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.
Swedish Grace Pewter Candlesticks by Ernst Svedbom, 1930s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant pair of Art Nouveau Pewter Candlesticks with sculptural horse figures designed by Ernst Svedbom in Sweden in the late 1930s. * Pair of two (2) pewter candlestick holders wit...
Pewter
Pair of Bronze Verdigris Art Nouveau Sculptural Candle Holders
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage candle holders features cast bronze construction with striking floral stems and bases supporting conical candle holders with flared out rims. The stems are sculpted a...
Bronze
Antique Tiffany Studios Pulled Feather Favrile Glass Blown-Out Candlestick Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Tiffany Studios Pulled Feather Favrile glass blown-out candlestick was created in the United States by Tiffany Studios of New York during the early 20th century, cir...
Bronze
English Silver Plated 5-Light Candelabra, Art Nouveau Style, Mid-20th Century
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
An elegant English five-light candelabra in silver plate, made in the flowing style of Art Nouveau. Four grooved arms curl out from the central stem and loop around each other in ope...
Silver Plate
Brass silvered jugendstil candle holder for 3 candles vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Brass silvered jugendstil candle holder for 3 candles vienna around 1908 Original condition
Brass
Pair of SignedTiffany Candlesticks w/Blown Out Glass, Original, ca.1905
Located in Petaluma, CA
This lovely pair of art nouveau candlesticks were designed and made by the noted maker of fabulous lamps and accessories, Louis Comfort Tiffany. Each signed with his "Tiffany Studio...
Bronze
$539Sale Price|20% Off
Large Joseph Maria Olbrich Candleholder, Kayserzinn Reproduction, 1980s Design
By Kayserzinn 1, Eduard Hueck
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This impressive candleholder is a striking reproduction of a design by the renowned Austrian architect and designer Joseph Maria Olbrich, produced by Kayserzinn in the 1980s. Crafted...
Pewter
Art Nouveau pressed glass candlesticks by Vallerysthal & Portieux, France, 1920s
By Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja, Cristalleries De Baccarat, Cristalleries De Sevres, Val Saint Lambert, Portieux Vallerysthal
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Art Nouveau style pressed glass candlesticks by Vallerysthal & Portieux, France, 1920s. Both are made of pressed or molded clear glass, with three dolphins on each base and other cut...
Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of silvered pewter candlesticks, Art Nouveau - Achille Gamba
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of silver-plated pewter candlesticks in Art Nouveau style, designed by Achille Gamba. Germany early 20th century. Each candelabra depicts a stylized female figure with ...
Silver, Pewter
Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks Model 1201. Arts & Crafts, circa 1910
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A sculptural pair of American Arts & Crafts bronze candlesticks produced by Tiffany Studios, New York, circa 1905–1915. Model number 1201, cast in heavy bronze and finished with ...
Bronze
Antique Art Nouveau Pairpoint Large Silver Plated Candelabra. 1880s-1900s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique Art Nouveau large candelabra features ornate, highly detailed, sculptural form with 4 curved arms radiating from the central candle holder. The silver plated, heavy metal can...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Gorgeous Pair of Antique Candelabra - Art Nouveau / Liberty Style
Located in Manzano, IT
elegant pair of vintage Art Nouveau (Liberty) style candelabra, dating from the period between the late 19th and early 20th centuries (ca. 1890-1915). Featuring a refined design remi...
Bronze
Antique Tiffany Studios Tripod Candlestick with Feather Favrile Glass Shade
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Tiffany Studios Tripod candlestick with Feather Favrile glass shade was created in the United States by Tiffany Studios of New York during the early 20th century, ci...
Bronze
$5,000 / set
Gingko Candlesticks by Mark Bankowsky
Located in Palm Desert, CA
These bronze gingko leaf candlesticks inspired by the naturalistic designs of the Art Nouveau period are by Marc Bankowsky. Originally conceived for the restaurant of famed French restauranteur Pierre Gognaire, they proved popular enough that they are now offered to a wider audience. The focal point are the 2 leaves of the gingko. The top of the leaves are scored, the undersides are smooth. The candles are supported by a wonderful spiraling detail at the center of each leaf. Naturalistically cast, with the high areas polished, these candlesticks are hand signed by the artist (see image #10) as well as his cipher that is in the mold. Currently, we have 2 pair available and the collection of 4 would make an impressive statement on a large table. Offered for less as we were able to acquire these on the secondary market, here's your chance! Online Bio (artsy): "Designer and decorator Marc Bankowsky creates furniture and accessories using materials including metal, plaster, resin, and lambswool. Often inspired by the natural world, Bankowksy has produced candlestick-holders and sconces in the form of flowers and leaves, and bronze table legs...
