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.
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
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
Beautiful late 19th-century Gien faience dinner service
Located in New York, NY
Some table services charm with their refinement. Others invite you into a whole imaginary garden. This beautiful late 19th-century Gien faience dinner service immediately captivates ...
Faience
Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Bronze Bowl with finely chased motif of a woman with a peacock designed by Just Andersen in the late 1920s. * Low bronze bowl with chased decoration depicting a woman w...
Bronze
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a rich...
Metal, Brass
Antique Art Nouveau German WMF Green Glass Pewter Claret Pitcher Jug 16"
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Germany WMF Art Nouveau green glass and silver-plated/pewter claret jug / pitcher / wine carafe. Circa 1900–1906. Cast with flowing whiplash lines featuring a long-haired m...
Silver Plate
Josef Hoffmann Silk and Brass Pendant Wiener Werstaette 5th Avenue, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This marvellous pendant was designed for the New York branch of the historical Wiener Werkstaette. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Marquetry Desk Table by Louis Majorelle, France 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
A French Art Nouveau desk table by Louis Majorelle, France, circa 1900-Signed, “L Majorelle.” Rare desk version with a drawer and the intricate twisted leg motive. The table top is ...
Fruitwood
Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn: Dressing table model 1134 and Bat chair
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
This dressing table is stylistically related to the furniture of the famous Fledermaus cabaret from 1906: Made of dark-stained beechwood, the piece features clean, architectural lin...
Beech
Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Pendant Opaline Glass, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Woka ceiling lamp, also available with a 50 cm diameter radius - total drop is custom-made. Materials used are brass and opaline glass. Available in different finishes. L...
Brass
$4,622 / set
Pair of W.A.S. Benson Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
By Was Benson
Located in NANTES, FR
Paire d'appliques art nouveau vers 1900. Monture en laiton et cuivre. Tulipe ouraline de James Powel. The height of the tulip-shaped shade can be ...
Brass, Copper
Brass/Silk - of the Showroom Wiener Werkstätte Wall Light Jugendstil, Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Wall Sconces, Variation of the Wall-Lamp from the Fabric-Showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette. Measures are without tassel. Just with plain-colored fabric. USA and CAN: All ele...
Brass
$2,975Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Hungarian Zsolnay Tádé Sikorski Openwork Floral Mallow Vases
By Zsolnay, Tádé Sikorski
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of two antique art nouveau Zsolnay reticulated pierced openwork floral faience vases from the Mályva (Mallow) series. Designed by Tádé Sikorski. Made in Pecs Hungary. Five C...
Porcelain
Fabric Department Wiener Werkstaette Silk Wall Light Wall Lamp
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant wall lamp suitable to the fabric department pendants of the Wiener Werkstaette Material Metal frame work covered with silk Most components according to the UL regulations, wi...
Brass
Beautiful Large France Art Nouveau Glass and Brass Wall Lights
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful large pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces in glass and gilded metal/brass. Elegant and refined, with a timeless charm and a high-end, luxurious appearance. France 1920/1930s
Brass, Metal
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut Jardinière
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut attributed to Jardinière.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$297Sale Price|30% Off
Japanese Linden Art Nouveau Style Swinging 8 Day Diana Statue Desk Clock 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Japanese Linden 8 day figural Diana swinging clock statue. It features an Art Deco / Nouveau Diana statue holding a swinging clock pendulum. Dimensions: 5.25" x 4.875" ...
Metal
French 19th Century Marble Top Garden Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An exceptional French marble-topped garden table with industrial details in the cast iron base reflecting the style of the late 19th century. The white marble slab has a patinated a...
Marble, Iron
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine with original pressed steel cup handles - Decorative carved front - 24 large drawers - The top has been given several coat...
Steel
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
Antique French Ormolu Beveled Glass Jewelry Dresser Box
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique French gilt brass ormolu beveled glass footed jewelry casket or dresser box with hinged lid and lovely ornate handle. This fine quality box has been newly relined ...
