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.
Art Nouveau Nightstand, Solid Oak & Marble Top, Hand-Carved, 1920s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Art Nouveau night stand or side table . Hand carved Flower medallion on the door . Bronze handles . Stunning Marble top . solid Oak . Very good condition . 1920s Belgium
Oak
Set of Swedish Grace Pewter Wall Mirror and Candle Sconces, 1930s, Sweden
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Grace Pewter Mirror with Wall Candle Sconces made by Svensk Tenn circa 1930s. * Oval pewter mirror with rose decorations with set of matching mirror-candlestick holders * Ma...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Style Carved and Polychromed Wooden Mirror with Floral Motif
Located in Round Top, TX
Art Nouveau Style Carved and Polychromed Wooden Mirror with Floral Motif A striking vintage mirror crafted in the spirit of the Art Nouveau movement, distinguished by its fluid, orga...
Wood
Pair of Large Art Nouveau Gilt Wood Wall Mirrors w Birds, 1910's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive Pair of Large Wood Wall Mirrors with Gilt Birds and Grape Bunches from the 1910's. The mirrors feature a carved wood frame with a dark finish. Perfect oversized mirrors to...
Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Vanity / Table Mirror "The First Cuckoo" by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity / Table Mirror "The First Cuckoo" by WMF, circa 1906. A poetic example of Jugendstil artistry, this vintage Art Nouveau vanity or tabletop mirror titled “T...
Brass, Copper
Early 1900 Art Nouveau France Silver Metal Wall Mirror
Located in Brescia, IT
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror France, Early 1900 Silver Metal Frame and Original Ground Mirror Wood on the back Iconic Art Nouveau Shape Very Good Condiction
Metal
Art Nouveau Decorated Copper Mirror, France, 1920s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A unique Art Nouveau copper mirror produced in France in the 1920s. The frame is worked in copper relief, with a flowing, asymmetrical outlin...
Copper
Art Nouveau Mirror in Brass and Glass Inlay, Signed A.H. Villaket, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1910 / Mirror / signed A.H. Villaket / Brass, wood, and glass / Art Nouveau A rare and lyrical embodiment of French Art Nouveau craftsmanship, this exquisite mirror, signed...
Brass
Art Nouveau mirror circa 1900
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau copper repousse mirror decorated with vines and two salamanders with pearl appliqués on the eyes. Original mirror with some pitting. Height: 63 cm Width: 42 cm Thickness...
Copper
ArtLarge Italian Art Nouveau Mirror in Carved Walnut with Floral Motifs
Located in Milano, IT
This imposing Italian Liberty mirror should be read as a true architectural object rather than a simple reflective surface. Conceived in the early decades of the 20th century, it emb...
Wood, Bentwood
French Faux Bamboo Mirror in Cherry, Circa 1900
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 faux bamboo wall mirror made from Cherry. This mirror is lovely. The frame is hand turned from cherry to have the appearance of bamboo, which was at the height of fashio...
Mirror, Cherry
Art nouveau wall mirror in beech, by Carlo Zen, Italy, 1920s
By Carlo Zen
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This large wall mirror is an expressive example of Italian art nouveau, distinguished by its sculptural presence and highly organic vocabulary. The composition is defined by a tall r...
Beech
19th Century French Faux Bamboo Large Wall Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
19th century faux bamboo large wall mirror from France. The mirror frame is hand turned in the very popular faux bamboo style, which was indicative of the Art Nouveau period in Fran...
Mirror, Cherry
$1,811Sale Price|47% Off
Art Nouveau WMF Maiden Mirror, circa 1906, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau WMF Mirror, circa 1906, Germany, silver plated, pattern number 108a. Original beveled glass mirror and wood back, the frame decorated with openwork foliage and a reclinin...
Silver Plate
Decorative blue enamel and brass Art Nouvaeu dressing-table mirror, England 1910
Located in London, GB
Elaborate finely worked brass and enamel dressing-table mirror. The original bevelled mirror is surrounded by a thin brass frame with striking blue enamel panels inset with brass det...
