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.
'Balancing Act' Table Lamp By Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots Design
Located in London, GB
A welded Steel Table Lamp. Balancing Act is a collection of two lamps and a candle holder. Inspired by Calder’s Circus, it captures a sense of naive joy and playful freedom, inviting...
Steel
Documented Tiffany Studios #425 Bronze Dore "Bell" Floor Lamp W/Favrile Shade
Located in New York, NY
Illuminate your space with the timeless elegance of the Signed Tiffany Studios #425 Gilt Bronze Dore "Bell" Floor Lamp, featuring a stunning Favrile Damascene shade. This exquisite American piece, circa 1910, embodies the superior craftsmanship and artistic design associated with Tiffany Studios. The true highlight is the Favrile Damascene shade, renowned for its iridescent glass that shimmers with glorious hues, transforming the light into a captivating display of color and pattern. Louis Comfort...
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Floor-Table-Lamp Re-Edition, Beechwood
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
In 1927, the apartment of Ernst Bauer in Vienna was renovated by Josef Hoffmann and other members of the Wiener Werkstaette: Maria Likarz, Dagobert Peche, Mathilde Floegel Material B...
Wood
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette brass and Silk Floorlamp floor lamp Jugendstil
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
The Villa Ast, is one of the most important private houses from the 20th century in Carinthia USA and CAN: All electrical components according to the UL regu...
Brass
'Balancing Act' Lamp By Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots Design
Located in London, GB
A welded Steel Floor Lamp. Balancing Act is a collection of two lamps and a candle holder. Inspired by Calder’s Circus, it captures a sense of naive joy and playful freedom, inviting...
Steel
Tiffany Studios Bronze Harp Floor Lamp with Green Damascene Favrile Glass Shade
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional and rare early 20th-century bronze harp floor lamp by the iconic Tiffany Studios, New York, featuring a stunning Favrile glass Damascene shade and exquisite craftsmans...
Bronze
KM66-Koloman Moser Floor-Lamp - Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
A higher varation of the famous Kolo Moser design from the first year of the historical Wiener Werkstaette
Brass
Art Nouveau Adjustable Floor Lamp with Ombré Fringe Shade and Tassel Pull
Located in Morristown, NJ
Art Nouveau Adjustable Floor Lamp with Ombré Fringe Shade and Tassel Pull. Attributed to Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Co., Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1915–1925 An elegant Ar...
Metal
French Art Nouveau Style Floor Lamp
Located in Buchanan, NY
This elegant French Art Nouveau style floor lamp features an elaborate tripod base, adding a touch of sophistication to any room. O...
Brass, Bronze
Antique Bronze Floor Lamp with Stained Glass Shade
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique Tiffany-style floor lamp featuring a richly colored stained glass shade with intricate floral motifs. The ornate metal base complements the handcrafted glasswork, casting a w...
Bronze, Enamel
1930s, Brass Floor Lamp model 103 by Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant 1930s brass floor lamp by Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Sweden — model 103. This refined Art Nouveau piece showcases the distinctive craftsmanship and decorative sensibility for whic...
Brass
French Polished Brass & Opaline Glass Floral Candelabra Floor Light
By Pierre Guariche, Joseph-André Motte
Located in Bensalem, PA
Restored 19th century solid brass French altar lamp please look at pictures for overall detail. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Brass
Mariano Fortuny Projecteur 1907 Floor Lamp for Ecart Paris
By Mariano Fortuny, Ecart International
Located in Vienna, AT
Black lacquered steel structure. Black and creme umbrella. Chrome plated brass. Incandescent light bulb. Max 300w (LED) E40. Dimensions L.35.8 x W.32.3 x H.77 inch.
Brass, Steel
Enzo Ciampalini “Alfea” Floor Lamp In Cast Copper With Murano Glass Shade
By Enzo Ciampalini, Lamp International
Located in Chicago, IL
Sinuous floor lamp in cast copper with Murano scavo glass bowl shaped shade designed by Enzo Ciampalini and manufactured by Lamp International,...
Copper
Antique Art Nouveau Marble and Brass Torchiere Lamp
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring an elegant light into any space with this stunning antique torchiere lamp. A lovely marble and brass base features the timeless beauty of Art ...
