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.
Pair of Antique Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brass GEC Wall Lamps. c.1920
By General Electric Company (GEC) 1
Located in London, GB
A high quality pair of brass wall lamps made in England by GEC. c.1920 Beautifully designed wall lamps leaning into the Art Nouveau design period. Constructed from cast brass, retai...
Brass
Lundberg Studios Tiffany Style Art Glass Tulip Table Lamp
Located in Fulton, CA
A Tiffany Style "Tulip" art glass table lamp by James Glenn Lundberg for Lundberg Studios. Founded in 1970 in Santa Cruz, California. Iridescent art glass shades both signed "Lundber...
Art Glass
Art Nouveau Figural Lamp, by Viennese Sculptor Theodor Ullmann (1903-1996)
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is an Art Nouveau figural table lamp dating from the late 19th century to early 20th century (circa 1890–1915), a period famous for blending functional everyday objects with...
Bronze
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
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
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Puristic design from the early stages of the Wiener Werkstaette, Measures: Diameter 25 cm. This lamp is also available in diameter 35cm and 50cm. most components according to the UL...
Brass
Hanging Lamp from the showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Josef Hoffmann
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
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
$4,480Sale Price / item|20% Off
Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
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 Heavy Brass Etched Glass Lantern Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Classic French gilded brass Art Nouveau hall lantern. Brass frame and gallery with balloon-shaped etched glass. Around 1900-1930 Height including chain and canopy: 75 cm / 29.53 in...
Brass, Gold Plate
Tiffany Style Lotus Flower and Lily Leaded Glass Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Lovely, large leaded glass table lamp after Louis Comfort Tiffany with shade featuring berry vine motif and standard with iridescent turtleback glass. 34 1/2 inches tall and 22 inch...
Art Glass
Majolica Ceiling Light Fixture, To Be Electrified, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
To Be Electrified. Late 19th-century French slipware ceiling light with floral decoration, ready for rewiring. Charming late 19th-century French slipware ceiling light, adorned wit...
Majolica
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
$6,907Sale Price / item|20% Off
Large Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
Tiffany Studios Daffodil Table lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios "Daffodil" Table Lamp circa 1910 with an "Iris" base leaded glass, patinated bronze shade impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 1497" base impressed "Tiffany Studios...
Bronze
$11,109Sale Price|20% Off
Large Crystal Rustic Antique Chandelier Classic Traditional Solid Wide Glass
Located in Berlin, DE
A magnificent antique Art Nouveau crystal chandelier. Carefully restored and ready for immediate use, this piece is a true eye-catcher for any elegant interior. Dimensions: Overall ...
Crystal, Iron, Wire
Art Nouveau Brass & Iron, Clear Cut Glass Flush Mount
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast gas pendants / ceiling lamp ca. 1900 Cast Iron top with clear cut glass shade Diameter ceiling plate 19 cm / 7.48 inches Weight: 2.60 kg / 5.7 lb Priced per individual item. ...
Brass, Iron
Original Antique 3 Lite Lily Table Lamp, Gilt Bronze Base, ca.1905
Located in Petaluma, CA
This stunning lamp was conceived and manufactured by the most famous of all American lamp makers, Tiffany Studios. The detailed cast and gilt bronze base is accompanied by 3 matchin...
Bronze
$2,278Sale Price|20% Off
1930 Alabaster Pendant With Rope Suspension and Alabaster Matching Canopy Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Art Nouveau alabaster bowl pendant lamp, dated 1931. The lamp features a beautifully veined alabaster shade suspended by knotted cords, giving the piece a distinctive and decorative ...
Alabaster
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Arts Nouveau Stained Slag Glass Parlor Lamp 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian era Aesthetic Movement / Art Nouveau style table lamp. Mushroom shaped lamp crafted of swirling blue, white, and purple slag glass framed...
Slag Glass
$2,688Sale Price|20% Off
1940s Swedish Floor Lamp With Three Red Satin Shades
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s brass floor lamp with a solid bronze base. The lamp features three adjustable arms, each fitted with its original red satin shade. All three light points can be switched indivi...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Copper Cut Glass Brass Sconce Wall Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French art nouveau wall lamp Semi frosted cut glass shade Copper wall piece and brass arm Weight: 1.70 kg / 3.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by ...
Brass, Copper
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
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette brass and Silk Floorlamp floor lamp Jugendstil
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
The Villa Ast, is one of the most important private houses from the 20th century in Carinthia USA and CAN: Most electrical components according to the UL reg...
Brass
Alabaster pendant, diam. 30 cm. Swedish Grace, 1920s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful pendant in alabaster with new wiring and black chains. Similar has been made by Bröderna Malmströms metallvarufabrik (BM) in Sweden during the early 1900s. A beautiful ...
Alabaster, Metal
French Black Enamel Brass Table Desk Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French dark grey enamel and brass desk light. 2,5 meter black cotton flex, plug and switch Available with UK / US plug Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lam...
Brass, Enamel
Large Jugendstil Alabaster Pendant Light with Dramatic Natural Veining
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking and generously proportioned alabaster pendant light, measuring approximately 19.75 inches in diameter, executed during the European Jugendstil period. Carved from a single...
Alabaster, Brass, Wire
Art Nouveau Metal Table Lamp w/ Maiden, 2 Shades w/ Jewels, & Hanging Beads
Located in Petaluma, CA
This eye catching table lamp has much to offer. The art nouveau design for starters and then the wonderful pair of shades with colorful chunk jewels in- bedded in the metal, and fin...
