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.
French “Clichy” Yellow Glass Pendant Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French “Clichy” yellow glass pendant lamp Brass glass holder Weight : 0.85 kg / 1.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for ...
Brass
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 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
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
Jugendstil chandelier with original painted opaline glass vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil chandelier with original painted opaline glass shades vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Original opaline glass shades
Brass
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
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
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
French Art Nouveau Cherub Pendant Light in Carved Wood & Frosted Glass, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau pendant light featuring a carved linden wood cherub with gilded wings and a frosted glass shade. This charming French Art Nouveau pendant light dates to the early...
Brass
French “Clichy” Pink Reeded Glass Pendant Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French “Clichy” pink coloured glass pendant lamp Brass glass holder Weight : 1.30 kg / 2.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standar...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Green Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with satin green glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.50 kg / 1.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps...
Brass
$1,421 / set
Muller Frères Pair of Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
Located in NANTES, FR
Pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces, circa 1910. Gilt brass mount, pâte de verre shades signed Muller Frères Luneville. Wired, E14 socket. Small screw-in bulbs. In perfect condition. ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Wall Lamp, Brass & Frosted Glass, Early 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French art nouveau wall lamp Frosted glass shade with brass wall piece and arm Diameter wall plate 102 mm B22 bulb holder / Bayonet Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Copper Cut Glass Brass Sconce Wall Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French art nouveau wall lamp Semi frosted cut glass shade Copper wall piece and brass arm Weight: 1.70 kg / 3.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by ...
Brass, Copper
French Art Nouveau Brass Piano Lamp, Paris 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art nouveau Brass piano lamp. Paris 1920s 2,5 meter black cotton flex, plug and switch in base B15 – bulb holder Available with UK / US plug B15 bulb holder. Priced per individua...
Brass
Antique Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Silver GEC Glass Wall Lamp c.1910
By General Electric Company (GEC) 1
Located in London, GB
A beautifully crafted and rare antique silver plated wall light, made in England by the General Electric Company (GEC) c.1910. This refined piece of Edwardian lighting features exc...
Brass
1920s Art Nouveau Brass & Glass Pendant Lamp, Ceiling Light, Jena, Germany
By Peter Behrens, Carl Zeiss, Zeiss Ikon, Jena Glassworks
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and elegant Art Nouveau / Jugendstil “industrial” design ceiling lamp from the 1920s. Made in Germany, the body and decorative ring are crafted from brass, while the lampshade / reflector is made of the well-known Jena glass...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Lilac and White Glass Pendant Light by Muller Strasbourg
Located in Barntrup, DE
Refined French Art Nouveau pendant light featuring handcrafted pâte de verre glass with softly opaline diffusion by Muller Strasbourg, suspended on an ornate brass chain, circa 1920....
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Table Lamp Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Grooved casted column, copy of a signed and marked lamp, offered on an auction - see detail - compare to WW-Archive at the MAK - Object 3014, Inventnory# 119-23-1 Most components ac...
Brass
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Swivel-Mounted Silk Brass Wall-Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Swivel-mounted wall-lamp, measures as desired either with a wall-plate for direct-wiring, or with the cable going down to plug in - in that case a weight can be mounted on the cable ...
Brass
Pair of Art Nouveau Style Table Lamps Pink Glass and Brass, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a pair of table lamps in the Art Nouveau style, likely from the early 20th century. The design features a brass or bronze base with a floral, lily-like motif. The lampshade...
Opaline Glass
French Art Nouveau Brass & Frosted Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French frosted glass, brass desk light / table lamp 2,5 meter black cotton wire, plug and switch Available with UK / US plug Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made su...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Clichy Pink Colored Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Deco “Clichy” pink coloured glass pendant lamp Brass glass holder 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with Pink & White glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.60 kg / 1.3 lb Priced per individual item. All lamp...
Brass
Luzette Pendant Light By Peter Behrens For Siemens Circa 1920s
By Siemens
Located in Gloucester, GB
Luzette Pendant Light By Peter Behrens For Siemens Circa 1920s - Opaline glass bottom and top - Takes E27 fitting bulbs - Model L1521 - Produced by Siemens & Schukert, Berlin - Desi...
Opaline Glass
“Night Castel” Lamp by Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Austria, circa 1920
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in London, GB
“Night Castel” Lamp by Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Austria, circa 1920. Made from brass and embossed on the side with Hoffmann’s monogram “JH” and “WIENER WERK STÄTTE,” the l...
Brass
1920s , Large French Polychrome Painted Tole Chandelier
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Large 1920s French tole chandelier featuring an ornate, hand-crafted composition of painted metal flowers, leaves, and winding vines. This impressive piece showcases six scrolling ar...
Metal
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Ceiling Lamp, Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A pendant-lamp, very often used by Josef Hoffmann. Punched or plain, several finishes. Total drop custom made. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstaette Atelier, now custom m...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Pair of "Three-light Lily" Desk lamps
Located in New York, NY
Each Tiffany Studios New York Three-Light Lily table lamp features three golden Favrile glass shades in the form of lily blossoms, suspended in a graceful downward arc above a patina...
