Aesthetic Movement Furniture
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT
In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Large Mid 20th Century Italian White Blanc De Chine Creamware Fruit Topiary
Located in Charleston, SC
Glazed Terracotta Majolica Fruit Tower Centerpiece
A stunning large 21” Mid-Century Italian Blanc de Chine creamware glazed ceramic handmade fruit topiary in a pedestal basket. This...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Terracotta, Paint
1970s Maison Jansen Inspired Gilt Metal Faux Bois Etageres / Bookcases - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of gilt metal Maison Jansen inspired faux bois etageres dating approximately to the 1970s. They are unmarked and in very good condition.
My shipping is for the Conti...
Category
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Bentwood & Cane Settee, Attributed to Michael Thonet, C1900-1920s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this Bentwood and Cane back Settee.This settee is attributed to Michael then the Austrian-German Cabinet maker well known for is skilled work of bentwood, c1900-1920
It coul...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Early 20th-C. Chinese Bamboo Cabinet / Etagere / Bookcase With Ornate Fretwork
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is such a versatile piece! It is an antique Chinese bamboo cabinet with ornate fretwork and original hardware. I love that the bottom portion opens to storage. The shelves are s...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Pair 19 century French Gilt Bronze Aestethic Urn Form Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt and patinated and git bronze table lamps with urn shape with looping handles and raised gilt designs of blooming tree branches.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair Antique French Chinoiserie Majolica Faience Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of unique antique (early 20th century) polychrome glazed earthenware (faience) vases mounted on brass pedestals for use as table lamps, featuring
song birds in relief on a latt...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Aesthetic Movement Table Lamp by Christopher Dresser
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A table lamp converted from a terracotta vase attributed to Christopher Dresser and Watcombe Terra-Cotta Co., of Torquay, Devon, England, circa 1875. The matte finish vase has been d...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
19th Century Large Cast Iron Garden Urn Aesthetic Movement
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular cast iron Victorian Aesthetic Movement Garden Urn. In excellent antique condition with tons of patina, and no breaks or bad repairs. Amazing pair of handles all original ...
Category
1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning brass baroque empire chandelier reminiscent of the classic style of the empire era. This is a new reproduction and there are several available to ensure you ca...
Category
2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Six "King's" Pattern Sterling Silver Five O'Clock Spoons
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 sterling silver five o'clock spoons "King's" pattern retailed by Isaac Dixon. Probably made by Dominick & Haff. Double monogram sets: CGD & MD 1891 obverse. 3.20 troy oz.
4 ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Doulton Lambeth Frank Butler Stylized Pattern Candlestick
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Doulton Lambeth saucer shape stylized leaf design candlestick with brass fittings by Frank Butler and dating from around 1890. The candle stick...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Tortoise Bamboo Trompe L'oeil Centre Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical 19th century English aesthetic movement occasional table, center table, or games table crafted from radiant tortoise shell bamboo. The two-tier table features a trompe l'oeil decorated top on both tiers with decoupage playing cards on a black background with a rope border. The top of the games table is square with clipped corners. The legs are crafted from thick bamboo poles...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Paper
19th Century R.J. Horner Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century American Victorian Aesthetic Movement faux bamboo bed frame by R. J. Horner & Co. made of solid cherry and birdseye maple. All original with amber stained finish and n...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Cherry
Christopher Dresser Watcombe Aesthetic Movement Twin Handled Persian Taste Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Aesthetic Movement flow glaze twin handled vase in the ‘Persian Taste’ by renowned British designer Christopher Dresser (British, 1834 – 1904) for Watcombe Torquay...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. An octagonal walnut center table with central shelf, carved circular scroll details to the legs on castors, united by lower cross stretchers.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Jas Shoolbred attri. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut side table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal Walnut centre table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross stretchers.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Jas Shoolbred attributed. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal Mahogany side table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal Mahogany side table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross stretchers.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Adams & Bromley English Majolica Geranium Motto Bread Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English majolica glazed bread tray made by Adams & Bromley, circa 1875.
