Art Deco Suite
When you search for an art deco suite, you are looking at matched collections of furniture and coordinated sets from the interwar period.
Art Deco Suite
An art deco suite covers matched groupings for dining rooms, bedrooms, and lounges designed to function as a unified interior scheme. Dining sets typically pair a large dining table with six or eight chairs, sometimes accompanied by a sideboard or cocktail cabinet. Bedroom collections range from three-piece wardrobe and dressing table combinations up to expansive outfits incorporating beds with integral bedside cabinets. Lounge arrangements feature three-piece seating sets, often comprising a sofa and two armchairs sharing characteristic rounded or cloud-shaped profiles.
The material palette is dominated by richly figured timbers such as burr walnut, bird's eye maple, and oak, alongside occasional exotic veneers. Seating and certain lounge pieces frequently incorporate leather or upholstered fabric finishes. Pieces emerge predominantly from the 1930s and 1920s, with occasional Edwardian items present. Beyond furniture, the grouping extends to smaller matched sets including jewellery, glass drinking vessels, and light fittings.
Materials and construction methods
Cabinet makers utilised sophisticated veneering techniques to display the dramatic grain patterns of burr walnut, maple, and satinwood over solid timber frames. Marquetry and contrasting inlay strips were applied to define geometric borders and architectural silhouettes. Upholstered lounge suites relied on sturdy internal wooden frames supporting sprung interiors beneath leather or fabric coverings.
Glass components, from lighting suites to drinking vessels, were produced through moulding and engraved decoration. Metal elements in jewellery sets combined silver, gold, palladium, and platinum with gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires, and peridots.
Listings feature dining, bedroom, and lounge suites spanning the 1920s to the 1940s, constructed primarily from walnut, maple, oak, and leather.
Distinctions in craftsmanship and design
Quality rests upon the selection and matching of wood veneers across the multi-piece ensemble, where superior examples exhibit symmetrical grain patterns flowing continuously across drawer fronts and cabinet doors. The reputation of the maker plays a defining role, with pieces bearing attribution to prominent workshops commanding greater design cohesion. Structural integrity in seating depends upon the retention of original upholstery frames and the quality of the leather or fabric used in covering.
The complexity of the form further differentiates the output, moving from simpler utilitarian wardrobes to elaborate skyscraper profiles or cloud-shaped seating. Complete suites that retain all original components, such as integral bedside tables attached to bedframes, represent a higher tier than pieced-together groupings.
Maurice Adams·Frank Taylor and Co·Harry and Lou Epstein·Hille·Heals·Gaylayde·B Cohen and Sons·M P Davis Furniture of London·Betty Joel
The Art Deco Suite Glossary
- Cloud suite
- A distinctive style of upholstered seating featuring rounded, sweeping backrests and armrests reminiscent of cumulus clouds. This design is frequently associated with the Epstein workshops.
- Burr walnut
- A highly prized timber harvested from the wart-like growths on walnut trees, yielding intricate, swirling grain patterns. Cabinet makers sliced this wood into thin veneers for decorative surfaces.
- Bergere
- A type of enclosed upholstered armchair featuring cane or wicker work on the sides and back. These appear within select lounge and seating configurations.
- Skyscraper
- An architectural furniture style characterised by stepped profiles and vertical emphasis, mirroring modern urban architecture of the period. This form is particularly visible in beds and cabinetry.
Art Deco Suite: Frequently Asked Questions
What pieces make up a dining suite?
A dining suite generally consists of a central dining table accompanied by a set of six or eight chairs. Larger versions may include matching sideboards or cocktail cabinets to complete the room.
These groupings were designed to offer a unified aesthetic across the entire dining space during the interwar period.
How do I identify a cloud suite?
Cloud suites are characterised by bulky, rounded upholstery with cascading curves on the backs and arms. They are most commonly found in three-piece configurations of a sofa and two armchairs.
Many of the notable examples from this era are attributed to the Epstein brothers.
What is a bedroom suite?
A bedroom suite is a coordinated collection of furniture designed for a sleeping chamber. Typical components include a bedstead, wardrobes, and a dressing table with a mirror.
More integrated designs feature headboards with attached bedside cabinets or tables built directly into the furniture.
Which woods were used in these suites?
Cabinet makers relied heavily on decorative veneers such as burr walnut, bird's eye maple, satinwood, and oak. These woods were chosen for their prominent grain patterns and rich natural tones.
Exotic woods like macassar and calamander also appear on more elaborate French pieces.