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.
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
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
Fratelli Toso Murrine Glass Table Lamp, Art Nouveau, Italy, 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare Fratelli Toso Venetian glass table lamp or night-light, made in Venice, Italy, circa 1900. Exceptionally decorative and uncommon in this size, this elegant lamp is a refined exa...
Bronze
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
Tiffany Studios Poppy table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
TIFFANY STUDIOS 'Poppy' Table Lamp, circa 1905 Leaded glass, gilt bronze Dimensions: 21 ¾ in. (55.2 cm) high, 16 ¾ in. (42.5 cm) diameter Shade impressed TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 146...
Bronze
Pair of Art Nouveau Turquoise Ceramic Table Lamps in the style of Amphora
By Amphora
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking pair of monumental vintage ceramic table lamps, created from impressive Art Nouveau–style vessels and distinguished by their brilliant turquoise glazed finish and dramatic...
Metal
Famous Adolf Loos "Turnowsky" Table Lamp Brass Silk Design from 1900, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
A great design from 1900, Adolf Loos has used this lamp in several Interiors: Turnovsky, Paul Khuner, Lit.: E. Ottillinger, Adolf Loos, Wohnkonzepte und Möbelentwürfe, Salzburg 1994,...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York "Three-Light-Lily" Piano Lamp
Located in New York, NY
This Tiffany Studios New York "Three Light Lily" was designed to be placed on the top of pianos to illuminate sheet music. The shades are gold favrile glass with pulled feather decor...
Bronze
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
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Table Lamp Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
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
Tiffany Studios New York "Chinese Geometric" Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A Tiffany Studios New York glass and bronze "Chinese Geometric" table lamp, featuring a mottled orange, yellow, and green leaded glass shade atop an intricately sculpted patinated br...
Bronze
Antique Tiffany Studios Three-Light Favrile Glass Lamp "Pulled Feather Shades"
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional antique Tiffany Studios three-light table lamp, created in New York circa 1910 and showcasing the artistry and innovation that made Tiffany Studios one of the most cel...
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Silk & Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
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
Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstaette, Silk Shade Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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
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
Tiffany Studios Eighteen-Light "Lily" Table Lamp
Located in London, GB
Tiffany Studios Eighteen-Light "Lily" Table Lamp Tiffany Studios (American, 1902–1932) American, circa 1910 Height 51.5cm, width 49cm, depth 49cm This table lamp is constructed in p...
Bronze
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
Josef Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Frank, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
1920 designed Josef Hoffmann chased brass lamp base, different finishes available. Hand sewn Lamp Shade with a Josef Frank fabric, different patterns available. Sample book of the Wi...
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
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
Art Nouveau Brass Piano or Desk Lamp, Circa 1900
Located in Lincoln, GB
Art Nouveau Brass Piano or Desk Lamp, Circa 1900 A particularly charming early 20th-century Art Nouveau brass piano or desk lamp, beautifully designed with flowing botanical forms an...
Brass
Gallé Style Table Lamp Mushroom Yellow Red Flowers, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau style Gallé table lamp is a real eye catcher. Made in France, in the style of the Art Nouveau movement 1970. The table lamp, shaped as a mushroom, is mad...
Glass
Baccarat style. Hand-carved Murano glass table lamps, Italy, 1920s
By Baccarat, Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Barovier&Toso, Val Saint Lambert, Cristalleries De Sevres
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hand-carved Venetian Murano glass table lamps or lanterns, Italy, 1920s. Composed of a hand-carved wooden base finished in gold leaf, and a hand-blown and carefully hand-carved Muran...
Gold Leaf
Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
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 Silk and Brass Table Lamp Villa Primavesi, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
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
$7,560Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Art Nouveau Large Bronze Sculptural Floor/ Table Lamp by Gustave Gurshner
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Monumental 19thc Austrian Art Nouveau Bronze Figural Floor/ Table Lamp. Featuring original Tiffany style tiled Art Glass Shade. Signed by Artist Gustave Gurschner. Large and heavy Sc...
Bronze
Alice Nordin for Böhlmarks, Model 6530, with its original organic crocodile glas
By Alice Nordin, Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in Hammarö, SE
Alice Nordin for Böhlmarks, Model 6530, Sweden, 1912 An exceptional Swedish Art Nouveau table lamp designed by sculptor Alice Nordin for Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik in 1912. Model 6...