Bronze
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Large Five-Light Candelabra 474
Located in Hellerup, DK
A pair of extra-large Georg Jensen sterling silver candelabra, design #474 by Johan Rohde. This design features many of the same elements as Rohde's iconic acorn silverware pattern a...
Sterling Silver
Gilt Bronze Tiffany "Puddlestick" Candlestick New York 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tiffany Studios gilt bronze "Puddlestick" candlestick. Signed with stamped signature "Tiffany Studios New York 1213" to bottom.
Bronze
$3,950 / set
Tiffany Studios Bronze Pair Candlesticks #1213
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of bronze candlesticks by Tiffany Studios circa 1905. Marked Tiffany Studios New York #1213 on the underside of the base. Textured bronze dore finish. Excellent condition.
Bronze
Pair of European Jugend Owl Figurine Candle Holders in Bronze, Late 19th Century
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant and sculptural pair of late 19th to early 20th century brass or bronze owl-form candlesticks, likely Scandinavian / Swedish in origin and dating from circa 1890–1910. Each...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Three‑Arm Candelabrum by WMF, Early 20th Century
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A refined example of Jugendstil metalwork, this three‑arm candelabrum by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) captures the lyrical elegance of early Art Nouveau design. Crafted i...
Britannia Standard Silver
Tiffany Studios Tall Candlestick with "Pulled Feather" Shade "Circa 1910"
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exquisite and rare pair of tall candlestick lamps by the renowned Tiffany Studios, New York, crafted circa 1910. These striking examples of early 20th-century American decorative ...
Bronze
Elegant Brass and Copper Art Nouveau Candlestick by Carl Deffner Germany 1910s
By Carl Deffner
Located in Malmö, SE
An elegant counterweight Art Nouveau / Jugendstil candlestick with amazing patina. Model 518 in the 1902 Deffner Catalog. Made from brass and copper by manufacturer Carl Deffner in E...
Brass, Copper
Daum Candleholder, Collectible Decorative Object, Glass, 1990, France
By Daum
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Daum France Pâte de Verre Rose Candleholder, Signed An exquisite Daum France pâte de verre crystal candleholder, beautifully sculpted as a cluster of blooming roses in delicate shad...
Crystal
A pair of English Art Nouveau candlesticks with flowing organic decor
Located in London, GB
A nice quality pair of English Art Nouveau candle sticks with flowing organic decoration throughout. Price for the pair.
Brass
Pair of art nouveau candlesticks Austrian urania imperial zinn candelabra
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of art nouveau candlesticks from the 1920s from the Austrian manufacturer Urania Imperial Zinn. The two candelabra are in solid patinated bronze representing a woman with six br...
Bronze
Pair of Silvered Pewter Art Nouveau Candelabra by Achille Gamba
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Nouveau silvered Pewter Candelabra a pair Pair of Art Nouveau silvered pewter candelabra / candleholder with female figure surrounded by 6 arms for six candles (probably WMF) Ea...
Pewter
Arts and Crafts Copper and Brass Candleholder Jugendstil Aesthetic Movement
Located in Sharon, CT
Arts and Crafts copper and brass candleholder Jugendstil Aesthetic Movement. Candleholder retains original patinated surface.
Brass
Art Nouveau Style Grape Leaves and Floral Motif Brass Candlestick Holders- pair
Located in Cordova, SC
Pair of art nouveau style ornate brass candlestick holders with grape leaves and floral motifs. Was recently polished and lacquered so it retains its beautiful patina for years to co...
