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
Cast Brass Library Light in Polished Nickel with Nickel Plated Brass Lampshade
Located in London, GB
Designed by Andrew and produced by hand with care and attention to detail, the Swing Arm Library Light was introduced to the collection in 2013 and has been one of our best selling s...
Category
2010s British Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass, Nickel
A Rare Original Chair By Syrie Maugham ca' 1940's
By Syrie Maugham
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare hand painted chair designed by Syrie Maugham and custom made for John Gerald, NYC ca' 1940's. What is rare is that the chair appears to have original upholstery and label unde...
Category
1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Pocket Flask
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Aesthetic Movement Tiffany & Co. Hand-Engraved Sterling Silver Pocket Flask, New York, Circa 1891–1902, 78 Grams
A refined late 19th-century sterling silver pocket flask by Tiffany ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Wedgwood Green Majolica Earthenware Sunflower Plates Set (15)
By Wedgwood
Located in Downingtown, PA
Wedgwood Pottery Green Majolica Sunflower Plates,
Aesthetic Movement,
Fifteen plates,
Circa 1860s
The Wedgwood majolica set of fifteen plates have a molded sunflower design within a...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery
French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Circa 1870s English Square Bamboo Table
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1870s square bamboo table, English. The original surface now artisan decoupaged with fish. The lower architectural shelf provides an attractive spot for magazines or large book...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Bamboo & rattan Side Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming three tier bamboo and rattan side table that dates to the early 20th century. We have designated its origin as English, but it could also be American. The table is...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
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...
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass, Wire
1960's Berber Tikdift Zanagah Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79186 Vintage Tikdift Moroccan Rug, 05'02 x 08'00. A vivid expression of tribal imagination and pastoral lore, this hand-knotted wool vintage Berber Tikdift Moroccan rug from the Zan...
Category
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Vintage Persian Hunting Isfahan Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79166 Vintage Persian Hunting Scene Isfahan Rug, 03'07 x 05'02. In the impeccable weave of this hand-knotted, vintage Persian Isfahan rug, the epic grandeur of signature Safavid stor...
Category
Late 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Wool
19th Century Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in Bradenton, FL
Attributed to R.J. Horner & Co. Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo bed. The bed is beautifully designed utilizing various type of maple--birds-eye maple. The faux bamboo spindles are fin...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Tiffany Studios Style Slag Glass Bronze Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
American Tiffany Studios Style Bronze and Slag Glass Table Lamp, early 20th century, with inset favrile turtleback tiles, the domed slag glass shade above a classical column, on a tr...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Oyster Plate Vieillard Bordeaux Service Nella
Located in Austin, TX
Very rare 19th Century Oyster Plate signed Vieillard Bordeaux service Nella.
Naturalist pattern plate with a bird, insects , carnations and others flowers.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Category
1880s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Majolica Seaweeds Oyster Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate Keller Et Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890.
Reference / page 98 "Collecting oyster plates" of Jeffrey B. Snyder.One small chip.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Coalbrookdale Nasturtium pattern cast iron garden seat
Located in Alton, GB
A beautiful Coalbrookdale Nasturtium pattern cast iron garden seat circa 1870. Rare and interesting, this fabulous Nasturtium chair shown was listed as seat number 44 in the Coalbroo...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
19th Century Faux Bamboo Vanity Attributed to Horner
Located in Bradenton, FL
A fine aesthetic movement example. A charming and eye catching vanity
fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet.
The carvings are sharp and...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple
French Oyster Plate Porcelain Flowers Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French Oyster Plate Porcelain Flowers Limoges circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
C Dresser for Colebrookdale Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Canopy Seat Ends
Located in London, GB
Designed by Dr C Dresser for Colebrookdale
A cast iron Aesthetic Movement garden Canopy Seat named 'Waterplants'.
The first image here is an example to ...
