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
Thonet Mundus Borlova Side Table 1920
By Thonet, Thonet-Mundus
Located in Ljubljana, SI
An elegant and highly collectible bentwood side table by Thonet Mundus, exemplifying the refined craftsmanship and organic design language of the early 20th century. Rooted in the le...
Hardwood, Beech, Bentwood
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
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 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
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
Art Nouveau Inlaid Naturalist Marquetry 2-Tier Side Table signed Emile Galle
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Art Nouveau triangular two-tier side table, signed by the esteemed French designer Emile Gallé, featuring stunning inlaid naturalist marquetry, originating from France...
Fruitwood, Walnut
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
Art Nouveau Pedestal Plant Stand, Hand-Carved Beech & Marble, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau pedestal or plant stand. Striking French design from the 1900s. Original hand-carved patinated beech frame with original white marble top. The marble...
Marble
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
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
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
Original and Documented Jugendstil Dressing Table by Otto Prutscher for Thonet
By Otto Prutscher, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Woka Lamps
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
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) H...
Oak, Fruitwood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Original Josef Hoffmann Dressing Table from 1905 by Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, 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
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
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
$2,000Sale Price|42% Off
Art Nouveau Round Banquet Dining Table after Majorelle
Located in New York, NY
Impressive round dining table with stylized carved legs having flowers and naturalistic foliate decorative motif. The carving, and quality is reminiscent of the French master Louis M...
Walnut
$2,560 / item
Pair of Handcrafted Gilt-Iron Side Tables
Located in Buchanan, NY
Handcrafted by skilled European artisans, this pair of side tables reflects the elegance of traditional ironworking techniques and the enduring charm of old-world craftsmanship. Each...
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
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
Jugendstil Burled Birch Nightstand, Sweden 1900
Located in New York, NY
Adorned with elegant burlwood veneers on all visible sides, both nightstands showcase a sophisticated aesthetic. The interior storage is generous, and the construction is impressivel...
Birch
Monumental Art Nouveau Dining Table Attributed to Victor Horta from the Firehous
By Victor Horta
Located in Chicago, IL
John Dickinson selected this table as the centerpiece Table for The Firehouse with the help of MoMA curator Peter Selz, who had curated the re-examination of Art Nouveau at MoMA in 1960 before moving to Berkeley and founded the Berkeley Art Museum. Also, a client of Dickinson's. Attributed to Victor Horta...
Brass
$1,704Sale Price|20% Off
French Art Nouveau Wood Side Table Writing Table Glass Top One Drawer, c 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French antique wood and glass side or writing table, circa 1920. Made in the art Nouveau period : the legs are typical of the lines of this artistic movement inspirated by nature. Th...
Metal
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
Late 19th Century Venetian Vanity Console Art Nouveau by Testolini & Salviati
By Salviati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Very importsant console vanity in solid walnut, finely hand-carved, with top shaped grey marble. Very special processing that surrounds the rectangular mirror by Salviati Murano, dep...
Mirror, Walnut
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
Jugendstil side table with hammered brass top
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Jugendstil side table with hammered brass top. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Original Vienna Secession 20th Century 1908 Jugendstil Coffee Table
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Round coffee-table with fluted stem. Typical Viennese works from circa 1908.
Glass, Wood
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
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
English Art Nouveau Solid Oak Writing Table Bureaux
Located in Leicester, GB
Stunning English Art Nouveau oak cabinet with bureaux. Beautiful design with shapely leg details and beautiful cut work. Beautiful brass plate handles with a classic Art Nouveau patt...
Oak
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
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
French Bistro Style Patinated Iron Brass Garden Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive French iron and brass dining table suitable for patio or garden. The round table features a pastry table style iron base crafted from four gracefully curved legs ending w...
Brass, Iron
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
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
Michael Thonet Bentwood Bistro Table with carved Art Nouveau Woman Face (top)
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Side Table - Beech Austria, Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) - Circa 1900-1910 CLASSIC DESIGN ! This beautiful side /bistro table, attributed to renowned Michael T...
Beech
Art Nouveau French Bronze and Marble Circular Ostrich Leg-Shaped Side Table
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Art Nouveau French black patinated bronze and marble circular ostrich leg-shaped side table By: unknown Material: metal, copper, bronze, tin, marble, stone Techni...
Stone, Marble, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Tin
Gustav Gurschner “Symbolist Reverie” Bronze Pin Tray
Located in New York, NY
This French Art Nouveau bronze pin tray by Gustav Gurschner titled “Symbolist Reverie” depicts the face of a sleeping maiden wearing a diadem. Her long, flowing hair swirls before he...
Bronze
$5,714
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
$1,219Sale Price|20% Off
French Paris Bistro Table Beech Bakelite & Brass Table, early 20th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
This table was made and sold in a Parisian bistro. Meticulously crafted, it has been built to withstand the test of time and to welcome numerous customers. The bottom of the feet has...
Metal, Brass
Art Nouveau Marquetry Corner Table
Located in Denton, TX
Art Nouveau table in carved walnut with floral and musical motive marquetry.
Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut
French Art Nouveau Triple Pedestal Iron Bronze Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous French bistro, cafe, or pastry table featuring a triple pedestal iron base re-cast from a 19th century English sewing machine. The base is topped with a wood board having a ...
Bronze, Iron, Zinc
$61,427Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique French Art Nouveau Dining Room Set by Eugène Vallin 1903 Table Chairs
By Eugène Vallin
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exquisite & most rare! This French Art Nouveau dining set consisting of 8 chairs and matching table by Eugène Vallin in solid walnut. The chairs where de...
Leather, Walnut
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
$4,571Sale 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
Rare french brass smoking table
Located in Paris, FR
We did not find in any original smoking tables in our research. The only ones we found had been converted into floor lamp in the 20th century. This piece is probably unique.
Brass
$547Sale Price|20% Off
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
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