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.
$669Sale Price / item|20% Off
Antique Austrian Door Knobs by Otto Wagner, Set of 2
By Otto Wagner
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
These door handles were designed by Otto Wagner for the Austrian Postal Savings Bank, built in 1906. These original sets offered here were replaced after World War II by newer ones (...
Brass, Nickel
Mid 20th Century Stained Glass Windows Fruit & Leaves, Jewels
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of 4 leaded and stained glass windows. Excellent craftsmanship and design in the framework of these 4 windows. Red cherrie...
Lead
1 of the 25 Grey Blue Taupe Colored Glazed Tiles, Gilliot Freres Hemiksem
Located in Rijssen, NL
Handmade tiles in taupe, grey and blue glazed color. With an Art Nouveau illustration in the middle with yellow accents. Manufacturer Gilliot Freres Hemiksem. These tiles would be c...
Ceramic
Outstanding Set of Five Blue Lucite Door Handles, Vintage, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Italian architectural door handles in light blue lucite, dating to the 1960s, with original brass hardware. These striking handles embody the bold material combinations and clean lin...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 140 Art Deco Tiles by Boch Freres, la Louvière, 1920's
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 140 glazed ceramic tiles tiles by Boch Freres, la Louvière, circa 1920's . Beautiful original antique blue and off-white tiles with a wonderful ri...
Ceramic
Large Number of Antique Glazed Relief Tiles, Belgium
Located in Rijssen, NL
Amazing set of handmade tiles in rich green colors. Each tile is divided into six faces. Manufactured early 20th century, Belgium. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, ...
Ceramic
French 19th-20th Century Belle Époque Wrought Iron Balcony Railing Panel - Gate
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A French 19th-20th Century Belle Époque Wrought Iron Balcony Railing Panel (or Gate Section). A superb example of late-19th-century French wrought-iron craftsmanship, this elegant ho...
Wrought Iron
1 of the 20 Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles, Maison Helman, Céramiques d'Art
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 20 amazing original antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles manufactured in 1920s by Maison Helman - Céramiques d'Art - St. Agatha-Berchem. A beautiful relief and deep green, ro...
Ceramic
1 of the 35 Authentic Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles, Gilliot, circa 1920s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles. A beautiful relief and a rich rose green, brown and creme color. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, fram...
Ceramic
Exquise Large Panel Of Art Nouveau Glazed Relief Tiles by Gilliot, circa 1920
By Gilliot
Located in Rijssen, NL
Handmade floral antique tiles whit rich glazed colors. Manufactured around 1920 by Gilliot Hemiksem, Belgium. Complete with edge tiles to fit in as a painting. These tiles would be ...
Ceramic
Architectural Art Nouveau Wood Element / fire screen manner of Rennie Mackintosh
Located in Buffalo, NY
Architectural Art Deco / Nouveau Wood Element / fire screen ?Done in the manner of Charles Rennie Mackintosh,, Possibly built as a stage , theatre prop.. Well made,, wonderful desig...
Wood
$1,000Sale Price|54% Off
Antique Wrought Iron Decorative Transom
Located in Redding, CT
Antique wrought iron decorative Transom or window guard. Lovely half moon shape with detailed scroll work. Some restoration done to piece. See photos. Perfect ornamentation for above...
Iron
1 of the 38 Unique Antique Relief Tiles with Flower, France, circa 1900
Located in Rijssen, NL
38 stuks Art Nouveau wall tiles with an image of a flower. The dimensions per tile are 5.9inch (15 cm) × 5.9 inch (15 cm). Please note that the piece is for one piece. 38 pieces ava...
Ceramic
$10,517Sale Price / item|20% Off
20th Century Art Nouveau Style Iron Spiral Staircase
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
20th Century Art Nouveau style spiral staircase from Spain in good condition and easy to assemble. This stair belonged to an old Factory in Spain, that closed at the end of the 2...
Iron
$17,211Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century Spiral Wooden Staircase from Spain
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Early 20th century spiral wooden staircase from Spain Ideal for lofts an big spaces. It was located in south spain to comunicate the groundfloor wh...
