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.
Antique European Pine and Marble Side Table or Nightstand
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming antique European (German or Eastern European) rustic pine nightstand topped with a Carrara marble slab that is removable. This piece offers ample storage with a drawer and...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Liberty Night Stands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, pair of bedside tables with double front door, black glass top and beautiful wood veneer burl decors on the sides an...
Brass
Pair Art Nouveau Nightstands with marble top by Paul Alexandre Dumas, France ca.
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1910 / pair of Nightstands / Paul Alexandre Dumas / wood, marble, bronze / Art Nouveau Luxurious pair of two wooden French Art Nouveau nightstands or bedside tables by Paul...
Marble, Bronze
Gallé Émile French Art Nouveau Nightstand
By Émile Gallé
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly ask that you read the entire description, as we strive to provide detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our items. This exquisite n...
Maple, Walnut
Antique French Pair of Night Stands
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black wood night stands, on the top is black glass, brass hardware. Distress original look and functional.
Wood
Antique French Art Nouveau Burl Marble Marquetry Nightstand with Bronze Ormolu
Located in Centennial, CO
A stunning antique French Neoclassical or Art Nouveau (elements of both) bowfront marquetry burl wood nightstand with distinctive marble top, ornamented by cast bronze ormolu. Notabl...
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Roslin Leather wrapped and solid wood modern nightstand or side table
Located in Baltimore City, MD
The Roslin Nightstand Features both solid wood and laminate construction / low VOC acrylic finish / sustainably sourced leather wrapped drawer fronts and ribs / premium, full exten...
Brass
Italian Art Nouveau Louis XV Mixed Wood Nightstand Side Table Jewelry Pedestal
Located in Forney, TX
An elegant mid-century Italian Art Nouveau style oval shaped side cabinet / nightstand attributed to Ebanisteria di Bassano. Crafted in Northern Italy in the mid-20th century, warm ...
Wood, Beech, Elm
Pair of Liberty Italian Thuja Briar and Pink Portugal Marble Bedside Tables, 20s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of bedside tables in thuja briar, maple inlays and Portuguese pink marble top, 1920s Italian production. The bedside tables have been restored and polished with shellac. The dre...
Marble, Brass
Pair of Art Nouveau Nightstands or Bedside Tables, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant pair of Art Nouveau nightstands or bedside tables. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid walnut and walnut veneer bases with original brass knobs on doors ...
Marble, Brass
Antique Italian Pair of Marble-Top Bedside Tables and Chest of Drawers
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FE96 Art Nouveau antique Italian pair marble top bedside tables and chest of Drawers with mirror. In walnut, walnut applie...
Walnut, Burl
Two Art Nouveau Nightstands or Bedside Tables with Marble Tops, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant pair of Art Nouveau nightstands or bedside tables. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak bases with original patinated brass knobs on drawers and doors...
Marble, Brass
Art Nouveau Walnut Nightstands, 1900s, Set of 2
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of late 19th century Art Nouveau nightstands with carved tops, bronze handles, restored and wax polished. We observe small defects of use, but they are delivered completely re...
Walnut
Liberty Italian Thuja Briar and Pink Portugal Marble Dresser, 20s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Chest of drawers in thuja briar, maple inlays and Portuguese pink marble top, 1920s Italian production. The dresser has been restored and polished with shellac. Also available the pa...
Marble, Brass
Pair of 60s vintage nightstands
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Pair of 1960s vintage nightstands - Private collection Domenico Rugiano Code: COM192
Wood
Art Nouveau Carved Nightstands / Bedside Tables with Marble Top, circa 1900
Located in Miami, FL
Amazing pair of complementary nightstands / bedsides tables in carved walnut with a marble top. Patinated brass handles. These excellent quality pieces are made of solid walnut and feature their original marble tops. Recently refinished using French polish masterfully applied by our in house "ebeniste" graduate these stunning, very pure Art Nouveau pieces are part of a bedroom set that we also have to offer. Lady "little" nightstands with pink marble Measures: Height 24.21in Deep 12.20in Wide 21.25in Black marble nightstand...
Marble, Bronze
Liberty Italian Thuja Briar and Pink Portugal Marble Twobedside Tables and Chest
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Beautiful bedroom set, consisting of a pair of bedside tables and chest of drawers in thuja briar, maple inlays and Portuguese pink...
Marble, Brass
Milan Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Walnut Nightstand by Meroni Fossati Lissone
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Walnut Bedside Table by Meroni & Fossati Lissone. Beautiful patina, wax polished A. Meroni & R. Fossati - founded in 1870, it was one of the oldest an...
