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.
French Art Nouveau Gilt Console Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French Art Nouveau giltwood console table circa 1900, a sculptural piece of furniture that expresses the artistry of the period when every aspect of interior design was an opportunit...
Marble
French Art Nouveau Mahogany & Leather Partners Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Essentially two people would comfortably use this remarkable French 19th century mahogany partner’s desk, that is they are willing to share such a magnificent design. A wonderful anc...
Brass
20th Century Art Nouveau Bentwood Side Table by Mundus, Austria, circa 1900
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Beautiful designed Art Nouveau bentwood side table from the early 20th century in Austria. Made of fine bentwood by the renown company of MUNDUS at the turn of the century around 190...
Bentwood
Early 20th Century French Bentwood Table in Thonet Style, Provence
By Thonet
Located in Astoria, NY
An early 20th century French bentwood table crafted in the Thonet manner, sourced in Provence, France. The table features elegantly arched supports joined by a slender metal stretche...
Brass
Elegant early 20th century Swedish birch writing desk
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish birch writing table circa 1910. We are pleased to offer this stunning Scandinavian writing desk, with art nouveau...
Birch
an extremely rare French Art Nouveau side table Paris ar. 1905 iron brass zinc
Located in Landshut, BY
Bonjour ! This object is a gem, and in this rare version it features a riveted wrought iron frame with hammered zinc sheet fixed to a wooden panel. The panel has artistically desig...
Iron, Brass, Zinc
20th Century Art Nouveau Gaming Table/ Coffee Table, Brass Base, AT circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding early 20th century Art Nouveau mahogany gaming table/ coffee table out of Vienna/ Austria from the period around 1910. The round tabletop, covered by a protecting glass p...
Brass
20th Century Art Nouveau Pedestal/ Plant Stand by THONET, Bentwood, AT ca. 1905
By Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Rare, unusual Art Nouveau pedestal or plant stand by the famous company of Thonet in Vienna. Artfully designed in the early 20th century around 1906, this pedestal provides two round...
Bentwood
Vintage Small Wooden Florentine Gilt Tray, Italy 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing Smal Italian Florentine tray. Manufactured in Florence, Italy. Hand-painted in gold and brown shades. Wooden tray is in a good condit...
Wood
French Iron Base Dining Table & Painted Wood Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Allow yourself to become lost in the expressive Art Nouveau details on this vintage French dining table featuring a large, cast iron base topped with a (French gray) painted wood sur...
Iron
Rare Art Nouveau Jugendstil Single Drawer Writing Desk Cabriole Louis Majorelle
Located in Peoria, AZ
EXQUISITE! JUGENDSTIL SINGLE DRAWER WRITING DESK UNIQUE CABRIOLE LEGS OAK & VARIOUS WOODS MAGNIFICENT! (DIMENSIONS: Approximately 29" Tall By 18" Wide By 18" Deep) Here ...
Fruitwood, Oak
20th Century Art Nouveau Bentwood Side Table No. 960 by J & J Kohn, AT ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable early 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood side table made by the famous Austrian company of Jacob & Josef Kohn around 1910. This timeless designed side table with the Mod. N...
Beech, Bentwood
Original Josef Hoffmann Dressing Table from 1905 by Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
An extraordinary modern furniture from the best period of his works. He made trendsetting Industrial designs for the bentwood-industrie. This dressing-table is from the "Fledermaus" ...
Bentwood
Early 20th Century Plant or Display Stand in Hard Wood and Brass
Located in Helsinki, FI
Early 20th century Jugend plant or display stand, likely Finnish or Northern European, executed in warm stained hardwood with refined brass feet. This elegant pedestal reflects the ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Marquetry Table by Émile Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century Émile Gallé Double-Tier Inlaid Tea Table France This refined double-tier tea table exemplifies the poetic naturalism and technical mastery of Émile Gallé, one of t...
Wood
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Folding Games Table, circa 1902–1904
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
Émile Gallé (French, 1846–1904) Folding Games Table (Table à Jeux) Circa 1902–1904 An exceptional Art Nouveau folding games table by Émile Gallé, masterfully crafted in molded cedar...
Wood
Desk Daum Nancy in parchment (leather), Liberty or Art Nouveau, Jugendstil
By Daum, Louis Majorelle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Louis Majorelle was a French cabinetmaker and decorator: Following his father's death in 1879, he returned to Nancy to manage the family workshop. Initially, he produced furniture ...
Bronze
French Art Nouveau Side Table or Plant Table in Oak, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Round Art Nouveau / Art Deco Side Table or Plant Table, France 1920s. Solid and sturdy oak frame and table top. Good original condition with light signs of use consistent with age.
Oak
19th Century French Tortoise Bamboo Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France. The top and lower shelf are covered in original rush, surrounded by bamboo banded molding. The top is supported on splayed legs...
Bamboo, Rush
20th Century Art Nouveau Bentwood Nesting Tables by Thonet, Austria circa 1905
By Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Stunning set of four early Art Nouveau beechwood nesting tables from the period around 1905, made by the world famous manufacturer of bentwood furniture - Thonet Vienna. This beautif...
