$22,576 / set
H 29 in Dm 20 in
Rare 19th Century Pair of Black Lacquered Aesthetic Movement Étagère Tables
Located in London, GB
A pair of black lacquered Étagères In the early aesthetic Manner The circular tables having lacquered surfaces with a striking sheen, highlighted by parcel gilt details and tripa...
Wood
Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Etagere
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement bamboo and lacquered etagere / canterbury, circa 1910.
Bamboo, Lacquer
Aesthetic Movement Bamboo & Rattan Corner Cabinet or Etagere
Located in Milford, NH
An interesting Aesthetic Movement bamboo & rattan corner cabinet etagere with leather top shelf accented with Greek key border, over a single glass door, opening to a decorative ...
Brass
$4,400 / set
H 26.5 in W 10 in D 10 in
Fine Aesthetic Movement Ormolu Porcelain Tiered Étagères, End Tables
Located in Forney, TX
A pair of fine gilt bronze ormolu mounted porcelain tiered étagères. Decedent French Aesthetic Movement styling, circa 1890, brilliant bronze doré supports, three Victorian hand pain...
Bronze
$32,000
H 30.75 in W 24 in D 17.75 in
Lejambre Aesthetic Movement Japanese Ebonized Etagere, Philadelphia, circa 1880
By A. & H. Lejambre
Located in Sharon, CT
Important side table illustrated in Artistic Houses in the Japanese library of the Edward H. Williams house, Philadelphia PA.
Wood
$3,900
H 72 in W 29 in D 14 in
Aesthetic Movement Antique Faux Tortoise Bamboo Étagère with Pagoda Top
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is a bamboo étagère that dates to the 1920s, with a design that is indicative of the aesthetic movement.
Bamboo, Plywood
$7,525
H 46 in W 68 in D 19.5 in
Lambs of Manchester. Alfred Waterhouse Attri, An Aesthetic Movement Oak Étagère
By Alfred Waterhouse, Lamb of Manchester
Located in London, GB
Attributed to Alfred Waterhouse An Aesthetic Movement oak étagère, buffet or hall table.
Oak
$10,500
H 80 in W 44 in D 18 in
Late 19th Century Restored Aesthetic Movement Tortoise Bamboo Japanned Cabinet
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Spectacular late 19th-century English Aesthetic Movement cabinet étagère executed in richly figured tortoiseshell bamboo with striking japanned lacquer decoration throughout.
Bamboo, Mirror, Wood, Plywood
Aesthetics Movement Bamboo and Inlaid Étagère with Pagoda Top
Located in Queens, NY
19th Century Bamboo and inlaid etagere with pagoda top and 3 doors with 3 beveled mirrors and black lacquered decorated top.
Bamboo, Mirror
$6,200
H 58.5 in W 36 in D 16.5 in
Aesthetics Movement Late Victorian Bamboo and Black Lacquered Étagère Bookcase
Located in Queens, NY
Late 19th-early 20th century bamboo étagère with side shelves, glass door, and mirrored upper section with shaped black lacquered decorated top.
Bamboo, Lacquer
19Th. Century French Bamboo & Lacquer Cabinet Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this large and rare 19Th. Century French Bamboo & Lacquer Cabinet Etagere in the style of Perret et Vibert,. This cabinet has a large mirror at the back of the lower part...
Bamboo, Lacquer, Paper
Antique Chinoiserie English Tortoiseshell Bamboo Etagere Display
Located in Miami, FL
The etagere was created during the 1880s Aesthetic Movement.
Bamboo, Lacquer, Paint
$3,495
H 62.5 in W 31.75 in D 17 in
Late 20th-C. Bamboo, Wicker, and Rattan Etagere or Vanity by Palecek
By Palecek Furniture
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking late 20th century bamboo, wicker and rattan etagere or vanity by Palecek. It is very interesting piece and is in very good condition. The back does have a make...
Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
American Aesthetic Movement Étagère
Located in Sheffield, MA
American Aesthetic Movement étagère with four graduated cherry shelves attached to rope-shaped frame, supported on cast brass claw feet topped by a ring finial.