Walnut
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Italian Nightstands in Solid Walnut with crest
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20th century Art Nouveau Italian nightstands in solid walnut, with top in dark gray marble. Restored and polished to wax Height from the floor to the marble top : 35.82in
Marble
Venice Baroque Nightstand Bella Epoque, Walnut and Briar, by Testolini Freres
Located in Vigonza, Padua
ATTENTION: The price indicated is for a single bedside table: indicate in the order whether Right or Left (right with handle on the right, left with handle on the left seen from the ...
Walnut
C900s pair of Swedish bedside cabinets in simulated painted wood
Located in London, GB
A nice useful pair of bedside cabinets that retain the original faux Bois painted effect in birch and birds eye maple. Both cabinets have a drawer with spacious cupboard with shelf f...
Birch
Gorgeous Art Nouveau / Art Deco Pair Antique Nightstands Paul Alexandre Dumas
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Breathtaking & Luxurious ! This pair of French design Art Nouveau nightstands / bedside tables by Paul Alexandre Dumas. Paul Alexandre Dumas a French...
Marble
Art Nouveau Pine Nightstand from the Early 20th Century with Stone Top
Located in Opole, PL
Art Nouveau Pine Nightstand from the Early 20th Century with Stone Top We present you an Art Nouveau nightstand circa 1910. This piece of furniture is made of pine and topped with a stone board...
Stone
Pair of Jugendstil Nightstands or Bathroom Cabinets in Brass and Marble, Austria
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an Eeceptional pair of Austrian Jugendstil / Vienna Secession bedside cabinets (or bathroom cabinets) dating to the 1905–1915 period. These rare pieces ...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Vintage Art Nuveau Bedside Tables in Cherry, Set of 2
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Pair of Art Nouveau cherry wood bedside tables, early 20th century. Excellent workmanship and beautiful design. Not counting the riser, they ...
Marble
1920s Art Nouveau Oval Lombard Cabinet , Nightstand, with 4 drawers wax polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Period 1920s Art Nouveau style Italian oval Lombard cabinet with 4 drowers or nightstand in walnut, Bassano' Ebanistery. Restored and Polished to wax Measure cm: H 90 x W 50 x D 40.
Walnut
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Country Nightstand Cabinet Restored Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian early 20th century Art Nouveau country rustic nightstand cabinet restored and polished to wax, in all massive pine. Measure cm: H 79, W 48, D 35.
Pine
Antique couple Nightstands, Bedside Tables, Walnut & Mahogany with Marble Top
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Pair of original Art Nouveau nightstands . Finely inlaid walnut with walnut, mahogany and maple folder. Stand with a mahogany herringbone folder. Gray marble top. Upper drawer and lo...
Marble
Art Nouveau Style Carved Nightstands or Bedside Tables with Marble Top, 1930, Se
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning pair of complementary nightstands/nightstands in carved walnut with marble top. Brass handles. These excellent quality pieces are made from solid walnut and feature their or...
Marble
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Italian Nightstands in Solid Walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century Art Nouveau Italian nightstands in solid walnut, with top in dark gray marble. Restored and polished to wax Measure cm: H 78+15 x W 42 x D 32.
Marble
Venice 1910s Art Nouveau Side Table Wiener Werkstätte style, walnut wax-polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Original very nice Venetian 1910s Art Nouveau side table coffee table or nightstand in walnut wax-polished The beauty and elegance of this small table is given by the shape of the f...
Walnut
European Burled Wood Veneer Ormolu Marble Top End/Side Tables Glass Cabinet Pair
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
These are the sweetest pair of side tables with a lovely burled wood finish and brass tone cast metal hardware with floral decoration. The top section has glass front doors with etch...
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Nightstand Restored and Polished to Wax
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century Italian Art Nouveau nightstand in cherrywood and mahogany inlaid, restored and polished to wax Measures cm: H 81+34, W 40, D 32.
Bronze
Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Country Nightstand Cabinet Restored Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian 19th century Art Nouveau country rustic nightstand cabinet restored and polished to wax, in all massive pine. Measure cm: H 77 x W 45 x D 36.
Pine
Early 1900s Small Sideboard from Florence, Gold Leaf and Florentine Red Lacquer
By Fratelli Ugolini
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century, Art Nouveau period, small sideboard or nightstand from Florence, gold leaf widely engraved with characteristic decorations and Florentine red lacquer. Measures i...
Gold Leaf
20th Century Pair of Nightstands Walnut with Pink Marble
Located in Buggiano, IT
Pair of original Tuscan walnut nightstands with drawer and pink marble. Size cm: 41 x 29 x 95/125 H Period: 1930. They will be delivered in a specific wooden case for export, packed ...
Marble