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.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$5,991Sale Price|20% Off
"Fledermaus" Table Josef Hoffmann Thonet ca. 1912
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
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
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
Side Table by H.F. Jansen & Zonen, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
The Netherlands / 1910 / Side Table by H.F. Jansen & zonen Amsterdam / wood / Art Nouveau / Amsterdamse School A rare and evocative example of early 20th-century Dutch craftsma...
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
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
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
19th Century French Tortoise Bamboo Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France with a lovely rattan pattern covered top and lower shelf. The table is supported on four legs, all with additional supports and b...
Bamboo
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
French Art Nouveau Brass Gueridon Marble Top Side Table
Located in Vero Beach, FL
French Art Nouveau Brass Gueridon Marble Top Side Table Finely crafted round tripod side table with ornate embellished base.This unique Gueridon from the early 20th century has a Ve...
Marble, Brass
$1,173Sale Price|20% Off
Oak Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Side Table, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts side table. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak frame with hand-carved flowers on top and legs. This wonderful Art Nouveau ...
Oak
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
Art Nouveau Marquetry Corner Table
Located in Denton, TX
Art Nouveau table in carved walnut with floral and musical motive marquetry.
Fruitwood, Satinwood, Walnut
Antique Side Table in Wrought Iron and Marble
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique Side Table in Wrought Iron and Marble, late 19th century. This is a very elegant and tall side or bistrot table with a very handsome tripod base in patinated wrought iron an...
Marble, Wrought Iron
Antique Table of Wood, Brass and Mother of Pearl Inlay, Carlo Zen, C 1900s
By Carlo Zen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful Pedestal or Side Table of Wood, Brass and Inlaid Mother-of-Pearl designed in Italy by Carlo Zen. A Classic Art Nouveau piece, this table is a perfect size.
Brass
Original French Art Nouveau Marquetry Table ''Japonisme'' by Emile Galle 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Very rare original Emile Galle ''plate 66 Japonisme'' side table in Art Nouveau style. This beautiful side table was created by Emile Galle in 1900, during the art nouveau period. It features exquisite marquetry woodwork that is inspired by the Japonisme movement, which was influenced by Japanese art and design. The side table is decorated with breathtaking Magnolia flowers & a romantic couple of butterflies. Made from various types of wood, creating a unique scenery almost like a painting. The table showcases intricate details, such as delicate foliage and organic forms, that are hallmarks of art nouveau style. Galle was renowned for his innovative techniques and attention to detail, and this piece is a testament to his mastery of the craft. It is a stunning example of the art nouveau movement and a true work of art. Literature: ''Galle furniture by Alastair Duncan and Georges de Bartha 2012 Page 153. Plate 66. This Emile Galle table...
Walnut, Fruitwood, Rosewood
$1,681Sale 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
$1,211Sale Price|20% Off
Thonet - by Michael Thonet - Side table - Beech
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Thonet - Michael Thonet - Side Table - Beech Austria, Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) - Circa 1900-1910 This beautiful side table, designed by the renowned Michael Thonet, exemplifies the ...
Beech
Sophisticated side coffee table, Jugendstil Art Nouveau, 1905, Vienna Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning side table / coffee table from the Jugendstil / Art Nouveau era, a typical piece of furniture of Vienna, Austria. A wonderful original with an exciting, sophisticated cons...
Brass
Swedish Smoking Table, oak with copper top, 1913 by Nordiska Kompaniet
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful sidetable / smoking table in solid oak with hammered copper top. Made by Nordiska Kompaniet in 1913, model Tenn. Nice patina, smaller / normal signs of age and use. Sta...
Copper
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
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
$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
Set of Four Hand-Carved French Art Nouveau Nesting Tables, Circa 1900
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set off four French Art Nouveau nesting tables,late 19th or early 20th century. Dimensions; 56 x 39 x 74 cm. 49 x 36 x 72 cm. 42 x 32 x 70 cm. 36 x 29 x 68 cm.
Wood
Vienna Secession Set of Side Tables Glass Plates Brass Inlays Art Nouveau, 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Viennese Art Nouveau set of four nesting tables of around 1900. Four elegantly shaped side tables in different sizes that slide into each other. Each of the tables is fitted with a g...
Beech
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Side Table, Marquetry Wood, France, Circa 1910
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Art Nouveau table, made in marquetry, by Émile Gallé (1846-1904). Signed Galle France, CIRCA 1910.
