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.
Framed Serigraph “Tea Time” by Itzchak Tarkay
Located in Bradenton, FL
A framed serigraph by listed artist Itzchak Tarkay, (1935 - 2012). Titled “Tea Time”, the scene depicts a seated woman with dark hair in a room with a window next to a tea service. The artist’s signature can be seen lower left, with the artists name printed lower right and “Givon Prints • Romm Art...
Metal
Otto Wretling, sideboard in carved pine with colored decor, Swedish Jugend.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sideboard in carved solid pine with colored decor depicting grapes, by designer and artist Otto Wretling, Umeå. Swedish Jugend 1910s. In 1928 Otto Wretling Workshop was appointed S...
Pine
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
One of the first lamp-design by Josef Hoffmann, executed by the Wiener Werkstaette, works-number M 109, pattern book of the Wiener Werkstaette WWMB 3, p. 541. Displayed at the WW-Sho...
Brass
Vintage 1910s Josef Hoffmann Easy Lounge Chairs, Style of Gatsby
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Two Elegant Josef Hoffmann Chairs made by Manufactor Jacob & Josef Kohn. Early 20th-Century Armchairs in Great Gatsby Style. Crafted around 1910 Jugendstil , these armchairs r...
Fabric, Beech
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
Belgian Art Nouveau Brass & White Opaline Glass Wall Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Belgische art nouveau wandlamp met opaal glas Messing arm, messing top, wit opaal glas Diameter globe 250 mm / 9.84 inches Diameter wall plate 140 mm / 5.5 inches Weight: 3.20 kg ...
Brass
Lotus Shaped Tiffany‑Style Art Nouveau Pendant in Green Stained Glass and Bronze
Located in Bochum, NRW
Art Nouveau Tiffany‑Style Green Stained Glass & Bronze Pendant, 50 cm Diameter Details Materials: Green stained glass, white inner glass globe, bronze frame Diameter: approx. 50 ...
Brass, Bronze
Frederick Rhead Foley Intarsio Geese Pattern Art Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and rare Wileman & Co Foley Intarsio Geese vase designed by renowned Arts & Crafts ceramicist Frederick Hurten Rhead (British, 1880-1942) and dating from around 1900. Th...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Pewter vase with decorative motifs depicting a woman with a dove * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just And...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Table Lamp, Patinated Metal & Murano Glass, Circa 1900
By Marke Unbekannt
Located in Schwerin, MV
Original Art Nouveau table lamp from the 1900s in good working condition and in a rare design: This intricate piece is characterized by the organic, flowing lines and nature-inspired...
Metal, Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass and Holophane Glass Flush Mount, Pendant Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau Holophane glass ceiling lamp. Brass arm and ceiling plate. Diameter ceiling plate 100 mm / 3.94” Weight: 1.30 kg / 2.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps ...
Brass
Little Fish-shaped Pewter Vessel by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Charming little fish-shaped pewter vessel designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s * Little sculptural pewter vessel in the shape of a fish * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: J...
Pewter
Large height-adjustable table lamp in the style of the Wiener Werkstätte; Josef
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
This extravagant table lamp dates from the late Art Nouveau period. This outstanding design is inspired by Josef Hoffmann's lamp designs for the Wiener Werkstätte. Solid nickel-plate...
Brass, Nickel
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstaette Ceiling Lamp Fabric Shades, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Three-arm chandelier with fabric shades. The given length is just the chandelier with no chain, the total drop is custom-made. WW-Archiv, MAK M1652. Originally manufactured at the Wi...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Pende Wrought Brass, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWM...
Brass
Antique Art Nouveau German WMF Green Glass Pewter Claret Pitcher Jug 16"
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Germany WMF Art Nouveau green glass and silver-plated/pewter claret jug / pitcher / wine carafe. Circa 1900–1906. Cast with flowing whiplas...
Silver Plate
Vintage Unusual Storage Sofa, Sculptural dating early 20th century, 1920s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
An unusual vintage storage sofa, likely dating from the early 20th century, with design elements influenced by the transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco. The sofa features two ele...
Pine
Gueridon, small table, Josef Hoffmann attr. Thonet Vienna 1905
Located in Vienna, AT
Gueridon, small table, Josef Hoffmann attr. Thonet
Beech
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Silk & Brass Moldauer Pende, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
For the residence of the Banker Dr Dietrich Moldauer material: Patinated brass, silk, all other colors are possible. Literature: Sekler, Josef Hoffmann – Das architektonische Werk, S...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Pendant, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Material: brass laquered or nickel plated. Silk-shade comes in any colour. White inside. handmade. The bottom is covered with a hardened opaline-glass in a brass-frame different size...
Brass
Antique French Desk Accessory, Ormolu, Cut Glass and a Quill Pen
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This charming antique French souvenir desk accessory from the 20th century beautifully captures the romance of Paris in a compact and highly decorative form. Crafted as a letter hold...
