Art Deco vs Art Nouveau
Art Deco arose as a reaction against Art Nouveau — swapped organic curves for hard, confident geometry.
Art Deco
Glamorous machine-age modernism — bold geometry, stepped setbacks, and stylized ornament that made the skyscraper feel like the future.
- Stepped 'setback' massing that tapers as it rises
- Strong vertical piers emphasizing height
- Geometric ornament: zigzags, chevrons, sunbursts
- Banded or ribbon windows with decorative spandrels
- Stylized, machine-age decorative motifs
Art Nouveau
A short-lived but radical style of flowing, organic line — whiplash curves, plant and vine motifs, and ornament fused with structure.
- Sinuous 'whiplash' curves and asymmetry
- Plant, vine, and floral motifs
- Ornament integrated with structure, not applied on top
- Decorative ironwork and stained glass
- Curving, sculptural facades and openings
At a glance
| Art Deco | Art Nouveau | |
|---|---|---|
| Era | 1910s–1940 | 1890–1910 |
| Discipline | Architecture | Architecture |
| Region | United States, France, Worldwide | France, Belgium, Spain, Austria |
| Family | Deco family | Art Nouveau |
| Formal traits | geometric, ornamental, stepped, luxurious | organic, curvilinear, ornamental |
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