Wood
1 of the 100 Art Deco Tiles by Boch Freres, La Louvière, 1920's
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 100 glazed ceramic tiles tiles by Boch Freres, La Louvière, circa 1920's . Beautiful original cobalt blue and off-white tiles with a wonderful ric...
Ceramic
$10,517Sale Price / item|20% Off
20th Century Art Nouveau Style Iron Spiral Staircase
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
20th Century Art Nouveau style spiral staircase from Spain in good condition and easy to assemble. This stair belonged to an old Factory in Spain, that closed at the end of the 2...
Iron
French Art Nouveau Iron Railing with Lily Design
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau rectangular painted iron railing with lily design.
Iron
1 of the 44 Blue and Yellow Jugendstil Relief Tiles, circa 1920
Located in Rijssen, NL
44 pcs of colorful wall tiles with image in relief. Art Nouveau/Jugendstil manufactured in Belgium, Europe early 20th century. The tiles show an image of a yellow flower on light blu...
Ceramic
1 of 300 Art Nouveau Relief Tiles, Morialmé, circa 1930's
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful Art Nouveau tiles, with an image of a flower in relief. The gorgeous red-brown color is glazed. Manufactured around 1930 by, Societé Morialmé, Belgium. The dimensions per t...
Ceramic
1 of the 40 Art Nouveau Wall Tiles Marque de Fabrique CF, Devres, France, 1920
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 40 amazing set handmade tiles in rich dark green, lilac/purple colors. Manufactured around 1920 by Marque de Fabrique CF, Devres, France These tiles would be charming displa...
Ceramic
Pair of Wrought Iron Screens with Floral Patterns, early 20th Century, European
Located in London, GB
A set of two very attractive wrought iron screens depicting flowers and stylised leaves. European, early years of the twentieth century, possibly German or Czech in art nouveau or ea...
Wrought Iron
1 of the 80 Authentic Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles Rose, Belga, circa 1930s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles with an image of yellow rose in relief on a soft yellow background. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, fr...
Ceramic
Set of 24 Art Nouveau Glazed Tiles, Belgium, 1920
Located in Rijssen, NL
A unique and antique set of 24 Art Nouveau handmade tiles. Manufactured in Belgium, around 1920. A beautiful pattern and color (red brown). These tiles would be charming displayed on...
Ceramic
Pair of Wrought Iron Screens, early 20th Century, European
Located in London, GB
A set of two very attractive wrought iron panels or screens in art nouveau style, early 20th century. European, possibly German or Czechoslovakian. These screens are made of delicat...
Wrought Iron
19th Century Art Nouveau Brass Bell Push - Stylish Antique Decor
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Superb Art Nouveau brass bell push This is a superb looking piece, it has a 19th century registration marks on the back. The condition both inside and ou...
Brass
1 Set '2 Tiles' from the 18 Sets Art Nouveau Relief Tiles, Morialmé, 1900
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful wall tiles with an image of a butterfly and flower basket, trimmed with a beautiful edge. Manufactured around 1900, Morialme, Belgium. Two tiles together form 1 image. Ther...
Ceramic
1 of 2 Authentic Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles Yellow Rose, Belga, 1930s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles with an image of yellow rose in relief on a soft greyblue background. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, ...
Ceramic
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century Antique French Art Nouveau Iron Panel from Paris France
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful early 20th century antique French Art Nouveau iron panel purchased from the markets in Paris France. This is a wonderful iron panel in great condition brought over from Par...
Iron
Pair of Art Nouveau Hand Beaten Bronze Door Push Plates
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous and unique pair of art nouveau hand beaten bronze door push plates. Each being 13.5 inches long. Probably made in the US c...
Bronze
Set of 35 Pine Cone Art Nouveau Glazed Border Tiles by Le Glaive, 1920
By Le Glaive
Located in Rijssen, NL
Handmade border tiles in warm yellow, green and brown colors. With an illustration in relief of a pine cone. Manufactured around 1920 by Le Glaive, Belgium. We have different brown ...
Ceramic
Authentic Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles Laurel Wreath, Belgium, circa 1920s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles with an image of a laurel wreath in relief in a soft blue, green and yellow. These tiles would be charming displayed on e...
