Furniture
The curves and sinuous lines of the Belle Epoque and the work of the Cubist and abstract painters can both be seen in the furniture of the Art Deco period. The period's finest productions are the ones inspired by the eighteenth century French tradition.

Materials and Techniques
The Art Deco style was oriented toward the luxury market and therefore favored costly materials. Exotic woods were favored over European ones, especially dark woods such as ebony and macassar. Mahogany, palisander and yellow and rose amboine were also used. Lacquered woods were also often used. Gilt bronze, copper and now silver was used in ornament. Cast iron was also favored. Tan leather, often tooled, came into vogue as much as fabric as a cover material. Sharkskin, fur and pony skin were used on seating. Ivory was used in marquetry and inlay ornament. Luxurious silks were fashionable but gone were the use of embroidery and tapestry.

Ornament
Marquetry, inlay and decorative panels were all used as ornament. Wood sculpture was out of favor. New decorative motifs included geometric designs, a result of the influence of Cubism and abstraction. Ornament in the style moderne tradition (and Art Nouveau) drew from African art, vegetal, floral and maritime motifs (waves). Curved lines, contrasting colors and precious metals were prevalent.

Source: Chadenet, Sylvie. French Furniture from Louis XIII to Art Deco. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 2001.