Brass
Adolf Loos Brass Opaline Glass, Table Lamp Jugendstil, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Table light with opaline glass shade, designed for Villa Steiner Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures. ...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York "Spider" Leaded Glass Table Lamp
By Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany Studios
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Tiffany Studios geometric leaded glass and bronze table lamp features the iconic Spider shade and its original complementary Mushroom bronze base. The unique form of the spider ...
Bronze
$421Sale Price|47% Off
1940s Hand-Carved Organic Midcentury Wooden Table Lamp
Located in Copenhagen, DK
1940s lacquered solid wooden table lamp with swirling organic hand-carved relief decorations around the heavy body. Smooth slender neck with wide tiered architectural top. Original b...
Wood
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Bronze Floral Table Lamp
Located in Søborg, DK
An Antique floral bronze table lamp. Richly decorate with a floral design. With its original brass and porcelain bulb holder with an on/off switch and brass lampshade holder. R...
Bronze
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
Early 20th Century Antique Brass Art Nouveau Desk Table Lamp, c.1910
Located in London, GB
A wonderful early 20th century brass table lamp. c.1910. Thought to have begun life as a candlestick later adapted for electric use, it showcases the refined quality of early 20th‑c...
Brass
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
Antique Art Nouveau Slag Glass Table Lamp in the Manner of Handel, Circa 1920s
By Handel Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Art Nouveau period table lamp with gorgeous six-panel curved caramel slag glass shade In the manner of Handel USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 17"W x 17"D x 23"H....
Metal
Exquisite Tiffany Studios Bronze & Leaded Glass "Feather" Table Lamp, Circa 1915
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This superb Tiffany Studios table lamp, dating to circa 1915, represents the height of American decorative artistry in the early twentieth century. With its refined conical leaded gl...
Cast Stone, Bronze
Art Nouveau Table Lamp in Patinated Brass with Plissé Shade
Located in Tilburg, NL
Art Nouveau table lamp in Patinated Brass with Plissé Shade. Early 20th century. Wonderful art nouveau table lamp with an unusual design. This table lamp in patinated brass is very art nouveau with its curvy and floral shapes and sharp edges. A great and very distinct design which is uncommon to find. Look at the way the three vertical elements bend and curve towards the top of the lamp, or at the three feet which stand very elegantly on the surface. A wonderful and rare table lamp, which has great use of material and is rich in execution and patination. The vintage plissé...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Piano Lamp, Paris 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art nouveau Brass piano lamp. Paris 1920s 2,5 meter black cotton flex, plug and switch in base B15 – bulb holder Available with UK / US plug B15 bulb holder. Priced per individua...
Brass
$2,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Table Lamp by Duffner & Kimberly, 1909
By Duffner and Kimberly
Located in New Orleans, LA
An antique Art Nouveau decorative leaded glass table lamp, likely designed and created by Duffner & Kimberly, featuring a vibrant, multi-colored glass shade with a complex floral...
Bronze, Brass, Metal
Continental Art Nouveau Style Brass Desk Lamp w/ Pivoting Glass Shade, Mid-20thC
Located in Atlanta, GA
The arched standard accented by a scrolling support and raised on a circular brass base. The shade pivots to direct light as desired. Nicely patinated throughout.
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkastätte Table/Desk Lamp, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Pictured is an original fixture which was sold for 250.000 US$ at Jacques Grange Collectionneur in Paris in November 2017. We manufacture this lamp true to the original - Please cho...
Brass
Antique Art Nouveau Slag Glass Table Lamp Attributed to Handel, Circa 1920s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Art Nouveau period table lamp with gorgeous eight-panel curved caramel slag glass shade Attributed to Handel USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 20"W x 20"D x 23.25"...
Metal
Pair of French Art Nouveau Brass and Floral Shaped Glass Table Lamps
Located in Barntrup, DE
Set of two elegant Art Nouveau-style table lamps. Made from brass with a flower-shaped glass shade. Adjustable height, each with one socket for E27 (E26) size light bulb. France, 193...