Ceramic
Set of 50 Hand Painted Ceramic Relief Tiles by Societe Morialme, 1895
Located in Rijssen, NL
A most unique and unusual piece of wall art. There are 50 individually tiles. Each pattered tile is a work of art in itself. Each tile is individually hand painted. Size each tile: i...
Earthenware, Pottery
1 of the 50 Art Jugendstil Ceramic Tiles by Gilliot Fabrieken Te Hemiksem, circa
By Gilliot
Located in Rijssen, NL
Recently lifted from its original home, a set of antique tiles from the early 20th century. With a beautiful stylized design of a lily. Manufactured by Gilliot Fabrieken te Hemiksem....
Ceramic
1 of the 3 Art Nouveau Tiles, by Gilliot Hemiksem, Belgium, circa 1930's
By Gilliot
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 3 Art Nouveau ceramic tiles by Gilliot Fabrieken Hemiksem, Belgium, circa 1930. Beautiful original antique tiles with a chrysanthemum in relief. The tile shows a soft yellow...
Ceramic
1 of 65 Art Nouveau Relief Border Tiles, Morialmé, circa 1930s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Beautiful Art Nouveau border tiles, with an image of a guirlande in relief. The gorgeous red-brown color is glazed. Manufactured around 1930 by, Societé Morialmé, Belgium. The dimen...
Ceramic
1 of the 410 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1910s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing and unique set of 410 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1910s. Stylized design. Notice that each pattern consists of 4 separate ...
Ceramic
1 of 60 Art Nouveau Ties, SA Faiencies Bouffloulx, Belgium
Located in Rijssen, NL
Handmade tiles in white, grey and blue glazed color. With an Art Nouveau illustration in the middle with golden/brown accents. Two tiles together make a beautiful whole. These tile...
Ceramic
1 of the 55 Green White Tiles with Yellow Flower Pattern, Maison Helman
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 57 amazing original antique handmade tiles manufactured by Maison Helman. A beautiful relief and deep green and yellow colors with lightgreen background with pink details. ...
Ceramic
1 of the 18 Honey Yellow Flower Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles, Maison Helman
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 18 amazing original antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles manufactured in 1920s by Maison Helman. A beautiful relief and deep green and honey yellow colors with blue backgroun...
Ceramic
$17,161Sale Price|28% Off
Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style.
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th Century wrought iron double front door in Art Nouveau Style. A large double door that belonged to the entrance of a noble house in Barcelona. ...
Wrought Iron
Large Art Nouveau Bronze Pair of Push and Pull Door Handles
Located in London, GB
Art Nouveau push and pull door handles in the shape of two water nymphs, originally from spa in the Alps. Original large handles express the water nymphs carrying water jugs on their...
Bronze
Pair of Large Decorative Elements in Carved Wood and Wrought Iron
Located in BARSAC, FR
Rare pair of large decorative elements in carved wood and wrought iron, originally they were balusters of the ceremonial staircase of a Napoleon III castle. Composed of a medallio...
Wrought Iron
1 of the 28 Unique Art Nouveau Relief Tiles Manufactured by NV De Dijle, 1930
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 28 unique and antique set of Art Nouveau handmade glazed relief tiles. Manufactured by NV Cermamiek produkten De Dijle (Belga), around 1930. A beautiful relief and color. an...
Ceramic
Large Victorian Art Nouveau Bronze Front Door Letter Box with Door Knocker
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Victorian Art Nouveau bronze front door letter box with door knocker. A good piece with a natural patina, the letter box has a new closing spr...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Large German Doors Made of Pine, Set of 2
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A pair of large early 20th century German doors made of pine. Each door has the original bracket or rollers mounted on top with which they could originally be used as sliding doors....
Glass, Pine
Antique Mackintosh Art Nouveau Style Stained Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Art Nouveau style stained glass window attributed to designer Charles Mackintosh. Reclaimed from a property in Manchester, this panel showcases a hand painted design of o...
Glass
Large Stone Garden Vase, Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Important garden vase in carved stone with a motif of flowers and fruits; the body of the vase is decorated with garlands in relief Restorations and small chips Early 20th century ...
Stone
$9,000Sale Price|25% Off
19th c Architectural Entranceway Coat Rack
Located in Woodbury, CT
Rare 19th century hand wrought iron and tin entryway surround. Originally a coat rack, but also great for a garden entrance. Original bronze painted surface. Top central crest with m...