Beech, Bentwood
19th Century Bamboo Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France. The top and lower shelf are covered with rush, which has normal signs of wear for age and use. The top is supported on spl...
Bamboo, Rush
$1,488Sale Price|56% Off
Dining Walnut Table with Central Extension Art Déco Period, circa 1930 France
Located in Labrit, Landes
Dining table Art Deco, made circa 1930. The extension were made recently by our cabinet maker using the walnut wood of another table. The finishing of the top and the belt of the ta...
Walnut
Maitland Smith Gilded Iron Faux Bois Tray Top Statement Tole Cocktail Table
By Alessandro for Baker Furniture
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Large 36" x 48" Hollywood Regency Tole cocktail/coffee table by Maitland Smith. The coffee table features a hefty Faux Boise iron base with beautiful faux carved wood details on the ...
Metal
Wrought Iron and Stone Garden Patio Stand with Pebble Stone Top
Located in New York, NY
Interesting wrought iron stand with inset pebble stone top. The three leg base shows distinct Art Nouveau influence.
Stone, Wrought Iron
Japanese Carved Side Table from Liberty & Co
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A Japanese Kamakura Bori carved side table, retailed by Liberty & Co. Circa 1900. These type of tables were commissioned by Liberty & Co and hand-carved...
Fruitwood
J. & J. Kohn art nouveau side table in bentwood, Austria ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Austria / 1910 / side table / Jacob & Joseph Kohn / bentwood / art nouveau / jugenstill / rustic / mid century An art nouveau “Palm” side table by Jacob and Joseph Kohn in bentwood...
Wood, Bentwood
Ring table, Gebrüder Thonet Wien GTV, Jugendstil, Adolf Loos, Vienna, Austria
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Adolf Loos
Located in Wien, AT
A table - pure extravagance. The design for this table comes from Adolf Loos and the execution was carried out by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Austria. This design object is pure Art Nou...
Beech, Mahogany
Red Murano Iron Grape Vines Pedestal by Umberto Belloto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bold and unique antique pedestal table with ruby red Murano glass plate and ornamental base in hand wrought iron with grape vines motif / Made in Italy by Umberto Belloto, circa 1930...
Wrought Iron
Original and Documented Jugendstil Dressing Table by Otto Prutscher for Thonet
By Woka Lamps, Otto Prutscher, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
An extremely rare dressing table designed by Otto Prutscher and manufactured at Gebrueder Thonet in 1908. Literature: Innendekoration 1917 as well as a very similar model for the Vil...
Beech
Original Gambling Table in the Style of Adolf Loos 1910 with Brass Chip-Bowls
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Beechwood stained, round brass-base, chased with Hammer-finish, four collumnar table-legs, on four corners extendible chips-bowls in brass - compare haberfeld table, knize tables.
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Floor-Table-Lamp Re-Edition, Beechwood
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
In 1927, the apartment of Ernst Bauer in Vienna was renovated by Josef Hoffmann and other members of the Wiener Werkstaette: Maria Likarz, Dagobert Peche, Mathilde Floegel Material B...
Wood
20th Century Thonet Side Table "Fledermaus", Design Josef Hoffmann, AT ca. 1906
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable round Art Nouveau coffee table "Fledermaus" designed by the famous Austrian architect and founder of the "Wiener Werkstaette" Josef Hoffmann around 1906 for the company of...
Beech
Josef Hoffmann Art Nouveau Side Table, Model 986
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1906, Austria. This beech side table was designed by Josef Hoffmann and made by Jacob & Josef Kohn. It features a rosewood stain finish enhanced with Shellac. The table is in goo...
Beech
20th Century French Iron Round Center Table With Verde Marble
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite French round center table is a masterful combination of wrought iron and Verde Marble, embodying the fluid elegance of Art Nou...
Marble, Iron
Gorgeous Trifoil Shape Top French Art Nouveau Mixed Woods End Table manner Galle
By Gallet
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
**French Art Nouveau Inlaid End Table in the Style of Émile Gallé – Exquisite Floral Marquetry Design** This stunning **French Art Nouveau inlaid end table in the manner of Émile Ga...
Satinwood, Walnut
Antique French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Scroll Wood Top 42" Potting Work Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Scrolling 42" Work Potters Table with Wooden Top. Item features a scrolling wrought iron base circa early 1900s with the wooden plank top appe...
Wrought Iron
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Engraved Tea Table
Located in Malibu, CA
A rare and important French Art Nouveau tea table with two shapely shelves. Engraved with lily pads petals & leaves. Decorative bronze handles. Completely hand crafted.
Hardwood
Art Nouveau Side Table made of Bamboo
Located in Hannover, DE
This stunning Art Nouveau side table made of bamboo is a real gem! It's a true rarity and a must-have for any collection. This table is absolutely stunning! It's lovingly crafted by ...
Bamboo, Raffia
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble Top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900
Located in Chappaqua, NY
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900. Ornate molded cast iron base with rectangular marble top. Weathered red paint on base. Makers mark st...