Brass, Enamel
French 19th Century Large Art Nouveau Gilt Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dramatic French, late 19th century gold gilt mirror with original mirror glass framed by delicately carved foliate molding. The narrow molding incorporates scrolling vines of bloom...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
$316Sale Price|44% Off
Cast Brass Art Nouveau Round Wall Mirror with Ivy Lady Portrait
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Antique cast brass, gold-tone metal Art Nouveau round wall mirror with a female portrait surrounded by an ivy floral pattern that circles the mirror. The mirror comes with a whimsica...
Brass
Scottish 19th Century Carved & Gilded Frame with New Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dramatic and theatrical late 19th Century carved and gilt frame, made in Glasgow, Scotland by picture framers Menzies & Son according to the original label affixed to the back. Not...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Antique American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Hand Mirror
Located in New York, NY
American Art Nouveau sterling silver hand mirror, ca 1890. Beveled glass in round frame with baluster handle. In dense low-relief are swans with whiplash necks, a nymph with tentacul...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Style Wrought Iron Circular Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
Art Nouveau Style Wrought Iron Circular Mirror, the pierced scroll form crest with ball form and floral appliques. 42" H x 41" W x 2" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau Chrysanthemum French Pewter Hand Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Art Nouveau period, a Pewter vanity hand mirror, France – circa 1900. Inspired by nature, Art Nouveau is an international style that emerged in the 1890s and was popular u...
Pewter
VERY LARGE 151CM X 133CM ITALIAN VENETIAN COBALT BLUE CUT GLASS WALL MiRROR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale the largest Vintage Cobalt Blue hand cut Venetian Beveled glass mirror I have ever seen Please note the del...
Glass
Pair of Art Nouveau Miniature Mirrors, Gold Leaf, Giltwood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Art Nouveau Left and Right Gold Leaf Giltwood Mini Sized Mirrors Exquisite and richly carved pair of left and right petite mirrors. Carved wood, covered with gesso and 24-karat gold leaf finishing. These small sized Art...
Gold Leaf
19th Century Faux Bamboo Cheval Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
FABULOUS 19th century faux bamboo chevalier mirror from France. The mirror has rounded corners at the top and square corners at the bottom, and the c...
Mirror, Cherry
WMF Art Nouveau Figural Vanity Mirror “Echo” Model 131 Silver Plated
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Elegant Art Nouveau figural vanity mirror produced by WMF in Germany. The sculptural silver-plated frame features a graceful maiden in flowing drapery leaning toward the mirror bene...
Silver Plate
19th Century Italian Silvered Wall Mirror, Embossed Copper, Venice ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
One of a kind, late 19th century silvered Italian wall mirror from the island of Venetia around 1880. This elaborately crafted Venetian mirror impresses with an absolute artfully sha...
Silver, Copper
French Art Nouveau Silver Plate Dresser Vanity Table Easel Back Mirror, c. 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
An antique French silverplated dresser tabletop vanity easel back mirror with a lovely Art Nouveau floral design, circa 1900. It would be beautiful displa...
Silver Plate
Pair Large Early 20th C French Bronze Oval Frame Bevel Edge Mirrors
Located in Troy, MI
Large pair of Art Nouveau French oval mirrors in bronze frames that date from approximately 1910. Frames are 57” high and 45” wide with actual mirrors measuring 49” high X 36.5” wide...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Peacock" Favrile Glass and Bronze Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A common theme in the Tiffany Studios New York oeuvre, the peacock motif, as can be seen in this exquisite "Peacock" mirror, was a well-loved and oft-used theme. Featuring a finely s...
Bronze
Early 1900 Luigi Fontana Fontana Arte Art Nouveau Table Mirror
Located in Brescia, IT
Liberty Table Mirror Luigi Fontana, Milano Italy, early 1900 Antique cut mirror with floral silver bronze frame Wood Back side "L. Fontana & C. Milano" signed on the back First and...
Metal
Spanish Mid-Century Oval Sunburst Gilt Metal Mirror
Located in Buchanan, NY
This exceptional Spanish oval sunburst mirror from the 1950s features an array of gently curved leaves surrounding a sturdy frame with delicate crimping. The rich gilt finish is orig...
