In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.
ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.
The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking, and Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau.
The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own variants.
In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers.
The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.
Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass.
Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).
Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.
There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
One of the first lamp-design by Josef Hoffmann, executed by the Wiener Werkstaette, works-number M 109, pattern book of the Wiener Werkstaette WWMB 3, p. 541. Displayed at the WW-Sho...
Brass
Large height-adjustable table lamp in the style of the Wiener Werkstätte; Josef
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
This extravagant table lamp dates from the late Art Nouveau period. This outstanding design is inspired by Josef Hoffmann's lamp designs for the Wiener Werkstätte. Solid nickel-plate...
Brass, Nickel
Lotus Shaped Tiffany‑Style Art Nouveau Pendant in Green Stained Glass and Bronze
Located in Bochum, NRW
Art Nouveau Tiffany‑Style Green Stained Glass & Bronze Pendant, 50 cm Diameter Details Materials: Green stained glass, white inner glass globe, bronze frame Diameter: approx. 50 ...
Brass, Bronze
Belgian Art Nouveau Brass & White Opaline Glass Wall Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Belgische art nouveau wandlamp met opaal glas Messing arm, messing top, wit opaal glas Diameter globe 250 mm / 9.84 inches Diameter wall plate 140 mm / 5.5 inches Weight: 3.20 kg ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass and Holophane Glass Flush Mount, Pendant Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau Holophane glass ceiling lamp. Brass arm and ceiling plate. Diameter ceiling plate 100 mm / 3.94” Weight: 1.30 kg / 2.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstaette Ceiling Lamp Fabric Shades, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Three-arm chandelier with fabric shades. The given length is just the chandelier with no chain, the total drop is custom-made. WW-Archiv, MAK M1652. Originally manufactured at the Wi...
Brass
Art Nouveau Table Lamp, Patinated Metal & Murano Glass, Circa 1900
By Marke Unbekannt
Located in Schwerin, MV
Original Art Nouveau table lamp from the 1900s in good working condition and in a rare design: This intricate piece is characterized by the organic, flowing lines and nature-inspired...
Metal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Pendant, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Material: brass laquered or nickel plated. Silk-shade comes in any colour. White inside. handmade. The bottom is covered with a hardened opaline-glass in a brass-frame different size...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Silk & Brass Moldauer Pende, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
For the residence of the Banker Dr Dietrich Moldauer material: Patinated brass, silk, all other colors are possible. Literature: Sekler, Josef Hoffmann – Das architektonische Werk, S...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Pende, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant and delicate pendant designed by Josef Hoffmann Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
Antique Charles Parker Art Nouveau Two Light Slag Glass Table Lamp 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Charles Parker Company slag glass lamp featuring Art Nouveau design with a domed shade, gilded metal scrolled overlay, floral embossed gilded cast metal base, doubl...
Metal
Rudolf Marschall (1873–1967): 2 Austrian Art Nouveau bronze table lamps
By Rudolf Marschall
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Pair of table lamps, patinated bronze, signed by Prof. Rudolf Marschall. Each fitted with an E14 socket. Rudolf Marschall (born December 3, 1873, in Vienna; died July 24, 1967, in t...
Bronze
French 1910s Art Nouveau Brass Table Desk Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Nouveau Brass table desk lamp with brass shade and wooden base. ca. 1920 Natural aged with small cracks in edge shade 2,5 meter black cotton flex with plug and switch in bulb h...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Pende Wrought Brass, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWM...
Brass
Émile Gallé – Art Nouveau Hall Pendant Light in Amber Glass, c. 1890–1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Kastrup, DK
Impressive French Art Nouveau hall pendant light, c. 1890–1900. A large amber-coloured glass bowl decorated with an intricate botanical motif of flowering umbellifers, seed heads an...
Brass, Bronze
Antique Oval Flush Mount Chandelier Brass Crystal Ceiling Light Restored Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
An elegant oval flush mount chandelier with balanced proportions and a refined presence. Fully restored in our Berlin workshop. The electrical system has been renewed and all crysta...
Crystal, Brass
Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Pendant Opaline Glass, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Woka ceiling lamp, also available with a 50 cm diameter radius - total drop is custom-made. Materials used are brass and opaline glass. Available in different finishes. L...
Brass
Brass/Silk - of the Showroom Wiener Werkstätte Wall Light Jugendstil, Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Wall Sconces, Variation of the Wall-Lamp from the Fabric-Showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette. Measures are without tassel. Just with plain-colored fabric. USA and CAN: All ele...
Brass
Fabric Department Wiener Werkstaette Silk Wall Light Wall Lamp
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant wall lamp suitable to the fabric department pendants of the Wiener Werkstaette Material Metal frame work covered with silk Most components according to the UL regulations, wi...
