

Cabinet handles carry a surprising amount of the art deco signal for their size: a fluted, stepped or fan-shaped pull reinforces the geometric theme even on an otherwise plain cabinet front. Momo Handles' cabinet hardware in this collection includes several geometric profiles that work well as a finishing detail on a vanity or storage unit once the larger pieces are chosen.

Comparing it to mid century modern styling

Art deco leans on sharper geometric lines and bolder colour contrast, while mid century modern favours warmer, rounder shapes and a softer palette. If you're deciding between the two, compare our mid century modern collection and hotel luxe collection side by side.