Metal
1940’s Reverse Japandi Chinoiserie Style Painted Mirrored Panels Screen Divider
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, mirrored paintings you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the...
Art Glass, Mirror, Wood, Paint
Large Scalloped Antique Mirror in Wood 1900
Located in Tilburg, NL
Large Scalloped Antique Mirror in Wood, around 1900. This is a wonderful antique wall mirror with a distinct scalloped shape and interesting use of ma...
Wood
20th Century Art Nouveau Gilt/ Red Wall Mirror With Floral Carvings, AT ca. 1900
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unusual gilt 20th century Art Nouveau wall mirror from the 1900s in Austria. This amazing looking antique wall mirror with a rustic charme has been hand carved out of softwood around...
Mirror, Softwood
1940's Art Nouveau Meets Art Deco Hall Tree, Mirror With Coat Hooks and Shelf
Located in Culver City, CA
Say hello to the most stylish way to check your look before heading out the door! This seriously fabulous vintage Art Nouveau hall tree mirror is...
Brass
$1,794
Art Nouveau Gilt Mirror
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Arr nouveau Mirror Lovely distressed panelled mirror Lovely gilding Mid C20th
Giltwood
Stunning Exceptional Starburst Sunburst Gilded Wood Convex Mirror, Germany 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous starburst sunburst mirror. Made of gilded wood. Stunning exceptional Leaf design. It measures approximate: 26.5" in diameter, mirror itself is approximate 9.5" in diameter...
Mirror, Giltwood
‘Grand Psyche’, Monumental Art Nouveau Mirror by Maison Millet
By Claudius Marioton, Maison Millet
Located in London, GB
‘Grand Psyche’, monumental Art Nouveau mirror by Maison Millet French, c. 1900 Height 270cm, width 170cm, depth 57cm This exquisite antique mirror was crafted around 1900 by the e...
Bronze, Ormolu
Unique Mirophar Brot triptych standing mirror Art Deco, circa 1920
By Brot Miroir
Located in Den Haag, NL
The french house brot is renowned for its exceptional mirrors. The triptych mirror was invented in 1875 by la maison brot and the model proposed here is a free-standing model, adjust...
Brass
Large hand carved Art Nouveau chimney mirror, France ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1910 / chimney mirror / oak, mirror / art nouveau Unique Art Nouveau chimney mirror in oak, made in France around 1910. The oak frame is hand-carved and has the flowing, el...
Mirror, Wood, Oak
Rare and Important Orientalist Console Table & Mirror by Carlo Bugatti
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare and important Orientalist console table and mirror by Carlo Bugatti (Italian,1856-1940). This elegant Moorish design is made of intricately carved and ebonized walnut inlaid with pewter, bone and copper, partially covered with parchment. The upper part featuring an arched mirror plate flanked by a pair of turned metal decorated columns surmounted by a gallery top inset with bone and carved finials.The lower part of the console table is beautifully fitted with three hanging tassels that extend over a vellum panel illustrated with a scene of ibises over pewter inlaid calligraphy designs.Carlo Bugatti was a famous designer active at the turn of the century. His pieces are rare and highly prized. He was the father of Rembrandt Bugatti who was a renowned sculptor, his work is also highly valuable and very rare since he died at 32. Ettore Bugatti...
Wood
Unique Hand-Carved Art Nouveau Mirror – Roses, Butterfly & Natural Elegance
Located in Lisse, NL
Exquisite Hand-Carved Arts & Crafts Wall Mirror in Solid Nutwood with Roses, Thorns & Butterfly – Museum Quality. If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy antique to e...
Mirror, Nutwood
$2,750Sale Price|21% Off
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Mirror, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist pewter mirror, Germany, circa 1905. All original bevelled glass, back and easel, bracket cornice supports, stylised border with open arts...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Style Bevelled Glass Rose Gold Brass Wall Mirror
Located in London, England
An Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts style bevelled glass rose gold coloured brass circular wall hanging mirror. A timeless piece that captures the essence of the early 20th-century ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Beveled Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
French Art Nouveau Brass Beveled Mirror. Stunning period French Art Nouveau brass hand hammered beveled mirror with beautifully decorated corner appliques...