Brass
Original, Hallmark. Massive Silver Candleholder, Koloman Moser Wiener Werkstätte
By Wiener Werkstätte, Koloman Moser, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Signature: Austrian silver-mark, WW-mark. What is unusual for a Wiener Werkstatte silver-object. The signatures are on the bottom side instead...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Art Nouveau tin candle holder by Achille Gamba, Italy ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A striking Art Nouveau candle holder attributed to Italian maker Achille Gamba, crafted around 1900 and distinguished by its sculptural presence and richly detailed metalwork. The de...
Tin
Big Pair of Candelabras, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Sign, Christofle 2825098
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Silver Plate
19th Century Tiffany Studios Gilt Bronze Branch Form Candelabra
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This matched pair of Art Nouveau gilt bronze candelabra were made by Tiffany Studios of New York. The candelabra have an naturalistic form modeled after tree branches and feature six...
Bronze
Georg Jensen Pair of Sterling Silver Five-Light Candelabra #481b by Johan Rohde
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A rare and important pair of early Decorative Georg Jensen Five-Light Candelabra, Model #481b, designed in 1920 by Johan Rohde. This exceptional and generously scaled pair embodies ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Crystal Bohemian Emerald Green Enamel Pair Overlaid Lusters Candlesticks
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A stylish example of a fine pair of bohemian emerald green ground gilt heightened white enamel hand cut full lead crystal lustres of outstanding quali...
Crystal, Enamel
Villeroy & Boch Mettlach Jugendstil Candle Holders, A Pair
Located in New Windsor, NY
Villeroy & Boch Jugendstil candleholders made in their Mettlach factory. Circa 1890-1910. Fluted columns, geometric detail, cobalt and green over cream ceramic glaze. Fully signed on the bottoms, Mettlach, VB, Ges Gesch...
Ceramic, Pottery
Two 1900s Art Nouveau Copper Italian Procession Candle Lamps
Located in Catania, Sicilia
These lamps are excellent examples of early 20th-century Italian craftsmanship and Art Nouveau movement, combining functionality with artistic beauty. They were used in religious or ...
Copper, Iron
Majolica Pink Daisy Candelstick Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Pink Daisy Candelstick Delphin Massier circa 1890.
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Candelabra, Brass, 20th Century Design, 9x10 Inches, 1920
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This elegant brass candelabrum is a refined example of Art Nouveau design from the early 20th century, distinguished by its flowing lines and sculptural form. Crafted entirely of br...
Brass
Pair Of Jack Brubaker Bronze, Brass Calla Lilly Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Artisan handcrafted stylized Calla Lilly candlesticks crafted in bronze with brass flowers. Signed
Bronze, Copper
Swedish Ebeling Art Nouveau Ceramic Candleholders, 1920s
By Rörstrand, Gefle, Alf Wallander, Allan Ebeling, Bo Fajans
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of antique Swedish Art Nouveau ceramic candle sticks by Allan Ebeling for Bo Fajans in the early 1920s. Light gray crackle glaze with green, yellow and light blue colored hand-pa...
Ceramic, Pottery, Faience
Tiffany Studios New York Pair of "Pineapple" Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Tiffany Studios’ Twelve-light candelabrum features twelve green Favrile blown-glass bobechés that mimic the silhouette of a closed flower in bloom. Tiffany’s blown glass...
Bronze
$305Sale Price / set|42% Off
Vintage Holyland Brass Candlesticks with Green Eliat Stones, Tamar Israel
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of Art Nouveau / Arts & Crafts styled israeli candlesticks in cast ornamented and partially perforated brass. Set with polished oval pieces of Eliat. The Eilat stone...
Brass
Fine crystal Wine jug Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. c.1900 Arts & Crafts Décor
Located in London, GB
A Fine crystal jug designed by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. A Stylish wine pitcher made from Belgian crystal with banded Brass fittings, Serrurier-Bovy influential in developing A...
Brass
Georg Jensen Pair of Monumental Sterling Silver Candelabra 200
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A pair of early Georg Jensen monumental Art Nouveau sterling silver candelabra, design #200 by Georg Jensen, circa 1918. Each candelabrum rests on a large circular domed base with a ...
