Jazz Aesthetic: All About This Free-Spirited & Rhythmic Style
'Jazz' up your space.
Jazz music is all about creative expression, experimentation, Art Deco influences, and moving to the beat of your own drum – and so is the jazz aesthetic! This design style encourages you to follow your intuition and create a space that speaks to the soul. Keep reading to learn all about jazz-inspired interior design and how to incorporate it into your home, no matter your style.
What Is Jazz Aesthetic?
(Shop this image: green animal print wallpaper, orange sofas, gray geometric rugs, glam wall mirrors, and round metal coffee tables.)
Jazz aesthetic is an interior design style inspired by the iconic jazz movement that began in the 1920s. It draws inspiration from Prohibition-era jazz clubs – pulling from the moody color palettes, ambient lighting, luxe furnishings, and soulful atmosphere to create a space that's relaxing yet glamorous. Just like jazz music, jazz interior design isn't afraid to improvise, experiment, or blend unlikely decor or furnishing elements – they might just create the perfect harmony!
How to Get the Look
But how do you achieve a jazz-inspired aesthetic? This section goes over the key features of jazz-influenced interiors to help you apply this music-turned-design-trend to your space.
Incorporate Art Deco Notes
(Shop this image: green boucle dining chairs, glam chandeliers, fireplace surrounds, and Art Deco–inspired wallpaper.)
You can't have a jazz aesthetic without a bit of Art Deco influence! Art Deco style also gained popularity in the 1920s, making it a popular design scheme for jazz clubs, bars, and other establishments. Like jazz, Art Deco is bold and captivating. Art Deco style is all about vibrant geometric prints (think chevron, stepped forms, and zigzags), luxe materials (think animal skins, velvet, metals, or lacquer), bold colors (think black, white, gold, silver, and jewel tones), and detailed embellishments (think decadent chandeliers, crown molding, or gold-lined decor) that bring a touch of glamour to any space. Review our What Is Art Deco? guide to learn more.
Infuse Your Space With Moody Color Palettes
(Shop this image: black and gold botanical wallpaper, curved orange sofas, blue barrel chairs, glass candle holders, and decorative boxes.)
Moody color palettes are the cornerstone of jazz club aesthetics because they add visual depth and drama to the space while also promoting a laid-back vibe – perfect for listening to jazz records. For the best results, opt for black or deep shades of blue, red, green, or purple for walls and/or floors. Dark wood beadboard also works well to infuse the room with rich wood tones.
Tip!
Complement jazz-inspired color schemes with light fixtures that have incandescent (ambient) light bulbs or dimmable features. These types of fixtures emit low-level light and a warm glow, which fits the theme of a relaxing jazz club – no LEDs here!
(Shop this image: green solid-color wallpaper, blue bedding, purple throw pillows, gold bedside lamps, and blue benches.)
Incorporate gold metallic notes throughout your space to emulate the gleaming brass details of classic jazz instruments. Look for furniture with gold frames, install gold Art Deco–patterned wallpaper, feature gold home accessories, or hang a gold statement chandelier for the ultimate metallic sheen.
Tip!
Just like gold metals, mirrored finishes are also perfect for jazz spaces because they add a bit of glamour to any room and reflect the ambient lighting. Hang up actual mirrors or display mirrored furnishings like an accent cabinet or coffee table.
(Shop this image: white and gold wallpaper, black velvet sectionals, white glam accent chairs, silver coffee tables, and gold drum chandeliers.)
Add to the soothing and luxe look of jazz-inspired design with velvet-upholstered pieces. Introduce a smooth velvet sofa, accent chairs, pouf ottomans, dining furniture, or decorative elements like velvet drapes. Extra points if they feature striking upholstery colors like black, red, blue, green, purple, or rusty shades of orange.
Tip!
You can also add velvet to your existing furniture with velvet throw pillows.
(Shop this image: white and gray geometric wallpaper, wood picture ledges, pink decorative media players, wood record players, and glass lamps.)
Show off your musical tastes (whether jazz or other genres) by displaying records on wall-mounted picture ledges! Set up your record player on a console table directly underneath so you can easily browse your selection and put a record on. Mount instruments to the wall for space-saving storage and music-inspired decor. You can also incorporate jazz decor through music-themed wall decor or freestanding sculptures of sheet music or instruments.
