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.
1940s Romantic / Art Nouveau Shell Back Sofa Upholstered With Bronze Velvet
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s Swedish two-seater sofa upholstered in bronze-coloured velour. The design features softly curved lines, elegantly shaped armrests and refined cabriole legs, reflecting a romant...
Velvet, Beech, Pine
Italian Art Nouveau wall bench with original mirror, Liberty bench
Located in Milano, IT
Rare and elegant Italian Art Nouveau (Liberty) wall settee, executed circa 1900 and preserved in an exceptional state of historical coherence. Conceived as an architectural furnishi...
Metal
Vintage Cognac Leather Pangolin Sofa by Egg Designs
By A. Alonzo Roche
Located in Oakville, CA
Vintage cognac leather Pangolin Sofa by Egg Designs care of Greg and Roche Dry. While the company is originally from South Africa, all production is overseen in Lisbon, Portugal. Thi...
Leather
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural 2-Seater Sofa in Oak & Wool, Danish "Skønvirke" Style, 1920s
By Fritz Heningsen, Jacob Kjaer
Located in Odense, DK
An exquisite two seater sofa in solid oak and white wool. Crafted by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker in the 1920s. The frame of this sofa is meticulously constructed from oak wood, cel...
Wool, Oak
Antique Carved Wing Chair with Cane Sides , Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with some signs of age and use - Sturdy and Stable - reupholstered some time ago - Pillows filled with real feathers - carved linden wood frame - heigh o...
Fabric, Wood
Thonet sofa, Western Europe, late 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Thonet sofa, Western Europe, late 19th century. Very good condition, after professional renovation and replacement of the upholstery with new genuine leather. Dimensions: Sofa: he...
Leather, Oak
Last 19th Century Sofa & Armchairs Carved Walnut by Testolini Salviati, Venice
Located in Vigonza, Padua
They can be sold separately Performed restorative conservation and remake upholstery Measure sofa in cm: H85\47 L148 D57 Measure armchairs in cm: H85\47 L57 D57 "From OADI, observ...
Walnut
Salon Set by Josef Hoffmann, 1910s, Excellent Condition
Located in Praha, CZ
Art nouveau sofa set Thonet, J/J Kohn, upholstered in genuine leather, designed by architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus cabaret in Vienna, Austria, completely restored, newly ...
Leather, Bentwood
Johan Rohde sofa in mahogany and black ebonized wood, Denmark C.1910.
By Johan Rohde
Located in Valby, 84
An exceptionally rare and important sofa designed by Johan Rohde (1856–1935), circa 1910. This elegant piece showcases Rohde’s unique interpretation of neoclassical design, merging c...
Fabric, Wood, Mahogany
20th Century Art Nouveau Two Seat Sofa, School Of J. Hoffmann, AT ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute stunning black early 20th century two seat sofa/ club chair from the famous "Vienna secession" period around 1910 in Austria. This rare, architectural Art Nouveau two seat s...
Brass
Anton Rosen Sofa, Denmark, c. 1913 – Designed for Tuborg Headquarters
By Anton Rosen
Located in Valby, 84
This extraordinary and rare sofa, designed by acclaimed Danish architect Anton Rosen around 1913, was originally created for the Tuborg headquarters, also known as Rosen Huset. The b...
Wool, Oak
Loveseat Sofa Art Nouveau Belle Époque Lacquered and Gilded Carved Walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Awesome loveseat sofa Art Nouveau Belle Époque, in carved walnut lacquered and gilded. We have sanitized the upholstery; ready to use Upholstery in good condi...
Walnut
$11,243
Valabrega sofa - Italy 1940s
Located in Paris, FR
Ernesto Valabrega Sofa - Italy, 1940 Dark wood frame with organic shapes and zoomorphic legs. 3-seater sofa reupholstered in a tan/leopard fabric from Lelièvre Paris.
Fabric, Wood
Antique Carved Sofa with Cane Sides , Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with some signs of age and use - Sturdy and Stable - reupholstered some time ago - Pillows filled with real feather - Carved linden wood frame - heigh of...
Fabric, Wood
$3,800Sale Price|44% Off
Sculptural Mid Century Italian Sofa Attributed to Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid century Italian sofa attributed to Maurizio Tempestini. Sculptural wingback silhouette. Original upholstery as found. Sourced in Northern Italy. The final photo is a rendering...