Iron, Tin
French Art Nouveau Statuary Marble Mantelpiece
Located in London, GB
A refined French Art Nouveau white Statuary marble fireplace. The shaped frieze with delicately carved rose and foliage to centre and ends, the jambs with full length tapered panels....
Marble
$793Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Bronze style door handle
Located in Chonburi, TH
Art Nouveau style door handle cast Bronze.
Bronze
$717Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Set of 12 Art Nouveau Style Tube Lined Tiles Fruit Basket NOS
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A vintage set of 12 ceramic majolica wall tile depicting a still life of a fruit basket made in tube line technique dating to the 1950s by unknown manufacturer. The full set is in ne...
Ceramic, Majolica
Huge 19th Century Gilded and Reverse Painted Shop Sign
Located in London, GB
A fabulous huge late 19th Century Spanish gilded and painted glass sign from a bar in Barcelona. A rare survivor still in its original wooden frame with multiple layers of paint. Th...
Glass, Wood, Paint
1 of the 14 Art Nouveau Glazed Relief Tiles by Gilliot, circa 1920
By Gilliot
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 14 handmade floral antique tiles wiht rich glazed colors. Manufactured around 1920 by Gilliot Hemiksem, Belgium. Image on the tile in relief on light yellow ground. Very ni...
Ceramic
1 of the 30 Authentic Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles Rose, Belga, circa 1930s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles with an image of yellow rose in relief on a soft yellow background. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, fr...
Ceramic
Set of 16 Art Nouveau Glazed Tiles, Belgium, 1920
Located in Rijssen, NL
A unique and antique set of 16 Art Nouveau handmade tiles. Manufactured in Belgium, around 1920. A beautiful pattern and color (green). These tiles would be charming displayed on eas...
Ceramic
Set of 9 Art Nouveau Hand Beaten Bronze Door Handles with Plates
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous and unique set of 9 Art Nouveau hand beaten bronze door handles with plates. Amazingly complete set! Probably made in the US circa 1910 and most definitely influenced by the English New Lyn School of Arts and Crafts Era hand-beaten copper pieces. These are without doubt Art Nouveau in style and from the period. They were salvaged from a Mansion in Dallas that was built in 1929. We are of the opinion that these were ‘custom made’ pieces. They are unmarked and unsigned and they appear to be made of bronze with a brass and copper mix. The Set consists of: 6 double sided classic door handles/knobs with central lock pin – suitable for door of a minimum of 1.5 inches thick but can accommodate thicker door. Each of these 6 also come with their original back plates (x12) and keyhole covers (x12) for either side of the door. 2 handles/knobs with central lock pin but with small knob on backside- suitable for door of a minimum of 1.5 inches thick but can accommodate thicker door. This pair also has their original (front) back plates and a Yale back plate on the rear. 1 double sided turning door handles/knobs with turning central lock pin – suitable for door of a minimum of 1.5 inches thick but can accommodate thicker door. This also comes with it’s original back plates (x2). 1 Spare Keyhole cover, 2 spare back plates, 1 Spare plain Bronze Turning Knob with pin and 2 spare Hand-beaten Bronze Turning Knobs with pins. TOTAL OF 63 PIECES! These were originally used in the Mansion we rescued them from, with Yale Mortice Locks (a number of which we have listed separately in this category). The fact that they are hand beaten bronze, is highly unusual in itself as most of these types of pieces were copper. Also, we rescued these from the now demolished Mansion along with the UNIQUE hand beaten Bronze Door Straps...
Bronze
Set of 4 Art Nouveau Hand Beaten Bronze Decorative Door Straps
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a GORGEOUS AND UNIQUE Set of 4 Art Nouveau Hand Beaten Bronze Decorative Door Straps. Large straps, with each being 30.25 inches long. Pro...
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Fireplace Surround in Marble Stone
Located in Beervelde, BE
This 19th century fireplace mantel (fireplace) is from the Burgundy region near Clos Vougeot in France. It has very rich and exquisite carving making it quite distinctive. A fine Art...
Stone
1 of the 80 Authentic Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles Rose, Belga, circa 1930s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles with an image of yellow rose in relief on a soft yellow background. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, fr...
Ceramic