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.
8
1,459
45
20
to
175
861
610
1,524
1,502
1,510
193,646
116,794
42,108
32,406
15,187
11,612
10,506
10,291
9,539
8,715
7,321
7,078
6,356
5,896
5,718
5,255
4,738
3,544
7
1,067
385
65
187
91
45
42
10
12
10
6
9
13
9
7
8
484
483
423
176
144
1,124
664
572
242
220
33
29
29
21
20
Style: Aesthetic Movement
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
Anglo Japanese Aesthetic Movement Tortoiseshell Bamboo Side Table 19th Century
Located in Tilburg, NL
Anglo Japanese Aesthetic Movement Tortoiseshell Bamboo Side Table 19th Century.
This anglo-Japanese side table in wonderful tortoiseshell bamboo is a true high Victorian gem. Very e...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Bench ceramic contemporary glaze
Located in Rubi, Catalunya
Handmade earthanware Bench manufactured at the workshop of Apparatu in Barcelona. Different clay bodys are mixed with natural fibers like corn, straw, or heather straw. The pieces ar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Acorn Shaped Ice Bucket by Teghini Firenze 1960s
By Teghini
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Bold.
Figurative.
Sleek.
Teghini Firenze designed this lovely modernist silver plated ice bucket in the 1960s.
The piece features a rounded shape with an oversized stylized acorn d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 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
George Tinworth Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Pottery Bowl, 1879
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and decorative Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth early stoneware bowl decorated with scrolling seaweed and rosette designs by renowned artist George Tinworth and dated 1...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Late 19th Century Tole Mulberry Colored Tray on Stand
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An elegant tole mulberry colored tray on custom made faux bamboo coffee table height stand. Decorated with hanging basket of flowers, scrolling gilt and floral boarders. 31 5/8" x 24...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Piano Sponnagel Circa 1900 With Its Seat
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Sponnagel piano circa 1900 with its seat
Very beautiful work of sculpture and beautiful work of wooden marquetry
Very beautiful patina and in very good condition
The piano is in wo...
Category
Late 19th Century Polish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Timeless Ceiling Chandelier With Prisms Crystal Chandelier Cone Shape New Modern
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a brand new modern ceiling chandelier that captures new age elegance and fits perfectly in smaller and larger spaces. This exquisite piece has been crafted with precision...
Category
2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Antique Aesthetic Period Hurricane Parlor Oil Lamp Pendant Light Chandelier
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century circa 1882 Victorian / Aesthetic period converted hurricane oil lamp swag pendant light / chandelier. Brass frame with etched cranes on the batwing style side suppo...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
VM-Plaster Mirror 56"
By L. P.
Located in BOGOTÁ, CO
Discover the timeless essence of rustic elegance with our wooden-framed mirror plastered in gypsum. This mirror exudes a unique charm with its curvilinear, organic design that adds a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Plaster, Oak
Blue and White Worcester Porcelain Vases England Aesthetic Period Circa 1870
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Royal Worcester Aesthetic Movement 'Japonism' vases dates to circa 1870.
They are square and intricately decorated in blue with cranes beneath towering bamboo.
The blue ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
An Aesthetic Movement brass mirror with stylized peacocks perched on a branch
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement brass mirror with stylized Peacocks perched on a branch decorated to each side and retaining the original bevelled mirror.
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
c. 1350-1767 Benjarong Bowl
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A Benjarong bowl, likely Chinese stoneware for the Thai market, Ayutthaya period, 1350-1767. Enamelled with Theppanom in a prayer posture among scrolling vines on a yellow ground (4 ...
Category
17th Century Thai Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
19th Century Thai Benjarong Stem Dish
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
19th century Thai (Siamese) Benjarong stem dish. Enamelled with Shou characters amid a scrolling lotus design on a gilded ground. Overall excellent condition. A gift to Dr. Hugh McCo...
Category
19th Century Thai Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique French Root Bamboo & Wood Three Tier Stand C.1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this Antique French Root Bamboo & Wood Three Tier Stand C.1900.
To my knowledge this could be French or English, it was found in France.
Great condition, to the three tier w...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767) Siamese Benjarong Bowl
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767) Siamese Porcelain Benjarong Bowl. 5-color decoration of Thepphanom and Narasimha. Gift of either King Rama VI or King Prajablok of Siam, in the 1920s to ...
Category
18th Century Thai Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
William Birch. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with turned ball finials
Located in London, GB
William Birch. An Aesthetic Movement stylish Walnut armchair with turned ball finials to the tops and to the front of the arms with crossed decoration to the back and below the arms,...
