Art Deco Graphics vs Streamline Moderne

Art Deco Graphics is the cross-discipline counterpart of Streamline Moderne — shared the late-Deco streamlined, aerodynamic machine-age look.

Original specimen in the Art Deco poster style

Art Deco Graphics

The streamlined, glamorous poster style of the Jazz Age — bold geometric stylization, dramatic flat color, airbrushed volume, and elegant geometric lettering selling ocean liners, trains, and modern luxury.

  • Bold flat planes of color with airbrushed gradients
  • Streamlined geometric stylization of ships, trains, and figures
  • Strong diagonals, speed lines, and dramatic perspective
  • Elegant custom geometric sans-serif lettering
  • Glamorous Jazz Age subjects of luxury and travel
Full Art Deco Graphics guide →
Streamline Moderne building — public-domain example

Streamline Moderne

The aerodynamic, late phase of Deco — curved corners, smooth horizontal lines, and a nautical, machine-for-speed look.

  • Rounded, curved corners
  • Long horizontal lines and banding ('speed stripes')
  • Smooth, unornamented stucco surfaces (often white/pastel)
  • Porthole windows and nautical detailing
  • Flat roofs and a sense of aerodynamic motion
Full Streamline Moderne guide →

At a glance

Art Deco GraphicsStreamline Moderne
Era1920–19391930s–1940s
DisciplineGraphic DesignArchitecture
RegionFrance, United StatesUnited States, Worldwide
FamilyArt Deco, ModernismDeco family, Modernism
Formal traitsgeometric, streamlined, flat-color, diagonal-dynamismgeometric, curved, minimal, aerodynamic

More comparisons

Advertisement