Wood
Pair of Spanish Hand-Forged Iron Drinks Tables with Gold Patina
Located in Buchanan, NY
A refined pair of Spanish drinks tables recently handcrafted by skilled European artisans using traditional ironworking techniques and materials. Inspired by a vintage design from th...
Iron
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
Art Nouveau 20th Century Bentwood Side Table by J&J Kohn, Austria ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely small 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood side table by made by the famous company of Jacob & Josef Kohn in Vienna/ Austria around 1910. A timeless designed side table with squa...
Beech, Bentwood
Small Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Table on a Tripod Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
This small, elegant Spanish iron drinks table was recently hand-crafted by skilled European artisans using traditional iron working techniques. It features a central stem with a deco...
Iron
Circular side table attributed to Josef Frank - 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Paris, FR
Tripod side table attributed to Josef Frank - Sweden 1940 Circular top in walnut burl wood resting on 3 large elegant legs. Possibility of grouping with a square table. Dimensions:...
Wood
French Art Nouveau Wood and Brass Gueridon
Located in Long Island City, NY
In a Secession style, with a stained oak base and a hammered brass tin top.
Brass
Side, Coffee Cocktail Table by Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann Attributed
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century Art Nouveau occasional side table, coffee and cocktail table by Wiener Werkstätte Josef Hoffmann designer attributed, in solid walnut, restored and wax polished. ...
Walnut
Antique French Art Nouveau Style Occasional Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Art Nouveau Style Occasional Table Your traditionally decorated living room would be complete with this plywood side table. The table apron is constructed from overla...
Aluminum
Early 20th Century Italian Burr Wood Occasional Table
Located in London, London
An elegant Italian burr wood occasional table, dating to the early 20th century, notable for its fluid lines and refined decorative detail. The circular top sits above a frieze cent...
Burl
1900s Art Nouveau Occasional Side Table, Carved Ebonized Walnut, Wax Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A spectacular early 20th century, Venetian Art Nouveau occasional side table, hand-carved ebonized walnut, wax polished. Testolini & Salviati attributable Measures cm: H 73 x W 90 ...
Walnut
Antique Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Small Side Table with Duck Geese Tile Top
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Small Side Table with Duck/Geese Tile Top. Item features (8) Porcelain/ceramic decorative tiles with various duck/geese scenes, black wrought iron ba...
Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau patinated and gilt cast iron side table
Located in Tarzana, CA
A lovely German Art Nouveau patinated and gilt cast iron side table by Musterschutz Company in Magdensprung, Germany. The table top features floral design around a central gilt bronz...
Iron
Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Table on an Elevated Tripod Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant small scale side table, recently crafted by European artisans using traditional skills. Featuring a hand-applied gold finish with subtle dark undertones, it rests upon a f...
Iron
Viennese circa 1900 Side Coffee Table by Thonet in Ebonized Walnut Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Original secessionist bentwood side table in the manner of Joseph Hoffman. In good original condition. Measures cm: H 61, W 42, D 42 (internal shelves H 40cm).
Walnut
Jugendstil side table no.31 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Jugendstil side table no.31 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished with shellac.
Beech, Bentwood
1910s Oval Viennese Occasional Table by Wiener Werkstätte, Solid Walnut Restored
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century oval Viennese occasional table from Wiener Werkstätte, solid walnut restored, attributed to architect Josef Hoffmann designer Measures cm: H 76, W 70, D 52 "...
Walnut
Art Nouveau Table Fischel Nr. 10, circa 1910, Thonet Style
By Fischel
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare 1910's Thonet style table, by Fischel, made in Austria. Made of wood. Revived, cleaned, shows minor signs of use and age.
Bentwood
Vintage French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Marble Top Painted Side Tables - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Marble Top Painted Side Table - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 22" H x 16.25" W x 12" D.
Metal, Wrought Iron
Vienna Secession Jugendstil Wood Brass Side Table Robert Oerley Vienna c 1905
Located in Vienna, AT
Vienna Secession Jugendstil side table or commodes or night stand designed by Robert Oerley Vienna circa 1905. Very beautiful, important and high quality side table designed by Rober...
Brass
Victorian Majolica Ceramic Table / Stool With Numidian Cranes by Thomas Forester
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Victorian Art Nouveau Majolica Ceramic Colbalt Blue Garden Table, Stool Circa 1881-1900 by famous pottery makers Thomas Forester & Sons Features a decorative Numidian crane pattern...
Ceramic