decorative art

noun

1

: art that is concerned primarily with the creation of useful items (such as furniture, ceramics, or textiles)

—usually used in plural

2

: objects of decorative art

Examples of decorative art in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those on team dog, or who simply don’t count themselves among feline fans, the other two auctions, held live in Massachusetts and online in October, will include furniture, paintings, and decorative arts outside the cat theme. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

More than a century later, the aesthetic has traveled from collectible decorative art back into everyday homes. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026

By the river, Widener loves to wander Castle Tucker, a shipping family’s mansion turned decorative arts museum. — Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026

Set in a former Ottoman villa, the museum houses an extensive collection of Ottoman calligraphy, paintings, and decorative arts, alongside rotating exhibitions that explore both Turkish and international artists. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1