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Launching soon in NZ

Art Deco

2 Items

  • $117 Off RRP
    Phoenix Wiltern Hand Shower Brushed Gold

    Phoenix Wiltern Hand Shower Brushed Gold

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    $467
    $117 (-20%) OFF RRP of $584
  • $38 Off RRP
    Phoenix Wiltern Wall Basin / Bath Outlet 190mm - Chrome

    Phoenix Wiltern Wall Basin / Bath Outlet 190mm - Chrome

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    $152
    $38 (-20%) OFF RRP of $190

Art deco bathroom buying guide

An art deco bathroom borrows its geometry from 1920s and 30s architecture: strong symmetrical lines, fluted or fanned detailing, and a bolder colour palette than most contemporary schemes attempt. It reads as glamorous rather than minimal, and it rewards committing to a few striking pieces.

Defining the art deco look

Art deco styling uses fluted or ribbed surface detailing, strong symmetry, and a bolder, often darker colour palette than most modern bathrooms, frequently paired with brass or matte black fixtures for contrast. It favours geometric repetition, fans, sunbursts and stepped forms, over the softer curves of mid century design.

Where to start

A fluted vanity front is usually the fastest way into the look, paired with a curved or pill-shaped basin. Ingrain's fluted and pill-shape vanities in this collection are a common starting point, since the fluting reads as the strongest single art deco signal in a room. Browse bathroom vanities for fluted and geometric options before selecting tapware and tiles.

A bolder material choice: stone baths

A stone bath makes a stronger statement than a standard acrylic tub, and its solid, weighted look suits art deco's confident, glamorous character better than a lightweight fitting would. Bao Bath's stone bath in this collection works as a genuine centrepiece if the room can accommodate the extra weight and a stone bath's typically larger footprint.

Choosing a colour palette

Darker colours suit the art deco look best, especially navy, forest green or charcoal, paired with brass or matte black tapware and fixtures for stark contrast. This contrast is what gives art deco its bolder, more dramatic feel compared to lighter contemporary schemes.

Tapware finishes

Brass, brushed gold or matte black tapware and towel rails give the contrast the era is known for, particularly against a darker vanity or tile colour. Phoenix's tapware ranges in this collection cover both finishes across basin, shower and bath fittings.

Hardware and finishing details

Cabinet handles carry a surprising amount of the art deco signal for their size: a fluted, stepped or fan-shaped pull reinforces the geometric theme even on an otherwise plain cabinet front. Momo Handles' cabinet hardware in this collection includes several geometric profiles that work well as a finishing detail on a vanity or storage unit once the larger pieces are chosen.

Comparing it to mid century modern styling

Art deco leans on sharper geometric lines and bolder colour contrast, while mid century modern favours warmer, rounder shapes and a softer palette. If you're deciding between the two, compare our mid century modern collection and hotel luxe collection side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an art deco bathroom?

Art deco bathroom design borrows from the 1920s-30s decorative movement: strong geometric shapes, symmetrical layouts, and a mix of bold contrast with polished, glamorous finishes. Typical elements include sunburst or fan motifs, stepped or fluted detailing on cabinetry and tiles, and a confident use of black against white or cream, often lifted with a metallic tapware finish like brass or gunmetal.

What did a 1930s bathroom actually look like?

Original 1930s bathrooms leaned heavily on black and white, small hexagonal or square floor tiles, often in a checkerboard pattern, paired with plain white wall tiles and chrome tapware. Rounded corners on baths and basins were common, along with symmetrical layouts and restrained ornamentation compared to later, more maximalist takes on the style. A modern art deco bathroom usually keeps that geometric bones while updating the finishes and fixtures for current plumbing standards.

What colours work in an art deco bathroom?

Black and white is the classic art deco pairing, and it's still the easiest way to signal the style clearly. Beyond that, deep jewel tones such as emerald green, navy or burgundy against white or cream backgrounds also read as art deco, especially when paired with a warm metallic tapware finish. Keeping the palette to two or three strong colours, rather than a broad mix, tends to read as more authentically deco than a scattered approach.

Can I get an art deco look without a full bathroom renovation?

Yes, geometric floor or feature wall tiles and a black-and-white or contrast colour scheme deliver most of the visual impact and can often be done without moving plumbing. Swapping tapware and lighting to a bolder metallic finish, and choosing a vanity with fluted or stepped detailing, adds the style's character on top of an existing layout. A full reshape of the room isn't necessary to read as art deco.

What tapware and lighting finishes suit an art deco bathroom?

Brass, aged brass and gunmetal finishes carry the era's glamour better than plain chrome, since the style leans on warmth and contrast rather than a purely utilitarian look. For fixtures with that finish, browse the wall lights and pendant lights ranges to find a piece with enough geometric or fan-shaped detailing to suit the theme.

What vanity style suits an art deco bathroom?

Look for a vanity with clean geometric lines, stepped or fluted cabinet fronts, and a stone or gloss finish that reads polished rather than rustic. A rounded or curved basin edge also nods to the era's softened corners, and pairing it with a bold tapware finish helps carry the look through the rest of the room.

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