Structurally, Art Deco designs are based on mathematical geometric shapes which drew on Greco-Roman Classicism as much as they did the faceted forms of Babylon, Assyria, Ancient Egypt and Aztec Mexico. Art Deco is characterised by trapezoidal, zigzagged and triangular shapes, chevron patterns, stepped forms, sweeping curves and sunburst motifs - all of which can be found in every form of Art Deco, from furniture and buildings to jewellery and fine art.
The materials that were typical in Art Deco designs include silver, crystal, ivory, jade and lacquer as well as moulded glass, horn, and exotic skins such as shark and zebra. High-shine and opulence were requirements for the glamourous and luxurious style, however as the style progressed aluminium, stainless steel, plastics and inlaid wood veneers made items in this style both more affordable and more accessible.
Andre Mare (1887-1932), Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann (1879-1933) and Eileen Gray (1879-1976) were amongst the most important furniture designers of the era, creating luxurious and innovative pieces for the Art Deco interior.