Marble, Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Swedish Alabaster Figural Lamp
Located in Martlesham, GB
A highly decorative early 20th century Art Nouveau Swedish alabaster figural lamp, a gowned female figure with a mythical sea creature at her fee...
Alabaster
Tiffany & co style floor lamp 1990s France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Bronze color upright ,comes with a handmade stained Glass shade , Stoneware base . Beautiful colored shade ,gives a very nice effect when lid . very good condition . Tiffany & Co i...
Stained Glass
Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1910s
Located in High Point, NC
A carved oak and beige brown fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1910s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 72” H x 28” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulb Number of ...
Fabric, Oak
Wrought iron Art nouveau floor lamp, France 1910s
By Muller Frères, Atelier Marolles, Jean Touret
Located in ECHT, NL
Hand-Crafted Wrought Iron Floor Lamp – Art Nouveau Style This exceptional hand-crafted wrought iron floor lamp is a striking example of Art Nouveau design, showcasing elegant, flow...
Wrought Iron
Art Noveau Bronze & Iron Floor Lamp/ Linen Shade
Located in Malibu, CA
A rare one-of-a-kind Art Noveau artisan created floor lamp in wrought iron accented with brass/bronze ornamentation. The lamp has been completely rewired, a PB linen lampshade is in...
Brass, Bronze, Iron
Dagobert Peche Wiener Werkstätte Floor Lamp, Design Wiktorin Company, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstatte, in 2003 reproduced at Woka Lamps Vienna on the occasion of the centennial of the founding of the Wiener Werkstatte in 1903. USA and ...
Silk, Wood
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Floor Lamp, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed for the head office of the then very famous tile manufacturer "Gebruder Schwadron", who also did the "Dianabad" in Vienna with sculptures of Michael Powolny and Otto Prutsch...
Brass
Art Deco/Art Nouveau floor lamp by Maurice Dufrène
Located in NANTES, FR
Rare art nouveau transitional art deco floor lamp. In bronze with floral decoration topped with an alabaster basin. Electrified and in perfect condition. Model listed in “The Paris Salons Voloume V” page 234. It dates from 1913, autumn salon. Total height: 177 cm Base diameter: 34 cm Basin diameter: 45 cm Weight: 20 Kg Sent in two separate packages. Maurice Dufrène is a French cabinetmaker, interior designer, chief decorator and writer, born in 1876 in Paris and died in 1955 in Nogent-sur-Marne. Maurice Dufrène was co-founder in 1902 of the Society of Decorative Artists. In 1920 he created the Maîtrise workshop at Galeries Lafayette. He advocates mass production and works with all materials: fabric, glass, wood, silver, ceramics. Through Henri Rapin he met Camille Tharaud for whom he created several forms of porcelain cups. He designed the decoration of the large hall of the Parisian cinema Le Grand Rex...
Alabaster, Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Vine Border" Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Tiffany Studios "Vine Border" Harp Floor Lamp features a golden and mottled green grape vines against a mottled golden geometric ground. The vine border pattern was commonly found on Greek red-figure pottery, typically on vessels meant for storing or mixing wine. On such vessels, dionysiac groups of maenads and satyrs would carry grapevine branches and thyrsi, wands wound with grape leaves, carried during festivals and religious ceremonies. Item #: L-21750 Artist: Tiffany Studios New York Country: United States Circa: 1900 Dimensions: 12" diameter, 57.5" height. Materials: Bronze, Favrile Glass Shade Signed: Tiffany Studios New York Base Signed: Tiffany Studios New York Literature: A similar shade and base are pictured separately in: Tiffany Lamps and Metalware: An illustrated reference to over 2000 models, by Alastair Duncan, Woodbridge: Suffolk: Antique Collectors’ Club, 1988. Shade: p. 125, plate 527 ; base: p. 210, plate 820. Macklowe Gallery Curator's Notes: As a born artist, Louis Tiffany’s love...
Bronze
Early 20thC Art Nouveau Brass Standard Lamp
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Art Nouveau Brass Standard Lamp - with 3 arms, art glass shades and stylistic fittings leading to tripod base with hairy paw feet - 18" diam x 66"h- all lights and lamps ...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch and fabric cord lampshade designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 64.5“ H x 16 “ W x 16“DDimensions of Shade (inches): 18.125...
