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 Silver Plated Hand Held Mirror
Located in Worcester Park, GB
An exquisite antique hand mirror crafted in the Art Nouveau style, featuring elegant flowing lines and high-relief floral decoration. The sculptural handle and back are richly adorne...
Silver Plate
Antoni Gaudí Oak Calvet Mirror, Varnished Finish, Jugendstil Style
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirror designed by Antoni Gaudi, circa 1902. Manufactured by BD Furniture in Barcelona. Solid oak, varnished. There is also the same model covered in fine gold leaf. Measur...
Oak
Monumental 19th-Century French Faux Bois Giltwood Mirror In The Naturalist Style
Located in Norwood, NJ
This exceptional late 19th oval wall mirror is a magnificent, large-scale example of the French Art Nouveau movement, masterfully rendered in the rustic faux bois (false wood) tradit...
Mirror, 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
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
Art Nouveau / Jugend Vanity Mirror in bronze, Europe early 1900s.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A figural vanity mirror in bronze, Art Nouveau early 1900s. Woman holding mirror with beautiful details. The glass is worn, and damage to one side. One glass holder is missing in t...
Bronze
$538Sale 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
$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
Monumental WMF Jugendstil Alpacca silver-plated vanity mirror Art Nouveau
Located in Weesp, NL
Import of antiques into the US should be exempt from all U.S. import tariffs but please check. Monumental WMF Jugendstil Alpacca silver-plated vanity mirror with polychrome inlays, ...
Iron
Stunning French Art Nouveau Silver Gilt Wall Mirror
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A French silver gilt mirror with a finely carved frame featuring stylized floral corner motifs and a soft silvered finish. Reeded architectural lines are balanced by delicate ornamen...
Giltwood
Large hand carved Art Nouveau chimney mirror, France ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Unique Art Nouveau chimney mirror in oak, made in France around 1910. The oak frame is hand-carved and has the flowing, elegant design that is so characteristic of French Art Nouveau...
Mirror, Wood, Oak
Table Mirror in cooper Art Nouveau Period, Austia 1900
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Small Mirror in Art Cooper, copper color. Table Mirror, it has been in Austria circa 1900.
Art Glass
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
Antique Early 20th Century French Wood Mirror, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique Early 20th century French Wood Mirror. Manufactured France, circa 1940. Materials: Wood, mirror In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preser...
Mirror, Wood
19th Century French Art Nouveau Hand-Carved Painted Transom Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique carved and painted wood transom from late 19th century France that would have been built into the architecture of a room, now holding a plate of mirror glass that can effect...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Paint
Spanish Art Nouveau Wall Mirror in Giltwood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Art Nouveau Rectangular Mirror with Foliage Frame, Wood, Gold Leaf Outstanding finely carved wood Art Nouveau mirror. Spain, 1930s Carved wood and gold leaf gilding. The frame has f...
Gold Leaf
Beige Wooden Table Mirror, France, 1920s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Carved beige wood table mirror, France, 1920s. An elegant table mirror in finely carved light wood, characteristic of early 20th-century French decorative taste. Its frame features delicate openwork motifs and sinuous curves inspired by late Art Nouveau and the transitional styles leading to Art Deco. The central mirror with its curved contours is enhanced by a wooden structure with refined and symmetrical lines. The patinated beige hue of the wood highlights the craftsmanship and lends the piece a soft and warm presence. Originally intended for a dressing table or an elegant bedroom, this mirror is now a beautiful decorative object capable of adding a touch of antique charm to a classic, romantic, or eclectic interior. Style : Late Art Nouveau Transition to Art Deco French Style Antique Decorative 1920s Bourgeois Elegance Main Features : Carved wooden table mirror Openwork frame with decorative motifs Curved glass Patinated beige finish Handcrafted France, 1920s Finely crafted woodwork Decorative and functional object Beautiful period patina Keywords : wooden table mirror, antique vanity mirror, French mirror 1920s, Art Nouveau mirror, vintage dressing mirror, carved wood mirror, antique bedroom decor, French decorative arts, tabletop mirror, early twentieth century mirror, antique table mirror, carved wood mirror, dressing table mirror, Art Nouveau mirror, vintage French mirror, 1920s decor, antique bedroom mirror...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Large Spanish 1950's Oval Gilt Metal Sunburst Mirror
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely mid-century Spanish oval sunburst mirror features curved radiating leaves surrounding a frame with a delicate braided detail. It is finished in a rich gilt patina. We rec...
Metal
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
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
French Art Nouveau Faux Bamboo Mirror, 65cm/ 25.8", Hand-Crafted Wood, C. 1900
Located in Valencia, VC
French Faux Bamboo Wall Mirror, Circa 1900s A refined mirror in the Chinoiserie style, with a hardwood frame shaped to emulate bamboo. French, early 20th century. Mirrors like thi...
Mirror, Wood
$1,220Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century Cabinet with Beveled Mirror Walnut art Nouveau
Located in Buggiano, IT
Furniture with semi-oval ground mirror for entrance, original Art Nouveau, with three doors, one with ground glass linked to lead. Size cm.: 107 x 31 x 95 + 165 H (tot 260). They wil...
