Art Deco Dining Suite
An art deco dining suite brings matched architectural rhythm and bold grain veneers to the modern dining room.
Art Deco Dining Suite
An art deco dining suite comprises a central dining table accompanied by a set of chairs, frequently supplemented in larger configurations by sideboards, buffets, or cocktail cabinets. These groupings coordinate timber choice and geometry across every piece to create a unified interior scheme.
The versions most commonly encountered on this page date from the nineteen thirties, featuring substantial tables paired with six or eight upholstered chairs. Forms range from clean geometric silhouettes to the distinctive cloud shapes associated with prominent London makers.
Materials and Construction
Cabinet makers utilised richly figured exotic and domestic timbers, laying veneers of burr walnut, bird's eye maple, calamander, macassar, and satinwood over solid timber carcases. This technique displayed natural grain patterns across expansive flat surfaces on table tops and sideboard doors.
Seating frames were constructed from robust timber and upholstered in leather or textured fabric to complement the polished wood finishes. Metal accents and glass components occasionally integrated into table bases or cabinetry.
Art Deco Dining Suite Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for art deco dining suite among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings feature dining suites spanning the nineteen twenties, nineteen thirties, nineteen forties, and the Edwardian period.
Assessing Quality
Quality rests upon the selection and book-matching of wood veneers, where superior examples exhibit symmetrical grain patterns flowing seamlessly across multiple surfaces. The depth of the hand-finished French polish also separates standard production from exceptional cabinet work.
Structural integrity in both tables and chairs distinguishes finer pieces, particularly in the joinery of curved elements and the weight of the underlying timber. Suites that retain matching ancillary pieces like cocktail cabinets display a higher original ambition.
Maurice Adams·Harry and Lou Epstein·Hille
The Art Deco Dining Suite Glossary
- Veneer
- A thin slice of figured wood applied over a secondary timber base to create decorative surfaces. Master craftsmen arrange these slices symmetrically to form striking geometric patterns.
- Cloud suite
- A specific design configuration characterised by rounded, flowing upholstered forms reminiscent of cloud formations. This style is particularly linked to prominent London cabinet makers of the period.
- French polish
- A shellac finish applied with a rubber pad using circular strokes to achieve a high gloss. This traditional method enhances the deep tones and figures of walnut and maple.
- Book-matching
- A technique where adjacent veneer leaves are opened like a book to mirror each other. This creates symmetrical patterns across table tops and sideboard doors.
Art Deco Dining Suite: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for a wood dining suite?
Maintain polished wood surfaces by dusting with a soft dry cloth and avoiding direct sunlight or excessive heat. Periodic waxing preserves the lustre of the French polish without building up residue.
Keep leather and fabric chair upholstery clean using appropriate specialist conditioners. Protect table tops from moisture and hot dishes by using coasters and mats at all times.
Did these suites include sideboards originally?
Larger dining groupings frequently incorporated matching sideboards, buffets, or illuminated cocktail cabinets alongside the table and chairs. These companion pieces shared the exact veneer and decorative vocabulary of the main setting.
Smaller domestic spaces typically utilised just the table and a set of six chairs. Surviving suites that retain their original matching cabinetry represent more complete original commissions.
What woods were used in these suites?
Cabinet makers relied heavily on burr walnut and bird's eye maple for their distinctive, swirling grain patterns. Other utilised timbers include satinwood, calamander, macassar, ebony, oak, and standard walnut.
Exotic veneers were carefully selected to create dramatic visual contrast on table tops and cabinet doors. Secondary structural timbers provided stability beneath these decorative outer layers.
How many chairs typically came with a set?
Standard dining sets on this page most frequently include six chairs accompanying the main table. Larger dining room commissions accommodated eight or more seats to suit grander proportions.
Chairs were deliberately styled to echo the geometric or curved lines of the table base. Matching carver chairs with armrests often headed the table while side chairs completed the sides.