If you’re interested in interior design, then you’ll want to know about the 20th century. This era saw a significant shift in interior design, with new movements, styles, and designers emerging. From the functionalist movement of the Bauhaus to the sleek lines of Scandinavian design, the 20th century was a time of innovation and creativity.

Pivotal movements and styles like Art Deco, Modernism, and Postmodernism emerged during this time, each with their own unique characteristics. Iconic designers like Le Corbusier, Charles and Ray Eames, and Frank Lloyd Wright left their mark on the world of interior design, inspiring generations of designers to come. If you’re curious about the history of interior design and how it has evolved over time, then the 20th century is a fascinating place to start.
Key Takeaways
- The 20th century was a time of significant change in interior design, with new movements, styles, and designers emerging.
- Pivotal movements and styles like Art Deco, Modernism, and Postmodernism left their mark on the world of interior design.
- Iconic designers like Le Corbusier, Charles and Ray Eames, and Frank Lloyd Wright inspired generations of designers to come.
Pivotal Movements and Styles

The 20th century saw a number of pivotal movements and styles in interior design that had a lasting impact on the way we decorate our homes today. In this section, we will explore some of the most significant of these movements and styles.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco
Art Nouveau and Art Deco were two of the most important decorative styles of the early 20th century. Art Nouveau, which emerged in France in the late 19th century, was characterized by organic forms and flowing lines, while Art Deco, which emerged in the 1920s, was characterized by geometric shapes and bold colours.
Both styles were showcased at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925, which helped to popularize them around the world. In New York City, Art Deco became synonymous with luxury and high style, and was often used in the design of skyscrapers and other modern buildings.
Bauhaus and Modernism
Bauhaus was a school of art and design that was founded in Germany in 1919 by Walter Gropius. The school was known for its focus on industrial techniques and its use of steel, glass, and other modern materials. Bauhaus had a profound influence on modernist design, which emphasized simplicity, functionality, and minimalism.
One of the most famous modernist architects was Mies van der Rohe, who designed the Barcelona Chair and the Farnsworth House. Le Corbusier was another important modernist architect, known for his use of concrete and his focus on functionality.
Mid-Century Modern and Minimalism
In the post-war period, a new style emerged that was characterized by clean lines, simple forms, and a focus on functionality. This style, known as mid-century modern, was exemplified by designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, who designed the iconic Eames House and the famous Egg Chair.
Minimalism was another important style of the mid-20th century, which emphasized simplicity and the use of natural materials. Architects such as Richard Neutra and Alvar Aalto were known for their minimalist designs, which often featured large windows and open spaces.
Post-War Influences and Innovations
The post-war period saw a number of important innovations in interior design, including the use of new materials such as plastic and the development of new colour palettes. Designers such as Lina Bo Bardi and Marcel Breuer were known for their use of these materials, which helped to create a new aesthetic that was both modern and accessible.
The Great Depression also had a profound impact on interior design, as designers were forced to find new ways to create stylish and functional spaces on a budget. This led to the development of new techniques and materials, such as the E1027 side table designed by Eileen Gray, which was made from inexpensive materials but still had a stylish and modern look.
Iconic Designers and Their Impact

The 20th century was a time of great change in the world of interior design. From the influential European designers to the American design pioneers, the design world saw a revolution in the way furniture and decor were created and used. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most iconic designers and their impact on the world of interior design.
Influential European Designers
Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto were two of the most influential European designers of the 20th century. Le Corbusier was a Swiss-French architect and designer who was known for his modernist style. He believed that furniture should be functional and comfortable, and he created pieces that were both beautiful and practical. Alvar Aalto, on the other hand, was a Finnish architect and designer who was known for his use of natural materials and organic forms. His designs were often inspired by the Finnish landscape, and he created furniture that was both elegant and functional.
Another influential European designer was Eileen Gray. She was an Irish architect and designer who was known for her innovative use of materials and her geometric patterns. Her most famous piece was the E1027 side table, which was designed for her lover, Jean Badovici. The table was designed to be functional and stylish, and it is still considered a classic piece of modernist design today.
American Design Pioneers
Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most famous American architects of the 20th century. He was known for his use of natural materials and his love of the outdoors. He believed that a house should be designed to fit into its surroundings, and he created many beautiful homes that were both functional and beautiful. Charles and Ray Eames were another famous American design duo. They were known for their use of new materials and their innovative designs. They created furniture that was both comfortable and stylish, and their designs are still popular today.
Richard Neutra was another American designer who was known for his streamlined look. He believed that a house should be designed to be functional and beautiful, and he created many beautiful homes that were both practical and stylish.
Revolutionary Furniture and Decor
The 20th century saw many revolutionary designs in furniture and decor. The Barcelona chair, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, was one of the most famous pieces of furniture of the 20th century. It was designed for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, and it is still considered a classic piece of modernist design today. The Egg chair, designed by Arne Jacobsen, was another famous piece of furniture. It was designed for the Radisson SAS hotel in Copenhagen, and it is still popular today.
Geometric patterns were also popular in the 20th century. They were used in everything from wallpaper to furniture, and they added a touch of modernity to any room. The streamlined look was also popular, and it was used in everything from cars to furniture. It was all about creating a look that was both modern and functional, and it is still popular today.
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the defining characteristics of Art Deco interior design?
Art Deco interior design was one of the most popular styles of the 20th century. It is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, bold colours, and luxurious materials such as marble and gold. Art Deco interiors were often designed to be glamorous and opulent, with a focus on creating a sense of luxury and excess. Some of the key features of Art Deco interior design include the use of mirrored surfaces, streamlined furniture, and bold geometric patterns.
Who were some of the most influential interior designers of the 20th century?
The 20th century was a time of great innovation and creativity in the world of interior design. Some of the most influential interior designers of the century include Elsie de Wolfe, who is widely considered to be the first professional interior designer; Dorothy Draper, who was known for her use of bold colours and patterns; and Billy Baldwin, who was renowned for his elegant and understated designs.
How did interior design evolve throughout the different decades of the 20th century?
Interior design underwent a number of significant changes throughout the 20th century. In the early part of the century, Art Nouveau was a popular style, characterized by its use of flowing lines and organic shapes. This was followed by Art Deco, which emerged in the 1920s and was characterized by its use of geometric shapes and bold colours. In the 1950s, Mid-Century Modern design became popular, characterized by its clean lines and simple forms. In the 1980s and 1990s, Postmodernism emerged as a reaction to the minimalism of the previous decade, characterized by its use of bright colours and eclectic styles.
What are some iconic 20th century interior design trends that have made a comeback?
Many 20th century interior design trends have made a comeback in recent years. Mid-Century Modern design, with its clean lines and simple forms, has become increasingly popular, as has Art Deco, with its bold colours and geometric shapes. Vintage and retro styles are also making a comeback, with many people opting for furniture and accessories from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
How did the socio-economic changes of the 20th century influence interior design styles?
The socio-economic changes of the 20th century had a significant impact on interior design styles. The rise of the middle class in the mid-20th century led to a demand for more affordable and practical designs. This led to the emergence of Mid-Century Modern design, which was characterized by its simplicity and functionality. The economic boom of the 1980s led to a resurgence of luxury and excess, which was reflected in the Postmodernist designs of the time.
What are some key differences between early and late 20th century interior design?
Early 20th century interior design was characterized by its use of ornate details and organic shapes, while late 20th century design was characterized by its simplicity and functionality. Early 20th century design was often opulent and luxurious, while late 20th century design was more practical and focused on creating a sense of comfort and ease. Additionally, late 20th century design was often influenced by technology, with many designers incorporating new materials and techniques into their work.