Ormolu
Art Nouveau Black Lacquered Two-Panel Screen with Hand-Painted Irises, France ca
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An elegant French Art Nouveau folding screen dating from the early twentieth century, crafted as a two-panel room divider with a striking black lacquered ground. The surface is hand-...
Metal
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
French White Opaline Glass & Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
White mat opaline glass pendant Brass top and bottom 200 cm / 80" black cotton wire. Weight: 1.70 kg / 3.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by inter...
Brass
Massive Antique Tiffany Style Light Lamp Shade Glass 21"
Located in Somis, CA
A massive 21" wide Tiffany-style leaded glass lamp shade. Its graceful, pointed conical form is composed of softly variegated amber and honey-colored glass, accented with small flora...
Metal
Pair of Antique Art Nouveau Richard Evered & Sons Nickel Wall Lamps. c.1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional pair of early Art Nouveau wall lamps by Richard Evered & Sons. c.1900. Crafted in solid brass and finished in bright nickel plate. The plating has mellowed beautifull...
Brass, Nickel
Set of 5 Majolica Plates, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A beautiful set of five antique French majolica plates, featuring an elegant relief design of vine leaves, grape clusters, and branches. Their rich palette of greens, browns, and cre...
Majolica
1940s Art Nouveau / Swedish Grace Designer lounge Chair With Floral Jacquard
By Carl Malmsten, Ilmari Lappalainen
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant Swedish lounge chair dating from the 1940s, displaying a graceful combination of Swedish Grace proportions and subtle Art Nouveau influences. The chair feature gently curved...
Fabric, Beech, Pine
Diskometal Rabbit Sculpture designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Diskometal rabbit sculpture designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. * Rabbit sculpture in diskometal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1515 * Year: 1933 * Condition: Fair vin...
Metal
Majolica Ceiling Light Fixture, To Be Electrified, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
To Be Electrified. Late 19th-century French slipware ceiling light with floral decoration, ready for rewiring. Charming late 19th-century French slip...
Majolica
Circular Table Josef Hoffmann, Entwurf: um 1903, Sanatorium Purkersdorf. Origina
Located in Vienna, AT
A Circular Table from a Games Room at the Purkersdorf Sanatorium, designed by Josef Hoffmann, 1903, for the Purkersdorf Sanatorium, executed by the Wiener Werkstätte, oak, brown-stai...
Metal
Fledermaus Bench By Josef Hoffmann No.406 For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Fledermaus Bench By Josef Hoffmann No 728 For Jacob & Josef Kohn Austria 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Crystal Chandelier Antique Crystal Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Neoclassical
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite Neoclassical style brass chandelier - a real rarity and an antique gem. This antique chandelier has been lovingly and expertly restored in Berlin and i...
Crystal, Brass
Art Nouveau Casket by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau bronze casket designed by Niels Dam Ravn and produced by Nordisk Malm in the 1930s. * Curvilinear bronze casket with deer motifs and a fitted wooden interior box * Desig...
Brass
Original Gambling Table in the Style of Adolf Loos 1910 with Brass Chip-Bowls
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Beechwood stained, round brass-base, chased with Hammer-finish, four collumnar table-legs, on four corners extendible chips-bowls in brass - compare haberfeld table, knize tables.
Brass
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
$489Sale Price|20% Off
French Coquillage Shellwork Amphora, Turn of the 20th Century
Located in Valencia, VC
French Coquillage Shellwork Amphora Vase, Cabinet of Curiosities Object, Turn of the 20th Century French shellwork amphora dating to the turn of the 20th century, covered with hundr...
Sandstone
1900s Art Nouveau Lacquered Wood Sicilian Round Coffee Table
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This enchanting early 1900s Sicilian Art Nouveau coffee table is a masterpiece of Stile Liberty design, capturing the fluid, organic poetry of the era. Crafted from lacquered wood, t...
Wood, Lacquer
Italian 1920's Walnut Game Table
Located in New York, NY
Italian Stile Liberty period (the Italian equivalent of Art Nouveau) 1920's walnut square game table with architectural frame. With elegant organic curves, sculpted flowing lines, an...
