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.
Art Nouveau Oak Pedestal Side Table, Early 20th Century
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant early 20th century Art Nouveau side table crafted in solid oak with a beautifully sculptural pedestal base. The table features a circular top supported by swan forms charact...
Hardwood, Oak
Italian Round Iron Carrara Marble Center or Garden Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An opulent round Carrara marble top dining, garden, or center table constructed with a thick circular marble slab over a black iron pedestal base. The weathered Carrara marble top di...
Carrara Marble, Iron
French 19th Century Art Nouveau Hall Tree
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An extraordinary French 19th century vanity or hall tree that could serve many functions around the home to anchor an entryway, hall or dressing room in need of a statement piece of ...
Marble
19th Century French Bamboo Octagonal Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century French bamboo side table with octagonal top. The top is lovely and is banded in bamboo molding, following down to bamboo angled supports and splayed legs. The legs are...
Bamboo
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
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
19th Century French Bamboo Side Table with Octagonal Top
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France with an octagonal shaped top. This table is darling! The top has bamboo molded edges, surrounding a seagrass top, and supported ...
Bamboo, Rush
Elegant round Art Nouveau table, Thonet Vienna
By Thonet
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Elegant round Art Nouveau table from the renowned Thonet company, painted black. The table can be easily extended and expanded into an oval table with two additional panels. Conditi...
Brass
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
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Liberty Night Stands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, pair of bedside tables with double front door, black glass top and beautiful wood veneer burl decors on the sides an...
Brass
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
Vintage Salterini Style Leaf Vine Scroll Wrought Iron Oval Patio Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Salterini Style Leaf & Vine Scrolling Wrought Iron Small Oval Garden Pati...
Wrought Iron
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 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
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
Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Table by Thonet, Beechwood, Austria, ca. 1912
By Gustav Siegel, Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Josef Hoffmann & Gustav Siegel “Fledermaus” Table, Thonet, ca. 1912 One of the most iconic furniture classics of the turn of the century was designed by Josef Hoffmann and his pupil...
Brass
Art Nouveau Émile Gallé "Sagittaire" Guéridon
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite two-tiered Japonist table by Émile Gallé features marquetry that juxtaposes a planar rendering of an arrowhead flower with a fully articulated botanical view of the pl...
Fruitwood, Rosewood
Original Josef Hoffmann Dressing Table from 1905 by Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
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
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
Garden Iron and Wicker Plant Stand Console Table With Mirror & Umbrella Stand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun garden set! The pieces are a combination of iron and wicker. The set is attributed to Pulaski. All three pieces are in very good condition. From garden sunroom to foyer...
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) H...
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 & Jacob & Josef Kohn "24-Ball" Table #1263
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
Six balls connect each of the four columns, bent beech and plywood, dyed to rosewood and polished, surface slightly refreshed, top with glass, base covered with very fine hammered brass, very good original condition G. Renzi, Il mobile moderno, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Milan, 2008, pp. 220 f This table follows the same concept as the "Seven Ball Chair...
Beech, Plywood
$1,088Sale Price|20% Off
Oak Art Nouveau Pedestal Table or Plant Stand, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Nouveau pedestal table or plant stand. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with original hand-carved elements. This wonderful Art Nouveau pedesta...
Oak
20th Century Art Nouveau Fledermaus Coffee Table by Josef Hoffmann, AT ca. 1906
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
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
19th Century Pair Art Nouveau Bronze and Marble Top End Tables by Ferville Suan
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: 20.25 inches high x 16 inches x 16 inches An exceptional and highly decorative pair of 19th century Art Nouveau end tables signed Ferville-Suan, masterfully executed in ...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
$1,208Sale 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
French Art Nouveau Mahogany Dining Table by Eugène Gaillard for Maison Bing 1900
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exceptional French Art Nouveau Mahogany Dining Table by Eugène Gaillard for Maison Bing in 1900. An outstanding and rare antique dining table...
Mahogany
French Wrought Iron Bistro Table Or Garden Table
Located in Houston, TX
French Wrought Iron Bistro Table Or Garden Table. Offered is a charming beautifully patinated French forged wrought iron garden table in the manner of Arras Foundry. This versatile t...
Iron
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
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
Emile Hurtre an Art Nouveau Billiard Table Made by E. Gueret Médaille d’Or, 1889
Located in London, GB
Emile Hurtré French Art Nouveau Billiard table. Made by award-winning artisan E. Gueret (Médaille d’Or 1889). Hurtré is best known for h...
