Art Nouveau vs Art Deco – what's the difference between these two classic design styles?

As trends steer towards more eclectic and characterful looks, we are more than ever looking to the past for interior design inspiration. We can't deny that history is majorly influencing the designs of today, which means it's never been more important to get our facts straight.

While most of us are familiar with major art movements, it can be difficult to distinguish between neighboring styles with similar design qualities. Two commonly confused movements are Art Deco and Art Nouveau.

Known for its natural motifs, Art Nouveau was influenced by nature and all of its free-flowing forms whereas Art Deco, (which came soon after) is known for its geometric lines, sleekness, and modern influence. They tend to be confused due to their proximity and overlap in stylistic influence. So we spoke with design experts to determine the key differences between these iconic interior design styles.

Art Deco vs Art Nouveau – what's the difference?

Phil Lewis also known as Art Nouveau Man is an expert on all things 'New Art' related. He says, 'World War I typically forms the dividing line between the timelines of the two styles – Art Nouveau is a pre-World War I style and Art Deco is a post-World War I style.'

While we can use history to understand the difference between the styles, particular design attributes can also help us to distinguish between the two movements.

1. Flowing vs geometric lines

One of the most obvious stylistic attributes that separate Art Deco from Art Nouveau is the contrasting use of lines and shapes. To successfully bring either look into your home design, incorporate free-flowing forms or bold, angular shapes to reference the periods and authentically blend them into your home design.

'Art Nouveau was influenced by nature, so it often features free-flowing curves that echo the shapes seen in flowers and their stems', Phil adds. 'One decorative feature that is prominent in Art Nouveau is called the "whiplash curve", a curved line that dramatically turns back on itself – straight lines are uncommon in Art Nouveau!'

The shapes and lines in Art Deco decor, furniture, and art are entirely different explains Phil. 'Art Deco focused more on geometry and modernity, with precise angles, straight lines, and sleek curves. The shapes used in Art Deco are 'clean' and streamlined when compared with those in Art Nouveau. Symmetry also plays a big part in Art Deco. There is some crossover between the two styles, given that they were 'labeled' retrospectively.'

2. Inspired by nature vs inspired by modernity

While the two styles are closely connected and have some similar stylistic qualities, their sources of inspiration are entirely different.

'Art Nouveau and Art Deco offer two distinct yet equally captivating design aesthetics', says interior designer Nina Farmer. She adds, 'Art Nouveau, with its organic forms and flowing lines, draws inspiration from nature, incorporating floral motifs, intricate ironwork, and handcrafted details. Its romantic, curvilinear approach contrasts with the bold, geometric precision of Art Deco, which emerged in the 1920s.' You'll notice that Art Nouveau objects and architecture often feature floral or botanical imagery, unlike Art Deco's prominent motifs which were sharp shapes and angles, associated with modernity and the new age.

Studio Akademos explains that 'Art Deco was heavily influenced by technological advances. It embodies optimism about progress and modernity. Notable figures of Art Deco include architects like William Van Alen, creator of the Chrysler Building in New York, and designers like René Lalique, famous for his glasswork.'

Art Nouveau artists often used nature as inspiration while Art Deco designers were largely inspired by the future and more contemporary design known as avant-garde. While we can't ignore the historical influence on the latter movement, inspired by the shapes and patterns of civilizations like ancient Egypt, the important takeaway is that Art Deco took inspiration from all things luxurious, impressive, and one-of-a-kind, both past and future. The Industrial Age and its advances influenced Art Deco, along with the popular Cubist and Futurist movements that also played their parts inspiring the overall aesthetic.

3. Warm tones vs moody tones

Color can help distinguish between the two movements. Art Nouveau styles often follow a natural palette or a warm color scheme reminiscent of seasonal sunsets and sunrises. Contrastingly, Art Deco is characterized by metallics and moody tones, associated with sophistication and luxury.

Interior designer Yana Molodykh says, 'Shades of terracotta, beige, and warm brown evoke images of an autumn forest, reinforcing the harmony with nature central to Art Nouveau.'

'Art Deco often employs bold contrasts', adds Yana. Whether decorating with stripes or going bold with geometric print, decorate with a moody color palette to embrace the Art Deco style. Yana puts a modern spin on historic styles. Referencing the project above, she says 'In this interior, deep terracotta, brown, and black tones create a dramatic and sophisticated effect. The combination of matte and glossy textures (a velvet cushion, metallic shine, and wooden surfaces) adds layers and visual intrigue.'

4. Delicate vs luxurious materials

Organic forms were a core principle of Art Nouveau and a large emphasis was put on imitating these shapes and motifs. Ornate ironwork and ceramics were popular ways of portraying nature as they mirrored the fluidity and delicacy of florals and fauna. Typically, Art Nouveau art is finely handcrafted, with classic examples being carved furniture, stained glass decor, and heavily stylized artwork.

'Asymmetry is another prominent feature of Art Nouveau, particularly in architecture', says Phil. 'The idea of a "gesamtkunstwerk" (meaning a "total work of art") meant that everything combined to form a cohesive whole, so you often found architects also designing internal decoration, furniture, and even door handles, to ensure everything had a consistent feel.'

Art Nouveau considered every fine intricacy to create a delicate and elegant feel, whereas Art Nouveau focused on creating contrast and drama using glossy materials and sharp lines. By following the lacquer trend you can recreate the classic look in a contemporary way. 'Art Deco brings bold geometry, luxury, and shine through its glossy surfaces, marble, gold, and dramatic lighting', says Yana.

'Art Deco celebrates luxury and modernity, featuring sleek materials like lacquer, glass, and chrome, along with strong symmetry and dramatic contrasts', explains Nina. 'While Art Nouveau brings a sense of nature-infused elegance, Art Deco exudes modern sophistication.'

Shop the look with these Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired pieces

'Art Nouveau, with its organic and decorative forms, seeks to reconcile art with nature and daily life, while Art Deco, more modern and industrial, represents a vision of luxury, elegance, and sophistication. Both styles marked their time and continue to leave a lasting impact on the world of art and design,' says Studio Akademos.

Art Nouveau and Art Deco have made a lasting impression and still serve as sources of inspiration today. So, why not honor the past and bring these deeply iconic looks into your own interior design?