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.
Antique Oak & Leaf Brass Bronze Catchall Box, France, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and highly decorative antique catchall, crafted in France circa 1890. This sculptural piece depicts an oak branch adorned with finely detailed leaves, rendered in metal wi...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Antique French Romantic Floral Ceramic Wall Sink, Circa 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant antique French wall-mounted ceramic sink dating to the turn of the 20th century, exquisitely decorated with hand-painted floral motifs in soft, muted tones. This piece ref...
Ceramic
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, 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
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, 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
Antique French Art Nouveau Silver Topped Walking Cane Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique French Art Nouveau silver tau-handle walking stick, Circa 1890 in date. The striking stick features an ornate silver tau-handle embossed with lily pads and ...
Silver
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
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
Art Nouveau French Brass and Pink Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, pink pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international s...
Brass
Huge German Art Nouveau Bronze and Opal Glass Globe Chandelier, 1920s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A huge German 6 -light dark bronze chandelier, circa 1920s. This beautiful and stunning light fixture is made of solid bronze with white opal glass globes. Every single part of the c...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Pewter Box by Just Andersen, 1910s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Box designed by Just Andersen in the late 1910s. * Round hammered pewter box with lid with flower knop and floral chasings * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufactur...
Pewter
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
Art Nouveau Terracotta Vase by Valdemar Koch (1852-1902), P. Ipsen, C.1890.
By Ipsen
Located in Valby, 84
Art Nouveau Terracotta Vase by Architect Valdemar Koch, P. Ipsen, Copenhagen, ca. 1890. Vase in a baluster form in unglazed terracotta, the upper body with matte black slip, the low...
Clay
Majolica Violet Cache Pot Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Purple flower Violet Cache Pot signed Delphin Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic
Original Josef Hoffmann, Chair, Model# 330 from 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Exhibition: chairs for a dining room in: Winter Exhibition of the Austrian Museum for Art and Industry, Vienna, late 1901; exhibition in Saint Louis, 1904, beechwood, stained to simu...
Beech
Green Glazed Art Nouveau Awaji Pottery Vase, Double Handled, Japan, 1900s
Located in Glasgow, GB
An Art Nouveau Awaji vase, crafted on Japan’s Awaji Island in the early 1900s, reflecting the region’s celebrated ceramic tradition, known for bold decorative forms and experimental ...
Ceramic
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
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière. This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th Century.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Bentwood Chair By Harnisch & Co. Wiena 1880
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Harnisch & Co. Benrwood Chair Wiena 1880
Bentwood
Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia Britannica Library Trunk
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia Britannica Library Trunk produced as part of a limited commission of one thousand examples for the eleventh edition Encyclopaed...
Canvas
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1890s
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, Brass Chandelier with Figural Detail and Pleated Shades, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant brass chandelier featuring three gracefully curved arms, each supporting a pleated textile shade. The flowing, organic lines are characteristic of the Art Nouveau aesthetic, ...
Brass
Herman A. Kähler LARGE HAK Ball Shaped Floor Vase Denmark Early 20th Century
By Sophie Lundstein 1, Herman Kähler
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Large Art Nouveau ceramic floor vase made by Herman A. Kähler ceramic works in Denmark in the period 1915-1930. Most likely crafted by Sofie Lundstein or Tulle Emborg. The ball shape...
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
$2,332Sale Price|20% Off
1930 Alabaster Pendant With Rope Suspension and Alabaster Matching Canopy Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Art Nouveau alabaster bowl pendant lamp, dated 1931. The lamp features a beautifully veined alabaster shade suspended by knotted cords, giving the piece a distinctive and decorative ...
Alabaster
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
Art Nouveau Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Nouveau Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine and Larch with original cast iron handles - Decorative carved sides and front - 30 large drawers - The top has...
Iron
$1,481Sale Price|20% Off
Small Swedish oak Jugendstil sideboard, 1930s.
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1930s Swedish Jugendstil cabinet crafted from solid oak. The piece features two drawers above a double-door cupboard, raised on elegantly tapered legs. The doors are decorated with h...
Oak
Pair of Danish Carved Lounge Chairs in Green Velvet, 1920s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Pair of Danish Carved Lounge Chairs in Green Velvet, 1920s. A rare set of gorgeous antique armchairs in a rich dark green velour. Jacquard woven seat with floral motifs. Wide scallo...
Velvet, Oak
$2,752Sale Price|20% Off
1940s Swedish Floor Lamp With Three Red Satin Shades
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s brass floor lamp with a solid bronze base. The lamp features three adjustable arms, each fitted with its original red satin shade. All three light points can be switched indivi...
Brass
$2,862Sale Price|20% Off
1940s Romantic / Art Nouveau Shell Back Sofa Upholstered With Bronze Velvet
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s Swedish two-seater sofa upholstered in bronze-coloured velour. The design features softly curved lines, elegantly shaped armrests and refined cabriole legs, reflecting a romant...
Velvet, Beech, Pine
20th Century Art Nouveau Bench - Bentwood, newly upholstered, Austria circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute beautiful, early 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood bench attributed to the renowned company of Jacob & Josef Kohn in Vienna/Austria. An incredible timeless design impressing...
Fabric, Bentwood
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Partly copper
Brass, Copper
Paul GASQ - Large French Art Nouveau Diane/Artemis Bronze Bust, 1900
By Paul Gasq
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large French Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Sculpture of Diane / Artemis by Paul Gasq (1860–1944), France, circa 1900. An exceptional and large French Art Nouveau bronze bust sculpture dep...
Marble, Bronze
Monumental Art Nouveau table lamp by Paul Aichele, goddess Athena, Germany 1910s
Located in Forserum, SE
A large and highly impressive Art Nouveau table or floor lamp by the German sculptor Paul Aichele (1859–1920), produced in the 1910s. Crafted in finely cast bronze, the piece is cent...