Bronze
Large Antique Crystal Chandelier Pair Restored Italian Bohemian Style Vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
A magnificent historical crystal chandelier that combines the timeless charm of classic European craftsmanship with a complete modern restoration. The design is reminiscent of the gr...
Crystal, Iron
French Green Opaline Glass Nickel Pendant Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French green opaline glass industrial pendant. Weight 0.40 kg / 0.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for incandescent lig...
Nickel
Émile Gallé "La Mer" Table Lamp
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite La mer lamp by Émile Gallé features twin shades modeled on the blooms of the crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis), a golden lily long associated with sovereignty, h...
Wrought Iron
Cast Bronze Sconce, Sepia 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
Art Nouveau "Thistle" or "Le Chardon" Table Lamp by Maurice Bouval
By Daum, Maurice Bouval
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite thistle (Le Chardon) lamp by Daum Freres and Maurice Bouval depicts an asymmetrical thistle sprig, with one bud closed and the other in bloom, the flower rendered in a...
Bronze
Cast Bronze Pendant, Verdigris 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
Petite Viennese Jugendstil Art Nouveau Inspired Chandelier
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Petite Viennese chandelier Woka edition - six flames USA and CAN: All electrical components according to the UL regulations. With an additional charge the fixture will be labeled "U...
Brass
French Frosted Glass Cast Iron Brass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Glass sconce / flush mount metal E27 / E26 bulb holder with frosted glass shade cast iron ceiling plate diameter 10.5 cm / 4” Weight: 1.20 kg / 2.6 lb Priced per individual item. ...
Brass, Iron
Josef Hoffmann&Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstaette Vienna Secession Pendant Edit
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser
Located in Vienna, AT
A single pendant from the chandelier for the entrance of the Wiener Werkstaette-Showrooms in Neustiftgasse 32/34 in Vienna Hammered or plain - another image shows the complete chande...
Crystal, Brass
Art Nouveau Table Lamp by Muller Frères for Hettier & Vincent, France ca. 1910
By Muller Frères, Hettier & Vincent
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1910 / Table lamp / Muller Frères / glass and metal / Art Nouveau A magnificent and authentic French Art Nouveau table lamp, crafted circa 1910 by the esteemed glassmakers ...
Wrought Iron
'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
French Art Nouveau Chandelier with Alabaster Bowl & Pink Glass Shades, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Art Nouveau chandelier with white alabaster bowl and pink glass shades. This elegant Art Nouveau chandelier, dating to circa 1920, features a finely carved white alab...
Alabaster, Bronze
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Silk & Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Desk lamp, originally manufactured at the historical Wiener Werkstätte and archived at the WW-pattern-books with the # S 142 - all in all, just eight lamps were manufactured at the W...
Brass
Cast Bronze Sconce, Brasa 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
Tiffany Studios Twelve Light Lily Lamp, A marriage of Antique & Contemporary Ele
Located in Bronx, NY
A beautiful combination of Antique & Contemporary Art Nouveau style lighting
Bronze
Candelabrum Crystal Antique Chandelier Ceiling Lustre Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisite Candelabrum Crystal Antique Chandelier, a masterpiece that embodies the elegance of Art Nouveau. Measuring a total height of 110 cm (height without chain 8...
Crystal, Wire
Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstaette, Silk Shade Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A very charming table-lamp by Hoffmann, with a silk shade. Custom-made adjustments of color and finish are possible. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstaette Atelier, now c...
Brass
Fabric Department Wiener Werkstaette Silk Wall Light Wall Lamp
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
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
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Pendant Jugendstil Silk Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. Comes as well in other sizes and colors. The other images shows the lamp in a showroom of th...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
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. All components according to the UL ...
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
Cast Bronze Sconce, Verdegris 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
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Brass & Silk Chandelier "Dinner" with a Pulley, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Chandelier in several variation used by Adolf Loos, the height of the chandelier is to extend with a pulley Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charg...
Brass
Art Deco Style Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Chandelier, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A really beautiful, modern and exclusive brass chandelier, chased, hammered and casted parts. Model# 3669-M and WWF 119-4-2 at the Wiener Werkstätte pattern-book at the MAK, Museum o...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Pende Wrought Brass, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
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
Adolf Loos Silk and Brass Pulley-Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Chandelier in several versions used by both of the architects, the height of the chandelier is to extend with a pulley. The displayed version was used by Adolf Loos for the Stoessel ...
Brass
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 "Fabric Department" Chandelier, 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
British Frosted Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
British clear glass flush mount. Metal bulb holder with brass glass holder. Frosted glass with many lines and irregularities Brass ceiling plate / wall plate : diameter 10 cm / 3.94...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Flush Pende, Re Edit
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
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...
Crystal, Brass