An '80s Deco Vase
The angles, bold lines and graceful curves of the Art Deco movement returned in the 1980s, not only through art and graphic design, but in home décor as well.
This Deco resurgence often appeared in the form of ceramics…
You may still be deciding if these ceramic collectibles are questionable or ripe for a comeback, but one thing is definite: ceramic vases from the ’80s have collector appeal. For one thing, companies such as Royal Haeger created quality ceramics now regularly featured on sites such as Ebay and Etsy. Deco-style Royal Haeger vases from the 1980s range from $35-$70 each.
But if you’re on a budget, no worries. Your local Goodwill or thrift shop is a great source for these little gems. Whether ’80s Deco-style vases stay in bargain bin territory or are soon rediscovered, I think they have true design appeal. In fact, they’re sort of a design obsession of mine…
An '80s Deco Vase
So what’s the point of all this flash? For one, the flash! These pieces are shamelessly in your face, and combining them with modern decor can add quite a bit of fun to an interior.
Then there’s the deliberate nod to the Art Deco movement. If you’re a fan of this time period, you can mix and match ’20s and ’30s pieces with newer 1980s items. Seriously. Below you see curved ceramics in all of their glory. Can you spot the piece that was manufactured BEFORE the 1980s? (Yes, it’s the taller white Art Deco vase by Abingdon):
'80s Deco Ceramics
If you’re still saying “What?!,” remember that there are many things in life that take on a new glow when re-examined. Look at the resurgence of owl-themed artwork and accessories that has taken the indie craft world by storm. Perhaps a swan comeback is in the works?…At any rate, maybe applying a healthy dose of open-mindedness to these reasonably-priced collectibles can lead to some ’80s design happiness.
So enjoy them if you dare…
Great to find a website devoted to 1980's looking forward to seeing more posts in the future!
Thanks, Annie! I look forward to reading more of your posts as well!
Great post. I've always loved the style of '80s art deco. Patrick Nagel, Viramontez and Razzia come to mind in graphic design. There was a good book out on '80s deco furniture and textiles that was released just before the world turned on this stuff in like 1991. I'm also thinking Animotion's album cover is a great example. Of course, if you went to any county fair in about 1987, you could throw a dart, pop a balloon and take home a piece of bad art in a cheap frame that was, like, a tiger or a giraffe done in art deco style. I used to see this stuff more often at Goodwills a few years back and could kick myself for not picking more of it up.
Thanks for the feedback, Brian! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Some of my best finds have been at Goodwill. And thanks also for mentioning such noteworthy graphic designers and pointing me in the direction of the Animotion album cover!