In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
19th Century Square Majolica Mermaid Wall Plate
Located in Austin, TX
Square Majolica mermaid plate with shells on the corners, the mermaid sit on a flying fish, the border is decorated with shrimps, circa 1880.
Ceramic
French Victorian Carved Pine Faux Bamboo Daybed Or Twin Headboards
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement carved pine faux bamboo daybed. It would also make a great pair of twin headboards. The cushion is a custom cushion in a neutral flax ...
Maple, Pine
ROYAL WORCESTER - Antique Porcelain Shell Form Wall Pocket - U.K. - Circa 1881
By Royal Worcester, James Hadley
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL WORCESTER (Manufacturer) - James Hadley (Designer 1837-1903) - Model Number 737 - Antique shell form and gilded coral branch porcelain wall pocket - featuring a realistically m...
Porcelain
19th Century Majolica Birds Jardinière Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica jardinière planter with 4 birds Delphin Massier, circa 1890. Height / 5 inches , 8 by 5 inches. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. ...
Ceramic
19th Century Majolica Pink & Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.
Ceramic, Majolica
Italian Bloomingdale’s Victorian Aesthetic Movement Style Burnt Bamboo Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Victorian Aesthetic Movement style burnt bamboo armoire cabinet crafted for Bloomingdale’s in the later part of the 20th century. The door is mirrored. The interior has she...
Mirror, Wood
Victorian Chinoiserie & Burnt Bamboo Red Lacquer Side Table Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Victorian Aesthetic Movement chinoiserie and burnt bamboo red lacquer side table or desk. I believe the panels are antiques that were adapted to be a desk or side table pos...
Bamboo, Wood
19th Century Square Majolica Mermaid Wall Plate
Located in Austin, TX
Square Majolica mermaid plate with shells on the corners, the mermaid sit on a flying fish, the border is decorated with shrimps, circa 1880.
Ceramic
English Aesthetic Movement Tall Glass Front Bamboo Cabinet
Located in Troy, MI
A bamboo cabinet in a dark brown finish, with two glass doors, each fitted with an X-strut bamboo motif at the top and bottom. Interior fitted with four shelves creating five compart...
Grasscloth, Bamboo, Glass
Large Majolica Jardinière Birds Basket Sarreguemines, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica Jardinière Birds Basket Sarreguemines, circa 1890. 15.5 inches L by 8 inches. H / 7 inches.
Ceramic, Majolica
Antique French Majolica Jardinière Planter Peacock Onnaing Large Cache Pot c1880
By Onnaing
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique French Majolica Jardinière Planter Peacock Onnaing Large Cache Pot c1880. Direct from France, an extraordinary antique Onnaing majolica jardinière with magnificent sculptura...
Majolica
Antique Aesthestic Movement Bamboo Four Tier Curio Shelf / Etagere / Bookshelf
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique Aesthestic Movement/Victorian-Style four-tiered etagere/bookcase/shelving unit (ca. early 20th Century, USA). Composed of a bamboo frame with metal hardware supporting four w...
Metal
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Ball-Form Scent Flask by Whiting
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Aesthetic Movement sterling silver scent flask, crafted by the renowned American silversmith firm Whiting circa 1880, is a sublime example of both innovative design an...
Sterling Silver
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo & Bird's-Eye Maple Full / ¾ Bed, c. 1880s
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo & Bird's-Eye Maple Full / ¾ Bed - c. 1880s An exceptional example of late 19th-century American Chinoiserie. This bed frame dates from the...
Birdseye Maple
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver & Glass 8x10 Picture Frame
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Tiffany & Co. large sterling silver frame. 4 Removable repoussè floral motif triangular corners set into beveled glass. Two of the four corners are stamped Tiffany & Co. sterling silver, as shown in photos. Unoriginal Tiffany storage box...
Sterling Silver
Pair Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Tabourets / Tables Possibly J.W. Fiske
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Tabourets, Possibly J.W. Fiske, American, Circa 1870–1890 An exceptional pair of late nineteenth-century cast iron garden tabourets embod...
Cast Iron
Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Austin, TX
French porcelain oyster plate with seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900.
Porcelain
The Collector’s Choice: Late 19th Century Persian Malayer Masterpiece of Legacy
Located in Dallas, TX
74396 Antique Persian Malayer Rug, 13'06 x 23'06. The Collector’s Choice: Late 19th Century Persian Malayer Masterpiece of Legacy. Woven during the Qajar Dynasty of the Late 19th Cen...
Wool
Petal Pendant made by hand from mouth blown Murano glass and hand tooled Brass
Located in London, GB
The Petal Pendant is a design by Andrew inspired by the Aesthetic Movement pendant lights of the late 19th Century where art in design was celebrated following Victorian mass produ...
Brass
Low Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Art Deco Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A Restored Masterpiece from a Bygone Era Discover the charm of bygone eras with our meticulously restored antique chandelier, a true passion project fr...
Crystal, Brass
Single arm swing arm Library Light in Antique Brass with Silk pleated shade
Located in London, GB
Designed by Andrew and produced by hand with care and attention to detail, the Double Swing Arm Library Light was introduced to the collection in 2013 and has been one of our best se...
