Moquette

• 1930s furniture can often be identified by the velvety, woolen covering called moquette that was used on chairs and sofas. Geometrical, three-piece moquette-covered living room sets became popular in the 1930s. Sofas known as settees held two to three people and were often paired with two armchairs.
  
  

Mirrors

• The 1930s saw an increased appreciation for luxury, which is evident in the appearance of mirrored furnishings around this time. Mirrored coffee tables, dressers, vanities and other items were key elements during the period.
  
  

Wood

• Wood furniture was common in the 1930s, especially rare and exotic varieties such as mahogany, ebony or violetwood. In line with the age's glamor, wood was often coated in glossy lacquer to increase its sleekness. If cheaper, more common wood was used it was typically coated in layers of lacquer to increase its richness and shine. Wood inlay in sofas and armchairs was also typical. Marquetry -- covering flat surfaces of furniture in geometrically shaped veneer pieces to form a pattern -- was frequently employed on dining room tables, dressers and other pieces.
  
  

Glass and Metals

• Due to a boom in manufacturing, metals such as chrome became stylish in the 1930s, often appearing in the form of chrome lamps. Metal accents and finishes also appeared. Opaque glass was popular in chandeliers and in globular or tube shaped lighting.
  
  

Leather

• Brown, black and tan leather of the highest quality was commonly seen in 1930s furniture, but other colors were popular as well. Bright reds and oranges cheered rooms as they appeared on sofas, armchairs and ottomans. It wasn't uncommon to see a boxy chair covered in wild zebra skin.
  
  

Accents

• Accented or embellished furniture was another popular element of 1930s style. All kinds of furniture was embedded with pieces of quartz and other jewels such as jade, ivory or onyx. Lamps, clocks and chandeliers also contained these accents.