Fabric, Birch
Art Nouveau-Style Painted Ceramic Floor Lamp of Maenad Holding Grapes, Argentina
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Art Nouveau-style painted ceramic sculptural floor lamp of Maenad holding grapes signed by P. Oltolini, Argentina By: P. Ontolini Material: ceramic, clay, paint, m...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Mahogany, Steel, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany, steel and off-white fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 63.5” H x 13.5” W x 23.75” D. Stated dimensions include shade....
Steel
Art Nouveau Polished Chrome Torchiere
Located in Skokie, IL
Art Nouveau Polished Chrome Torchiere This strikingly beautiful torchiere is truly a work of art. The torchiere has a square polished chrome base wit...
Chrome
Floor Lamp No. 2 - Fluentum Series, in ash wood by Raka Studio
By Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
This is the Floor Lamp No. 2 from the Fluentum Series. A collaboration between the Studio and Hamza Khan Sherwani, a Pakistan based artist. The piece is an arc lamp which has been p...
Bentwood, Paint, Acrylic, Ash
Art Nouveau wrought iron floor lamp, 1920
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This solid wrought-iron floor lamp is in excellent condition with a beautiful patina. The iron frame, with leaf and floral ornamentation repeated on the base and lampshade, is of fir...
Wrought Iron
Wicker Floor Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Wicker Floor Lamp impressive scale. Original surface
Wicker
Art Nouveau Silverplate Torchiere Lamp with Circular Mirror Base
Located in Lomita, CA
Silver plate and elegant design meet in this floor lamp. A vintage Art Nouveau style silver plated and mirrored torchiere floor lamp with graceful touches at the base--acanthus leave...
Silver Plate
French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Floor Lamp, circa 1920
Located in Antwerp, BE
French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Floor Lamp, circa 1920 Elegant French wrought iron floor lamp, hand-forged with intricate floral and leaf motifs, circa 1920. This sculptural piece e...
Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau Majorelle Floor Lamp
Located in Rebais, FR
Art Nouveau floor lamp with glass tubes and Majorelle bronze foot.
Bronze
French Late 19th-Century Solid Mahogany Floor Lamp by Les Fils d'Alfred Wimphen
Located in leucate, FR
Elegant and refined mahogany floor lamp with integrated shelves, crafted in France in the late 19th century by Les Fils d’Alfred Wimphen, a maker known for the quality of its fine ca...
Mahogany
Early 20thC Art Nouveau Brass Standard Lamp
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20th Century Brass Extending Standard Lamp in the Art Nouveau Manner - 20" diam x adjustable height - all lights and lamps have been rewired with authentic corded flex, fitted...
Brass
Art Nouveau Huge Floor Lamp, 1910s
Located in Praha, CZ
Big Art Nouveau floor lamp. An eye-catching piece with a beautiful patina and warm ambient light. Wooden stand with good condition and original fabric shade in fair condition with s...
Fabric, Wood
Antique Floor Lamp in carved oak, with beautiful rust-red shade, Austria 1890s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a striking antique floor lamp done in hand carved oak, with a spectacular brick-orange shade with pearls. Made in Austria in late 19th century. Good an...
Fabric, Oak
Floor Lamp 1915, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, Sign Muller
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Floor lamp Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty Materials: Iron and Art Glass You want to live in the golden years, those are the floor lamps that your project needs. We have specialize...
Iron
Spanish Gilt Iron Floor Lamp with Ornate Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
Introducing a unique Spanish gilt metal floor lamp from the 1950s. This captivating piece seamlessly blends Art Nouveau and mid-century modern styles. Its organic carved metal decora...
Metal
Art Nouveau Period Wrought Iron Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Art Nouveau period wrought Iron Floor Lamp is a masterwork of the blacksmith's art! Cleverly designed with a boldly scrolled tripod base, it features artfully sculpted buttresses tha...
Wrought Iron
Extendable Jugendstil Floor Lamp Vienna, circa 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Extendable jugendstil floor lamp vienna circa 1908 Extendable from 150cm up to 183cm Brass polished and stove enameled Original glass shade Glass sticks are replaced ( new ) Only...