Category
1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Heals attributed. An Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement three tier ebonized stand
By Heal's
Located in London, GB
Heals attributed. An Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement three tier ebonized stand with fretwork decoration to the top and a raised and turned gallery to each of the lower tiers, with ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Aesthetic Movement side table with Jeddo pattern plate by Brown Westhead & Moore
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement faux bamboo two tier ebonized side table, each tier inset with a Jeddo pattern plate made by Brown Westhead and Moore potteries featuring a Japanese fan with da...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo
Liberty & Co. Aesthetic Movement ebonized corner armchair from the Argyll suite
By Liberty & Co., Ford Madox Brown 1
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized corner armchair from the Argyll suite designed in 1884. The design is after a Sussex corner chair designed by Ford Madox Brown for Morr...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech, Rush
Antique Blown Glass Inkwell With Brass Monkey Hinged Lid
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique blown heavy glass inkwell with cast brass or bronze monkey on lid. Nice and heavy, wear to bottom, overall patina to brass. 4" dia. x 3.5"H. Monkey is 1" x 1.5", wear to b...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair 19th Century Apothecary Pharmacy Glass Carboys
Located in Houston, TX
An outstanding and extremly rare pair of hand blown 19th Century pharmacy carboys with cut crystal stoppers.
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray
By Gorham
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A superb quality Gorham silver plated on copper oval tea tray encrusted in cast vintage motifs. Monogram "EBR". Medallion maker's insignia: "Plated by Gorham, 0747". 26" over handles...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate, Copper
Vintage Hermes Horsebit Silver Bracelet 925, France
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Hermes Silver Bracelet 925 France. Vintage silver bracelet 925 representing horse bits connected between them by straps. Original velvet...
Category
1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
Pair Of American Aesthetic Brass And Onyx Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with square onyx tops with beveled edge set in a cast brass frame with square section legs and stretchers, raised on cabriole legs.
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Brass
French Aesthetic Movement Bronze Vases
Located in Newark, England
Decorated with Insects
From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to offer a pair of French Aesthetic Movement Bronze Vases. The Frenc...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Slate, Bronze, Ormolu
100 Pieces Limoges Service signed Charles Field Haviland Aesthetic Movement 1885
Located in Paris, FR
This 19th-century service is signed by world-well-known CFH-GDM Charles Field Haviland. His very high-quality porcelain with polychrome and hand-painted decoration "flowers and encha...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Art Pottery Vase with Iridescent Glaze
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Lustrous, iridescent glazed art pottery vase. Indistinct marking on bottom. Small impressed rectangular and illegible artist's cartouche on side.
Category
20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Luster, Pottery
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
Aesthetic Brass and Longwy Pottery Gasolier
Located in Norwood, NJ
Stunning original 1880s converted three light gas chandelier. Original ceramic insert is attributed to Longwy based on the pattern and cloisonne technique. Colors are vibrant and the...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
WINGED CRYPT VASE by Alexander Carey-Morgan
Located in Milano, IT
The Winged Crypt Vase in bronze is a magnificent creation, inspired by the ancient urns and dishware of Egypt. Its shimmering surface seems to evoke the sands of the desert, and its ...
Category
2010s English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
ADOBE x Vincent Mazenauer
Located in Milano, IT
The Adobe Console, a limited edition of 8 pieces, crafted by Swiss designer Vincent Mazenauer, represents a harmonious blend of contemporary and brutalist aesthetics. Constructed primarily from stone, it imbues a natural essence into a design that draws inspiration from both modern society and ancient architecture.
Each element of the console is intricately linked, symbolizing the diverse interactions within society. Despite their differences, these elements come together in unity, reflecting the interconnectedness of our world.
As a whole, the console serves as a reflection of our society...
Category
2010s Swiss Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Lava
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
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
BULB CRYPT VASE by Alexander Carey-Morgan
Located in Milano, IT
The Bulb Crypt Vase in bronze is a masterpiece inspired by the urns and tableware of ancient Egypt. Its striking design is a true testament to the beauty and elegance of this bygone ...
Category
2010s English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
CRYPT CANDLE HOLDER by Alexander Carey-Morgan
Located in Milano, IT
The Crypt Candle Holder in bronze is a stunning work of art that draws inspiration from the mysticism and symbolism of ancient Egypt. Its intricate design and rich, earthy tones evok...
Category
2010s English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
American walnut dining table early 20th century with 4 leaves
Located in Charleston, SC
American walnut table with center carved column. Includes 4 19” leaves. Table focuses on the beauty of wood and carving as opposed to the more harsh industrial period of the same era.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Antique Faience Oyster Plate, France, 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
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 ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Round Walnut Extension Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Round walnut extension dining table. The tabletop features a beautiful star design constructed of walnut and white oak veneer, and it sits upon a base...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century Gypsy Table, Occasional / Side Table, Tripod Legs, circa 1860-1870
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Antique gypsy table, occasional / side table. Tripod legs, circa 1860-1870
A beautiful mahogany tripod base with twisted fluted legs, with cent...
Category
1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Plaster light, Giacometti style with four branches
Located in Nice, FR
Plaster lamp in the style of Giacometti
Composed of four branches.
The luminaire is electrified in working order.
Base E 27
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Plaster
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
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 ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
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
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
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 de...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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
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
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Danish Mid Century Glass Cabinet
Double Display Cabinets
Framed Textile Panel
Chest Turned Feet
Embroidery Sofa
Chinese Republic Period
Double Door Handle
Vintage Cabinet Drawer Handles
Flower Power Vintage
Chinese Reverse Painting
Continental Cabinet
Chest With White Marble Top
Antique Corner Cabinet With Glass
Cast Door Pull
Chest Of Drawers With Carving
Distressed Antique Doors
Clothing Cabinets
Dry Bar Shelf