Brass
$4,571 / set
Pair of W.A.S. Benson Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
By Was Benson
Located in NANTES, FR
Paire d'appliques art nouveau vers 1900. Monture en laiton et cuivre. Tulipe ouraline de James Powel. The height of the tulip-shaped shade can be ...
Brass, Copper
Art Nouveau Floor Lamp Attributed To Harald Notini For Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Exceptional Swedish floor lamp from the 1930s, designed by Harald Notini for Böhlmarks and distinguished by its highly decorative “Sea Monster” motif. The lamp is executed in beauti...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Silk and Brass Pendant Wiener Werstaette 5th Avenue, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
This marvellous pendant was designed for the New York branch of the historical Wiener Werkstaette. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will ...
Brass
French White Opaline Glass & Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
White mat opaline glass pendant Brass top and bottom 200 cm / 80" black cotton wire. Weight: 1.70 kg / 3.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by inter...
Brass
French 20th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Heron Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Made in France around 1900, this large Art Nouveau lamp takes the form of a heron in bronze with a double patina, fitted with a pressed-glass tulip shade and an arched support with leaf decoration. The heron, a favoured Art Nouveau motif, is modeled in bronze with a double patina that gives depth to the surface, while the pressed-glass tulip diffuses the light. The arched support with leaf decoration reinforces the naturalistic Art Nouveau character. Lamps of this kind combined sculptural form with a practical lighting function. Suited to a console, side table, or desk in a reception room, study, or hall, the lamp provides light together with strong decorative presence. Its turn-of-the-century date and Art Nouveau styling give it period character. Suited to both period and contemporary interiors, the lamp works as a sculptural lighting object. As an Art Nouveau bronze heron lamp...
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Hanging Lamp Chandelier, Pendant, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A hanging lamp with chased rosebuds on the rim, glass-hangings and fabric in the requested Color. Comp WW Archive, Museum of Applied Arts Vienna MAK, wall Vase, No. S 2243, Expertise...
Brass
Crystal Chandelier Antique Crystal Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Neoclassical
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite Neoclassical style brass chandelier - a real rarity and an antique gem. This antique chandelier has been lovingly and expertly restored in Berlin and i...
Crystal, Brass
Beautiful Large France Art Nouveau Glass and Brass Wall Lights
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful large pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces in glass and gilded metal/brass. Elegant and refined, with a timeless charm and a high-end, luxurious appearance. France 1920/1930s
Brass, Metal
Josef Hoffmann Koloman Moser Wiener Werkstaette Pende, re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Frequently used by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser in their early works for the Wiener Werkstätte Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will...
Brass
Daum Table Lamp Snake Bronze Yellow Crystal, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
This beautiful table lamp is a real eye catcher. Made by Daum in Nancy, France. A stunning table lamp, with a bronze snake and yellow crystal glass. Daum is a renowned French glass...
Glass
Antique Edwardian Ornate Brass F&C Osler Cut Glass Light Pendant Lamp, C.1900
Located in London, GB
A beautifully formed cut glass pendant light made in England by F&C Osler. c.1900 A refined early 20th‑century pendant by F. & C. Osler, featuring a hand‑cut teardrop glass shade of...
Silver Plate, Brass
Just Andersen Art Nouveau Pewter Table Lamp no. 696, Denmark, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
Just Andersen table lamp model 696 made at his own workshop in Denmark in the 1930s. Elegant sculptural form in hand-worked pewter, featuring a stepped architectural base, slender ta...
Pewter
Antique Tiffany Studios New York Ten-Light "Lily" Favrile Glass Table Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional and highly sought-after Tiffany Studios New York Ten-Light "Lily" table lamp, created circa 1910 during the golden age of American Art Nouveau design. This magnificent...
Bronze
Antique Tiffany Studios Three-Light Lily Piano Lamp New York, Circa 1910
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Tiffany Studios three-light Lily piano lamp was created by Tiffany Studios of New York during the early 20th century, circa 1910. Founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany, T...
Bronze
$2,285 / set
Pair of Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
Located in NANTES, FR
Pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces, circa 1920. Nickel-plated brass mounts featuring acanthus leaf ornamentation. Electrified; B22 sockets. Three-point mounting. Uraline (uranium) glas...
Brass
Daum Table Lamp Iron Leafs Amber Crystal Glass, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau table lamp with iron and orange glass is a real eye catcher. Made by Daum in Nancy, France. A stunning table lamp, a classic design, inspired by organic a...
Glass
Art Nouveau Chandelier Oil Lamp Ceiling Light Antique German Counterweight 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare and impressive late 19th-century antique oil lamp chandelier, masterfully handcrafted in brass and adorned with elegant Art Nouveau ...
