The decorative arts are traditionally defined as ornamental and functional works in ceramic, wood, glass, metal, or textile. The class includes furniture, furnishings, interior design, and architecture. The decorative arts are often categorized in opposition to the fine or high arts (or just art), namely, painting, drawing, photography, and large-scale sculpture. Some distinguish between decorative and fine art based on functionality, intended purpose, importance, status as a unique creation, or single artist production.

Selected Bibliography

• Fiell, Charlotte and Peter, eds. Decorative Art Yearbook (one for each decade of the 20th century). Translated. Bonn: Taschen, 2000.
• Fleming, John and Hugh Honour. Dictionary of the Decorative Arts. New York: Harper and Row, 1977.
• Frank, Isabelle. The Theory of Decorative Art: An Anthology of European and American Writings, 1750-1940. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000.
• Thornton, Peter. Authentic Decor: Domestic Interior, 1620-1920. London: Seven Dials, 2000.