Marble, Iron
Art Nouveau Carved Wood Pedestal / Plant Stand
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau three-tier carved wood plant stand or pedestal table. France, dating from 1890 to 1905. Dimensions: H 43.7” x W 11.7” Good/pre-owned condition. Some vintage wear wi...
Wood
$5,982Sale Price|20% Off
"Fledermaus" Table Josef Hoffmann Thonet ca. 1912
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Table model Fledermaus Josef Hoffmann Thonet ca. 1912 The Wiener Werkstatte experienced its most glamorous phase in the period around 1905. Many of the pieces created at that time w...
Beech, Bentwood
19th Century Tortoise Bamboo Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France. The top has hand painted and lacquered decoration of birds surrounded by a border of florals. The top is supported on splayed l...
Bamboo, Pine
Art Nouveau Wicker Three Step Side Table in Natural Finish with Woven Surfaces
Located in Nashua, NH
A very rare natural finished Art Nouveau wicker step table with three shelves, American, C. 1900, with beautifully woven table surfaces on each shelf. . This is a one of a kind piece...
Wicker, Cane, Reed
1900s French Art Nouveau Wooden Side Table With Floral Top
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French Art Nouveau wooden side table captures the movement’s characteristic fluidity and handcrafted elegance. Its gently arched legs, connected by lattice-style stretcher...
Wood
Eugenio Quarti Liberty Desk Suite w/ Chair & Paperbasket, Italy, Early 20th c.
Located in BARCELONA, ES
A rare complete writing desk suite by Eugenio Quarti, a leading figure of Milan’s Liberty style in the early 20th century. The slant-front secrétaire, matching side chair and wasteba...
Brass
Émile Gallé Set of Four Nesting Tables
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
These four nesting tables by Émile Gallé exemplify the artist’s poetic sensitivity to nature and his virtuosity in marquetry. Each tabletop presents a distinct inlaid composition of ...
Fruitwood, Walnut
Early 20th C. Italian Art Nouveau Vanity in Walnut, Entry Mirror, Wax Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italy Art Nouveau vanity in massive walnut and veneer walnut, all original, vax polished. Beautiful and useful as an entrance mirror furniture for it...
Walnut
French Art Nouveau Lady's Dressing or Vanity w. Cabinets & Large Tilting Mirror
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning, practical and all hand-crafted dressing table with full-size beveled mirror. This museum quality AND condition piece of Art Nouveau furniture is a work of art at the same ...
Marble, Bronze
Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Legs
Located in Buchanan, NY
Elevate your space with this elegant, hand-crafted Spanish-style side table. Recently hand crafted by skilled European artisans using traditional iron working techniques, this charmi...
Iron
Vintage French Art Nouveau Style Black Wrought Iron Scrolling Dining Table Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Art Nouveau Style Black Heavy Wrought Iron Scrolling Stretcher Dining Table Base (No top). Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 28" H x 48" W x 32" D.
Wrought Iron
Round wooden table with brass tabletop from the 1920s.
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Round wooden table from the 1920s with brass fittings and a newly manufactured burnished brass tabletop.
Brass
French Art Nouveau Green Wrought Iron Marble Top Scrolling Console Hall Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Art Nouveau Green Wrought Iron Marble Top Scrolling Console Hall Table. Item features a patinated green scrolling wrought iron base with ornate floral work and stretch...
Marble, Wrought Iron
20th Century Art Nouveau Fledermaus Coffee Table by Josef Hoffmann, AT ca. 1906
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable, early 20th century Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" coffee table/ side table, designed around 1906 by none other than the famous Austrian architect and founder of the renowed "Wi...
Beech
Black Lacquered Antique Sewing Table Side Table Mahogany 19th Century
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful black lacquered mahogany sewing table or side table with turned 'bobbin' legs, late 19th century, France. The table top opens, revealing the various small compartments alo...
Brass
$5,626
Art Nouveau Dining Table
Located in Antwerp, BE
An Art Nouveau period extending dining table, France, circa 1890-1910. (with two conmforming leaves.) The table can be extended to a length of 89" - 2.27 cm. Height 30.1" - 76.5 ...
Wood
Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table on a Tripod Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely small scale Spanish iron side table was recently hand crafted by skilled artisans using traditional iron-working techniques. It features a distinctive design with a twist...
Iron
$4,501Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Art Nouveau Style Oak Writing Desk
Located in Madrid, ES
Kidney-shaped oak writing desk with double chest of drawers with 8 drawers on each side. Wrought iron handles. Sides with magazine racks.
Iron
Swedish Designer, Side Tables, Wood, Sweden, 1900s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood side tables designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900s. Dimensions: 30.375” H x 26.8” W x 19” D
Wood
Louis Majorelle "Chicorée" Walnut and Oak Dining Suite
Located in New York, NY
This Louis Majorelle extendable dining table, accompanied by a set of six matching chairs, is a solid display of French Art Nouveau style in furniture. The "Chicorée," or "Chicory," ...
Upholstery, Wood, Oak, Walnut
19th Century French Tortoise Bamboo Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France. The top has been hand painted with lacquer in typical Art Nouveau fashion with natural decoration, surrounded by a thick bamboo ...
Bamboo, Wood