Sterling Silver
Pair Tiffany Studios No. 1312 Patinated Bronze & Blue Favrile Glass Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Tiffany Studios No. 1312 Patinated Bronze & Blue Favrile Glass Candelabra Estate of John Loring (1939–2026), the renowned Design Director of Tiffany & Co An exceptional and...
Bronze
Rene Lalique glass Artichoke Perfume burner / lamp for Berger.
By René Lalique
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice burner by Berger , designed for the well known jeweler /designer Rene Lalique, this burner has a vintage wick and flame stopper apparently made of pumice .Molded signature ...
Glass
Tiffany Studios Tall Blown Out Candlestick
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage early 20th century authentic Tiffany Studios candlestick is decorated with blown out green color favrile art glass in its candle cup. The candlestick has beautiful dark ...
Bronze
Stunning French Art Nouveau Brass Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Stunning French Art Nouveau Brass Candelabra, 1940s Elegant and sculptural French brass candelabrum from the 1940s, exquisitely handcrafted w...
Brass
Pair of Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Candlesticks, Design No. 286, Johan Rohde
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A pair of Georg Jensen sterling silver candlesticks, design no. 286 by Johan Rohde. Each stands on a stepped ten-sided base and rises through a hammered column to a flared candle cup...
Sterling Silver
Antique Tiffany Studios Tripod Candlestick with Favrile Glass Shade
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Tiffany Studios Tripod candlestick with Favrile glass shade was created in the United States by Tiffany Studios of New York during the early 20th century, circa 1910...
Bronze
Exquisite 19th-Century French Elephant-Leg Candle Holders Interior Decor
Located in London, GB
Exquisite 19th-Century French Elephant-Leg Candle Holders A finely crafted pair of French Aesthetic Movement candle holders in gilt bronze, featuring detailed elephant-leg bases and ...
Copper, Bronze
Pair of Swedish Grace Pewter Candelabras by Knut Eriksson, 1930s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant pair of naturalistic pewter candelabras designed by Knut Eriksson in Sweden in 1930s. * Pair of two (2) sculptural pewter candelabras with botanical detailing, each designed...
Pewter
Pair Of 6-Flame Art Nouveau Silver Candelabra, by J.C. Klinkosch Vienna, Ca 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Simple elegance with that certain something: Two six-flame candleholders on a round, smooth base with fluted stepped rim, trumpet-shaped raised shaft, chalice forming after constrict...
Silver
Tall Antique Tri-Stand Art Nouveau Candleholders W. Engraved Brass Leaves, 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the style of Richard Riemerschmid and Richard Mueller in particular comes this pair of handmade brass candlesticks. Hammered and partially engraved tall leaves forms the tri-stand...
Brass
French Majolica Oak Leaves Candelstick Luneville Circa 1890
By Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Oak Leaves Candelstick Luneville Circa 1890
Ceramic
Old Italian Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Church 'Key' Candelabra w. 5 arms
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An unusual hand-forged church or cathedral candelabra made from an old partially modified large church key that functions as its base. The leaf-work and twists to the wrought iron re...
Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau Bronze Candle Holders, Hand-Crafted, United States, 1905
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of early 20th-century bronze candle holders, each marked to the base “Pat’d Sept. 19 – 1905.” Substantial in scale with graceful, balanced proportions and a commanding presence....
Bronze
Viennese Art Nouveau Silver 5-Light Candelabra by Josef Kurzweil, circa 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Decorative large five-light silver candelabra on a round base, with embossed and chased geometric and floral decor. Finest work of simple elegance by the master Josef Kurzweil, acti...
Silver
Sculptural Art Nouveau Candle Holder in Pewter 1900
Located in Meer, VAN
Art Nouveau Candle Holder in Pewter, Europe, Early 20th Century. This is a wonderful sculptural candle holder with a very distinct art nouveau design. This early 20th century candle...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Candelabras by Svenskt Tenn, Hand-Crafted in 1932
By Georg Jensen, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Copenhagen, DK
An antique pair of sophisticated hand-crafted Swedish Grace Art Nouveau silver looking tin candelabras designed and handmade with beautiful details in the small town of Eskilstuna in...
Tin, Pewter, Metal
$310 / set
Austrian Candle Holder 1910
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vienes Candle Holder 1910s.
Alpaca