Brass
Burgundy Red Fur Blanket throw - Rex Rabbit Fur Customize to any size
Located in Dural, AU
Emily Barbara Fur Couture — Rex Rabbit Fur Blanket Throw Elevate your interior with the unmistakable luxury of the Emily Barbara Fur Couture Rex Fur Blanket Throw, an exceptional s...
Fur
Swing arm Library Light in Antique Brass with matching Brass Lampshade
Located in London, GB
Designed by Andrew and produced by hand with care and attention to detail, the Double Swing Arm Library Light was introduced to the collection in 2013 and has been one of our best se...
Brass
Birdseye Maple Faux Bamboo Cabinet with Marble Top
Located in Bradenton, FL
Birdseye Maple Faux Bamboo Cabinet with White Marble Top. Cabinet features a faux bamboo carved frame. It is fitted with two storage drawers over two paneled doors, each door decorat...
Marble
Belgium Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Belgium Majolica oyster plate with pink flowers & green leaves Wasmuel, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Late 19th-C. French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Carved Pine Bed - F/Q
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely late 19th-C. French faux bamboo bed that includes the headboard, footboard, and two side rails. The footboard measurements are as follows: 51.5”L x 3”W x 41.5”H. T...
Pine
19th Century Square Majolica Mermaid Wall Plate
Located in Austin, TX
Square Majolica mermaid plate with shells on the corners, the mermaid sit on a flying fish, the border is decorated with shrimps, circa 1880.
Ceramic
Mid-Century Cast Concrete English Garden Style Pots / Planters / Jardinieres - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of unique cast concrete planters. As one can see, one is significantly darker than the other. They most likely date to the 50s/60s. They are unmarked.
Concrete
Rosella Glass Cake Plate by Mikasa
By Mikasa
Located in Bradenton, FL
A decorative glass plate in the Rosella pattern made by Mikasa of New Jersey. Frosted glass is etched with roses on the underside and decorated in pink, surrounded by delicate foliag...
Glass
Bench ceramic contemporary glaze green black square organic
Located in Rubi, Catalunya
Handmade stoneware Bench manufactured at the workshop of Apparatu in Barcelona. Different clay bodys are mixed with natural fibers like corn, straw, or heather straw. The pieces are ...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Victorian English Tiger Bamboo Chinoiserie Book Table with Folding Shelves
Located in Troy, MI
An octagonal bamboo table in a mottled tiger bamboo finish, the top lacquered in chinoiserie style with gilt birds and peonies on a dark ground. Four folding shelves, painted en suit...
Bamboo, Giltwood
1920s French Oval Hammered Copper Fish Plate Platter Antique Vintage Midcentury
Located in London, GB
a really amazing selection of copper fish platters coming from the French Riviera and an old restaurant called La Loupe(wolf fish). copper body with silver chrome plate on the servin...
Copper
French Set of 4 Majolica Flowers Tiles, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French set of 4 Majolica flowers tile, circa 1890. 6' by 6" , The four tiles 12' by 12".
Faience
Large Zsolnay Pécs Parrot Wall Plate with Gilt Decoration, Hungary
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
An impressive large decorative wall plate by Zsolnay Pécs, Hungary, richly decorated with an exotic parrot surrounded by stylized flowerin...
Gold, Enamel
Set of 6 Haviland Limoges Aesthetic Movement Crab Plates, Dated 1893
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of six Haviland Limoges Aesthetic Movement crab plates, hand-painted and individually signed J.E. Meyers and dated ’93 for 1893. Each plate bears the green CFH/GDM France mark as...
Porcelain
1950s Saridis Headboard Super King Size Bed 180cm Wood Bedroom Midcentury
By Sardis
Located in London, GB
An exquisite and extremely well made hand carved headboard from the renowned manufacturer Saridis in Athens. The headboard is 180cm long which makes it a Super King Size Bed in UK s...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Bamboo Hand Painted Lacquer Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Chinoiserie Table A striking 19th century Aesthetic Movement bamboo Chinoiserie table, featuring hand-painted birds in flight and perched amon...
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1890. with shells.
Porcelain
Mintons Majolica Glazed John Henk Monumental Rooster, England 1910
By Minton
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Minton, a monumental and scarce Rooster figure, Stoke-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1910. A mold designed by John Henk, this faithful representation of a proud roos...
Earthenware
Delphin Massier Vallauris Parrot & Bamboo Large Double Vase, France, circa 1875
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large, foot-high, French Barbotine Majolica glazed vase showing a colorful parrot sitting on a Bamboo perch. The perch rests in a grass cropping and features two bamboo shoot flower holders, circa 1875. Gorgeous color, a scarce piece. Signed Delphin Massier et Cie, Vallauris A.M. Delphin, born in 1836, was one of three brothers from the Massier family, a dynasty of potters dating back to before the French Revolution. The family played a key role in the revival of pottery in Vallauris, Southern France...