Metal
Art Nouveau folding Screen with Oak Frame France, 1920s
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Nouveau folding screen with a stained oak frame featuring flowing curves and shaped panels. The original fabric displays a floral pattern with peacocks on a warm beige ground, sh...
Fabric, Oak
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Style Glass Vase, Dutch Landscape, 1900s
By Daum
Located in Bochum, NRW
French Art Nouveau Daum Nancy style miniature glass cabinet vase, dating to the early 20th century, features a finely hand-painted monochromatic enamel landscape in the manner of the...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
French Art Nouveau Carved Walnut Marble Top Buffet Cabinet, c.1880
Located in Perkasie, PA
Title: French Art Nouveau Carved Walnut Marble Top Buffet Cabinet, c.1880 Description: A striking antique French Art Nouveau buffet cabinet dating to circa 1890–1900. Crafted in richly toned wood and topped with a beautifully veined marble slab, this substantial cabinet features extensive hand-carved floral, fruit, and organic decoration characteristic of the Art Nouveau and Jugendstil movements. The upper section includes a central beveled glass door flanked by carved cabinet doors, while the lower case offers additional enclosed storage and hand-dovetailed drawers. The carved detailing continues throughout the façade, creating a cohesive and highly decorative presentation. Its combination of sculptural carving, warm wood tones, marble, glass, and useful storage makes this an exceptional statement piece for a dining room, library, entry, or collector’s interior. Details: - Circa 1890-1900 - French Art Nouveau design - In the manner of Jugendstil - Marble top - Hand-dovetailed drawer construction - Beveled glass door - Fine hand-carved floral and fruit decoration - Multiple cabinet doors and storage compartments - High-quality construction - Substantial architectural presence - Unmarked as to maker Condition: Excellent antique condition with minor signs of light household use and age. Some wear and weathering to the finish consistent with age. Additional wear is visible as pictured and contributes to the authentic antique character of the piece. Dimensions: 59.5 in. W × 21 in. D × 82 in. H Suggested 1stDibs Keywords: French Art Nouveau buffet, Art Nouveau cabinet, French buffet cabinet, Jugendstil cabinet, antique French sideboard, marble top buffet, carved walnut cabinet, carved wood buffet, antique display cabinet, beveled glass cabinet, French dining room cabinet, 19th century French furniture, Art Nouveau sideboard, carved fruit cabinet...
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Charles Parker Art Nouveau Two Light Slag Glass Table Lamp 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Charles Parker Company slag glass lamp featuring Art Nouveau design with a domed shade, gilded metal scrolled overlay, floral embossed gilded cast metal base, doubl...
Metal
Vintage Cast Stone Scallop Shell Decorative Bowl or Garden Basin, 14" Bird Bath
By Willy Guhl
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Vintage cast stone decorative bowl in the form of a large scallop shell. The deeply molded ribbed form and naturally weathered surface give the piece the appearance of aged architect...
Cast Stone, Concrete
Rare Pair of Majolica Butterflies Cache Pots Fives Lille , circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Rare pair of French Majolica butterflies caches pots planters signed Fives Lille , circa 1900. Art Nouveau period.
Majolica
French 1910s Art Nouveau Brass Table Desk Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Nouveau Brass table desk lamp with brass shade and wooden base. ca. 1920 Natural aged with small cracks in edge shade 2,5 meter black cotton flex with plug and switch in bulb h...
Brass
Austrian Art Nouveau table lamp
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A highly decorative Art Nouveau table lamp made of brass and bronze. Likely manufactured around 1950 or earlier. Beautiful, aged patina. One E27 socket.
Brass, Bronze
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Pende, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant and delicate pendant designed by Josef Hoffmann Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
Antique Majolica Bird Planter Cache Pot Jardinière Cobalt Blue Wasmuël c1890
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique Majolica Bird Planter Cache Pot Jardinière Cobalt Blue Wasmuël c1890. Direct from Europe, a striking antique majolica cache pot or jardinière by ...
Majolica
French Bistro Guinguette Table Faience Top & Wrought Iron, 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
Assembled bistro table, base circa 1900 and ceramic tabletop from the 1970s Bistro table consisting of an antique cast-iron base dating from around 1900 and a circular tabletop made...
Wrought Iron
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
Set of four 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Silver plate Miniatures Figurine
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This classic set of four 20th-century Vienna silver-plated figurines showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and intricate detailing associated with the tradition of Austrian bronze ...
Bronze
Antique French Wine Cooler / Champagne Bucket – Nickel Silver
Located in Poperinge, BE
Antique French wine cooler/champagne bucket with two handles, crafted from nickel silver—an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc. The cooler features three compartments for holding bott...
