Art Deco Basics

Art deco, or deco, is an eclectic artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s, into the World War II era. The style influenced all areas of design, including architecture and interior design, industrial design, fashion and jewelry, as well as the visual arts such as painting, graphic arts and film. The term “art deco” was first used widely in 1966, after an exhibition in Paris, ‘Les Années 25′ sub-titled Art Deco, celebrating the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) that was the culmination of style moderne in Paris. At its best, art deco represented elegance, glamour, functionality and modernity.

Art deco’s linear symmetry was a distinct departure from the flowing asymmetrical organic curves of its predecessor style art nouveau; it embraced influences from many different styles of the early twentieth century, including neoclassical, constructivism, cubism, modernism and futurism and drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Aztec forms. Although many design movements have political or philosophical beginnings or intentions, art deco was purely decorative.

Art Deco And Architecture

When it comes to art deco architecture, it was very popular in the twenties and the thirties. It becomes a movement in interior design and even industrial design. You will find that there are many things like films and pieces of art that also fashion this type of style.

The movement was a mixture of many different styles, incorporating cubism, modernism, Bauhaus, Art Nouveau, and Futurism, and its popularity peaked in the roaring twenties.

There were many other architectural styles that also had some political roots, and also they had some philosophical influences, but when it comes to art deco it is just for simple decoration.

Designed to be beautiful, elegant, functional and modern. One of the best-known pieces of Art Deco architecture in the U.S. is the Chrysler Building in New York.

The beautiful Art Deco spire was built between 1928 and 1930. Following close behind the Art Deco period was the Streamline Moderne. The focus was mainly on advancing technologies such as automobiles and aviation.

With the art deco architecture it is mainly composed of many man-made pieces. The most popular being glass and stainless steel. Lines were very symmetrical and repetitive throughout structures.

It becomes very popular during the depression because it was very simple and very practical. Art Deco still reminded people of the better times and gave them hope of one day reliving them.

After the Second World War, it becomes very short live fore the art deco period. You will find that the image of art deco became almost like a false sense of lavishness, but it is still seen in interior design well into the 1960′s.

Something that you”ll want to think about it that the beautiful designs of art deco architecture has become very modern and also it still is mixing things up with even today’s styles. Throughout the United States, you will still find that art deco is still alive in some of the bigger cities.

Chrome Dipping The Darling Of The Art Deco Era

Chrome dipping essentially means nothing different from nickel-chrome plating. Chrome dipping is just the common form of talking about nickel-chrome plating. And what is nickel chrome plating? That is normal chrome plating’s second name. What then is chrome plating? Chrome plating is a finishing treatment which works on the basis of the electrolytic deposition of chromium. The most commonly practised form of chrome plating is the thin, decorative bright chrome. This is normally a 10 micrometer layer over an underlying nickel plate. This is why chrome plating is also called nickel-chrome plating or chrome dipping. It gives a mirrory finish to items such as metal furniture frames and automotive trim. Thicker deposits, up to 1000 µm, are called hard chrome and are used in industrial equipment to reduce friction and to restore the dimensions of equipment that has experienced wear.

Nickel is electrodeposited or plated for a number of reasons. First and foremost nickel gives a decorative appearance. This is due to its ability of covering flaws in the base metal. This is also known as leveling. This deposit can be made brilliant and when covered by a thin layer of decorative chrome will maintain its brilliance even under severe conditions. When applied in “duplex” form nickel-chrome can give excellent corrosion protection to the base object. This requires plating two different kinds of nickel one a semi-bright nickel and other a bright nickel. Nickel deposits also offer more wearability than metals used for plating.

Nickel chrome plating is also called chrome dipping as there is a nickel layer on the base metallic or non metallic object and that is covered by a light layer of chrome. This practice is very popular nowadays, especially with the art deco rage catching on. There are classes being offered to teach people chrome dipping. Also there a variety of chrome dipping kits available. Though expensive the all promise a very stylized yet durable nickel chrome finish.

The major use of nickel is in preparing alloys. The chief characteristics of nickel alloys are their strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion and heat. A number of stainless steels contain nickel. Nickel steels are often utilized in safes and armor plates. Alloys of nickel and copper are also used for a variety of things e.g., Monel metal, nickel bronze, and nickel silver. The so-called German silver is a nickel-copper alloy. Nickel-copper alloys are used in coinage. And did you know the American “nickel” coin is about one-fourth nickel? Constantan is a nickel-copper alloy used in thermocouples. Among other alloys of nickel are nickel-chromium alloys such as Nichrome used for electric heating elements. Also alloys of aluminum, nickel, cobalt, and iron, for example Alnico are used to make magnets and alloys of nickel, chromium.

However before attempting any nickel-chrome plating at home it is best to check with govt. regulations on them. Brush plating does not require any certification. But there are some restrictions on tank plating. The best thing to do would be a visit to a shop which specializes in chrome dipping.

Spotting An Art Deco Floor Lamp

In the style of art deco, floor lamps are a very popular item. They can be used to compliment any room, from the kitchen to the family room, and are created in such numerous styles that anyone can find the perfect place for them –whether the rest of the building is decorated in the art deco style or not. You’ve probably spotted a few art deco floor lamps in your time, without even realizing it.

The beautiful bases of the art deco floor lamp can be made out of almost any material, from cast iron to steel, wood to plastic, and every other variety of hard material you can think of. Art deco lamp designers have made every possible effort to use modern innovative designs and materials on their work, making art deco lamp bases appear very contemporary and ‘hip’.

The art deco floor lamp usually has a stem that is beautiful as well as functional. Depending on the designer, it can be very ornamental or very angular. Some stems will have very fluid, sleek design with ornamentation engraved on the stem. Other designers will use outward ornamentation to make the form look like another object, such as a tree. You should be able to find both couture and mass produced styles to achieve the look you need.

The bulb area of the art deco floor lamp is usually a sight to behold. In some instances this area will be sleek and smooth to accent the rest of the piece; and in other instances, this area can be used for extra angular ornamentation, and can be one of the most beautiful parts of the lamp. You can find simple and extravagant ornamentation, depending on the designer, and with couture pieces you will be able to get any design you want. With mass produced pieces, however, you will have to do some searching – but you’ll be able to find what fits your desire.

The shade on modern art deco floor lamps can vary greatly. From rice paper to stained glass, there is a wide spread of decoration you can use for the most visible part of your floor lamp. Since it reflects light, you can use this part of the lamp to change the shade and tone of a room, with very little effort (on the consumer end). Once again, a couture piece will give you what you want the first time, but you may have to do a lot of hunting when you’re looking through pieces that have been in mass production.

As you can see, lighting is an essential part of your home décor, but with art deco floor lamps you’ll be able to find the perfect accent for you home. Between the varieties and styles, and customization options, art deco floor lamps will bring the lighting in your home to a whole new level!