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.
Lundberg Studios Tiffany Style Art Glass Tulip Table Lamp
Located in Fulton, CA
A Tiffany Style "Tulip" art glass table lamp by James Glenn Lundberg for Lundberg Studios. Founded in 1970 in Santa Cruz, California. Iridescent art glass shades both signed "Lundber...
Art Glass
Tiffany Studios New York "Spider" Leaded Glass Table Lamp
By Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany Studios
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Tiffany Studios geometric leaded glass and bronze table lamp features the iconic Spider shade and its original complementary Mushroom bronze base. The unique form of the spider ...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Figural Lamp, by Viennese Sculptor Theodor Ullmann (1903-1996)
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is an Art Nouveau figural table lamp dating from the late 19th century to early 20th century (circa 1890–1915), a period famous for blending functional everyday objects with...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios Daffodil Table lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios "Daffodil" Table Lamp circa 1910 with an "Iris" base leaded glass, patinated bronze shade impressed "Tiffany Studios, New York, 1497" base impressed "Tiffany Studios...
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
Tiffany Style Lotus Flower and Lily Leaded Glass Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Lovely, large leaded glass table lamp after Louis Comfort Tiffany with shade featuring berry vine motif and standard with iridescent turtleback glass. 34 1/2 inches tall and 22 inch...
Art Glass
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
Tiffany Style Slag Glass Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
Tiffany Style Slag Glass Table Lamp, the floriform shade with green slag glass panels, the patinated bronzed base cast with lotus flower motifs. 25" H x 18" Diameter. Provenance: F...
Bronze
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
French Black Enamel Brass Table Desk Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French dark grey enamel and brass desk light. 2,5 meter black cotton flex, plug and switch Available with UK / US plug Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lam...
Brass, Enamel
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
Original Antique 3 Lite Lily Table Lamp, Gilt Bronze Base, ca.1905
Located in Petaluma, CA
This stunning lamp was conceived and manufactured by the most famous of all American lamp makers, Tiffany Studios. The detailed cast and gilt bronze base is accompanied by 3 matchin...
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Silk & Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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
Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstaette, Silk Shade Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
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
Art Nouveau Metal Table Lamp w/ Maiden, 2 Shades w/ Jewels, & Hanging Beads
Located in Petaluma, CA
This eye catching table lamp has much to offer. The art nouveau design for starters and then the wonderful pair of shades with colorful chunk jewels in- bedded in the metal, and fin...
Metal
Baccarat style. Hand-carved Murano glass table lamps, Italy, 1920s
By Cristalleries De Sevres, Baccarat, Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Barovier&Toso, Val Saint Lambert
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Hand-carved Venetian Murano glass table lamps or lanterns, Italy, 1920s. Composed of a hand-carved wooden base finished in gold leaf, and a hand-blown and carefully hand-carved Muran...
Gold Leaf
Early 1900 Cameo Shell Lamp Greek Mythology Table Lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
Cameo Shell Lamp Early 1900 Italy "Three Graces" engraved Metal Base with three sphinxes Perfect working order Excellent Condiction
Metal
Antique Art Nouveau Table Lamp by Duffner & Kimberly, 1909
Located in New Orleans, LA
An antique Art Nouveau decorative leaded glass table lamp, likely designed and created by Duffner & Kimberly, featuring a vibrant, multi-colored glass shade with a complex floral...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Josef Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank
Located in Vienna, AT
1920 designed Josef Hoffmann chased brass lamp base, different finishes available. Hand sewn Lamp Shade with a Josef Frank fabric, different patterns available. Sample book of the Wi...
Brass
Fratelli Toso Murrine Glass Table Lamp, Art Nouveau, Italy, 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
Adolf Loos Vienna Secessionist, Jugendstil Brass Table Lamp, Re edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Table light with opaline glass shade, designed for Villa Steiner Several finishes are available Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Brass & Silk Desk Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann table lamp with a fabric-shade - different Colors are available Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstätte Atelier, now custom-made production at the Woka Lamp...
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
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkastätte Table/Desk Lamp, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Pictured is an original fixture which was sold for 250.000 US$ at Jacques Grange Collectionneur in Paris in November 2017. We manufacture this lamp true to the original - Please cho...