Brass
Art Nouveau Brass Floor Lamp with Adjustable Height, circa 1900
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Elegant Art Nouveau floor lamp crafted in brass with a beautiful, naturally aged patina. The lamp features a white glass shade in classic Art Nouveau style, softly diffusing the ligh...
Brass
Tiffany Studios Linenfold Floor Lamp
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage original Tiffany Studios floor lamp is designed with a paneled “linenfold” gold color shade, signed Tiffany Studios, New York and numbered 1952, Patent applied for. This shade rests comfortably on a gold dore’ bronze floor base with a six light cluster & an in line floor switch. The base is stamped Tiffany Studios, New York and numbered 379. There is ONEvertical crack in one of the small horizontal segments seemn as a dark vertical line in photos 3 & 7. Height 62” Circumference 20” *** NO SHIPPING AVAILABLE. PICK UP ONLY...
Bronze
Antique Edwardian Art Nouveau Iron Floor Lamp
Located in London, GB
A beautiful original Art Nouveau period rise and fall floor lamp in ebonised iron. This was made in England, it dates from around 1900-1910. The quality is amazing, this has stunnin...
Iron
Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow School of Art Floor Lamp Re-Edition
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally designed as a street lamp for the "Glasgow School of Art", this lamp shows the great Viennese influence, as Mackintosh exhibited 1900 together with his wife Margaret MacDo...
Brass
Rare Winkelman & Van der Bijl Floor Lamp in Wrought Iron and Opaline Glass 1920s
Located in Meer, VAN
Rare Winkelman & Van der Bijl Floor Lamp in Wrought Iron and Opaline Glass, The Netherlands, 1920s. This is a very rare and early floor lamp by the renowned Dutch manufacturer Winke...
Wrought Iron
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Floor Lamp Brass Opaline Glass, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Floor-lamp with opaline glass shade, designed for Villa Steiner, a famous house by Adolf Loos Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-l...
Brass
Novios Sculptural Floor Lamp in Sapele Wood by Vlad Krasnogorov, 2020s
Located in New York, NY
The Novios lamp takes its name from the Spanish word novios, broadly translated as “a couple,” and draws its conceptual foundation from the idea of coupling as a generative force. Be...
Sapele Wood
French Art Nouveau Bronze Heron Floor Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau bronze floor lamp with heron eating berries from tree on a shaped base.
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Brass and Opaline Glass Floor Lamp, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Floor light with opaline glass shade, mouth blown, pictured in brass Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixture...
Brass
French Six Lamp Ceiling Lamp Art Nouveau in Bronze from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Six lamp ceiling lamp Art Nouveau French in bronze from the 19th century, relief decoration "Vegetable motifs", glass tulips. Height: 120 cm good conditions.
Bronze
Early 20thC Art Nouveau Adjustable Brass Standard Lamp
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Art Nouveau Adjustable Brass Standard Lamp with Three Uplit Arms, Art Glass shades and stylistic Tulip and Butterfly Fittings leading to Tripod Base - all lights and lamp...
Brass
Art Nouveau Floor Lamp of Brass with Table Top of Green Onyx Marble from France
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French standing floor lamp of brass and green onyx marble from the Art Nouveau period, featuring a brass column and ornate scrolling supports at the base and beneath the table...
Marble, Onyx, Metal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann: Floor lamp model "Candelaber" for Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Floor lamp made of teak, partly solid and partly veneered. The design is based on a floor lamp designed by Josef Hoffmann and produced by the Wiener Werkstätte, model name "Kandelab...
Brass
Vintage Floor Lamp with Art Nouveau Embroidered Lampshade, 1960s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Charming vintage brass floor lamp, featuring an elegant cream-colored pleated fabric shade with embroidered details and decorative fringing. The refined design of the stem, with a he...
Brass
Jules Cayette & Charles Schneider Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Floor Lamp
Located in London, GB
An exceptional and rare hand hammered wrought iron floor light with tinted hand blown glass bowl by Charles Schneider. Signed Schneider.
Wrought Iron
Rare exquisite bronze floor lamp with entwined snakes, early 1900s.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Exquisite workmanship behind this bronze Floor Lamp, with decor of three entwined serpents / snakes. Lovely details. Original shade is included if buyer wishes, the fabric had dama...
Bronze
Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Birch, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch and beige fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 65“ H x 18.5” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-2...
Brass