Metal
2 bronze wall sconces with palm leaves by Josef Hoffmann for Bakalowits
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
The Palm Tree lamp series was designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1914 and manufactured by Bakalowits. These two lamps are original pieces from that period. Solid cast bronze and cut gla...
Crystal, Bronze
Muller Frères Luneville Pendant Light with White and Burgundy Glass, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau pendant light by Muller Frères Lunéville featuring white and burgundy mottled pâte de verre glass with decorative brass chains and canopy. An elegant signed Mulle...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Table Lamp Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Grooved casted column, copy of a signed and marked lamp, offered on an auction - see detail - compare to WW-Archive at the MAK - Object 3014, Inventnory# 119-23-1 Most components ac...
Brass
Jugendstil chandelier with original painted opaline glass vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil chandelier with original painted opaline glass shades vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Original opaline glass shades
Brass
French Art Nouveau Lavender Glass Pendant by Muller Frères Lunéville, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Rare lavender glass bowl three-light pendant with sculptural bronze chains and floral mounts. This elegant French Art Nouveau pendant light was produced by Muller Frères Lunéville i...
Bronze
$1,671Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Austrian Art Nouveau bronze wall sconce: torso of a woman
By Vienna Bronze
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A pair of wall lamps from around 1910. Perfect, solid craftsmanship. Brass, bronzed white metal. Each with an E27 socket. Renewed electrification.
Metal, Bronze, Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass White Opaline Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass pendant Brass bulb holder with white opaline shad with clear green glass edge. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.75 kg / 1.7 lb Priced per ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Art Nouveau Wall Light Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
From the billard-room at the Purkersdorf Sanatorium in Vienna Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Crystal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Ceiling Lamp, Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A pendant-lamp, very often used by Josef Hoffmann. Punched or plain, several finishes. Total drop custom made. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstaette Atelier, now custom m...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Clichy Pink Colored Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Deco “Clichy” pink coloured glass pendant lamp Brass glass holder 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps ...
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
Cast Bronze Sconce, Verdegris Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze with sculpted, flowing curves that echo the flower’s fo...
Bronze
Cast Bronze Pendant, Verdigris Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze with sculpted, flowing curves that echo the flower’s fo...
Bronze
Cast Bronze Sconce, Sepia Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze with sculpted, flowing curves that echo the flower’s fo...
Bronze
British Frosted Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
British clear glass flush mount. Metal bulb holder with brass glass holder. Frosted glass with many lines and irregularities Brass ceiling plate / wall plate : diameter 10 cm / 3.94...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with Pink & White glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.60 kg / 1.3 lb Priced per individual item. All lamp...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann "Palme" Art Nouveau, Jugendstil Chandelier, Re Edtion
Located in Vienna, AT
A smaller version of the famous and magnificent "Palme" chandelier designed by Josef Hoffmann Material Hand formed sand casted brass, crystal glass. Different variations are availabl...
Crystal, Brass
'Balancing Act' Table Lamp By Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots Design
Located in London, GB
A welded Steel Table Lamp. Balancing Act is a collection of two lamps and a candle holder. Inspired by Calder’s Circus, it captures a sense of naive joy and playful freedom, inviting...
Steel
'Balancing Act' Lamp By Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots Design
Located in London, GB
A welded Steel Floor Lamp. Balancing Act is a collection of two lamps and a candle holder. Inspired by Calder’s Circus, it captures a sense of naive joy and playful freedom, inviting...
Steel
Josef Hoffmann&Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstaette Vienna Secession Pendant Edit
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser
Located in Vienna, AT
A single pendant from the chandelier for the entrance of the Wiener Werkstaette-Showrooms in Neustiftgasse 32/34 in Vienna Hammered or plain - another image shows the complete chande...
Crystal, Brass
Cast Bronze Sconce, Brasa Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze with sculpted, flowing curves that echo the flower’s fo...
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Silk & Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Desk lamp, originally manufactured at the historical Wiener Werkstätte and archived at the WW-pattern-books with the # S 142 - all in all, just eight lamps were manufactured at the W...
Brass
French “Clichy” White Glass Pendant Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French “Clichy” white glass pendant lamp Brass glass holder Weight : 0.85 kg / 1.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made s...
Brass
Wrought iron ceiling lamp, Art Nouveau
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Beautiful Austrian Art Nouveau lamp from around 1910. Handcrafted from wrought iron with a gold-plated finish (lacquered). E27 socket. Hei...
Wrought Iron
Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstaette, Silk Shade Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A very charming table-lamp by Hoffmann, with a silk shade. Custom-made adjustments of color and finish are possible. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstaette Atelier, now c...
Brass
Fabric Department Wiener Werkstaette Silk Wall Light Wall Lamp
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
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
Italian Art Nouveau Revival Gilt Metal and Opaline Glass Rod Chandelier, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
An elegant Italian chandelier from the 1960s, executed in the Art Nouveau Revival style and distinguished by its richly detailed gilt metal frame and cascading tiers of opaline glass...
Brass
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Brass & Silk Chandelier "Dinner" with a Pulley, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Chandelier in several variation used by Adolf Loos, the height of the chandelier is to extend with a pulley Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charg...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Pendant Jugendstil Silk Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. Comes as well in other sizes and colors. The other images shows the lamp in a showroom of th...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkastätte Table/Desk Lamp, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Pictured is an original fixture which was sold for 250.000 US$ at Jacques Grange Collectionneur in Paris in November 2017. We manufacture this lamp true to the original - Please cho...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Flush Pende, Re Edit
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...
Crystal, Brass