Ceramic
Celtic Chair Trône by Paul Covaci, hand carved 2025
By Paul Covaci
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Celtic Chair Trône by Paul Covaci, hand carved 2025 by Paul Covaci born in 1983 in Transilvania -Romania. He graduated Graphics in 2004 at the Art Faculty of Vest Univesity of Timișo...
Poplar
19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.
Ceramic, Majolica
Turn of The Century Oak Coat Stand Tree
Located in New York, NY
Turn of the century solid oak coat tree, stand having a turned wood structure, with two levels of three hooks each. This example is in very good, original, clean and ready to use con...
Oak
$5,135Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Scottish Aesthetic Movement Polished Cast Iron Fireplace Insert
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A large masculine and flamboyant example of a 19th century Scottish Aesthetic movement cast iron fireplace insert. A large outer plate with recessed fielded panels hosts an off set p...
Iron
Exceptional Museum Grade Pair Of Howard & Sons Faux Bamboo Bedside Nightstands
Located in Hastings, GB
An extraordinary and highly sought-after matching pair of late Victorian Aesthetic Movement bedside cabinets by the legendary London workshop, Howard & Sons. Globally celebrated for ...
Pine
Rare, large 16x16” sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, 20th c.
By Gianmaria Buccellati, Buccellati
Located in View Park, CA
A rare large maple leaf sterling silver centerpiece created by the famous Italian silversmith Buccellati, made in Italy mid twentieth century. The centerpiece is composed of three la...
Sterling Silver
$249 / set
Tiny Vintage Florentine Mirrors; a pair
Located in Malibu, CA
Florentine gold framed mirrors. Classic pair of small accent mirrors. New mirror never used. The pair can be broken up, inquire within.
Giltwood, Mirror
Jointed swing arm Library Light in Bronze with matching Brass Lampshade
Located in London, GB
Designed by Andrew and produced by hand with care and attention to detail, the Double Swing Arm Library Light was introduced to the collection in 2013 and has been one of our best se...
Brass
19th Century Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Bamboo Sewing Side Table
Located in Forney, TX
Add a touch of elegant sophistication, romantic warmth, and authentic antique character with this absolutely exquisite 150 year old Victorian era sewing stand work table (today it wo...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Antique Silver Kiddush Cup with Floral and Landscape Motifs
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique silver Kiddush cup, crafted in Russia circa 1880, is a stunning example of 19th-century craftsmanship and Judaica artistry. Designed for the ceremonial blessin...
Sterling Silver
A French Japonisme Bronze-Mounted Cobalt Blue Porcelain Jardinière circa 1880
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A striking late 19th-century French Japonisme centerpiece or planter, exquisitely crafted in richly glazed cobalt blue porcelain and lavishly mounted in finely chased gilt bronze. Da...
Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage Brighton Pavilion Style Scorched Bamboo Plant Stand or Side Table
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Striking vintage bamboo plant stand featuring beautiful scorched bamboo patterning and decorative Brighton Pavilion–style fretwork. The architectural open frame design showcases eleg...
Bamboo
Cast Brass Library Light in Polished Nickel with Nickel Plated Brass Lampshade
Located in London, GB
Designed by Andrew and produced by hand with care and attention to detail, the Swing Arm Library Light was introduced to the collection in 2013 and has been one of our best selling s...
Brass, Nickel
Aesthetic Movement Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W Godwin
By C.J. Plunkett & Co, Edward William Godwin
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Jacobean or Old English ebonized armchair. After a design by E. W. Godwin. Probably made by C J Plucknett & Co. See The Secular Furniture of E W Godwin by Susan...
Walnut
French Bamboo, Grasscloth Wallpaper & Wicker Coat Rack Or Hall Tree Or Coat Rack
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a charming French bamboo and wicker hall tree or coat rack. It has grasscloth wall paper in the open spaces. Each panel has some red and blue painted accents. It dates to the...
Grasscloth, Bamboo, Wicker, Mirror
1892 Rose Pattern Sterling Silver Bon Bon Spoon by Stieff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Stieff Rose sterling silver bon bon spoon, 1892. Marked "Sterling Stieff." Scalloped bowl. 1.15 troy oz. 5.25
Sterling Silver
$1,620 / item
Ceiba Table Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Pe...
Clay, Linen
$990Sale Price / item|40% Off
19th Century Large Bird & Bamboo Art Pottery Chinese Egg Pot Jardinière Planter
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late 19th-century Chinese art pottery egg jar featuring elegant bird and bamboo motifs hand-applied around the body. Over 120 years old, these vessels were originally used to store b...
Ceramic
The Floating Cadence: A Vintage Turkish Kilim Masterpiece of Abstract Rhythm
By Le Corbusier, William Baziotes
Located in Dallas, TX
52624 Vintage Turkish Kilim Rug, 10'10 x 13'10. The Floating Cadence: A Vintage Turkish Kilim Masterpiece of Abstract Rhythm. There is a cultivated stillness within this handwoven wo...
Wool
Dr C Dresser Attr. Aesthetic Movement Incised, Gilded & Ebonized Display Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser attributed an Aesthetic Movement ebonized display cabinet with incised and gilded zig-zag decoration. Probably made for Bushloe House. I wa...
Walnut