Metal
Austrian Art Nouveau table lamp
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A highly decorative Art Nouveau table lamp made of brass and bronze. Likely manufactured around 1950 or earlier. Beautiful, aged patina. One E27 socket.
Brass, Bronze
Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Table-lamp, hammered brass-sheet, nickel-plated, other finishes are offered. The additional images shows the lamp in the background of a Wiener Werkstaette showroom enlightened. Avai...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom-...
Silk
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom ...
Silk
Art Nouveau Tiffany Style Leaded Glass and Bronze Table Lamp, Dragon Fly Motif
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Art Nouveau Tiffany style lamp in leaded glass and patinated cast bronze. Inspired by the Dragonfly model that Tiffany Studios made famous around 1900, a domed leaded-glass shade enc...
Brass, Bronze
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Alice Nordin for Arvid Böhlmarks, Model 3652, Brass and Crocodile Glass
By Alice Nordin
Located in Hammarö, SE
Alice Nordin for Arvid Böhlmarks, Model 3652 Brass and Crocodile Glass Table Lamp, Sweden, 1910 An exceptional Swedish Art Nouveau table lamp designed by Alice Nordin for Arvid Böhl...
Brass
Monumental Art Nouveau table lamp by Paul Aichele, goddess Athena, Germany 1910s
Located in Forserum, SE
A large and highly impressive Art Nouveau table or floor lamp by the German sculptor Paul Aichele (1859–1920), produced in the 1910s. Crafted in finely cast bronze, the piece is cent...
Bronze
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with pink glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have b...
Brass
Vintage French 1920s Art Nouveau Brass Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French art nouveau brass desk light / table lamp Black cotton wire and plug. Also, available with US/UK plug Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by intern...
Brass
Pair of Antique Art Nouveau Richard Evered & Sons Nickel Wall Lamps. c.1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional pair of early Art Nouveau wall lamps by Richard Evered & Sons. c.1900. Crafted in solid brass and finished in bright nickel plate. The plating has mellowed beautifull...
Brass, Nickel
Massive Antique Tiffany Style Light Lamp Shade Glass 21"
Located in Somis, CA
A massive 21" wide Tiffany-style leaded glass lamp shade. Its graceful, pointed conical form is composed of softly variegated amber and honey-colored glass, accented with small flora...
Metal
Tiffany Studios Poinsettia Table Lamp, Leaded Glass, Circa 1910
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios "Poinsettia" Table Lamp circa 1910 leaded glass, patinated bronze shade impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 1558-6" base impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 370"...
Bronze
Hanging Lamp from the showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Josef Hoffmann
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Hammered Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB 3 p. 256-2...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Silk and Brass Table Lamp Villa Primavesi, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Similar to the Steiner lamp by Adolf Loos but with a silk shade. Published in Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration in 1915, for the bedroom of the Primavesi Family. Most components accordi...
Brass
French Sconces Wall Lamps Satin Glass & Brass Flower
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French wall lamp White satin glass. Brass wall piece and arm diameter brass wall mount: 10 cm / 3.94, 3 holes to secure Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Multiple flower design glasses in ...
Brass
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 55 Pendant Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Elegant French Flower Glass & Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French frosted glass pendant lights Brass top with 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton flex More in stock 50x, small differences in the edges. Good to combine. Weight 0.50 kg / 1.1 lb...
Brass
A large and magnificent Italian Art Nouveau chandelier made of wrought iron
Located in Milano, IT
Large Italian Art Nouveau Chandelier, circa the 1920s–1930s A magnificent and highly decorative large Italian Art Nouveau chandelier, dating from approximately the 1920s–1930s, dist...
Iron
Gallé Table Lamp Mushroom Green Leafs, France
By Gallé
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau Gallé table lamp is a real eye catcher. Made around 1900 in France. The table lamp, shaped as a mushroom, is made of green colored glass with leafs on it....
Glass
Josef Hoffmann: Floor lamp model "Candelaber" for Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Floor lamp made of teak, partly solid and partly veneered. The design is based on a floor lamp designed by Josef Hoffmann and produced by the Wiener Werkstätte, model name "Kandelab...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass & Frosted Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French frosted glass, brass desk light / table lamp 2,5 meter black cotton wire, plug and switch Available with UK / US plug Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made su...
Brass
Art Nouveau Style Vianne Table Lamp Blue Glass, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a Vianne table lamp, made around the 1970s in France. The lamp features a brass base and 3 arms with blue and clear glass shades with a floral pattern on it. Illuminates be...
Opaline Glass
Italian Art Nouveau chandelier made of iron and brass, with original period glass
Located in Milano, IT
An elegant period Italian chandelier crafted from wrought iron, distinguished by a refined combination of Art Nouveau-inspired decoration and the geometric precision associated with ...
Brass, Iron