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.
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
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
Early 20th Cent Elegant Dance Ball Bird Couple Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature
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
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 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
French Art Nouveau Style Dressing Armoire Beveled Mirror, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French two doors cabinet. A bevelled mirror on the central door. An elegant storage cabinet made of solid ash and burl ash veneer, dating from the early 20th century. Its refined des...
Brass
Liberty & Co. Small Art Nouveau Type Sterling Silver Photo / Picture Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed English picture frame in the Art Nouveau style. Made by Liberty & Co. of London in 1987. In sterling silver. With an oval opening perfect for portraits framed by sil...
Sterling Silver
Majolica Iris Vase Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica iris vase Massier unsigned of the end of 19th century. Art Nouveau period. Height / 9 inches.
Ceramic
Pink Swirl Champagne Flutes - Set of 6 - France
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage champagne flutes in a pale blush pink hue. Each glass has a lovely swirl design. Made in France by Arcoroc. Each glass measures 2.25"Dia x 6.5"H
Glass
$6,150
Thonet Bench 1865
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet Bench 1865
Bentwood
20th Century Dachshund Dog Family Puppies Austrian Miniature Figurine Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 20th Century figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian bronzes. This charming figurine showcases the exceptional artistry for whi...
Metal
Pair of Antique Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brass GEC Wall Lamps. c.1920
By General Electric Company (GEC) 1
Located in London, GB
A high quality pair of brass wall lamps made in England by GEC. c.1920 Beautifully designed wall lamps leaning into the Art Nouveau design period. Constructed from cast brass, retai...
Brass
19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement ( Lorraine ) Model created for the universal exhibition of 1878.
Ceramic, Majolica, Faience
$575Sale Price|49% Off
Antique Hand Carved Wooden Angel Head Sculpture, Spanish, Circa 1900-1920
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful early 20th century hand carved wooden angel head with glass eyes. Amazing eyecather with beautiful expression. Spain circa 1900-1920 Weathered, small losses. H:20cm W:9cm ...
Glass, Wood
French Majolica White Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica white daisy plate Orchies, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Lundberg Studios Tiffany Style Art Glass Tulip Table Lamp
Located in Fulton, CA
A Tiffany Style "Tulip" art glass table lamp by James Glenn Lundberg for Lundberg Studios. Founded in 1970 in Santa Cruz, California. Iridescent art glass shades both signed "Lundber...
Art Glass
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine and Larch with original cast iron handles - Decorative carved sides and front - 20 large drawers - The top has been given ...
Iron
Antique Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hammered Copper and Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen
Located in Hannover, DE
A remarkably decorative and authentic original Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) fireplace screen, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1895–1915, showcasing the unmistakable organic elega...
Copper, Wrought Iron
Daum Nancy Rare Miniature Orientalist Landscape Vase with Palm Trees Circa 1900
By Daum
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Daum Nancy & Croix de Lorraine Rare Miniature Orientalist Landscape Vase with Palm Trees Circa 1900–1910 A rare miniature acid-etched and enameled cameo glass vase with a soft opale...
Art Glass
Pink Swirl Wine Goblets - Set of 6 - France
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage wine glasses in a pale blush pink hue. Each glass has a lovely swirl design. Made in France by Arcoroc. Each glass measures 3.25"Dia x 6.25"H
Glass
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase with Fern Motif, c. 1904
By Gallé, Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
Émile Gallé, Vase Fougères/Ferns Décor, Nancy, c. 1904–1906 An exceptional and authentic Art Nouveau cameo glass vase by Établissement Émile Gallé, manufactured between 1904 and 19...
Art Glass
Émile Gallé Cameo Glass Cabinet Vase, "Clematis" Motif, Nancy, France, c. 1908
By Gallé, Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
A fine multi-layered cameo glass cabinet vase, an authentic Art Nouveau piece. The naturalistic decor depicts the Clematis flower, achieved through meticulous acid-etching. The deta...
Art Glass
Art Nouveau Casket by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau brass casket designed by Niels Dam Ravn in the 1930s. * Curvilinear bronze casket with floral motifs and fitted wooden interior box * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufact...