Brass
Tiffany Studios Poppy Lamp
Located in New Orleans, LA
Poppy Lamp Tiffany Studios Circa 1910 This exquisite table lamp by Tiffany Studios features the firm's iconic Poppy shade and its original bronze root base...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Bronze Lamp by Villanis, w/Art Glass Shade by Daum Nancy, ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
This fabulous art nouveau lamp has the distinction of combining a noted sculptor in bronze as well as an important glass maker. The female figure in a graceful pose was done by Eman...
Bronze
1940s Hand-Carved Organic Midcentury Wooden Table Lamp
Located in Copenhagen, DK
1940s lacquered solid wooden table lamp with swirling organic hand-carved relief decorations around the heavy body. Smooth slender neck with wide tiered architectural top. Original b...
Wood
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
Table Lamp in the Style of Jugendstil 'nickel'
Located in Wien, Au
Table lamp in the style of Jugendstil This is a reproduction. We have also the same in brass Opal glass. Depending on the order quantit...
Opal, Nickel
L. Bessin and Daum Nancy Art Nouveau Lamp
By Paul-Lucien Bessin, Daum
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau lamp circa 1900. Patinated regula representing a nymph, signed L. Bessin for Paul Lucien Bessin. Glass paste tulip signed Daum Nancy. Electrified and in perfect condition...
Spelter
Exquisite Tiffany Studios Bronze & Leaded Glass "Feather" Table Lamp, Circa 1915
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This superb Tiffany Studios table lamp, dating to circa 1915, represents the height of American decorative artistry in the early twentieth century. With its refined conical leaded gl...
Cast Stone, Bronze
An Early 20th C Original Miller Table Lamp Dogwood Pattern Slag Glass Shade
Located in New Orleans, LA
An antique MILLER SLAG GLASS PANELED AND LACQUERED GILT METAL TABLE LAMP, SIGNED, DOGWOOD PATTERN, PATENTED 1919, the domed shade with six conforming slag ...
Metal, Iron
Pair Portuguese Art Nouveau Brass Table Lamps Etched Shades Floral Motifs c1900
Located in Lisboa, PT
This pair of Portuguese Art Nouveau brass table lamps, produced circa 1900–1920, reflects the refined decorative metalwork characteristic of early 20th-century Portuguese craftsmansh...
Brass
Austrian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Wood, Fabric, Austria, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, wood and fabric table lamp designed and produced in Vienna, Austria, c. 1930s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 32.75“ H x 13.125” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-2...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Opaline Glass Table Lamp, Re-Edition, Woka Lamps, Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A table light with Opaline glass shade, pictured in brass. Brass, optionally varnished or nickel-plated, all other surfaces on request, Opaline-glass, hand blown. Most components ac...
Brass
Pair of French Art Deco Lamps in Wrought Iron with Glass Shades
Located in Verviers, BE
A wonderful pair of French lamps. The stands are handmade in wrought iron with black finish patina and hammered with floral pattern. The metalwork is of excellent quality. They are c...
Wrought Iron
Antique Art Nouveau Slag Glass Table Lamp in the Manner of Handel, Circa 1920s
By Handel Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Art Nouveau period table lamp with gorgeous six-panel curved caramel slag glass shade In the manner of Handel USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 17"W x 17"D x 23"H....
Metal
Tiffany Studios Turtle Back Table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios Turtle Back Table lamp
Bronze
Adolf Loos "Knize" Taylorshop Pentagon-Dodekaeder Table/Floor Lamp Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Pentagondodekaeder, a ball made our of pentagons. Originally designed by Adolf Loos for the Knize Talyor-shops, in 2009 converted by Christiane Buessgen to a table or floor lamp. Mea...
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
Fratelli Toso Murine Table Lamp, Art Nouveau Glass & Bronze, Italy
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Glass murine and bronze table lamp by Fratelli Toso, Murano, Venice, Italy, 1900s. Glass drops. Measures: Height 13.4" (34cm), width 5.3" (13.4cm), depth 10.6" (27cm). Excellent cond...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Table Lamp with Original Cut-Glass, circa 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Art Nouveau table lamp with original cut-glass, circa 1908 polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Antique Bronze Floral Table Lamp
Located in Søborg, DK
An Antique floral bronze table lamp. Richly decorate with a floral design. With its original brass and porcelain bulb holder with an on/off switch and brass lampshade holder. R...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Seven-light Lily” Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
This Tiffany Studios New York glass and bronze "Seven Light Lily" table lamp, features seven golden iridescent Favrile glass "Lily" shades on individual gilt bronze stems extending u...