Walnut
Oval Jugend Center Table in Oak with Brass Details, Finland Early 20th Century
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking example of early 20th-century Nordic design, this Finnish oak table bridges the elegant curves of Jugend (Art Nouveau) with the emerging geometry of Art Deco. Its refined ...
Brass
Salterini Style Wrought Iron Garden Patio Dining Set by Florentine Craft Studio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Salterini Style Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Garden Patio Dining Set by Florentin...
Wrought Iron
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
Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Table with Pointed Stem and Tripod Base, 1950s
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely Spanish iron side table was recently hand crafted by skilled artisans and features a distinctive design with a central stem that tapers to a fine point, attached to a s...
Iron
$1,694Sale 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
Flower column Koloman Moser
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Oak flower stand and/or pedestal with a black glass top. This design was used exclusively by Koloman Moser for furniture distributed by Wiener Werkstätte. Black stained; good condi...
Opaline Glass, 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
20th Century Art Nouveau Palisander Pedestal, Austria, circa 1900
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable palisander pedestal from the early Art Nouveau period in Austria around 1900. Impressing with a modern design, this beautiful pedestal convinces with its straight shaped f...
Brass
Antique French Art Nouveau Side Table “Lilly” signed by Louis Majorelle 1900
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This elegant Art Nouveau side table, signed by Louis Majorelle and made in France circa 1900, is a fine example of the period’s craftsmanship and organic design. The shaped top feat...
Walnut
Vintage Salterini Leaf Vine Patio Garden Dining Set Glass Oval Table - 5 Pc Set
By Salterini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Salterini Leaf & Vine Wrought Iron Patio Garden Dining Set - 5 Pc Set. Listing includes (2) armchairs, (2) side chairs, large oval glass top dining table, leaf and vine desig...
Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau Wicker Step Table by Heywood-Wakefield, 1900
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...
Cane, Wicker, Reed
$633Sale Price|35% Off
1960s Drexel Et Cetera Furniture Collection Gilded Lily Cigarette Table
By Drexel
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Art Nouveau and Arthur Court inspired cast aluminum side table, with an aged gilt finish. Base is comprised of three flowering lilies with int...
Aluminum
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
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
Art Nouveau Faux Marble Painted Brass Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and unusual signed dining table or display console featuring a hand-painted faux marble formica top painted by Roy Alderson. This table features a repurposed 19th century brass base from Harris and Sheldon...
Brass
Art Nouveau Pedestal in wood and brass, Belgium, ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1910 / Piedestal / wood and brass / Art Nouveau An elegant Belgian pedestal table dating to circa 1910, crafted in wood and brass with refined Art Nouveau detailing. Attri...
Brass
Antique Trestle Table from Italy, 19th
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This 19th century trestle table was crafted in Italy. It has a thick solid wood top and decoratively cut legs, supported firmly by a central crossbeam. It has been maintained so that...
Wood
Original Viennese Oval Mahogany Coffee Table early 20th Century 1910
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Typical Viennese furniture from the begin of the 20th century. Mahogany veneered, base and tabletop with brass-surround.
Mahogany
Art Nouveau Emile Gallé "Cherry Blossom" Table
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
This carved mahogany and marquetry table by Émile Gallé features a cherry blossom–shaped top, inlaid with blossoming boughs and a violin. The floral imagery draws on the Yoshino cher...
Fruitwood
Antique Thonet Bentwood Side Table, Leather & Beech, Austria, 1910s
Located in Ljubljana, SI
This antique Thonet-style side table is a rare and highly collectible example of the transition from late Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) to early modern functionalism. It showcases the rev...
Leather, Beech, Bentwood
Antique French art nouveau side table “Thistle” by Emile Galle 1900 gueridon
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
This elegant Art Nouveau guéridon was designed by Émile Gallé, circa 1900, and is a fine example of his signature marquetry work. The shaped tabletop features a delicate floral scene...
Walnut
Jugendstil side table with hammered brass top
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil side table with hammered brass top. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Original of the Time Josef Hoffmann Jacob&Josef Kohn Coffee Table
By Woka Lamps, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A petite coffee table by Josef Hoffmann from 1905 made by J&J Kohn in beechwood.
Beech
Original Jugendstil Carambol Billiard Table attr. to Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Early 20th century, similar to the Carambol billard table designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1903 for the Purkersdorf Sanatorium - see the enclosed image. Th...
Slate
Vintage John Salterini Grapevine Wrought Iron Garden Patio Dining Set - 7 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Art Nouveau Grapevine Wrought Iron Garden Patio Dining Set attributed to John...
Wrought Iron
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