Upholstery
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Thayer Coggin Art Nouveau Sofa, Velvet Fabric, 1990s, Palm Beach Style
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Velvet
J.&J. Kohn – Josef Hoffmann – Sofa – “Fledermaus” – Black Beech & Red Leather
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
Rare Josef Hoffmann “Fledermaus” sofa, designed circa 1900–1910 for J.&J. Kohn, Austria. A striking example of Viennese Jugendstil, this early modernist piece features a bent beechwo...
Leather, Beech
$3,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
Thayer Coggin Sofas Tropical Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Velvet
1902 Antique Sofa Set Kohn No. 717, Designed by Gustav Siegel
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Gustav Siegel
Located in Praha, CZ
- Kohn catalogue 1902 - Art Nouveau - completely restored - bentwood beech solids - new brown shellac hand polished polish - completely reupholstered ...
Brass
Italian art nouveau style bench couch in fabric and wood with decoration, 1930s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian art nouveau style bench in fabric and wood with decoration, 1930s Bench with wooden structure. The rectangular seat is padded and upholstered in light gray fabric with beige ...
Fabric, Wood
$9,451Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Italian Art Nouveau Antique Living Room Set or Salon Suite
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare complete Italian Art Nouveau 1900s living room set includes: 1 sofa 2 armchairs 2 chairs Refined living room set in carved beech wood. The wood has an elegant carved decoration...
Beech
1930s Swedish Sofa by G. H. Wrange
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Swedish Sofa by G. H. Wrange. 1930’s. Carved Mahogany. Original condition.
Mahogany
$5,326Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Carved Art Nouveau Bench, Wood, France, 1890s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Hand Carved Wooden Bench - 1890's Hand-carved wooden bench from France, 1890's. A true conversation piece with a unique material quality to it. Th...
Wood
Italian art nouveau style 1970s bronze sofa and two armchairs living room set
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Italian art nouveau style 1970s bronze sofa and two armchairs living room set
Bronze
$2,512Sale Price|28% Off
Tomlinson Erwin Lambeth Sofa
By Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Cotton
J.&J. Kohn - Gustav Siegel - Sofa - No. 715
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Gustav Siegel
Located in Budapest, HU
Gustav Siegel - Settee No. 715 - Designed 1899, Produced by J. & J. Kohn, Vienna CUSTOMIZATION AVAILABLE: THIS PIECE CAN BE TAILORED TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS. OPTIONS INCLUDE CUSTOM L...
Leather, Beech
Art Nouveau Sofa and Armchairs Labelled Jakob & Joseph Kohn
Located in Beirut, LB
Set of Art Nouveau sofa and two armchair by Jakob e Joseph Kohn, Wien. Bentwood solid walnut with an original upholstery in hand painted silk with typical ...
Bentwood
ViNTAGE CHESTNUT BROWN LEATHER LIBERTY'S ART NOUVEAU CLUB SOFA CARVED WOOD FRAMe
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning vintage Chestnut brown leather sofa, made in the Liberty's Art Nouveau style with n...
Leather, Hardwood
Arne Vodder Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Ivan Schlechter, sofa, patinated leather, teak, Denmark, design 1953, manufactured late 1950s-1960s. Elegant two-seat settee in admirable cognac leather and teak by ...
Leather, Teak
$3,450
H 34 in W 72.5 in D 32 in
Danish Midcentury 3-Seater Sofa in Solid Oak and Wool by Henry Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare and sought after sofa attributed to Danish Designer, Henning Kjaernulf made from quarter-sawn white oak, Hand carved in brutalist style seeking inspiration from art & crafts...
Brass
$4,142
H 30.71 in W 83.47 in D 31.89 in
Hans J. Wegner Three-Seat Sofa by GETAMA, Oak Frame, Wool, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three-seat sofa new upholstered with Divina wool in 100 % New Zealand wool. Original Epeda cushions. Frame in solid oak. Model 236/3, produced by GETAMA.
Oak, Wool
Guglielmo Ulrich Art Deco Italian Velvet Sofa, 1940s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
A large Italian sculptural sofa designed by Guglielmo Ulrich, very comfortable. Recently upholstered in light blue velvet with a light gray velvet border, in a minimalist way, which ...
Velvet, Beech
19th Century French Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant late 19th-century Louis XVI-style sofa is crafted from beech wood, painted in a soft antique finish that highlights its delicate carved details. Resting on four tapered,...
Velvet, Beech
Semi Antique Custom Upholstered Carved Wing Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine custom upholstered semi antique wing chair in a classic style and having good details. A shaped crest rail for the wings ending in scrolled arms with carved bell flowers and l...