Mirror, Walnut
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
Vintage Hand Carved Swan Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This enchanting hand-carved mirror is a masterclass in whimsical artistry, featuring a frame defined by elegant, elongated swans that gracefully curve inward. Inspired by Art Nouveau...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Art Nouveau Mirror in Oak with Gilded Inlay, France ca. 1915
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A graceful Art Nouveau wall mirror crafted in oak with gilded inlay, France, circa 1915. The frame’s flowing silhouette and stylized carved motifs embody the organic elegance of the ...
Mirror, Oak
$402Sale Price|30% 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
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
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
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
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
Antique French Oval Wall Mirror in Giltwood, Art Nouveau Period, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Antique French oval mirror in gilded wood from the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. Antique frame with floral decoration and fluting, re-gilding to the leaf. Frame width: 3.5 cm / 1.3...
Mirror, Wood
Art Nouveau (7) Piece Sterling Silver Vanity "Necessaire" Ensemble Circa 1894
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous hard to find late 19th century Art Nouveau ensemble of seven marked sterling silver vanity items to decorate and utilize for the commode; consisting of; 1) Matching hallmar...
Sterling Silver
$440Sale 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
$599Sale Price|20% Off
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
‘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
Art Nouveau Mirror Frame
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau mirror frame in original condition with signs of use.
Beech
Large Art Nouveau Gilt Mirror, French, Circa 1900, Antique Furniture
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
Pair of Italian Vintage Wall Applique Lights Objects Sconces, 1930s
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful pair of brass and mirror wall lights sconces. Italy, 1920s-1940s Lamp sockets: 2.
Brass, Bronze
$1,871Sale Price|25% Off
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
Antique English Art Nouveau Liberty & Co. Inlaid Oak Wall Mirror C. 1900
Located in London, GB
Antique English Art Nouveau Wall Mirror, Oak with Inlaid Stylised Flower Motifs, C.1900 A solid golden oak wall mirror in the manner of Liberty & Co. London. The broad chamfered fr...
Oak
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
Antoni Gaudí Calvet Wall Mirror, Solid Oak with Gold Leaf, Spain
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirror designed by Antoni Gaudi, circa 1902 and manufactured by BD furniture in Barcelona. Solid oak: Varnished or covered in fine gold leaf. Size: 58cm x 195cm Year: 1902 ...
Oak
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
$3,075Sale Price|60% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Tabletop Vanity Mirror with Maiden Silverplated Pewter WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique Art Nouveau vanity mirror, possibly by WMF, is a unique piece. The faceted mirror is in very good condition, with only minor sig...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Gorgeous 90's French style Italian bronze table mirror
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Gorgeous Italian bronze French-style table mirror from the 1990s - Private collection Domenico Rugiano
Bronze
Art Nouveau Dressing Table Mirror, Royal Dux Bohemia, 1900-1918
By Hans Kieweg, Royal Dux Bohemia
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain dressing table mirror in Art Nouveau style, Royal Dux Bohemia, sculptor: H. Kieweg, Czech Republic (Bohemia), 1900 - 1918 Additional Information: Materials: Porcelain, ...
Porcelain
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
Carved Giltwood Art Nouveau Mirror in Small Scale
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gold Leaf Giltwood Minature Mirror with Crest, Spain, 1920s Finely carved petite oval mirror with crest. Carved wood, covered with gesso, 24-karat gold leaf finishing. This small sized Art...
Gold Leaf
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
$770Sale Price|20% Off
Large Decorative English Oak Framed Art & Crafts Mantel Mirror Late 19th Century
Located in Leicester, GB
A handsome beveled mantel mirror with a thick oak frame. The frame is beautifully hand-carved with swirl decorations. Large size, ideal for above a fireplace. Size overall; 90cm wid...
Oak
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
$1,436Sale Price|20% Off
Venetian Mirror with Handmade Leaves & Flowerets with Etched Glass
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous style that never grows old. Ornate Venetian Murano mirror with leafs and florets twisted rods and etched glass. Mostly clear with a hint of amber. In excellent condition wit...
Art Glass, Mirror
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
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
Art Nouveau Vanity Mirror, Circa 1940
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
A charming Art Nouveau-inspired vanity mirror dating from the 1940s, combining decorative elegance with everyday functionality. The piece features a tilting mirror supported by grace...
Metal
French Iron Art Nouveau Leaf Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Art Nouveau iron mirror from France, 1920s. Iron frame and hexagonal mirror with leaf detail. All original with nice age and patina.
Iron
$1,182Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury gilt bronze convex mirror “Witch mirror” France
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding circular “witch mirror” convex mirror features a gilt bronze frame. Made in France around 1950, the frame has a diagonal cross-shaped structure, with each arm adorned wit...
Bronze
$1,766Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Gilt Mirror
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Arr nouveau Mirror Lovely distressed panelled mirror Lovely gilding Mid C20th
Giltwood
$2,554Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Art Nouveau Trumeau Mirror, Hand-Carved Wood, 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unusual Italian Art Nouveau Folk Art Rococo Trumeau style arts and crafts wooden wall mirror from the early 1900s. Beautifully hand-carved large bird in flight among lovely stylized ...
Mirror, Wood