Modern Art Deco Storage Ideas: Sideboards, Consoles, and Hidden Function

When people hear “Art Deco,” they often think of The Great Gatsby—glittering chandeliers, oversized parties, and unapproachable luxury. However, in my practice, I have found that Modern Art Deco is one of the most practical styles for contemporary living. It combines the bold geometric lines and luxe materials of the 1920s with the functional minimalism of today. It is not just about decoration; it is about solving storage problems with a sense of occasion.

As an architect and interior designer, I often use this style to hide clutter. Evidence-based design tells us that visual clutter increases cortisol levels, causing low-grade stress in your own home. Modern Art Deco storage pieces—like fluted sideboards and burl wood consoles—act as “visual quiet zones.” They house your daily mess inside a beautiful, structured shell, essentially lowering your stress through design.

If you are looking for visual inspiration to go along with these tips, please remember that a curated Picture Gallery is waiting for you at the very end of this blog post. Let’s dive into how you can bring this sophisticated, storage-heavy aesthetic into your home without it feeling like a museum.

1. Defining the Modern Deco Aesthetic: Materials and Motifs

Before we start buying furniture, we need to understand the material palette. Traditional Art Deco relied heavily on exotic woods like ebony and ivory, which are neither sustainable nor practical today. Modern Art Deco shifts the focus to warm, accessible textures that offer the same visual depth.

We currently see a massive resurgence in burl wood. Burl wood features a swirling, organic grain that acts as a natural piece of art. When applied to a clean-lined media console, it provides warmth without needing extra ornamentation. We also rely on reeded or fluted textures. Vertical fluting on a cabinet door mimics the architectural columns of the classic Deco era but adds a tactile element that hides fingerprints—a huge plus for families.

Metal accents are the final pillar of this look. Instead of shiny chrome, look for brushed brass or antique bronze. These warmer metals bridge the gap between vintage glamour and modern warmth. The goal is to mix these high-end finishes with functional forms.

Designer’s Note: The 70/30 Rule

In my projects, I use the 70/30 rule to keep Art Deco from looking like a movie set. 70% of the room should be modern, clean, and neutral. The remaining 30% is where we introduce the Deco elements—the geometric rug, the brass hardware, or the statement sideboard. This balance keeps the space feeling breathable and current.

2. The Statement Sideboard: Dining and Living Anchors

The sideboard is the workhorse of Modern Art Deco design. In open-concept homes, it serves a dual purpose: it anchors the dining area and provides essential storage for items that don’t fit in the kitchen.

When selecting a Deco-inspired sideboard, look for geometric detailing. A sunburst pattern on the doors or a hexagonal inlay adds that necessary “glam” factor. However, the silhouette should remain a simple rectangle. Avoid curved, bombe-style chests, which lean more French Provincial than Deco.

Functionality is paramount here. I always advise clients to measure their largest serving platter or vase before buying a sideboard. Ensure the interior shelves are adjustable. If you cannot close the doors because a platter is half an inch too wide, the piece has failed its primary job.

Rules of Thumb: Sizing and Spacing

• Clearance is King: You need at least 36 inches of clearance between the edge of your dining table and the front of the sideboard. This allows a person to walk behind a seated guest comfortably.
• Height Matters: A standard dining table is 30 inches high. Your sideboard should be higher than that, typically between 34 and 36 inches. This height creates a visually pleasing serving surface for buffet-style dinners.
• Rug Placement: If your dining rug is large, the front legs of the sideboard can sit on it, but generally, I prefer the sideboard to sit completely off the rug to define the room’s perimeter.

Common Mistakes + Fixes

Mistake: Choosing a piece that is too small for the wall.
Fix: A small sideboard on a long wall looks like a postage stamp. If your wall is 10 feet long, your sideboard should be at least 6 to 7 feet long. If you can’t find one that large, flank a smaller unit with two tall floor lamps or large plants to visually extend the footprint.

3. Consoles and Entryway Function: The “Landing Strip”

The entryway is where functionality meets psychology. From an evidence-based design perspective, the transition from “outside” to “inside” sets the emotional tone for your time at home. A chaotic entry leads to a chaotic evening. Modern Art Deco consoles are perfect here because they are often slender but visually substantial.

For an entryway, look for consoles with stone tops—marble or travertine. These materials are durable enough to handle keys, mail, and bags without scratching. A Deco console often features bold, architectural legs (think spheres or arches) which keeps the floor area open. This openness makes a narrow hallway feel wider.

I often design these spaces with a specific “drop zone” in mind. Use a brass or lacquer tray on top of the console. This contains the clutter of keys and sunglasses within a specific boundary, maintaining the clean lines of the Art Deco style while acknowledging the reality of daily life.

What I’d Do in a Real Project

• Mirror Placement: I would hang a large, geometric mirror (octagon or arch) 6 to 8 inches above the console. This bounces light and allows for a final check before leaving.
• Lighting: I would add two tall, slender buffet lamps with linen shades. The symmetry is classically Deco and provides warm, welcoming light.
• Storage Baskets: Since many Deco consoles have open bottoms, I place two identical woven or felt baskets underneath. This is where shoes or dog leashes go to die, keeping the walkway clear.