Brass
$773 / item
Table Lamp in the Style of Jugendstil
Located in Wien, Au
Table lamp in the style of Jugendstil This is a reproduction. Opal glass. Depending on the order quantity it can take up to 2 weeks to f...
Opal, Brass
Tiffany Studios Twelve Light Lily Lamp, A marriage of Antique & Contemporary Ele
Located in Bronx, NY
A beautiful combination of Antique & Contemporary Art Nouveau style lighting
Bronze
Tiffany Style Stained Glass Table Lamp, Art Nouveau Floral Design
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Tiffany Style Stained Glass Table Lamp characterized by its vibrant floral motifs and classic Art Nouveau aesthetic. The dome-shaped shade is handcrafted using the traditional copper...
Stained Glass
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Tiffany Style Brown & Green Stained Glass Table Lamp, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
Art Nouveau Tiffany Style Brown & Green Stained Glass Table Lamp, a Pair : This captivating pair of Art Nouveau Tiffany-style table lamps is a masterful tribute to the elegance and craftsmanship of the early 20th century. The stained glass dome...
Bronze
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
Early 1900 Cameo Shell Lamp Greek Mythology Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
Cameo Shell Lamp Early 1900 Italy "Three Graces" engraved Metal Base with three sphinxes Perfect working order Excellent Condiction
Metal
Tiffany Studios Apple Blossom Table lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios Apple Blossom Leaded Glass and Bronze Table Lamp, The patinated bronze base with with Acorn design in wonderful condition...
Bronze
Table Lamp in the Style of Jugendstil 'nickel'
Located in Wien, Au
Table lamp in the style of Jugendstil This is a reproduction. We have also the same in brass Opal glass. Depending on the order quantit...
Opal, Nickel
Art Nouveau Brass Lamp Base
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau brass oil lamp base converted for electricity. Late 19th Century. Very good original condition.
Brass
Antique Hand-Painted Table Lamp Pair, Ceramic & Brass, Gouda, 1918, New Shades
By Amitābha Studio, PZH - Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland, Gouda Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
This pair of Dutch Art Nouveau table lamps began as Gouda ceramic vases, hand-painted in 1918 at Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland. Transformed into lamps by Amitābha Studio, they have cu...
Brass
Striking Jugendstil Geometric Brass Desk Lamp with Hammered Shade, Austria 1905.
Located in Trieste, IT
Striking Jugendstil Geometric Brass Desk Lamp with Hammered Shade, Early 20th Century An exceptional early 20th-century desk lamp that beautifully illustrates the progressive desig...
Brass
Early 20th Century Slag Glass Table Lamp
Located in Denton, TX
Intricate metal work with foliage detail and blue Slag glass panels. There are three settings for the lamp, you can light just the stem light or just the reading light or you can hav...
Metal
Harald Notini Hammered Copper Table Lamp, Model 6834, Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1920s
By Harald Notini, Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Pukeberg Sweden
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional table lamp was designed by Harald Notini in the mid 1920s and produced by Arvid Böhlmark’s Lampfabrik in Sweden. The lamp is model 6834 and is pictured in Böhlmark’s...
Copper
Art Nouveau Lamp Attributed to Majorelle
Located in NANTES, FR
Art nouveau lamp circa 1900. Gilded bronze, alabaster shells. Electrified and in perfect condition. Height: 44 cm Shell diameter: 22 cm Weight: 4.5 kg French cabinetmaker and desig...
Alabaster, Bronze
Émile Gallé Clematis Table Lamp, Cameo Glass, Art Nouveau, 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in CABA, AR
Exquisite Émile Gallé “Clematis” Table Lamp, ca. 1900 An extraordinary example of French Art Nouveau glass artistry, this Clematis table lamp by Émile ...
Glass
Art Nouveau Table Lamp La Rochere Handblown Orange Brown Glass, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
A La Rochère cameo glass lamp featuring a domed shade intricately carved with a bird perched among maple leaves and branches. The shade displays fine detailing and delicate color tra...
Opaline Glass
Muller Frères Luneville Art Nouveau Lamp
Located in NANTES, FR
Sublime Art Nouveau lamp circa 1905. Bronze base, acid-etched glass paste tulip decorated with anemone flowers. Electricized in the US and in perfect condition. Signed Muller Frères ...
Bronze