Category
1870s Great Britain (UK) Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Black Ebonized Figural Carved Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Black Ebonized Figural Carved Loveseat Sofa. Item features carved lion heads to the arms, rolling casters, black ebonized frame, great style and ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
RJ Horner Faux Bamboo Chest of Drawers with Mirror
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century RJ Horner faux bamboo dresser and mirror. Dresser features unique craftsmanship with three large drawers with brass hardware, below a b...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Mirror, Wood
Aesthetic Movement Gothic Style Brass Mounted Stationery Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning quality British Aesthetic Movement brass mounted oak stationery box with gothic influences dating from around 1880. The box stands on a wide ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
A pair of bronze panels / gates from a bank C 1910.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair bronze panels from a bank C 1910. Would make a great entry for your home or wine cellar. Each gate / panel / door comprised of 9 turned bars within a picture rail style frame.
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel
Located in Austin, TX
19th-Century Majolica oyster plate Wasmuel (Belgium) decorated with flowers.
Category
1880s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Alabaster Carved Bird Bath With Putties
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique handcarved alabaster bird bath with birds and putties at base. Spectacular piece.
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Alabaster
1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch. 14k yellow gold filled. Case #6590704 by Keystone Watch Case Co. (also marked J. Boss 14k). Seaside movement #9344440 and marked Americ...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold
Terrestrial Globe By L. Windels - Brussels Circa 1910
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful terrestrial globe made by L.Windels Brussels
The terrestrial globe has a very beautiful cast iron base
The globe is in French.
We can find the maritime currents, the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paper
English Aesthetic Movement Pottery Japanese Dragon Jardinière on Stand
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late 19th/Early 20th century English Aesthetic Movement decorative jardinaire or planter stand featuring Japanese dragons. Beautifully glazed with a two tone finish of green with ric...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pottery
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...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birch, Birdseye Maple
Rare Walnut Copper and Parchment Side Chair by Carlo Bugatti.
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare carved walnut side chair by Carlo Bugatti upholstered with parchment and inlaid with pewter details and mounted with hammered copper decoration. Beauty & Mischief: The Design Al...
Category
Early 1900s Italian 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 Pe...
Category
2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Clay, Linen
Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench. Circa 19th Century 1840-1849 Period. Aesthetic Movement. Featuring rope tied oak branches with leaves motif. This bench has seen many chan...
Category
1840s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
19th Century Majolica Snail Platter Luneville
By Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Majolica Snail Platter attributed to Luneville.
Diameter / 11.3 inches .
one chip on the back, hairline ( picture )
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Aesthetic Movement Faience Marine Life Plater by Schutz Cilli 19Th c.
By Schütz Cilli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a wonderful example of Shutz Cilli manufacture in the late 19Th, century.
This Faience Marine Life Plater by Schutz Cilli is from the Aesthetic Movement late 19Th c.
This i...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Faience
Pair of Faux Bamboo Hardwood Two-Tier Nightstands
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of faux bamboo carved hardwood nightstands or end tables. The tables feature a two-tier design made in the English aesthetic movement style. Each stand is fronted by a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th C. Victorian Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Widows Walk Fence Garden Element
By Fiske Or Mott
Located in New York, NY
Unusually long Victorian Widows Walk fence fragment, made in the USA, circa 1880’s, constructed of cast iron.
Perfect to repurpose as a decorative garden ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Royal Crown Derby Aesthetic Movement Gilt Potpourri Vase with Pierced Lid, 1892
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Royal Crown Derby Aesthetic Movement Gilt Potpourri Vase with Pierced Lid, Dated 1892
Dimensions: 10.5" H x 5.5" Dia
A refined example of late Victorian porcelain, this lidded potpo...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
A Set of 10 Wedgwood & Barlaston of Etruria Green Glazed Majolica Cabbage Plates
By Wedgwood
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Set of 10 Wedgwood & Barlaston of Etruria Green Glazed Majolica Cabbage Plates
Extremely popular during the Hollywood Regency period, now a classic. The mold shows an oversized ca...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
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
Porcelain Figure, KPM Berlin 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Woman with a parrot, KPM Berlin, 19th century..
