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.
Pair of Large Art Nouveau Gilt Wood Wall Mirrors w Birds, 1910's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Pair of Large Wood Wall Mirrors with Gilt Birds and Grape Bunches from the 1910's. The mirrors feature a carved wood frame with a dark finish. Perfect oversized mirrors to...
Gold
$1,787
Art Nouveau Gilt Mirror
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Arr nouveau Mirror Lovely distressed panelled mirror Lovely gilding Mid C20th
Giltwood
Art Nouveau mirror circa 1900
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau copper repousse mirror decorated with vines and two salamanders with pearl appliqués on the eyes. Original mirror with some pitting. Height: 63 cm Width: 42 cm Thickness...
Copper
Early 1900 Art Nouveau France Silver Metal Wall Mirror
Located in Brescia, IT
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror France, Early 1900 Silver Metal Frame and Original Ground Mirror Wood on the back Iconic Art Nouveau Shape Very Good Condiction
Metal
Pair of Italian Liberty, Art Nouveau Carved Walnut Mirrors
Located in Milano, IT
This refined pair of Italian mirrors exemplifies the expressive elegance of the Liberty style-Italy's interpretation of Art Nouveau-through a sculptural vocabulary of sinuous vegetal...
Mirror, Wood
A pair mirrors Swedish Grace probably David Wretling Pewter
Located in Boden, SE
Exquisite 1920s pair of tin mirrows, believed to be crafted by talented David Wretling. Adorned with delicate feminine figures. These mirrors capture the elegance and charm of the ...
Pewter
VERY LARGE 151CM X 133CM ITALIAN VENETIAN COBALT BLUE CUT GLASS WALL MiRROR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale the largest Vintage Cobalt Blue hand cut Venetian Beveled glass mirror I have ever seen Please note the del...
Glass
19th Century French Faux Bamboo Large Wall Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
19th century faux bamboo large wall mirror from France. The mirror frame is hand turned in the very popular faux bamboo style, which was indicative of the Art Nouveau period in Fran...
Mirror, Cherry
Antique Early 20th Century French Mirror, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique Early 20th century French Mirror. Manufactured France, circa 1940. Materials: Wood, mirror In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a...
Mirror, Wood
Hand-Carved English Bobbin Style Wood Wall Mirror, 1920s/1930s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Hand-Carved English Bobbin Style Wood Wall Mirror, 1920s/1930s Beautifully handcrafted English bobbin-style wall mirror from the 1920s/1930s. Made of painted wood in a deep brown-bl...
Wood
A French Maple Faux Bamboo Mirror, C. 1880.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A charming 19th-century French faux bamboo mirror, hand-turned in maple and crafted in the ever-popular faux bamboo style associated with the late 19th-century and early Art Nouveau ...
Mirror, Maple
20th Century Art Nouveau Gilt/ Red Wall Mirror With Floral Carvings, AT ca. 1900
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual gilt 20th century Art Nouveau wall mirror from the 1900s in Austria. This amazing looking antique wall mirror with a rustic charme has been hand carved out of softwood around...
Mirror, Softwood
Art Nouveau Mirror in Brass and Glass Inlay, Signed A.H. Villaket, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1910 / Mirror / signed A.H. Villaket / Brass, wood, and glass / Art Nouveau A rare and lyrical embodiment of French Art Nouveau craftsmanship, this exquisite mirror, signed...
Brass
An Art Nouveau Mirror In Gilt Silvered Wooden Frame. French c.1910
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau mirror in gilt silvered wooden frame, the typical whiplash Hector Guimard style. French c.1910
Mirror, Giltwood
Mid 19th Century Italian Giltwood Mirror
Located in Sarasota, FL
A Giltwood Italian mirror circa 1850. Framed with carved beading and scrolled ribbon at the mirror edge, the frame is decorated with elaborate scrolled acanthus and trailing leaves....
Mirror, Giltwood
Spanish Mid-Century Oval Sunburst Gilt Metal Mirror
Located in Buchanan, NY
This exceptional Spanish oval sunburst mirror from the 1950s features an array of gently curved leaves surrounding a sturdy frame with delicate crimping. The rich gilt finish is orig...
Metal
$275Sale Price|44% Off
Art Nouveau Copper Vanity Mirror c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Early 20th century vanity beveled oval mirror featuring a swivel top and a copper pedestal figure of a woman holding the frame of the mirror. Shown with life size hand model....
Copper
Large Spanish 1950's Oval Gilt Metal Sunburst Mirror
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely mid-century Spanish oval sunburst mirror features curved radiating leaves surrounding a frame with a delicate braided detail. It is finished in a rich gilt patina. We rec...
Metal
$345Sale Price|40% Off
Cast Brass Art Nouveau Round Wall Mirror with Ivy Lady Portrait
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Antique cast brass, gold-tone metal Art Nouveau round wall mirror with a female portrait surrounded by an ivy floral pattern that circles the mirror. The mirror comes with a whimsica...
Brass
Unique Hand-Carved Art Nouveau Mirror – Roses, Butterfly & Natural Elegance
Located in Lisse, NL
Exquisite Hand-Carved Arts & Crafts Wall Mirror in Solid Nutwood with Roses, Thorns & Butterfly – Museum Quality. If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy antique to e...
Mirror, Nutwood
French Art Nouveau Carved Wood l Mantle Wall Mirror Glass Embossed
Located in Miami, FL
Art Nouveau Wood Mantle Wall Mirror Glass Embossed . A superb handcrafted late 19th century period antique mirror with original glass . Embossed Artwork to decorate your interior fro...
Wood
19th Century Faux Bamboo Wall Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
19th century cherry mirror from France. The frame is made from cherry and its hand turned to look like bamboo. The frame is surrounding a mirror, which appears to be original. The mi...
Cherry
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror in Bird’s Eye Maple and Brass, circa 1900
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This elegant Art Nouveau wall mirror dates to around 1900 and was most likely made in France. The frame is veneered in beautifully figured bird’s eye maple with a warm golden tone an...
Brass
ArtLarge Italian Art Nouveau Mirror in Carved Walnut with Floral Motifs
Located in Milano, IT
This imposing Italian Liberty mirror should be read as a true architectural object rather than a simple reflective surface. Conceived in the early decades of the 20th century, it emb...
Wood, Bentwood
French Faux Bamboo Mirror in Cherry, Circa 1900
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 faux bamboo wall mirror made from Cherry. This mirror is lovely. The frame is hand turned from cherry to have the appearance of bamboo, which was at the height of fashio...
Mirror, Cherry
$2,597Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Art Nouveau Red Gold Jugend Trumeau Mirror, early 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unusual Italian Art Nouveau Folk Art Rococo Trumeau style arts and crafts wooden wall mirror from the early 1900s. Beautifully hand-carved large bird in flight among lovely stylized ...
Mirror, Wood
One of a Kind Art Nouveau Bronze Wall Mirror with Stylish Floral Design Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
This practical size and beautiful Art Nouveau wall mirror is in excellent condtion. Have you ever seen a cast bronze Art Nouveau picture frame? This rare example comes with very ele...
Bronze
Arched Eglomise Sculpted Mirror Hand-Crafted in Chicago for Lake Front Mansion
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Arched and Églomisé Mirror, that has a reverse sculpted appearance. Whomever designed this Églomisé Mirror, did it extremely very well. Soft spring-like colors, seem to bloom right b...
Mirror
Art Nouveau Bentwood Shave Stand and Mirror
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique Art Nouveau shaving stand with swinging candleholders. Wonderful flowing lines. By Thonet of Austria, circa 1900.
Mirror, Beech
French Iron Art Nouveau Leaf Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Art Nouveau iron mirror from France, 1920s. Iron frame and hexagonal mirror with leaf detail. All original with nice age and patina.
