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.
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 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
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 : 1.40 kg / 3.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standar...
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Art Nouveau Pendant Light by General Electric France
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau pendant light in the style of W.A.S. Benson, made by General Electric France around 1910. Copper pendant light with a superb wheel-cut uranium glass shade. Wired with a B...
Copper
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
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Table Lamp Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
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
20th Century Tiffany Studios Desk Lamp , Gilt Brass Bell-Shaped Shade, Model 424
Located in Tarry Town, NY
A rare and finely executed early 20th century desk lamp produced by Tiffany Studios in the United States, circa 1910. This lamp represents a significant example of Tiffany Studios’ m...
Brass, Bronze
French Art Nouveau Brass and Frosted Glass Three-Light Chandelier, circa 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Art Nouveau three-light chandelier in brass with frosted glass shades, circa 1920. An elegant French Art Nouveau chandelier, crafted in richly patinated brass and fit...
Brass
Jugendstil "Palme" by Josef Hoffmann Crystal Chandelier, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Magnificent chandelier in solid casted brass. Extraordinary elaborate finishes. Rich hangings with handcut crystal glasses. All components according to the UL regulations, with an a...
Crystal, 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
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 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
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
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 “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
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Ceiling Lamp, Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, 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
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
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
Antique Ornate F&C Osler Pineapple Cut Glass Light Pendant Lamp, C.1910
Located in London, GB
An elegantly formed cut glass pendant light made in Birmingham (England) by F& C Osler. c.1910 Thick hand cut glass shades, with a central pierced gilt brass band and glass covered ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Table Lamp by Muller Frères for Hettier & Vincent, France ca. 1910
By Hettier & Vincent, Muller Frères
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
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
19thc Art Nouveau Large Bronze Sculptural Floor/ Table Lamp by Gustave Gurshner
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Monumental 19thc Austrian Art Nouveau Bronze Figural Floor/ Table Lamp. Featuring original Tiffany style tiled Art Glass Shade. Signed by Artist Gustave Gurschner. Large and heavy Sc...
Bronze
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
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
Original Austro Hungary Modernist Jugendstil 20th Century Brass Chandelier
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A modernist Jugendstil chandelier with simple ornaments, patinated brass. Total drop can be customized Suitable for the US
Brass
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
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Silk & Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, 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
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
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
Luxurious Art Nouveau Alabaster Bronze Chandelier
Located in Hannover, DE
This Art Nouveau chandelier, manufactured between 1920 and 1930, is something special. What makes it so special is its very high-quality and precise workmanship. The bronze is master...
Alabaster, Bronze
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
Josef Hoffmann&Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstaette Vienna Secession Pendant Edit
By Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstätte
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
Josef Hoffmann Table Lamp
Located in Vienna, AT
A table light with opaline glass shade, pictured in brass. USA and CAN: most electrical components according to the UL regulations. With an additional charge the fixture will be lab...
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
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
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
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Pendant Jugendstil Silk Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Brass & Silk Chandelier "Dinner" with a Pulley, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
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
1920s Art Nouveau Brass & Glass Pendant Lamp, Ceiling Light, Jena, Germany
By Jena Glassworks, Zeiss Ikon, Carl Zeiss, Peter Behrens
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
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, 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
Fratelli TOSO Rare Table Lamp / Night-Light, 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Table Lamp / Night-Light by Fratelli Toso, Venice, Italy, c. 1900. Rare in this size, this exquisite table lamp, or night-light, is a stunning example of Venetian craftsmanship by th...
Bronze
Hotel Astoria Vienna Jugendstil Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
The glamourous hotel Astoria at the Kaerntner-Strasse in Vienna has been renovated in the late 1970s. All the lamps have been recreated by WOKA and Stefan Passini according to old ph...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Pende Wrought Brass, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
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
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
Adolf Loos Silk and Brass Pulley-Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
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 Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Flush Pende, Re Edit
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
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
French Art Nouveau Stained-Glass Lantern, 1890-1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Stained Glass Lantern, 1890s. A stunning example of French Art Nouveau lighting, this stained-glass lantern from France, circa 1890–1900, embodies the elegance an...
Iron
Art Deco Chandelier by Woka Lamps Vienna, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A chandelier which can illluminate a ceiling rosette from the bulbs inside the metal-part which is a mirror and reflect the light from the bulbs inside the glass-bowl. A smaller vers...
Brass