Walnut
WMF Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Figural Sleigh Sauce Boat with Cherub, circa 1905
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A charming and highly decorative German Art Nouveau silver-plated figural sauce or gravy boat by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), circa 1905, modeled as an elaborate sleigh ...
Silver Plate
Vintage Royal Bayreuth Figural Lobster Creamer, Bavaria
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A whimsical vintage figural lobster creamer by Royal Bayreuth, Bavaria, masterfully modeled as a lobster with raised claws forming the spout and handle. Finished in rich hand-painted...
Porcelain
Set of 4 Bentwood High Back Dining Chairs by Thonet, Germany 80s
By Thonet
Located in Lucija, SI
Set of four bentwood hign back dining chairs Produce by Thonet in the 80s Labeled
Velvet, Bentwood
Set Of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.406 Fledermaus For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.728 FLEDERMAUS For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Fabric, Wood
French 19th Century 20-Inch Marble Top Bistro Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 20” diameter bistro table is scaled to seat 1-2 people for a coffee or a drink and easily placed anywhere in the home as an accent. Bistro tables like this were originally popu...
Marble, Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Pendant Charm
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Charming early 20th-century Vienna bronze dachshund figurine, dating to circa 1910 and crafted in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This beautifully detailed little dog...
Bronze
Highly Collectible Émile Gallé Cameo Glass "Pansies" Vase, circa 1900
Located in Bochum, NRW
An exceptional French Art Nouveau cameo glass vase by Émile Gallé 1stDibs, featuring an exquisitely acid-etched design of wild pansies (pensées) 1stDibs. The multi-layered glass mast...
Glass
Josef Hoffmann Table For Jacob & Josef Kohn No. 906
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Table N0.906 For Jacob & Josef Kohn
Wood
Set of four 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Silver plate Miniatures Figurine
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This classic set of four 20th-century Vienna silver-plated figurines showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and intricate detailing associated with the tradition of Austrian bronze ...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Marquetry Side Table by Émile Gallé, Walnut, France, 1900s
By Émile Gallé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau marquetry side table. Design by Émile Gallé Original solid walnut base with four tapered legs. The original table top, which has been slightly bended...
Macassar, Walnut
Set Of Fledermaus Seating Group By Josef Hoffmann for Jacob &Josef Kohn
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Fledermaus Bench,two armchair and table by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn.
Fabric, Wood
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
WMF Model 131 German Jugendstil Brass and Velvet Jewelry Box, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
WMF Model 131 German Jugendstil Brass and Velvet Jewelry Box, circa 1905 A documented German Jugendstil brass jewelry box by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), dating to circ...
Brass
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Art Nouveau Umbrella Stand in Enameled Cast Iron, France, Circa 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau cast iron umbrella stand, circa 1900. Rare in this color. This exquisite French Art Nouveau umbrella stand dates back to circa 1900 and is crafted from high-qualit...
Iron
Late 19th Century Stained Glass Transom Window with Jewels and a Beveled Glass.
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century stained glass transom window with jewels, beveled and textured clear glass. Two small pieces shown in the photos have double glazing like Tiffany used in his window...
Stained Glass, Wood
Antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria Strawberry Porcelain Creamer with Gilt
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A delightful antique Royal Bayreuth Bavaria porcelain creamer modeled as a ripe strawberry, with a richly hand-painted red body, green leafy rim, white blossom detail, and an elegant...
Porcelain
Lidded Jar by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Lidded Jar designed by Niels Dam Ravn and produced by Nordisk Malm in the 1930s. * Round bronze alloy jar with lid and decorative knop * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufacturer: Nor...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture sh...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios Poinsettia Table Lamp, Leaded Glass, Circa 1910
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios "Poinsettia" Table Lamp circa 1910 leaded glass, patinated bronze shade impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 1558-6" base impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 370"...
Bronze
Daum Nancy Art Nouveau Blue-Green Landscape Footed Vase, circa 1900
By Daum
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful French Art Nouveau glass footed vase by Daum Nancy, dating to circa 1900. The piece has a wonderfully rounded, almost bowl-like body raised on a short stem and circular f...
Art Glass
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