An oval tray with a rolled rim brown border showing a motto molded in raised lettering, ‘Eat Thy Bread Wi...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Antique Digoin Sarreguemines Majolica Oyster Plate, France, circa 1880
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Antique Digoin Sarreguemines Majolica Oyster Plate, France, circa 1880. Beautifully detailed six oyster shaped wells surrounding a center 'starfish' well.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
French Faience Oyster Plate, late 19th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
French faience oyster plate, late 19th century. Hand-painted porcelain plate with six shell shaped oyster wells. Beautifully detailed with striking turquoise and pale lavender backgr...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Faience Oyster Plate, late 19th Century
Located in Chappaqua, NY
French Faience Oyster Plate, late 19th Century. Hand-painted porcelain, with six shell shaped oyster wells. Beautifully painted with a lavender center well.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Bruce Talbert probably for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement walnut side chair
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert probably for Gillows of Lancaster and London. An English Aesthetic Movement Walnut side, dining or desk chair with a subtly curved back with feather carved details to t...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Liberty & Co Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Corner Chair Style of Ford Maddox Brown
By Liberty & Co., Ford Madox Brown 1
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. Regent St. London.
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized corner armchair from the Argyll suite designed in 1884, after a Sussex chair design by Ford Maddox Brown...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
Japonism tea service in silver-plated metal, style C. Dresser
Located in Paris, FR
Exquisite 3-piece tea service set, featuring a teapot, a milk pot, and a sugar bowl. Each piece is meticulously crafted from high-quality silver-plated metal, ensuring both durabilit...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box with turned finials and a row of brass turnings to the back and applied brass florets. The sides with carved floral decoration on raised panels ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Moser Crystal Cut Glass Engraved "Swimming Fish" Gold Vase
Located in Atlanta, GA
Immerse yourself in the opulence of fine glass artistry with this exquisite antique Moser crystal cut glass vase, intricately engraved with a "Swimming Fish" motif and adorned with l...
Category
20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
George Faulkner Armitage (attributed). An Aesthetic Movement mahogany armchair
By George Faulkner Armitage
Located in London, GB
George Faulkner Armitage (attributed). An Aesthetic Movement mahogany armchair with rib detailing to the head rest flanked by scroll carved finials. With tramline decoration througho...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Majolica Paradise Bird & Flowers Salins Plate, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Paradise bird & flowers Salins plate, circa 1890.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Godwin Style. Pair of Aesthetic Movement ebonized folding chair w. new cane seat
Located in London, GB
EW Godwin Style of. A pair of Aesthetic Movement ebonized folding chair with bobbin details to the backrest and a new cane seat. This listing is for the pair (2 chairs). We also have...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Bronze sculpture " Golfer" on green marble base. Levan Vardosanidze. 1990s.
Located in Köln, NW
Elegant and abstract Bronze sculpture "Golfer" on a green marble base by Levan Vardosanidze, Georgia 1999.
The georgian sculptor, born 1957 in Tiflis studied at the Academy there.
He...
Category
1990s Baltic Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Majolica Bird Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica bird plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Tiffany Aesthetic Exotic Sterling Silver Turkish Coffeepot
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver Turkish coffeepot. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Upward tapering neck and round bowl. Ball-cover hinge-mounted to c-scroll...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Brass Chandelier Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite Art Nouveau brass chandelier chandelier ceiling light - a real rarity and an antique jewel. This vintage chandelier was lovingly and professionally res...