4. Hidden Function: Media Units and Bar Cabinets

One of the greatest challenges in modern interior design is the television. It is a giant black void that ruins the aesthetic of a room. In the 1920s, technology was often hidden within cabinetry, and we are returning to that concept.

Modern Art Deco media units are excellent for camouflage. Look for units with dark wood tones or black lacquer. The TV blends into the dark background rather than standing out against white or light oak. Textured fronts, such as ribbed wood, also distract the eye from the technology sitting on top.

The bar cabinet is another quintessential Deco piece that offers incredible hidden storage. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, a tall bar cabinet is perfect for storing board games, puzzles, or craft supplies. These units often have deep pockets and drawers that are far more useful than standard bookshelves.

Cord Management and Airflow

If you are repurposing a vintage Deco piece for media, you must address heat. Electronics need to breathe. In my practice, we often cut ventilation holes in the back panel of vintage credenzas and install quiet USB fans. For modern pieces, ensure there are pass-throughs for cords so you aren’t draping wires over the beautiful front facade.

Designer’s Note: The “Floating” Look

If you are renting or have a small footprint, look for wall-mounted floating consoles in a Deco style. Keeping the floor visible creates an illusion of more space. Just ensure you mount it into the studs; a floating cabinet filled with media equipment is heavier than you think.

5. Pet-Friendly and Durable Deco

I often hear clients say, “I love the Art Deco look, but I have a Golden Retriever and a toddler. Is it safe?” The answer is yes, but you must be strategic about materials.

Traditional Art Deco loves high-gloss lacquer. While beautiful, lacquer scratches if you look at it wrong. For households with pets or kids, I avoid high-gloss surfaces on low horizontal planes (like coffee tables or low media units). Instead, opt for burl wood or matte finishes. These textures hide dust, nose prints, and minor scratches much better than a mirror-finish surface.

Velvet is a staple fabric for Deco upholstery, but it attracts pet hair like a magnet. However, high-performance velvet is incredibly durable. It lacks the “loops” of woven fabrics, meaning cats cannot easily get their claws into it to scratch.

Safety and Stability

• Anchoring: Many Art Deco storage pieces are tall and heavy on top (like bar cabinets). You must anchor these to the wall. This is non-negotiable for earthquake safety and childproofing.
• Leg Styles: Avoid pieces with delicate, spindly legs if you have large dogs running around. Look for “plinth base” furniture (where the piece sits flat on the floor) or substantial block legs.
• Under-Furniture Cleaning: If you use a robot vacuum, check the clearance. You need about 4 inches of height for most vacuums to pass under. If the legs are 2 inches high, you create a dust trap that is impossible to clean without moving the heavy furniture.

6. Styling Your Storage: The Finish Checklist

Once you have your sideboard or console, the styling can make or break the look. You want to evoke the era without creating clutter.

• The Rule of Three: Arrange accessories in odd numbers. A stack of books, a lamp, and a sculptural object create a balanced vignette.
• Vary the Heights: You need a “high,” a “medium,” and a “low.” A tall lamp (high), a vase with greenery (medium), and a decorative box (low) keeps the eye moving.
• Geometric Art: Leaning a piece of art against the wall on top of a console is a very modern way to display it. Look for black and white photography or bold abstract shapes.
• Organic Softness: Art Deco can feel hard and cold due to all the stone and metal. Always add something organic—fresh flowers, a trailing pothos plant, or a wooden bowl—to soften the edges.
• Scent Scaping: This is an invisible layer of design. A reed diffuser hidden behind a photo frame adds a sensory element that elevates the feeling of luxury.

FAQs

Can I mix Mid-Century Modern with Art Deco?
Absolutely. They are cousins in the design world. Both rely on clean lines and wood tones. The key is to keep the wood stains relatively similar (e.g., walnut with walnut) or intentionally contrasting. Use the Art Deco pieces as “jewelry” (accents) and the Mid-Century pieces as the foundation.

Is Art Deco suitable for small apartments?
Yes, because it emphasizes verticality. Tall, narrow cabinets and floor-to-ceiling mirrors are staples of the style. These draw the eye up, making ceilings feel higher and footprints feel larger. Mirrors also bounce light, which is crucial for small spaces.

How do I do Art Deco on a budget?
Focus on hardware and lighting. You can take a simple, affordable IKEA cabinet and upgrade it with heavy brass geometric handles. Swap out a basic boob light for a geometric pendant. These small changes signal the genre without the price tag of an authentic antique.

What is the best lighting color temperature for this style?
Avoid cool, blue daylight bulbs (5000K). They make brass look cheap and harsh. Stick to 2700K to 3000K LED bulbs. This warm white light reflects beautifully off gold and wood, creating that cozy, speakeasy vibe.

Conclusion

Modern Art Deco is more than just a trend; it is a design solution that marries the need for order with the desire for beauty. By selecting storage pieces like substantial sideboards, stone-topped consoles, and cleverly hidden media units, you create a home that works as hard as it looks good.

Remember that successful interior design is not about copying a picture from a magazine. It is about understanding the constraints of your life—your pets, your space, your habits—and choosing furniture that accommodates them while elevating your spirit. Whether you are adding a single burl wood cabinet or redesigning your entire entryway, the principles of scale, material durability, and balance remain the same.

Picture Gallery