Metal
$4,547 / set
Pair of W.A.S. Benson Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
By Was Benson
Located in NANTES, FR
Paire d'appliques art nouveau vers 1900. Monture en laiton et cuivre. Tulipe ouraline de James Powel. The height of the tulip-shaped shade can be ...
Brass, Copper
Josef Hoffmann Koloman Moser Wiener Werkstaette Pende, re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Frequently used by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser in their early works for the Wiener Werkstätte Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will...
Brass
Fabric Department Wiener Werkstaette Silk Wall Light Wall Lamp
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant wall lamp suitable to the fabric department pendants of the Wiener Werkstaette Material Metal frame work covered with silk Most components according to the UL regulations, wi...
Brass
1940s Art Nouveau / Swedish Grace Designer lounge Chair With Floral Jacquard
By Carl Malmsten, Ilmari Lappalainen
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant Swedish lounge chair dating from the 1940s, displaying a graceful combination of Swedish Grace proportions and subtle Art Nouveau influences. The chair feature gently curved...
Fabric, Beech, Pine
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
Adolf Loos Brass Opaline Glass, Table Lamp Jugendstil, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Table light with opaline glass shade, designed for Villa Steiner Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures. ...
Brass
Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Pendant Opaline Glass, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Woka ceiling lamp, also available with a 50 cm diameter radius - total drop is custom-made. Materials used are brass and opaline glass. Available in different finishes. L...
Brass
Crystal Chandelier Antique Crystal Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Neoclassical
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite Neoclassical style brass chandelier - a real rarity and an antique gem. This antique chandelier has been lovingly and expertly restored in Berlin and i...
Crystal, Brass
Émile Gallé – Art Nouveau Hall Pendant Light in Amber Glass, c. 1890–1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in Kastrup, DK
Impressive French Art Nouveau hall pendant light, c. 1890–1900. A large amber-coloured glass bowl decorated with an intricate botanical motif of flowering umbellifers, seed heads an...
Brass, Bronze
Josef Hoffmann Silk and Brass Pendant Wiener Werstaette 5th Avenue, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This marvellous pendant was designed for the New York branch of the historical Wiener Werkstaette. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will ...
Brass
Small 19th Century Majolica Pansy Vase Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Small 19th Century Majolica Pansy Vase Delphin Massier Table vase decoration , very rare form and size. Around 4 inches height , Width 2.5 inches. The Massier family are known for th...
Ceramic, Majolica
Rudolf Marschall (1873–1967): 2 Austrian Art Nouveau bronze table lamps
By Rudolf Marschall
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Pair of table lamps, patinated bronze, signed by Prof. Rudolf Marschall. Each fitted with an E14 socket. Rudolf Marschall (born December 3, 1873, in Vienna; died July 24, 1967, in t...
Bronze
Beautiful Large France Art Nouveau Glass and Brass Wall Lights
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful large pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces in glass and gilded metal/brass. Elegant and refined, with a timeless charm and a high-end, luxurious appearance. France 1920/1930s
Brass, Metal
Jugendstil Copper relief " water carrier " around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil Copper relief " water carrier " around 1908 Polished and stove enameled
Copper
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine with original pressed steel cup handles - Decorative carved front - 24 large drawers - The top has been given several coat...
Steel
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a rich...
Metal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Hanging Lamp Chandelier, Pendant, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A hanging lamp with chased rosebuds on the rim, glass-hangings and fabric in the requested Color. Comp WW Archive, Museum of Applied Arts Vienna MAK, wall Vase, No. S 2243, Expertise...
Brass
$2,273 / set
Pair of Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
Located in NANTES, FR
Pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces, circa 1920. Nickel-plated brass mounts featuring acanthus leaf ornamentation. Electrified; B22 sockets. Three-point mounting. Uraline (uranium) glas...
Brass
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
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut Jardinière Onnaing
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
Large 19th Century Majolica chesnut handled jardinière signed Onnaing. 18 inches L This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th Cent...
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
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
Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Bronze Bowl with finely chased motif of a woman with a peacock designed by Just Andersen in the late 1920s. * Low bronze bowl with chased decoration depicting a woman w...
Bronze
WMF Model 131 German Jugendstil Brass and Velvet Jewelry Box, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
WMF Model 131 German Jugendstil Brass and Velvet Jewelry Box, circa 1905 A documented German Jugendstil brass jewelry box by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), dating to circ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Heavy Brass Etched Glass Lantern Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Classic French gilded brass Art Nouveau hall lantern. Brass frame and gallery with balloon-shaped etched glass. Around 1900-1930 Height including chain and canopy: 75 cm / 29.53 in...
Gold Plate, Brass
Set Of Fledermaus Seating Group By Josef Hoffmann for Jacob &Josef Kohn
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Fledermaus Bench,two armchair and table by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn.
Fabric, Wood