Category
1910s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Art Nouveau Style Brass Crystal Chandelier Gold Foliage
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisite Chandelier – a masterpiece of elegance and style that seamlessly complements any space. With its stunning details and compact dimensions, this chandelier in...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE TiLED TOP CHESSBOARD CHESS TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning antique Victorian Mahogany games table with Chessboard Tiled top and stamped to the base with ...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Gillows. A fine Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels
Located in London, GB
Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels to the doors and drawers; with a turned gallery to the top and to the lower shelf.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Late 19th Century Antique Bronze Champleve Table Lamp
Located in Canton, MA
Asian Antique Champleve table lamp. Totem like design
Beautifully patinated bronze with Champleve in a band around the vase and with spears pointing down. The Champleve design in ver...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
French Majolica Bird Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica bird plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized games and card table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized games and card table with deeply incised and gilded crown and floral decoration to the apron with a turned gallery below to each si...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Howard and Sons. A high art Aesthetic Movement Walnut centre tea table
Located in London, GB
Howard and Sons. A high art Aesthetic Movement walnut centre tea table with an unusual raised upper shelf to the centre of the main top on arched and turned supports. The top with sh...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Bruce Talbert attributed. A set of four Aesthetic Movement walnut dining chairs
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert (attributed). Set of four fine quality Aesthetic Movement walnut dining chairs.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted humidor with floral decor
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted Humidor with a shaped display plinth to the top, surrounded with a turned gallery, and an upper compartmented drawer hand painte...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut circular center table
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. A fine quality Aesthetic Movement Walnut circular center table with a shaped apron & fluted legs united by serpentine stretchers.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Dr C Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box with stylized brass panels
Located in London, GB
Dr Christopher Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box on shaped feat set at an angle with a stylized decorative brass panel designed perfectly to shovel your coal. With origi...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Ceiba Table Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Peninsula, renowned as the C...
Category
2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Clay, Linen
T. Elsley attri. Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert w. upper central peacock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Elsley attributed. A rare Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert with an upper central peacock and Japanese basket weave decoration around it. Each side is designed to display t...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Bevan. Marsh Jones & Cribb. An Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized card table
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan, made by Marsh Jones and Cribb. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized card table with fold over top retaining the original red baize on turned legs united by a double w...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table
Located in London, GB
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table with a shaped top and shaped upper apron standing on six beautifully shaped legs, each with fine carved f...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
E W Godwin (style of). An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal table
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin in the style of.An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal centre or side table with arched apron below the top, the legs united by upper stretchers and also united by a lowe...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
H W Batley attr. Jas Shoolbred Pair of Aesthetic Movement cane seat beech chairs
By Henry William Batley, Jas Shoolbred & Co.
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley attributed for Jas Shoolbred & Co. A pair of Aesthetic Movement cane seat beech side chairs.
Stamped under the seat Jas Shoolbred and the production number 820
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
E W Godwin attr, for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement mahogany side table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, attributed, made by Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic movement mahogany side table with spiral-turned legs on out swept feet.With the original lock and key to the drawer.Col...
Category
1880s Indian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop & Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop and Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace with curvaceous mantle with gadrooned and dot details and a row of Japanese floral Insignias the ce...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Berlin Iron
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut six leg octagonal two tier center table with fine turned legs and out swept feet. The construction has radiating stretchers ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
David Waddington. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk with cantered corners and incized floral decoration and a tower turned gallery. Stamped David Waddington Ulphosterer Bolto...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
J P Seddon attri. An Aesthetic Movement oak side chair with ebonized circles
Located in London, GB
J P Seddon attributed. An Aesthetic Movement oak side chair with ebonized circles to the backrests and carved decoration with through exsposed tenonsn joints. Seat Height: 45 cm
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Charles Bevan. Marsh & Jones. Aesthetic Movement button back chaise lounge
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan for Marsh and Jones of Leeds Late Kendal works. A good Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized button back chaise lounge with carved rosettes to the front upright and subtle...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Coalbrookdale. Lily Pad pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches
Located in London, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches, known as the Lily pad design, with fine fern leaf detailing, and smaller Lily-style leaves to the angular legs.Price per benchC...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Berlin Iron
Classical 19th C. Brass Fireplace Fender
Located in New York, NY
Classical Victorian, Aesthetic Movement brass fireplace fender. The fender features two repeating brass rails, with decorative fluted ball spaces. late 19th century vintage, this e...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Minton, Doulton Lambeth, Christopher Dresser, and Wedgwood. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $86,402 while the average work can sell for $1,820.
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