1920s Art Deco Bar
These pieces range from burr walnut cocktail cabinets to platinum diamond bar brooches, capturing the bold geometry of the 1920s art deco bar.
1920s Art Deco Bar
A 1920s art deco bar search reveals two distinct categories: large entertaining furniture such as cocktail cabinets, serving trolleys and drinks cabinets, alongside smaller personal items including bar brooches and cocktail trays. The furniture items typically emerge in burr walnut, mahogany, or blonde maple, designed specifically for home hospitality.
Cocktail cabinets from this selection often feature drop-down preparation flaps, mirrored interiors, and dedicated storage for glassware and bottles. Alongside these large pieces, silver-plated trays with shell borders or cobalt blue mirror glass provide the accompanying service equipment.
Smaller personal ornaments described as bar brooches incorporate diamonds, rubies, and paste set in platinum, white gold, or yellow gold. These linear jewellery pieces borrow their elongated shape from the architectural motifs of the period.
Materials and construction methods
Cabinet makers utilised figured burr walnut, mahogany, and blonde maple veneers over solid timber carcasses, often applying high-gloss polished finishes to accentuate the natural wood grain. Metalwork components combined silver plating and brass with precious settings of platinum and gold for jewellery and trays.
Distinctions in quality
Quality rests upon the choice of timber veneer symmetry, the integrity of original mirrored glass linings, and the precision of internal cabinet mechanisms. Cabinets by recognised makers demonstrate superior joinery and heavier gauge hardware than standard production pieces.
In jewellery and serving items, the depth of silver plating, the clarity of cut crystal, and the secure claw setting of diamonds and rubies separate fine workshop output from mass commercial production.
H and L Epstein·Walker and Hall
The 1920s Art Deco Bar Glossary
- Burr walnut
- A wood veneer taken from the wart-like growth on a walnut tree, yielding complex, swirling patterns highly favoured in 1920s cabinet making. This timber defines the exterior surfaces of many cocktail furniture pieces.
- Bar brooch
- An elongated brooch shaped as a straight horizontal bar, frequently set with diamonds, rubies, or paste stones. They reflect the linear aesthetic of the period.
- Cocktail cabinet
- A dedicated freestanding piece of furniture designed to store spirits, mixers, and glassware for home entertaining. They often incorporate a mirrored pull-down serving flap.
- Silver plate
- A layer of silver bonded to a base metal core such as copper or nickel silver. This technique allowed manufacturers to produce affordable domestic trays and shakers with the lustre of solid silver.
- Paste
- Hand-cut and polished glass or lead crystal used to simulate precious gemstones in period jewellery. High-quality paste stones are tightly secured in metal settings.
1920s Art Deco Bar: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cocktail cabinet?
A cocktail cabinet is a specialised domestic furniture piece designed for storing spirits, glasses, and bar accessories. These units typically feature internal lighting, mirrored back panels, and a drop-down shelf for mixing drinks.
They emerged alongside the rising popularity of home entertaining during the interwar period. The exterior usually displays figured wood veneers while the interior prioritises functional organisation.
How do I use a bar brooch?
A bar brooch is worn pinned to garments such as lapels, collars, or scarves, functioning primarily as a decorative accessory. Their narrow horizontal profile makes them versatile for fastening lightweight fabrics.
In the period they were made, these pins often incorporated precious metals like platinum and gold alongside diamonds or coloured paste stones. They remain collected as wearable examples of period design.
What materials are common?
Common materials include burr walnut, mahogany, and maple used for larger furniture items. Silver plating, brass, and cut crystal appear frequently in serving trays, ice buckets, and cocktail shakers.
Fined jewellery pieces and bar brooches utilise platinum, white gold, and yellow gold set with diamonds, rubies, and emerald paste. Enamel and cobalt blue mirror glass also feature in accessories.
How do I care for walnut cabinets?
Walnut cabinets require protection from direct sunlight and excessive humidity changes to prevent veneer warping or fading. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth maintains the polished surface without abrasive cleaners.
Internal mirrored glass and original hardware should be cleaned gently with appropriate non-liquid solutions to preserve the surrounding wood. Maintaining stable indoor temperatures protects the structural integrity of the timber.