Beautiful figurine of a standing woman in oriental dress holding a parrot in her right hand.
Naturalistically painted with fired KPM mark...
Category
19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
St. Clement French Majolica Pottery Basket Weave Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica glazed oyster plates from the faïencerie of Saint-Clément, Circa 1890-1900.
Six white scallop shell shaped wells against a rich blue-green basket weave ground. The...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
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
Antique Aesthetic Period Davenport, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Aesthetic Period Davenport. An English, walnut and bird's eye maple writing desk, dating to the Victorian era, circa 1880.
A delightful example, with exquisite cr...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Audacious English Roll Arm Sofa with Pull-Out Bed, in French Jacquard Velvet
By Higareda
Located in colima, MX
Our devilishly handsome rendition of the classic English Roll Arm sofa, in a luscious French Jacquard Velvet. This sofa was initially envisioned ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Jacquard, Velvet
Mid Century Outdoor Garden Patio Porch Zinc Strap Iron Bench
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous galvanized iron bench from the middle of the last century. In excellent preserved condition, this bench sat mostly on an enclosed porch. Sturdy as the day it was made. No pa...
Category
1960s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron, Zinc
19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Carved Marble Bust of the Pharaoh's Daughter on Marble Base/ Pedestal, Two Piece
Located in Nashua, NH
A very rare piece of 19th C. sculpture , a carved marble bust and pedestal, " Pharaoh's Daughter", late 19th C.. by James Adams- Acton. English, born 1834.
This amazingly beautiful ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Marble
Aesthetic Period Iron Lion Andirons by Arthur Osborne for Wellington & Burrage
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptionally rare pair of 1884 copper-plated lion andirons designed by Arthur Osborne for the Boston firm of Wellington & Burrage Household Art Rooms. While Osborne is more known...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Copper, Iron
19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century English Aesthetic Movement side table made of oak with decorative stick and ball design. Square wood body with curved and rounded bentwood trim and brass accents. Stur...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
1950's Signed Les Éditions d'Art de Rambouillet Medieval Hunting Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
78549 Vintage Les Éditions d'Art de Rambouillet French Tapestry, 04'09 x 05'01. Woven not merely with wool but with the legacy of French aristocracy, this signed vintage Les Éditions...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Rare 18th Century Large Antique Oak Dresser with Rack and Longcase Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
Rare 18th century large antique George III quality oak dresser with rack and longcase clock having a moulded cornice to the top, rare eight day brass face oak longcase clock to the c...
Category
18th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Victorian Glass Ball and Claw Black Ebonized Oak Table, circa 1870s
Located in Hastings, GB
Victorian glass ball and claw ebonised table
C'1870's
Beautiful ebonised side table with turned bobbin legs. There are 4 brass eagle claws holding ...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Pair of 19th French Porcelain Plates Flowers & Butterflies Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of 19th French Porcelain Plates Flowers & Butterflies Limoges,
Passion flower and dalhias in purple , lavender tones.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Louis Comfort Tiffany Reactive Blown Glass Vase
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848-1933) Reactive Blown Glass Vase, of waisted ovoid form with a subtly toned gold, pink, blue and green iridescent ground with a secondary medial ...
Category
Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
1920's Antique Southwestern-Style Crystal Kilim Rug
By Navajo
Located in Dallas, TX
78723 Antique Southwestern Crystal-Style Rug, 02'06 x 05'05. Woven in the early 20th century, this antique Southwestern rug reflects the stylistic influence of the Crystal region, kn...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wool
Late 19th century aesthetic movement walnut side table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century aesthetic movement walnut occasional table circa 1890.
Shaped top surface with matched burr walnut veneers, ebony stringing and ebonised outer edge. Supported by ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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.