Brass
Art Nouveau Six-Light Brass Chandelier by Jencik, Czechoslovakia, 1920s, Labeled
Located in Praha, CZ
An elegant and authentic Art Nouveau six-light chandelier manufactured by Jenčík, Czechoslovakia, and retaining its original manufacturer's label. This beautifully proportioned chand...
Brass
French Lounge Chair With Sheep Leather And Velvet In The Manner Of Louis Chambry
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant early 20th century French lounge chair, executed in the spirit of Louis Chambry, combining sculptural form with rich, tactile materials. The cha...
Leather, Velvet, Oak, Pine
Tiffany Studios New York "Spider" Leaded Glass Table Lamp
By Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany Studios
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Tiffany Studios geometric leaded glass and bronze table lamp features the iconic Spider shade and its original complementary Mushroom bronze base. The unique form of the spider ...
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom-...
Silk
1900s Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Secessionist Bentwood Wall Coat Rack, Austria
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, August Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, original, and authentic Art Nouveau (Jugendstil / Secession) wall-mounted coat and hat rack, dating from around 1900 and produced by Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna, Austria. Th...
Bentwood, Wood
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom ...
Silk
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Puristic design from the early stages of the Wiener Werkstaette, Measures: Diameter 25 cm. This lamp is also available in diameter 35cm and 50cm. most components according to the UL...
Brass
Hanging Lamp from the showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Josef Hoffmann
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hammered Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB 3 p. 256-2...
Brass
Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908 Brass Polished and stove enameled Glass in front of the picture Picture size: Hight: 16cm Wide: 10,5cm The picture is not incl...
Brass
Rare Art Nouveau Armchair by H.P. Mutters & Zoon, Walnut Frame, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Nouveau armchair. Design by H.P. Mutters & Zoon Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid American walnut frame with hand-carved decora...
Wicker, Walnut
Art Nouveau Iridescent Yellow Blue Favrile Glass Bowl signed L.C. Tiffany & Co
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Nouveau iridescent Favrile glass bowl, signed L.C. Tiffany & Co. #1925, circa 1900, is a captivating example of Louis Comfort Tiffany's mastery of glass artistr...
Art Glass
Dutch Gouda Vase, Zuid Corona Pattern, Art Nouveau Stoneware, Holland, 1922
By Koninklijke Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Dutch Gouda vase by Zuid, produced in Holland in 1922, features the Corona pattern with richly hand-painted floral decoration inspired by the flowing organic forms of the Art No...
Enamel
Scalloped Bronze Bowl by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Scalloped Bronze Bowl designed by Niels Dam Ravn and produced by Nordisk Metalkunst in the 1940s. * Scalloped bronze Bowl with floral motifs * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufacture...
Brass
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with 11 Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing 11 third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a r...
Metal, Brass
Eliel Saarinen Cranbrook "The Blue Settee" Art Nouveau Settle Sofa or Bench
By Eliel Saarinen, Adelta
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding Art Nouveau style settle sofa or bench Designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1929 Produced by Adelta Oy Finland, 1980s Painted solid birch wood frame, with sawtoot...
Upholstery, Birch, Lacquer
Large Crystal Rustic Antique Chandelier Classic Traditional Solid Wide Glass
Located in Berlin, DE
A magnificent antique Art Nouveau crystal chandelier. Carefully restored and ready for immediate use, this piece is a true eye-catcher for any elegant interior. Dimensions: Overall ...
Crystal, Iron, Wire
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 55 Pendant Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Tiffany Studios Daffodil Table lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios "Daffodil" Table Lamp circa 1910 with an "Iris" base leaded glass, patinated bronze shade impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 1497" base impressed "Tiffany Studios...
Bronze
Antique Dog catching Duck Figural Cigar Cutter, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early Metal Cigar Cutter, Austria, circa 1900s A rare and finely detailed cigar cutter in silver plate metal, crafted in the early 1900s or possibly earlier. This exceptional piece ...