Brass
English Bamboo (Aesthetic Movement) Étagère
Located in Austin, TX
An English Bamboo étagère with four japan-lacquered shelves on the top, middle, and bottom tiers, and featuring fine Aesthetic Movement details - burnished ebony accents, exquisite A...
Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Corner Etagere
Located in Astoria, NY
Aesthetic Movement bamboo corner etagere, with three faux lacquer shelves and four back back panels similarly decorated within a bamboo frame. 47" H x 22" W x 11" D.
Faux Bamboo, Lacquer
Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Étagère with Cabinet
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Wonderful narrow size, 64 1/2” tall by 24 1/4” wide by 13 1/4” deep. Great condition and quality. No shelves for the cabinet but can be easily made.
Mahogany
Aesthetic Movement bamboo and lacquer etagere
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic Movement bamboo and lacquer 3 tier etagere / occasional table, circa 1910.
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Sold
H 48 in W 25 in D 10 in
Antique English Aesthetic Movement Burnt Bamboo Bookshelf / Etagere / Shelf
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a nice early burnt bamboo bookshelf. It has almost stick and ball styling. It does show age wear but is structurally sound. It is English and has Aesthetic Movement styling. ...
Bamboo, Wood
19th Century Victorian Aesthetic Movement Burnt Bamboo Etagere Shelf
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A striking Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement burnt bamboo étagère featuring four tiers and beautifully scorched detailing throughout.
Bamboo, Wood
Sold
H 74 in W 37.5 in D 17 in
19th-C. English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo & Lacquer Cabinet / Etagere / Vanity
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a show stopper! This is a 19th century English burnt bamboo and Japanned lacquer cabinet. This could work in a bath or hall or kitchen or just about any where! This piece is ...
Bamboo, Mirror, Wood
English Bamboo Etagere or Shelves from the Aesthetic Movement Era
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome English bamboo etagere or standing shelves from the Aesthetic Movement era, circa 1870-1910, featuring an Asian inspired design to the whole - with seven lacquer panel she...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
English Bamboo Étagère or Shelves from the Aesthetic Movement Era
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English bamboo étagère or standing shelves from the Aesthetic Movement era, circa 1870-1910, featuring an Asian inspired design to the whole - a graduated fretwork crown moun...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Sold
H 46.5 in W 18.75 in D 11.5 in
Aesthetic Movement English Chinoiserie Bamboo and Lacquer Étagère, 19th Century
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
An English Aesthetic Movement chinoiserie style three-tier étagère or stand consisting of a bamboo framework with lacquered and decorated surfaces and panels.
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 87.5 in W 14.5 in D 9.5 in
Early English Aesthetic Movement / Folk Art Bamboo Etageres / Shelves - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are really interesting! They are very tall early bamboo etageres with an almost folk art feel to them. They are free standing but think they might be striking as wall mounts to...
Bamboo, Wood
Sold
H 70 in W 20 in D 12.5 in
English 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Style Bamboo and Lacquer Etagere
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This English bamboo and lacquer etagere dating to around 1880 is fashioned with artistic details that links it to the Aesthetic Movement.
Brass
Sold
H 81 in W 42 in D 16 in
English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Inlaid Cabinet Etagere, circa 1890
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
A very good English Aesthetic Movement bamboo and lacquer cabinet etagere having an openwork architectural pediment above a beveled glass door cabinet flanked by a beveled mirror pla...
Bone, Bamboo, Mirror, Lacquer
Sold
H 71.5 in W 26.5 in D 16.5 in
English 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Style Bamboo and Lacquer Etagere Cabinet
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This fine English aesthetic movement style bamboo and lacquer etagere cabinet features an arched decorated top and shelf above a pair of mirrored cabinet doors.
Brass
English Aesthetic Movement, Stick & Ball Stand/Etagere
Located in Bellport, NY
Lovely and useful English Stick & Ball Stand from the Aesthetic Period. Cherry Wood with three shelves,original brass claw and ball feet.
Cherry
Sold
H 36 in W 24 in D 16 in
English Aesthetic Movement Ebonized and Parcel Gilt Canterbury Stand or Étagère
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A chic circa 1875 English Aesthetic Movement period ebonized and parcel gilt étagère of three tier form, the top shelf with brass 'baluster' gallery above fluted colonette supported ...
Brass
Sold
H 70 in W 20 in D 12.25 in
English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Cabinet Étagère, Late 19th Century
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This artful English bamboo and decorated lacquer cabinet étagère combines traditional chinoiserie style with the trends of the late 19th century new ideas of the Aesthetic Movement.
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
Antique Aesthetic Movement Carved Cherry Etagere Unsigned C1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Aesthetic Movement Carved Cherry Etagere C1880 Measures - 71" x 34 7/8" x 15 1/2" An example of the Aesthetic Movement, this carved cherry etagere dates to circa 1880.
Cherry
Sold
H 57.5 in W 29.25 in D 10 in
Late 19th Century Restored Victorian Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Wood Étagère
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A striking example of Victorian Aesthetic Movement design, this late 19th century bamboo and wood étagère has been thoughtfully restored while preserving its original charm.
Bamboo
Sold
H 60 in W 50 in D 16 in
Aesthetic Victorian Etagere Vitrine Mirrored Bronze Mahogany, Circa 1890s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fantastic Aesthetic Movement beveled mirror etagere at first looks French but it's actually a design that was adapted in the USA during the Victorian era.
Bronze
Sold
H 61 in W 23 in D 14 in
Late 19th Century Victorian Aesthetic Movement Refinished Bamboo and Japanned Ét
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Late 19th century Victorian Aesthetic Movement bamboo étagère featuring japanned lacquered shelves with hand-painted floral and bird motifs.
Bamboo
Sold
H 46 in W 39 in D 5.25 in
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Bamboo Étagère Mirror With Japanned Panels
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
An exceptional and highly decorative late 19th century English Aesthetic Movement bamboo mirror étagère, featuring an elaborate architectural form with integrated display shelves and...
Bamboo, Rattan, Plywood
Black Forest Walnut Carved Etagere
Located in Queens, NY
Rustic Black Forest Aesthetics Movement style (19th Century) walnut filigree carved three shelf wall shelf depicting waterfowl and amphibians with lily pads and cattails.
Walnut
Stunning Beveled Glass Cabinet/Etagere
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning beveled glass cabinet / etagere. Originally purchased out of fabulous estate in New York City. Stunning appointments and detail. Thick copper beveled glass doors and sides, ...
Brass, Copper
Circa 1870 Bamboo & Lacquer Corner Etagere
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1870 bamboo & lacquer corner etagere, English. A fine & rare example with original lacquer paneled surfaces. Well figured bamboo, splay front legs. Bamboo latticework around ce...
Bamboo, Lacquer
19th Century English Regency Bamboo Etagere or Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 19th century English Regency bamboo etagere or bookcase featuring a lacquer japanned case. Decorated with painted scenic reserves and richly textured surfaces. The cabinet ...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer, Bamboo
Sold
H 73 in W 52 in D 16 in
Ebonized Étagère Cabinet with Owl Crest Attributed to Bancroft & Dyer circa 1885
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Aesthetic period ebonized étagère cabinet attributed to Bancroft & Dyer of Boston, MA, with carved owl crest, a central cabinet with single foliate carved door and original br...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 21.26 in W 13.39 in D 13.39 in
A Pair of Brass and Mahogany Two Tier Etageres End / Lamp Tables
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of late 19th century etageres with finely figured mahogany shelves.
Sold
H 76 in W 40 in D 19.5 in
Superior 19th Century English Bamboo and Lacquer Etagere or Hall Tree Cabinet
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This fine aesthetic movement style etagere features an arched openwork top above a central mirror flanked by shelves and mirrored lacquer panels.
Bamboo, Mirror, Lacquer
Sold
H 71 in W 25.5 in D 12.75 in
1970s Maison Jansen Inspired Gilt Metal Faux Bois Etageres / Bookcases - Pair
By Maison Jansen
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...
Metal
Sold
H 33 in W 33 in D 19 in
Pair of French Japonisme Bronze, Lacquer, & Hardwood Etageres Tea Tables Chinese
By Gabriel Viardot
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A rare pair of French Japonisme / Aesthetic Movement bronze, lacquer, and hardwood etageres tea tables, in the style of Gabriel Viardot, possibly retailed by L'escalier De Cristal Pa...
Bronze
English Aesthetic Movement Etagere in Chestnut, circa 1880
By Jas Shoolbred & Co.
Located in Kinderhook, NY
Circa 1880 English solid chestnut etagere attributed to Jas. Shoolbred & Co. of London of rectangular double-sided three tier form having Aesthetic Movement style turned stiles suppo...
Brass
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Étagère Shelf
By Heywood Brothers & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Nice stylish bamboo four tier shelf, in good, original, untouched condition. This example features four shelves at the following heights 9.5 - 18.5 - 28.5 - 47.5 in. The shelf shows ...
Bamboo, Wood
Aesthetic Movement Walnut Étagère, Style of Lejambre
By A. & H. Lejambre
Located in Sharon, CT
A beautiful and useful étagère with rich detailing and turnings.
Walnut
Early 20th-C. English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Shelf / Etagere
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century English bamboo shelf or etagere in very good condition. The shelves are oak. Shelf heights 38”, 28”, and 17”. Normally shipping can run two to five we...
Bamboo, Oak
Sold
H 32 in W 19 in D 13 in
English Bamboo Table Stand or Cabinet Etagere from the Aesthetic Movement
Located in Austin, TX
A fine collector's quality English bamboo table stand or etagere shelf cabinet from the Aesthetic Movement period, circa 1870-1910, featuring a rectangular canted top with Japan lacq...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Aesthetic Wakefield Rattan Co. Etagere, c.1880
By Wakefield Rattan Company
Located in Savannah, GA
An Aesthetic Period Wakefield Rattan Co. etagere, circa 1880s.
Wicker, Rattan
Sold
H 36.75 in W 21 in D 8.25 in
Antique Aesthestic Movement Bamboo Three Tier Shelf Etagere Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique three-tiered etagere/bookcase/shelving unit (ca. early 20th Century, USA). Composed of a bamboo frame with metal hardware supporting three walnut shelves and adorned with rou...
Bamboo, Walnut
Sold
H 26.13 in W 13.88 in D 8 in
Diminutive Antique Aesthestic Movement Bamboo Three Tier Shelf Etagere Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite antique three-tiered etagere/bookcase/shelving unit (ca. early 20th Century, USA). Composed of a bamboo frame with metal hardware supporting three walnut shelves and adorned w...
Metal
English Oak Etagere or Open Shelves, circa 1875
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An English circa 1875 solid oak server, still-trolley, etagere, or open shelves of rectangular three tier form having Aesthetic Movement style line-turned ball finials and stiles at ...
Oak
Midcentury Brighton Style Burnt Bamboo Book Shelf / Etagere
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a burnt bamboo etagere with English Brighton Pavilion styling. The shelves are removable, and it is structurally sound. It is unmarked and is most likely a midcentury piece. ...
Bamboo
Antique Victorian English Carved Oak Bookcase / Etagere / Shelf
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a nice early Victorian bookcase or etagere. It is carved oak and almost a stick and ball design. It is 36” to the top shelf. It is 10.5 inches between the bottom two shelves,...
Brass
Sold
H 74.5 in W 36.5 in D 17.5 in
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...
Bamboo
Turn of the Century Bamboo and Wood Etagere Shelf
Located in New York, NY
Unusual antique bamboo shelf having 11 shelves, each 2.5 inch lower than the next, making this stylish shelf perfect for storing and organizing paper documents, artwork etc. Chic arc...
Bamboo, Wood
19th C English Bamboo Glazed Cabinet
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1870 19thC English bamboo Glazed cabinet A fine unrestored aesthetic movement style etagere cabinet features an arched mirrored glazed cabinet top above a central glazed ...
Bamboo
Sold
H 43.5 in W 22.25 in D 16 in
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Étagère in the Manner of E.W.Godwin, circa 1875-1885
By Edward William Godwin
Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire
There are some losses the ornamental decoration with one part of the Greek key lower tier missing and there may have been extra ornamentation to three other areas, now lacking though...
Beech
Scorched Bamboo Corner Etagere/Cabinet, England c. 1880
Located in Houston, TX
A strikingly contemporary scorched bamboo corner cabinet from England c. 1880. Please notice the amazingly graphic profile of this piece that imbues it with a surprisingly modern app...
Bamboo, Lacquer
Fine English 19th English Bamboo Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fine aesthetic movement bamboo and lacquered etagere or dressing cabinet having an openwork pediment above a beveled glass door flanked by a small shelf to each side, the lower se...
Bamboo, Alkyd
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic Empire style grey cerused oak oatmeal stained center table with a carved ogee edge, raised on an octagonal pedestal base. Dimensions: 42" W x 42" D x 30" H. Clearance: 27"
Wood
Rosso Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...
Brass
$16,375
H 24.02 in W 40.95 in D 21.26 in
Important 18th Century circa 1740 Hand Carved Italian Giltwood Tete a Tete Sofa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare and important 18th century hand craved Italian circa 1740 Tete a Tete conversation settee What a find, I have never seen another ...
Upholstery, Giltwood
$780
H 15.36 in W 9.06 in D 1.19 in
18th Century Chinoiserie Table Mirror, Yellow Lacquered Wood, France
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This unusual table-top 'Psyche' table mirror dates from the 18th century, its wooden frame beautifully crafted from yellow-lacquered wood and decorated with hand-painted chinoiserie ...
Mirror, Wood
$2,500Sale Price|28% Off
H 48 in W 78.5 in D 37.5 in
Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo and birds eye maple Bed
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement birds eye maple and birch bed, circa 1900. The inside of the headboard with faux bamboo turnings and a large birds eye maple inset panel, both inside and outside o...
Birch, Birdseye Maple
$307,864 / set
H 75 in Dm 29 in
Monumental Pair of Louis XV Style Ormolu and Crystal Girandoles by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in London, GB
A magnificent pair of Louis XV style Ormolu and crystal girandoles Probably by Baccarat Constructed from finely cast and chased ormolu, the imposing floor candelabra—almost 2-me...
Crystal, Ormolu
Antique Italian Religious Giltwood Reliquary Relief Carved Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A rare antique Italian giltwood framed reliquary. 18th/19th century, hand carved giltwood frame housing an exceptional relief carving, depicting Saint Anne teaching the Virgin sculpt...
Bone, Giltwood
$187,500
H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in
Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...
Glass, Mahogany
$5,783
H 28 in Dm 16 in
Rarest Arts & Crafts Beveled Glass & Brass Pendant Light Lantern w. Unique Chain
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted, beveled glass holding lantern with the original and unique triangle elements chain. If you are looking for the best and the rarest when it comes to European Arts and Cr...
Brass, Wire
$1,771
H 49.61 in W 21.66 in D 13.78 in
Antique 19th Century Anglo-Chinese Lacquered Bamboo Etagere Shelves, England
Located in London, GB
Antique 19th century Anglo-Chinese lacquered bamboo etagere shelves. C.1880 England In very good condition, with expected signs of wear commensurate with age.
Bamboo, Lacquer
Art Deco Carved Rack Hall Tree with Mirror
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early carved wood Art Deco wooden entryway hall tree with a bottom umbrella stand featuring 6 large hooks, a mirror, and a centerpiece wood relief of geometric botanical details. 19...
Bamboo
$34,207
H 70.87 in W 73.23 in D 88.19 in
Bed Tester Spanish Baroque Carved Dark Green & Gilded Leather Superking 6ft180cm
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare, Spanish Demi-Tester, Baroque Bed With Carved, Green Painted & Gilded Posts 181cm, 6ft High, Floral Painted Leather Headboard, sold with custom made box spring mattress base, ac...
Giltwood, Paint
$99,563
W 80.71 in L 124.02 in
Tapestry Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Louis XVI period 1738 at the Gobelins
By Aubusson Manufacture
Located in Madrid, ES
Tapestry from the Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Louis XVI period , made in 1738 at the Gobelins One panel from a series of Gobelins tapestries depicting the Hi...
Wool, Silk
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.
Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items.
In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior.
Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time.
Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room.
In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.
A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.
Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.