Embrace Peak Art Deco with the Beauty of Tiles for Your New Jersey Home

There is something undeniably magnetic about the Art Deco aesthetic. Born in the roaring 1920s and flourishing through the 30s, Art Deco wasn't just a design trend—it was a celebration of modernity, luxury, and the future. It’s a style characterized by bold geometric shapes, lavish ornamentation, and a fearless use of color.

 

While furniture and lighting play their parts, the true foundation of any authentic Art Deco revival lies underfoot and on the walls. At Standard Tile, we believe that tile is the most versatile medium for capturing this vintage glamour. Whether you are aiming for "Great Gatsby" opulence or a streamlined, modern interpretation, the right tile selection is the key to completing the look.

 

Art Deco Tile Ideas to Embrace in Any Room of Your New Jersey Home

 

1. The Power of Geometric Precision

Art Deco is defined by its obsession with geometry. Unlike the flowing, organic lines of Art Nouveau, Deco is all about the grid, the triangle, and the chevron.

• Hexagons and Honeycombs: Small-format hexagonal tiles in monochromatic tones create a classic, "Old Hollywood" bathroom floor.

• Chevron and Herringbone: These patterns provide a sense of movement and direction. Using contrasting grout can further emphasize these sharp angles, making the floor the centerpiece of the room.

• The Fan (Flabellum) Motif: Perhaps the most iconic Art Deco shape, fan-shaped tiles evoke the glamour of 1920s theaters and high-end hotels.

At our showrooms in East Hanover and Jersey City, you’ll find porcelain and ceramic options that allow you to piece together these intricate patterns with precision.

 

2. High-Contrast Palettes: Black, White, and Gold

If Art Deco had a signature color palette, it would be the high-contrast drama of black and white, often punctuated by metallic accents. This "tuxedo" look is timeless and provides an instant sense of luxury.

• Checkered Floors: A classic black-and-white checkered floor in a foyer or kitchen provides a bold, graphic entrance that screams Deco sophistication.

• Marble-Look Porcelain: To achieve that high-end look without the high-maintenance upkeep, our marble-look porcelain tiles offer the deep veining and polished finish essential for a decadent interior.

• Metallic Inlays: Incorporating gold or brass tile liners between larger stone-look tiles mimics the gilded details found in 1930s architecture.

 

3. The Modern Twist on Subway Tile

You might think of subway tile as purely utilitarian, but in the Art Deco era, it was reimagined. Instead of the standard horizontal brick lay, Deco designers experimented with vertical stacks and unique glazes.

• Vertical Stacking: By rotating subway tiles vertically, you draw the eye upward, mimicking the soaring skyscrapers of the era.

• Glass and Gloss: Art Deco loves reflection. Choosing subway tiles with a high-gloss finish or subtle iridescent glaze helps bounce light around the room, creating that signature "shimmer."

• Bold Borders: Using a dark, contrasting border tile (like a black pencil liner) around a field of white subway tile adds that structured, architectural frame common in vintage New Jersey homes.

 

4. Texture and Materiality: Beyond the Surface

Art Deco isn't just about what you see; it’s about the tactile experience of luxury.

• Stacked Stone: While often associated with modern exteriors, using stacked stone tile as an accent wall around a fireplace can ground a Deco-inspired living room with a sophisticated, earthy texture.

• Mosaic Masterpieces: Intricate mosaic patterns in the shower or as a kitchen backsplash allow for a "custom art" feel. Standard Tile’s wide selection of mosaics can help you create a focal point that feels like a piece of history.

 

Why Choose Standard Tile for Your Project?

Standard Tile is definitely not just another New Jersey tile shop. We are an industry-leading tile retailer with tile stores strategically located across the state to serve you better. We take pride in our heritage and our eye for design, which has earned us three Best of Houzz awards for service and design.

 

When you walk into one of our six locations—East Hanover, Edison, Jersey City, Succasunna, Totowa, or Watchung—you aren't just looking at samples; you’re working with experts who understand how to take your home’s interior to the next level. We offer:

 

Tile Type	Best Used For	Deco Impact
Porcelain	High-traffic floors	High-gloss, marble-look luxury
Ceramic	Backsplashes & Walls	Vibrant colors and geometric shapes
Subway Tile	Kitchens & Baths	Structural, "New York" style elegance
Stacked Stone	Fireplaces & Exteriors	Bold, architectural texture

 

Bring the Roaring Twenties to Your New Jersey Home

 

Whether you’re renovating a brownstone in Jersey City or a sprawling estate in Watchung, the Art Deco look offers a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern boldness. By choosing the right shapes, colors, and finishes, you can transform a standard room into a masterpiece of early 20th-century design.

Ready to start your transformation?

Call or visit Standard Tile today. We service all of New Jersey with our 6 flooring stores. Our design consultants are ready to help you navigate our massive inventory of kitchen tile, bathroom tile, and living area solutions.

Visit us at any of our 6 New Jersey Showrooms: