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 English Art Nouveau Liberty & Co. Inlaid Oak Wall Mirror C. 1900
Located in London, GB
Antique English Art Nouveau Wall Mirror, Oak with Inlaid Stylised Flower Motifs, C.1900 A solid golden oak wall mirror in the manner of Liberty & Co. London. The broad chamfered fr...
Oak
Beige Wooden Table Mirror, France, 1920s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Carved beige wood table mirror, France, 1920s. An elegant table mirror in finely carved light wood, characteristic of early 20th-century French decorative taste. Its frame features ...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
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
$528Sale Price|43% Off
French Art Nouveau Louis XVI Style Beveled Mirror, Early 20th C.
Located in Labrit, Landes
Art Nouveau Louis XVI style beveled mirror, 19th century, French. Can be suspended from the wall or placed on a fireplace mantel or on a piece of furniture Original mirror Very go...
Oak, Mirror
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
Set of Swedish Grace Pewter Wall Mirror and Candle Sconces, 1930s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Grace Pewter Mirror with Wall Candle Sconces made by Svensk Tenn circa 1930s. * Oval pewter mirror with rose decorations with set of matching mirror-candlestick holders * Ma...
Pewter
Pair Large Early 20th C French Bronze Oval Frame Bevel Edge Mirrors
Located in Troy, MI
Large pair of Art Nouveau French oval mirrors in bronze frames that date from approximately 1910. Frames are 57” high and 45” wide with actual mirrors measuring 49” high X 36.5” wide...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Nightstand, Solid Oak & Marble Top, Hand-Carved, 1920s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Art Nouveau night stand or side table . Hand carved Flower medallion on the door . Bronze handles . Stunning Marble top . solid Oak . Very good condition . 1920s Belgium
Oak
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
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
**Pair of Antique Art Nouveau Mirrors with Integrated Shelves**
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant pair of antique **Art Nouveau / Modernist** mirrors, distinguished decorative pieces crafted from solid wood with a rich dark mahogany finish. Their tall, slender design refl...
Walnut
Art Nouveau Decorated Copper Mirror, France, 1920s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A unique Art Nouveau copper mirror produced in France in the 1920s. The frame is worked in copper relief, with a flowing, asymmetrical outlin...
Copper
French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Mirror With Beveled Glass
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our items. This exquisite French Art Nouv...
Wrought Iron
French 19th Century Large Art Nouveau Gilt Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dramatic French, late 19th century gold gilt mirror with original mirror glass framed by delicately carved foliate molding. The narrow molding incorporates scrolling vines of bloom...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
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
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
Vintage Hand Carved Swan Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This enchanting hand-carved mirror is a masterclass in whimsical artistry, featuring a frame defined by elegant, elongated swans that gracefully curve inward. Inspired by Art Nouveau...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Antique French Oval Wall Mirror in Giltwood, Art Nouveau Period, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Antique French oval mirror in gilded wood from the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. Antique frame with floral decoration and fluting, re-gilding to the leaf. Frame width: 3.5 cm / 1.3...
Mirror, Wood
Swedish Art Nouveau Mirror, Circa 1900
Located in Hammarö, SE
An exceptional Swedish mirror dating from the early 20th century, distinguished by its remarkable craftsmanship and highly decorative design. The frame is executed in wrought iron an...
Wrought Iron, Lead
19th Century Italian Silvered Wall Mirror, Embossed Copper, Venice ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
One of a kind, late 19th century silvered Italian wall mirror from the island of Venetia around 1880. This elaborately crafted Venetian mirror impresses with an absolute artfully sha...
Silver, Copper
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
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
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
$2,507Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Art Nouveau Trumeau Mirror, Hand-Carved Wood, 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
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
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
Monumental 19th-Century French Faux Bois Giltwood Mirror In The Naturalist Style
Located in Norwood, NJ
This exceptional late 19th oval wall mirror is a magnificent, large-scale example of the French Art Nouveau movement, masterfully rendered in the rustic faux bois (false wood) tradit...
Mirror, Giltwood
Art Nouveau Mirror Frame
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau mirror frame in original condition with signs of use.
Beech
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
$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
French Art Nouveau Brass Beveled Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
French Art Nouveau Brass Beveled Mirror. Stunning period French Art Nouveau brass hand hammered beveled mirror with beautifully decorated corner appliques...
Brass
$1,698Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Early 20th Century French Wood Mirror, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique Early 20th century French Wood Mirror. Manufactured France, circa 1940. Materials: Wood, mirror In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preser...
Mirror, Wood
$4,845Sale Price|28% 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
$1,306Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
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
Vintage Art Nouveau Revival Lucite Acrylic Figural Woman Round Wall Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Art Nouveau Revival Lucite Acrylic Figural Woman Round Wall Mirror. Item features a heavy sculpted acrylic yellow tinted frame with nude female and flowers. Circa Late 20th C...
Acrylic
Art Nouveau Style Wall Mirror, Made in Hand Beaten Metal
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Art Nouveau style wall mirror, made in Hand Beaten Metal. This is an unusual piece, it has a 4” wide hammered metal frame, this has pewter patination. ...
Steel
Early 20th Century Mirror Art Nouveau by Testolini & Salviati, Carved Walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1900s mirror Art Nouveau by Testolini & Salviati, solid hand-carved walnut restored and polished to wax. Bevelled heart mirror, hand-carved walnut ...
Mirror, Walnut
Antique French Octagonal Giltwood Wall Mirror, Art Nouveau Style circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Small octagonal gilded Art Nouveau antique mirror, circa 1900. Decorated with holly leaves and ivy in the corners and stylized friezes. Antique frame re-gilding with leaf. Frame widt...
Glass, Giltwood
Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Circular Mirror with Floral Crest
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
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
Carved Giltwood Art Nouveau Mirror in Small Scale
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gold Leaf Giltwood Minature Mirror with Crest, Spain, 1920s Finely carved petite oval mirror with crest. Carved wood, covered with gesso, 24-karat gold leaf finishing. This small sized Art...
Gold Leaf
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
C1900 French marble arched mirror frame
Located in London, GB
An impressive deep and bevelled french arched top mirror frame from the 1900s. A fantastic statement piece for an interior (Would need professional installation) 1 cm gap marble...
Marble
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror in Hand-Carved Blond Walnut with Shelf and Two Drawers
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Art Nouveau wall mirror in hand-carved blond walnut with shelf and two drawers. Restored and polished to wax. Very useful and convenient in an entrance wall...
Mirror, Walnut
Antique Barbola Mirror, Art Nouveau Style, Multicolor Frame, England
Located in Charleston, SC
This Antique Barbola Mirror brings a touch of vintage charm to any room. The oval frame, finished in a captivating mirrored effect, showcases a delightful blend of multicolor hues th...
Mirror, Paint
$2,153
Art Nouveau Gilt Mirror
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Arr nouveau Mirror Lovely distressed panelled mirror Lovely gilding Mid C20th
Giltwood
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
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
August Bergin & Co. Stockholm, Mirror with Wooden Frame, Swedish Jugend
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mirror in wood carved to imitate wood made by frame and mirrormaker August Bergin & Co Stockholm. Jugend, late 1800s. Label a tergo. Nice age related patina, smaller signs ...
Mirror, Wood
Exceptional Antique French Art Nouveau Gilt Wood Mirror
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A intricate and very decorative gilt wood and gesso openwork framed mirror. floral motifs throughout the frame with a beveled edge mirror within. The Mirror features the fine rhythmi...
Mirror, Giltwood
French 19th Century Window Transom Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique carved and painted wood transom from late 19th century France that would have been built into the architecture of a room, now holding a plate of mirror glass that can effect...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Paint
Art Nouveau Giltwood Mirror with Floral Motifs, Circa 1910
Located in Atlanta, GA
This refined Art Nouveau mirror, dating to circa 1910, exemplifies the organic elegance and ornamentation characteristic of the early 20th century. The rectangular frame is crafted f...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
French Art Nouveau Antique Mirror, Gilded & Silvered, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Antique French Art Nouveau mirror, circa 1900. Small mirror with geometric shapes, silvered and gilded, decorated with stylized holly leaves ...
Silver Leaf
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
Large Austrian Art Nouveau Carved and Gilded Mirror Circa 1905
Located in Hudson, NY
Monumental and really unusual. This asymmetric, biomorphic, looking glass is sure to not be a mass produced item. Playful and imposing. The pillowed surface of the wood makes you thi...
Gold 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
Art Nouveau Mirror Gilt Wall Mirrors
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Wonderful gilt wall mirror in the art nouveau style Love the look with the large gilt frame around the round mirror Very elaborately carved with drape motifs, scrolls and garlands, c...
Mirror