Art deco vs glam style: A Complete Guide
Art deco and glam style are two of the most popular interior design styles, and they are often compared because of their surface-level similarities. However, they differ significantly in philosophy, materials, and execution. Art deco is known for bold geometric patterns, rich colors, lacquered surfaces, and glamorous 1920s-1930s opulence, while glam style embraces Hollywood-inspired glamour with mirrored surfaces, velvet upholstery, metallic accents, and dramatic lighting. Understanding the differences between these two styles will help you choose the right direction for your home, or even combine elements from both to create a personalized space.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Art Deco | Glam |
|---|---|---|
| Color Palette | Gold Metallics, Deep Emerald, Rich Black | Gold, Silver, Black, Purple |
| Key Materials | Lacquer, Gold Leaf, Marble, Exotic Woods | Mirrored Glass, Velvet, Gold, Crystal |
| Design Era | 1920s-1930s Art Deco movement | Hollywood Regency era |
| Best Room Types | Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen | Bedroom, Living Room, Dressing Room |
| Budget Range | Medium to High - bold geometric luxury | Medium to High - statement pieces and metallic accents |
| Maintenance | Medium to High - lacquer and metallic finishes | High - mirrors, metallics, and velvet |
| Space Size | Medium to large - geometric grandeur | Medium to large - needs room for drama |
Color Palette
Gold Metallics, Deep Emerald, Rich Black
Gold, Silver, Black, Purple
Key Materials
Lacquer, Gold Leaf, Marble, Exotic Woods
Mirrored Glass, Velvet, Gold, Crystal
Design Era
1920s-1930s Art Deco movement
Hollywood Regency era
Best Room Types
Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen
Bedroom, Living Room, Dressing Room
Budget Range
Medium to High - bold geometric luxury
Medium to High - statement pieces and metallic accents
Maintenance
Medium to High - lacquer and metallic finishes
High - mirrors, metallics, and velvet
Space Size
Medium to large - geometric grandeur
Medium to large - needs room for drama
Key Differences
Art Deco is a defined historical period (1920s-1930s); glam is a contemporary style category without fixed rules
In terms of art deco is a defined historical period (1920s-1930s); glam is a contemporary style category without fixed rules, Art deco is defined by bold geometric patterns, rich colors, lacquered surfaces, and glamorous 1920s-1930s opulence.
In terms of art deco is a defined historical period (1920s-1930s); glam is a contemporary style category without fixed rules, glam style is defined by Hollywood-inspired glamour with mirrored surfaces, velvet upholstery, metallic accents, and dramatic lighting.
Art Deco uses specific geometric motifs like sunbursts, chevrons, and stepped forms; glam uses any opulent pattern or texture
Art deco relies on Lacquer, Gold Leaf, Marble, Exotic Woods to create its signature look and feel.
glam style relies on Mirrored Glass, Velvet, Gold, Crystal to create its signature look and feel.
Art Deco has a strong architectural influence; glam focuses more on furnishings and accessories
In terms of art deco has a strong architectural influence; glam focuses more on furnishings and accessories, Art deco is defined by bold geometric patterns, rich colors, lacquered surfaces, and glamorous 1920s-1930s opulence.
In terms of art deco has a strong architectural influence; glam focuses more on furnishings and accessories, glam style is defined by Hollywood-inspired glamour with mirrored surfaces, velvet upholstery, metallic accents, and dramatic lighting.
Art Deco combines luxury with industrial modernity; glam is purely about opulence and sparkle
In terms of art deco combines luxury with industrial modernity; glam is purely about opulence and sparkle, Art deco is defined by bold geometric patterns, rich colors, lacquered surfaces, and glamorous 1920s-1930s opulence.
In terms of art deco combines luxury with industrial modernity; glam is purely about opulence and sparkle, glam style is defined by Hollywood-inspired glamour with mirrored surfaces, velvet upholstery, metallic accents, and dramatic lighting.
What They Share
When to Choose Each Style
Choose Art Deco If...
- Choose Art Deco when you want historically-rooted glamour with specific geometric patterns and a vintage Hollywood feel
- You love bold geometric patterns and glamorous finishes
- You want a space that feels like a 1920s luxury hotel
- You appreciate lacquer, gold, and exotic materials
Choose Glam If...
- Choose Glam when you want modern, all-out opulence with mirrored furniture, crystal chandeliers, and maximum sparkle
- You are drawn to dramatic and luxurious design elements
- You are designing bedroom or living room spaces
Room-by-Room Comparison
Living Room
A curved velvet sofa, geometric gold mirror, lacquered sideboard, and bold black-and-gold patterned rug.
Mirrored furniture, velvet upholstery in jewel tones, metallic accents, and a crystal chandelier centerpiece.
Bedroom
A dramatic upholstered headboard with geometric tufting, mirrored nightstands, and gold-framed art.
A mirrored headboard, faux fur throws, crystal chandelier, and metallic nightstands.
Kitchen
High-gloss lacquered cabinets, geometric tile backsplash, gold fixtures, and statement pendant lights.
Crystal cabinet knobs, mirrored backsplash, waterfall island, and glam pendant lighting.
Bathroom
Black-and-white geometric floor tile, a gold-framed mirror, and chrome or gold fixtures.
Mirrored vanity, crystal chandelier, marble everything, and plush towels in jewel tones.
Dining Room
A lacquered table, upholstered chairs in bold fabric, gold-accented buffet, and a geometric chandelier.
A round glass table, velvet dining chairs, a crystal chandelier, and mirrored sideboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
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