Iron
Rare and Important Orientalist Console Table & Mirror by Carlo Bugatti
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare and important Orientalist console table and mirror by Carlo Bugatti (Italian,1856-1940). This elegant Moorish design is made of intricately carved and ebonized walnut inlaid with pewter, bone and copper, partially covered with parchment. The upper part featuring an arched mirror plate flanked by a pair of turned metal decorated columns surmounted by a gallery top inset with bone and carved finials.The lower part of the console table is beautifully fitted with three hanging tassels that extend over a vellum panel illustrated with a scene of ibises over pewter inlaid calligraphy designs.Carlo Bugatti was a famous designer active at the turn of the century. His pieces are rare and highly prized. He was the father of Rembrandt Bugatti who was a renowned sculptor, his work is also highly valuable and very rare since he died at 32. Ettore Bugatti...
Wood
Antoni Gaudí Oak Calvet Mirror by BD, Varnished Finish, Spain
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirror designed by Antoni Gaudi, circa 1902. Manufactured by BD Furniture in Barcelona. Solid oak, varnished. There is also the same model covered in Fine gold leaf. Measur...
Oak
Scottish 19th Century Carved & Gilded Frame with New Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dramatic and theatrical late 19th Century carved and gilt frame, made in Glasgow, Scotland by picture framers Menzies & Son according to the original label affixed to the back. Not...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Large Scalloped Antique Mirror in Wood 1900
Located in Tilburg, NL
Large Scalloped Antique Mirror in Wood, around 1900. This is a wonderful antique wall mirror with a distinct scalloped shape and interesting use of ma...
Wood
Large Antique English Art Nouveau Brass Framed Oval Mirror C. 1900
Located in London, GB
Large Antique English Art Nouveau Brass Framed Oval Mirror C. 1900 In good condition showing some minor expected signs of wear commensurate of age (Please refer to photos), the lower...
Brass
Oak Varnished Gold brass Calvet wall mirror by Antoni Gaudí, Spanish Design
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid oak coated in fine golden brass sheets using a gold leaf technique. A company that has always attributed such great importance to the author of the designs could never forget the great figures in history. That is why the BD catalogue of contemporary creations has always included those by admired classical masters. Antoni Gaudí (1852/1926) is, without doubt, the most internationally well-known Spanish architect. But is not only his buildings and brilliant architectural solutions that have travelled the globe. His integrated conception of architecture led him to pay attention, not only to structural calculations, but also to all the decorative elements, including furniture, that would form part of the building. The admiration felt by modern designers for the furniture designed by Gaudí has not gone unnoticed by BD which was the first company to rescue them from history by embarking on their serial production using...
Oak
$5,271Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Mirror in Solid Mahogany, in the Style of Eugene Vallin
By Eugène Vallin
Located in NICE, FR
Presenting you with this beautiful and rare mirror crafted in solid mahogany and featuring bevelled edges in the style of French designer Eugene Vallin from the Art Nouveau period. T...
Mahogany
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Wood & Metal Mantle Wall Mirror Glass Embossed Repousse Antique CA
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Nouveau Wood & Metal Mantle Wall Mirror Glass Embossed Repousse Antique CA . A superb handcrafted late 19th century period antique mirror with original glass . Embossed Artwo...
Metal
Art Nouveau Gold Painted and Giltwood Mirror
Located in Chireno, TX
Art Nouveau gold painted mirror with carved giltwood trim and decoration, hand-carved circa 1910 in France. Original mirror glass.
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Art Nouveau Wood Wall Mirror with Facet Cut, Austria, circa 1900
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This mirror in is wood, in a brown color. It is Art nouveau Style and Period. It has been made in Autria circa 1900.
Wood
Italian Bronze Figural Wall Mirror Attributed to Caldwell
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Italian bronze figural wall mirror, attributed to the distinguished maker Caldwell, embodies neoclassical refinement and timeless sophistication. Crafted with exceptional artist...
Bronze
Spanish Art Nouveau Wall Mirror in Giltwood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Art Nouveau Rectangular Mirror with Foliage Frame, Wood, Gold Leaf Outstanding finely carved wood Art Nouveau mirror. Spain, 1930s Carved wood and gold leaf gilding. The frame has f...
Gold Leaf
$3,950
Antique Venetian Mirror
Located in Austin, TX
Mirror, Venetian, with clear and copper mirrored glass engraved with a beautiful floral motif and wheat.