Bronze
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
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
Victor SAGLIER French Art Nouveau Silverplate Planter Centerpiece, 1890
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Centerpiece Planter by Victor Saglier, 12 rue d’Enghien, Paris, France, ca. 1890 Silverplate metal with a finely applied black patina in the recessed areas, enhan...
Metal
Rare Art Nouveau Pottery Bowl by Anders Teodor Andersson. Ystad, Sweden, 1920s.
By Auguste Delaherche, Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, Charles Greber, Clement Massier
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful art nouveau vase with amazing glaze. Made by Anders Teodor Andersson in his factory in Ystad, Sweden, 1923-1929. Good condition. I has a tiny chip to the top ri...
Ceramic
Daum Table Lamp Bronze Multicolor Floral Glass, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau table lamp with multicolor flowers is a real eye catcher. Made by Daum in Nancy, France. A stunning table lamp, a classic design, inspired by organic and ...
Glass
French Sconces Wall Lamps Satin Glass & Brass Flower
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French wall lamp White satin glass. Brass wall piece and arm diameter brass wall mount: 10 cm / 3.94, 3 holes to secure Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Multiple flower design glasses in ...
Brass
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Arts Nouveau Stained Slag Glass Parlor Lamp 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian era Aesthetic Movement / Art Nouveau style table lamp. Mushroom shaped lamp crafted of swirling blue, white, and purple slag glass framed...
Slag Glass
Gallé Signed, Large Acid Etched Overlay Banjo Form Vase, France, 1890
By Gallé
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau vase by Émile Gallé in Nancy is statement pieces in the room. Signed E. Gallé. Large Flattened banjo form cabinet vase with red currant decoration in clea...
Glass
Alabaster pendant, diam. 30 cm. Swedish Grace, 1920s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful pendant in alabaster with new wiring and black chains. Similar has been made by Bröderna Malmströms metallvarufabrik (BM) in Sweden during the early 1900s. A beautiful ...
Alabaster, Metal
Art Nouveau Ironmongers Drawers Circa 1910's
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Nouveau Ironmongers Drawers Circa 1910's - Solid Pine and Larch drawers and frame - 54 drawers - 6 Shelf compartments on the lower section - Original paper drawer labels - Ornat...
Brass
20th Century Art Nouveau Clear Glass Vase, Ruffled Edge, Austria circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Charming Art Nouveau glass vase with ruffled edge coming from the famous period in Austria around 1910. The extraordinary mouthblown clear glass body impresses with a beautiful bulb...
Blown Glass
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
French Art Nouveau Lavender Glass Pendant by Muller Frères Lunéville, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Rare lavender glass bowl three-light pendant with sculptural bronze chains and floral mounts. This elegant French Art Nouveau pendant light was produced by Muller Frères Lunéville i...
Bronze
Large Art Nouveau Stoneware Vase by Mettlach, Villeroy & Boch, Germany, 1904
By Mettlach, Minton, Villeroy & Boch, Rörstrand, Teco Art Pottery
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and amazing Art Nouveau / Jugend (in the Secession style) ivory-colored stoneware vase. Made by Mettlach, Villeroy & Boch, Germany in 1904. Excellent original condition. No...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 Antique Art Nouveau Picture Frames, Stained Oak, around 1910, Vienna
Located in Andernach, DE
Set of 2 antique stained oak picture frames in a wonderfully hand crafted shape. Vienna in the 1910s, these were the typical items to display on the wall to show portraits of your l...
Oak
Delphin MASSIER Majolica Three Wild Roses Flower Vase, Vallauris, Late 19th C.
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Majolica Vase Three Eglantines (Wild Roses) by Delphin Massier, Vallauris, France Late 19th Century Earthenware A stunning French Majolica vase featuring three beautifully modeled e...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Violet and Amber Glass and Brass Pendant Light, France, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau pendant featuring a sculptural Pâte de Verre glass bowl with honey-amber center and lavender-violet rim. A refined example of early 20th-century French Art Nouvea...
Brass
Cast Bronze Pendant, Gunmetal Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze with sculpted, flowing curves that echo the flower’s fo...
Bronze
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1890s
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
$591Sale 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
Set of Six Designer Dining Chairs, Art Nouveau Style, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Six Designer Dining Chairs, 1980s. Great quality chairs with a Modern Art Nouveau Style.
Fabric, Wood
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890, 9.8 inches diameter , 4 inches height.
Ceramic, Majolica
1940s Slim Jugendstil Swedish Club Chair Patinated Tan Brown Leather
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant and refined Swedish “Tiger” club chair from the 1920s, executed in rich dark brown leather. This slender model reflects the influence of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), combining s...
Leather, Beech, Pine
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flower Mosaic Italian Art Glass Cabinet Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Millefiori Murrina flower mosaic Italian art glass small decorative cabinet vase. The piece is documented to the Fratelli Toso company, circa 1910...
Murrine, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
Large Jugendstil Alabaster Pendant Light with Dramatic Natural Veining
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking and generously proportioned alabaster pendant light, measuring approximately 19.75 inches in diameter, executed during the European Jugendstil period. Carved from a single...
Alabaster, Brass, Wire
Antique 1940s Roseville Pottery USA Pitcher Ewer Freesia Botanical Orange Vase
By Roseville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 1940s Roseville Pottery USA Pitcher Ewer Freesia Botanical Orange Vase. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 6.5" W x 6.5" D.
Pottery
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
French “Clichy” Pink Reeded Glass Pendant Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French “Clichy” pink coloured glass pendant lamp Brass glass holder Weight : 1.40 kg / 3.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standar...
Brass