Art Deco Fitted Wardrobes – How This Iconic Style is Defining UK Interiors Once Again
Over a century after we first experienced the delights of Art Deco, the movement still offers timeless elegance
Step inside some of the UK’s most stylish homes today, and you might feel as though you’ve stepped back in time—into a world of decadent materials, geometric forms, and old-school glamour. Art Deco, the design movement that first made waves in the 1920s and 1930s, is enjoying a major renaissance, with interior designers across the country embracing its bold yet sophisticated aesthetic.
From fluted furniture to opulent gold hardware, deep jewel tones, and striking monochrome palettes, today’s take on Art Deco design blends timeless elegance with a contemporary edge. Whether it’s a sleek London townhouse or a period renovation in Manchester, this style is proving to be more than just a fleeting trend—it’s a design philosophy that celebrates luxury, craftsmanship, and a touch of drama.
Fluted Detailing: A Signature Statement
One of the most distinctive elements making a strong comeback in Art Deco-inspired interiors is fluted detailing on furniture. This decorative texture, often found on cabinetry, wardrobes, and even headboards, brings depth and sophistication to a space, capturing the spirit of the Jazz Age while feeling thoroughly modern.
Fluted panels work particularly well in bespoke fitted furniture, where the clean lines of built-in wardrobes or sideboards can be softened by their rhythmic grooves. The play of light and shadow across these sculptural surfaces adds dimension and visual interest, making them an ideal feature for anyone looking to create a space with both refinement and personality.
Paired with luxurious materials like high-gloss lacquer, polished wood, or even velvet upholstery, fluted furniture has become a go-to for designers looking to infuse a room with character. Whether it’s a dramatic floor-to-ceiling wardrobe in a master bedroom or a chic vanity unit in a glamorous dressing area, this textural detail is proving to be an irresistible nod to Deco decadence.
A Palette of Power: Black, Green & Gold
The colour choices associated with Art Deco interiors are unmistakably bold. Today’s designers are embracing deep, moody greens, dramatic blacks, and touches of burnished gold, creating a look that feels simultaneously rich and restrained.
The Allure of Black
Black is having a moment in interiors, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the resurgence of Art Deco style. Used for cabinetry, panelling, or even as a backdrop for statement furniture pieces, black exudes sophistication and drama. When finished in a high-gloss lacquer or contrasted with brass accents, it takes on an even more luxurious edge.
In fitted furniture, matte black finishes on wardrobes or sideboards offer a bold yet refined look, making spaces feel effortlessly stylish. Combined with the clean symmetry typical of Deco design, this deep, inky hue provides a striking foundation for a glamorous interior.
Deep Green: The Colour of Decadence
Alongside black, jewel-toned greens are making a major impact, particularly in velvety upholstery, painted joinery, and even wallpapered feature walls. Shades of emerald, forest, and bottle green add richness and depth, evoking the opulence of 1920s cocktail bars and Art Deco cinema lounges.
In bedrooms, a deep green fitted wardrobe with gold trim or glass-panelled doors creates an effortlessly stylish storage solution, blending old-world charm with contemporary sensibility. The combination of green and gold, in particular, is a classic Deco pairing that brings warmth and glamour into any space.
Gold Accents: The Finishing Touch
No Art Deco-inspired interior is complete without gold detailing, and in today’s design landscape, gold hardware has become a go-to for adding a touch of elegance. From gilded door handles on wardrobes to brushed brass light fittings and sculptural mirror frames, gold is being used to punctuate interiors with just the right amount of shimmer.
Gold-trimmed fitted wardrobes, brass inlay detailing on furniture, and vintage-style gold drawer pulls all contribute to a look that feels both timeless and effortlessly chic. Designers are particularly drawn to geometric gold handles and stepped detailing, reminiscent of the precision and symmetry that defined the Art Deco movement.
Deco Accessories: The Devil is in the Detail
While fitted furniture provides the perfect foundation for an Art Deco-inspired space, it’s the accessories that truly bring the aesthetic to life. The beauty of Art Deco lies in its ability to balance structure with softness, function with flair.
Statement Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in Deco interiors, with glass and brass chandeliers, tiered pendant lights, and geometric wall sconces adding instant glamour. Frosted glass globes, inspired by 1930s cinemas and grand hotel lobbies, cast a warm glow that enhances the rich colour palette and sumptuous textures.
Bold Geometric Patterns
Art Deco is synonymous with bold, symmetrical patterns, and designers are incorporating these motifs into everything from rugs and wallpaper to tiling and textiles. Chevron, fan, and stepped designs are particularly popular, lending a graphic edge to both traditional and modern spaces.
For those looking to infuse a little Deco flair without committing to a full redesign, a black-and-gold geometric cushion, an angular mirror, or a patterned area rug can be just the right nod to the era’s aesthetic.
Mirrored & Glass Elements
No Deco-inspired space is complete without mirrored surfaces and glass detailing. Mirrored wardrobes, console tables with smoked glass tops, and decorative glass panels on cabinetry all reflect light beautifully, adding an air of luxury and sophistication.
Many contemporary designers are also embracing antiqued mirror finishes, which offer a softer, more lived-in take on Deco glamour. Whether used as a full wall feature or in smaller accent pieces, mirrored elements bring brightness and depth to a room, capturing the movement’s signature sense of grandeur.
Why Art Deco is Here to Stay
The return of Art Deco in UK interiors isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about a renewed appreciation for quality craftsmanship, bold yet elegant design, and the enduring allure of glamour. In a world that often leans towards the minimal and understated, Art Deco dares to celebrate opulence, detail, and artistry.
Fitted wardrobes in particular has provided the perfect canvas for this resurgence, with fluted panel wardrobes, rich colour palettes, and exquisite gold hardware offering a seamless way to bring the Deco aesthetic into modern homes. And with the growing demand for bespoke design, it’s clear that Art Deco isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a timeless influence that continues to shape the way we style our living spaces.
For those drawn to the drama of the Jazz Age but keen to keep things contemporary, the key lies in balance: deep colours paired with bright accents, rich textures softened by light, and bold geometry complemented by curved, flowing forms.
Whether you’re embarking on a full-scale renovation or simply looking to introduce a hint of 1920s elegance, embracing the Art Deco revival is a sure way to create a home that feels both luxurious and enduringly stylish.