Mirror
Small French Antique Silvered Wall Mirror, Art Nouveau Style, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Small French antique mirror silvered wood, Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. Decorated with stylized leaf friezes and rounded wooden wands. Anti...
Silver Leaf
Art Nouveau Style Wrought Iron Circular Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
Art Nouveau Style Wrought Iron Circular Mirror, the pierced scroll form crest with ball form and floral appliques. 42" H x 41" W x 2" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Wrought Iron
English Gilt Wall Mirror with Carved Floral Design (H 27 1/4 x W 35 1/2)
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English rectangular gilt wall mirror from the Art Nouveau period featuring a beautifully gilded carved wood design of flowers around the circumference with an urn and rosettes...
Mirror, Giltwood, Wood
Small French Antique Silvered Mirror Art Nouveau Style, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Small French Art Nouveau style silvered patina wall mirror, circa 1900. Decorated with stylized flowers and leaves in the Art Nouveau style....
Silver Leaf
19th Century French Faux Bamboo Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
19th century faux bamboo mirror from France. The frame has been wonderfully hand turned from cherry to look like bamboo. The frame surrounds what appears to be the original mercury...
Mirror, Cherry
Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Style Bevelled Glass Rose Gold Brass Wall Mirror
Located in London, England
An Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts style bevelled glass rose gold coloured brass circular wall hanging mirror. A timeless piece that captures the essence of the early 20th-century ...
Brass
Decoupage Decorative Cherub Mirror, 20th C
Located in Astoria, NY
Decoupage Decorative Cherub Mirror, 20th century. Dealer: S138XX
Wood
Antoni Gaudí Oak Calvet Mirror, Varnished Finish, Jugendstil Style
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirror designed by Antoni Gaudi, circa 1902. Manufactured by BD Furniture in Barcelona. Solid oak, varnished. There is also the same model covered i...
Oak
Early 20th C Catalan Modernism Mirror, Conglomerate & Stucco, Antoni Gaudi style
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Antique modernism mirror, conglomerate and stucco, lacquered blue sea and gold leaf, with some particular rocky bottom. The effect of the mirror when illuminated is very beautiful an...
Composition
Antique Art Nouveau Style Mirror
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Art Nouveau style mirror, made in England and dating from around the 1960’s. The frame is beautifully carved solid wood with grape vine motifs, in gold and green...
Mirror, Wood
Antique French 19th Century Simulated Bamboo Wall Mirror
Located in London, GB
Antique French 19th Century Simulated Bamboo Wall Mirror In good condition commensurate with age.
Fruitwood
Swedish Designer, Wall Mirror, Birch, Glass, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained birch wall mirror with beveled glass designed and produced in Sweden, 1920s.
Birch
Late 19th Century Country Art Nouveau Mirror, Walnut, Wax polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th century country Art Nouveau mirror in walnut, restored and finished to wax Measure cm: H 70, W 45, D 4.
Mirror, Walnut
Art nouveau mirror Orivit Jugendstil 1920 Metallwarenfabrik Germany - G883
By Orivit
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare art nouveau mirror from the 20's from the German factory Orivit. Structure of the mirror in solid pewter and mirror. Very nice manufacturing detail on the pewter with the face of a woman...
Pewter
Antoni Gaudí Calvet Wall Mirror, Solid Oak with Gold Leaf, Spain
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirror designed by Antoni Gaudi, circa 1902 and manufactured by BD furniture in Barcelona. Solid oak: Varnished or covered in fine gold leaf. Size: 58cm x 195cm Year: 1902 ...
Oak
Pair of Art Nouveau Miniature Mirrors, Gold Leaf, Giltwood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Art Nouveau Left and Right Gold Leaf Giltwood Mini Sized Mirrors Exquisite and richly carved pair of left and right petite mirrors. Carved wood, covered with gesso and 24-karat gold leaf finishing. These small sized Art...
Gold Leaf
Extremely rare secession mirror nr. 1148 by Gustav Siegel for J&J Kohn
By Gustav Siegel, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Extremely rare secession mirror nr. 1148 by Gustav Siegel for J&J Kohn. Mirror was listed in Russian catalog from 1904. Mirror is in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Mirror, Beech, Bentwood