Bronze
Dynamic Bradley and Hubbard Five Arm Table Lamp w/5 Period Shades ca. 1915
Located in Petaluma, CA
Dynamic is the first word that comes to mind when you light up this unique lamp. The handsome metal base with a bronze patina has 5 arms extending to hold the glass. The base has the...
Metal
Art Nouveau Tiffany Style Brown & Green Stained Glass Table Lamp, a Pair
Located in Plainview, NY
Art Nouveau Tiffany Style Brown & Green Stained Glass Table Lamp, a Pair : This captivating pair of Art Nouveau Tiffany-style table lamps is a masterful tribute to the elegance and craftsmanship of the early 20th century. The stained glass dome...
Bronze
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Silk and Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass lamp with the requested finish - the fabric can be delivered with a plugged - or with a leadband – border. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstätte, now manufactured at...
Brass
FRATELLI TOSO 1900 Art-Nouveau Millefiori Murrines Table Lamp With Shade
Located in Miami, FL
An art-nouveau millefiori lamp designed by Fratelli Toso. This is a beautiful and colorful table lamp created in Venice Italy by the Fratelli Toso com...
Brass, Bronze
Émile Gallé Clematis Table Lamp, Cameo Glass, Art Nouveau, 1900
By Émile Gallé
Located in CABA, AR
Exquisite Émile Gallé “Clematis” Table Lamp, ca. 1900 An extraordinary example of French Art Nouveau glass artistry, this Clematis table lamp by Émile ...
Glass
Tiffany Style Stained Glass Table Lamp, Art Nouveau Floral Design
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Tiffany Style Stained Glass Table Lamp characterized by its vibrant floral motifs and classic Art Nouveau aesthetic. The dome-shaped shade is handcrafted using the traditional copper...
Stained Glass
Monumental Art Nouveau Table Lamp probably by Reinhold Kirsch Germany 1900s
By Henry van de Velde, Josef Hoffmann, Adolf Loos
Located in München, BY
Monumental Art Nouveau table lamp. Original from early 1900s. Designed probably by German Art Nouveau artist Reinhold Kirsch, Germany, 1900s. This sculptural table lamp is executed ...
Metal, Iron
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
Early 20th Century Slag Glass Table Lamp
Located in Denton, TX
Intricate metal work with foliage detail and blue Slag glass panels. There are three settings for the lamp, you can light just the stem light or just the reading light or you can hav...
Metal
Sculptural Table Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass Europe Early 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Sculptural Table Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass Europe Early 20th Century A sculptural balancing act of the highest order, this early 20th century table lamp is as much a practical...
Brass
Tiffany Studios Fleur-de-Lis Lamp
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fleur-de-Lis Lamp Tiffany Studios Circa 1900 This beautiful Tiffany Studios table lamp features the firm's iconic leaded glass shade in the rare Fleur-de-Lis pattern. The geometric ...
Bronze
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
Old Bronze Art Nouveau Guimard's Lamp and Pâte de Verre
Located in Rebais, FR
Old bronze Art Nouveau Guimard's lamp and Pâte de Verre.
Bronze
Tiffany Studios Acorn Table Lamp
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage genuine Tiffany Studios table lamp is circa the early 1900’s. Featured is a beautiful tranditionally designed shade with a geometric pattern accented by a acorn motif. Shade displays a wonderful veriety of green colors that range from dark to light tones creating a shade with stylish appearance that could enhance any desk. The acorn motif prominetly presents itself positioned in the bend that sorounds the shade. The shade itself nests comfortably atop a patinated bronze art nouveau lamp base...
Art Glass
Unique Art Glass & Metal Company Leaded Glass Peony Table Lamp C. 1915
By Unique Art Glass Company, Tiffany Studios
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique Art Glass & Metal Company (New York, active 1889-1917), circa 1915. This truly magnificent leaded glass table lamp which was produced during the tim...
Bronze
Austro-Hungarian Floral Jugendstil Brass & Opal Glass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
An excellent example of floral Jugendstil. Hand formed sand casted brass-parts, hand blown opaline-glass. Can be fixed on a table as well Most components according to the UL regulat...
Brass