Brass
Late 19th Century Venetian Vanity Console Art Nouveau by Testolini & Salviati
By Salviati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Very importsant console vanity in solid walnut, finely hand-carved, with top shaped grey marble. Very special processing that surrounds the rectangular mirror by Salviati Murano, dep...
Mirror, Walnut
$543Sale Price|43% Off
French Art Nouveau Louis XVI Style Beveled Mirror, Early 20th C.
Located in Labrit, Landes
Art Nouveau Louis XVI style beveled mirror, 19th century, French. Can be suspended from the wall or placed on a fireplace mantel or on a piece of furniture Original mirror Very go...
Oak, Mirror
Antique Art Nouveau Tabletop Vanity Oval Beveled Mirror w/Candle Holders
Located in Topeka, KS
Nostalgic antique Art Nouveau to Victorian tabletop vanity mirror composed of a mix of brass, copper, & bronze stand w/hand stamped decorative off-set crown piece, original oval ...
Brass, Bronze, Copper
Art Nouveau Wood Wall Mirror with Facet Cut, Austria, circa 1900
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This mirror in is wood, in a brown color. It is Art nouveau Style and Period. It has been made in Autria circa 1900.
Wood
Antique Art Nouveau Style Mirror
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Art Nouveau style mirror, made in England and dating from around the 1960’s. The frame is beautifully carved solid wood with grape vine motifs, in gold and green...
Mirror, Wood
An Art Nouveau Silver Plated Table Vanity Mirror by W.M.F.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This Art Nouveau table vanity mirror features an elegant, silver-plated design. The mirror is rectangular with a decorative crest at the top, showcasing classic Art Nouveau motifs. I...
Silver Plate
$131Sale Price|73% Off
Art Nouveau Copper Vanity Mirror c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Early 20th century vanity beveled oval mirror featuring a swivel top and a copper pedestal figure of a woman holding the frame of the mirror. Shown with life size hand model....
Copper
Antique Silver Framed Mirror
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Antique Silver-Framed Mirror Magnificent mirror with a hand-repoussé and chased silver frame, decorated with elaborate floral motifs and symmetrical scrolls on a dotted background. T...
Sterling Silver
Mirror Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, France, Materials: Silver-plated iron
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty Style: Art Nouveau Country: France We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any question...
Iron
$869Sale Price|51% Off
French Sunburst mirror eye porthole glass , carved and gilded wood
By FRENCH CLICHE
Located in Valladolid, ES
Beautiful antique mirror in gilded wood with sun reflections. The mirror is hand-carved wood, with a gold patina. With a convex glass mirror called a porthole. The wood and glass are...
Mirror, Wood
Art Nouveau Wall Mirror in Bird’s Eye Maple and Brass, circa 1900
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This elegant Art Nouveau wall mirror dates to around 1900 and was most likely made in France. The frame is veneered in beautifully figured bird’s eye maple with a warm golden tone an...
Brass
Antique Art Nouveau Cast Figural Metal Pedestal Ladies Dresser or Vanity Mirror
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique cast figural ladies pedestal dresser mirror is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in France in circa 1890 in the period Art Nouveau style. The base of the mirror i...
Metal
Carved wood wall mirror, Art Nouveau period. France, early 20th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Carved wood wall mirror, Art Nouveau period. France, early 20th century.
Wood
$444Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Table Mirror Gilded Bronze Vanity Mirror Art Nouveau
Located in Poperinge, BE
Antique table mirror, dressing mirror or make-up mirror with jewelry tray and original mirror glass made entirely of gilded bronze, graceful floral and animal decoration, entirely in...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Original Murano glass mirror, Italy 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Charming Murano glass mirror made in Venice (Italy) in the 1950s. The mirror can be used as a table mirror or wall mirror. The mirror is in a very good, vintage condition. Dimension...
Murano Glass, Wood