How can you tell if something is Art Deco?

You can tell something is Art Deco by its disciplined geometry and materials: sunburst, chevron, or ziggurat forms, a symmetrical face, exotic veneer or high-gloss lacquer, and brass or chrome accents over a solid plinth base rather than open legs. The surest move is to set the piece against its neighbors. Art Nouveau flows in organic, vine-like curves; Art Deco sharpens those curves into controlled geometry. Mid-century modern strips ornament away and lifts pieces on tapered legs, where Deco keeps ornament but disciplines it. The quickest test: if the piece looks architectural and symmetrical, built for evening light, it is almost certainly Deco. Genuine period examples may also carry maker marks or the figured Macassar and walnut veneers that mass-market reproductions skip.

Once you can read those signals, sorting real Deco from costume gets easy. AURA applies the same eye to our art deco style furniture, choosing pieces whose geometry and finish hold up to that test rather than pieces wearing a few borrowed motifs.