Metal, Silver Plate
French 19th Century Art Nouveau Hall Tree
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An extraordinary French 19th century vanity or hall tree that could serve many functions around the home to anchor an entryway, hall or dressing room in need of a statement piece of ...
Marble
Paolo Buffa Ladder chair for Chiavari, Italy 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Beautiful ladder high-back chair designed by Paolo Buffa for Chiavari in 1950s Italy. Ebonized hard wood with slim cane seat. Chairs are extremly light and firm. Patina and conditio...
Cane, Hardwood
Fairytale Chair After Gerhard Munthe, Executed by Henrik August Vikene C.1915
By Gerhard Munthe
Located in Valby, 84
What an extraordinary and visually arresting piece — the painted heron against the radiating fan motif on the back, continuing into a second fan panel on the stretcher below, is imme...
Pine, Paint
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with pink glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have b...
Brass
Large Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
Antique Oval Flush Mount Chandelier Brass Crystal Ceiling Light Restored Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
An elegant oval flush mount chandelier with balanced proportions and a refined presence. Fully restored in our Berlin workshop. The electrical system has been renewed and all crysta...
Crystal, Brass
Antique Large Sacred Heart Ex-Voto, Flaming Heart, PGR (Per Grazia Ricevuta)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade large 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, ...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
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 delicate openwork motifs and sinuous curves inspired by late Art Nouveau and the transitional styles leading to Art Deco. The central mirror with its curved contours is enhanced by a wooden structure with refined and symmetrical lines. The patinated beige hue of the wood highlights the craftsmanship and lends the piece a soft and warm presence. Originally intended for a dressing table or an elegant bedroom, this mirror is now a beautiful decorative object capable of adding a touch of antique charm to a classic, romantic, or eclectic interior. Style : Late Art Nouveau Transition to Art Deco French Style Antique Decorative 1920s Bourgeois Elegance Main Features : Carved wooden table mirror Openwork frame with decorative motifs Curved glass Patinated beige finish Handcrafted France, 1920s Finely crafted woodwork Decorative and functional object Beautiful period patina Keywords : wooden table mirror, antique vanity mirror, French mirror 1920s, Art Nouveau mirror, vintage dressing mirror, carved wood mirror, antique bedroom decor, French decorative arts, tabletop mirror, early twentieth century mirror, antique table mirror, carved wood mirror, dressing table mirror, Art Nouveau mirror, vintage French mirror, 1920s decor, antique bedroom mirror...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
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
Antique Bohemian Czech Kralik Green Iridescent Art Nouveau Glass ashtray 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Antique Bohemian Czech Kralik Green Iridescent Art Nouveau Glass ashtray 1908 Original condition
Brass
Art Nouveau Figural Lamp, by Viennese Sculptor Theodor Ullmann (1903-1996)
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is an Art Nouveau figural table lamp dating from the late 19th century to early 20th century (circa 1890–1915), a period famous for blending functional everyday objects with...
Bronze
1920 English Huntley & Palmers Chinoiserie Jar on Stand Biscuit Tin Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1920 Huntley & Palmers Chinoiserie Jar on Stand Biscuit Tin Box. Faux craquelure glazed "jar" decorated with phoenix birds, rising sun, & flowering bamboo. Great handles & borders. B...
Metal, Tin
French Art Nouveau Brass White Opaline Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass pendant Brass bulb holder with white opaline shad with clear green glass edge. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.75 kg / 1.7 lb Priced per ...
Brass
Alphonse Mucha Lithograph Art Nouveau "Au Paradis des Bebes" 1902 Paris
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A vintage lithograph of a glamorous woman of the Art Nouveau era done by the famed artist Alphonse Mucha known for his flowing detailed art depicting mostly woman in a sexy but digni...
Paper
Majolica Parrot Tulip Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Parrot Tulip Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1900. Height / 9.5 inches. The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. They produced an incr...
Majolica, Ceramic
Rare Majolica Butterfly Wall Pocket Clement Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica butterfly wall pocket signed Clement Massier, Golfe Juan Circa 1900. H / 7 inches. W / 9 inches.
Ceramic, Faience