Brass
$2,200 / set
H 49.75 in W 26.25 in D 26.5 in
Pair Of Antique French Carved Mahogany & Cane Tall Wing Back Chairs c1930
Located in Big Flats, NY
Pair Antique French Mahogany & Cane Tall Wing Back Chairs With Carved Elements & Leather Cushions C1930 Measures - 49 3/4" x 26 1/8" x 26 1/2"
Mahogany
$8,198 / set
H 31 in W 84 in D 36 in
Exceptional Pair of MidC Chesterfield Wing Back Chairs in Original Leather
Located in London, GB
As a LAPADA dealer and furniture maker, I have many many pieces in stock and extensive resources. This particular set is a very very beautiful collection of pieces. The hand dy...
Leather
$10,397
H 39.38 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and early bench, obviously the role model for the famous Barrel chair #720 which was presented four years later, in 1905.
Bentwood, Plywood
Vintage 80's Italian Modern Sofa in Cognac Leather and Wood
Located in Palermo, IT
Beautiful leather sofa. Wooden frame with curved sides and decorated with a lattice pattern. The back, side and seat cushions are padded and covered in cognac leather with a zipper. ...
Leather, Wood
Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty Chair, 1900, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Chair Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty Material: Wood Country:France We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questi...
Wood
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, green furniture wool, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture wool, oak wood, springs in the seat cushions. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufa...
Wool, Oak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 66.93 in D 26.38 in
Carl Andreassen Mahogany Sofa with Inlays, Denmark, Late 19th–Early 20th Century
Located in Valby, 84
An elegant mahogany sofa crafted by Danish designer Carl Andreassen, who worked under the renowned architect Martin Nyrop. The sofa is decorated with delicate inlays and retains a la...
Wool, Ash, Mahogany
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
- Beech wood wooden Skelet carefully refurbished and finished in Shellac - Original upholstery in good original condition with some signs of use
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 34.26 in W 71.66 in D 35.83 in
Leather Art Nouveau design sofa, 2.5-seater, featuring beautiful warm colors
By Mol & Geurts
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This sofa is designed by Mol and Geurts, has a touch of Art Nouveau design and is made from very thick cowhide leather, making it a fantastic fit for both classic and modern interior...
Cowhide, Leather
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Seating group (3) - No. 511 - Beech
Located in Budapest, HU
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Seating Group (Set of 3, Model No. 511) Material: Beechwood Style: Jugendstil (Austrian Art Nouveau) Period: 1900-1910 Origin: Austria This stunning set of...
Beech
Beech Nr. 126 Sofa by Michael Thonet for Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Thonet Bank Nr 126 is a true masterpiece of furniture design, originally conceived before 1900 by the renowned Thonet company. This exquisite piece showcas...
Leather, Beech
Beech Nr. 6293 Sofa by Michael Thonet for Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
This exquisite Thonet Sofa No. 6293 is a stunning example of early 20th-century design, masterfully restored to its original splendor. Crafted from bent beech wood, the sofa features...
Upholstery, Beech
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and striped beige fabric sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s. Seat Height (inches): 16.5” Arm Height (inches): 31.25" All items ship from High Point, North Caro...
Fabric, Birch
Italian Gold Gilt and Cream Painted Mid Century Art Nouveau Sofa
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely and elegant Art Nouveau Italian sofa, loveseat or settee painted neutral off white and gold, with beautiful original muted striped damask fabric. Can be sold separately; part ...
Wood
Sold
H 39.38 in W 81.89 in D 24.02 in
Antique sofa designed by Karl Johan, Northern Europe, circa 1830. After renovati
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique sofa from the first half of the 19th century. The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation. The seat and backrests have been covered with new fabri...
Birch
Thonet Kanapee No.3, 1860
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
Rare collector's item: A well-preserved, stable Thonet sofa with a Viennese wicker seat that was restored a few years ago. Designation in the Thonet catalog from 1904: Sofa No. 3. Th...
Bentwood, Braid
Secession Two Armchairs by Gustav Siegel for J.J.Kohn, Restored
By Gustav Siegel, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished and finished by shellac - reupholstered with quaility fabric from Backhausen - Made in Austria - height of seat 47 cm
Fabric, Wood
Secession Sofa by Gustav Siegel for J.J.Kohn, Restored, Austria
By Gustav Siegel, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished and finished by shellac - reupholstered with quaility fabric from Backhausen - Made in Austria - height of seat 47 cm
Fabric, Wood