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.
Pair of Antique Edwardian F&C Osler Teardrop Cut Glass Light Pendant Lamp C.1910
Located in London, GB
An elegantly matched pair of cut glass pendant lights made in England by F&C Osler. c.1900 Of beautiful design and form, teardrop shaped hand-cut glass shade. Incredibly high qu...
Silver Plate, Brass
Antique French Romantic Floral Ceramic Wall Sink, Circa 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant antique French wall-mounted ceramic sink dating to the turn of the 20th century, exquisitely decorated with hand-painted floral motifs in soft, muted tones. This piece ref...
Ceramic
Victor SAGLIER French Art Nouveau Silverplate Planter Centerpiece, 1890
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Centerpiece Planter by Victor Saglier, 12 rue d’Enghien, Paris, France, ca. 1890 Silverplate metal with a finely applied black patina in the recessed areas, enhan...
Metal
Antique French Art Nouveau Silver Topped Walking Cane Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique French Art Nouveau silver tau-handle walking stick, Circa 1890 in date. The striking stick features an ornate silver tau-handle embossed with lily pads and ...
Silver
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
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
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
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. most components according to the UL...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
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
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
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Flower Mosaic Italian Art Glass Cabinet Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Millefiori Murrina flower mosaic Italian art glass small decorative cabinet vase. The piece is documented to the Frate...
Murrine, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass, Glass
Art Nouveau French Brass and Pink Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, pink pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international s...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette brass and Silk Floorlamp floor lamp Jugendstil
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
The Villa Ast, is one of the most important private houses from the 20th century in Carinthia USA and CAN: Most electrical components according to the UL reg...
Brass
Art Nouveau Green Double Handled Ceramic Vase, Japan, 1900s
Located in Glasgow, GB
An Art Nouveau Awaji vase, crafted on Japan’s Awaji Island in the early 1900s, reflecting the region’s celebrated ceramic tradition, known for bold decorative forms and experimental ...
Ceramic
Fine crystal Wine jug Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. c.1900 Arts & Crafts Décor
Located in London, GB
A Fine crystal jug designed by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. A Stylish wine pitcher made from Belgian crystal with banded Brass fittings, Serrurier-Bovy influential in developing A...
Brass
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine and Larch with original cast iron handles - Decorative carved sides and front - 30 large drawers - The top has been given ...
Iron
Huge German Art Nouveau Bronze and Opal Glass Globe Chandelier, 1920s
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A huge German 6 -light dark bronze chandelier, circa 1920s. This beautiful and stunning light fixture is made of solid bronze with white opal glass globes. Every single part of the c...
Bronze
Venetian Murano Antique Red Gold Flecks Swan Bird Stem Italian Art Glass Bowl
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, antique, early Venetian / Murano hand blown ruby red with gold flecks Italian art glass with ornate fish stem vase / table object. Created in the manner of the Salviati an...
Gold Leaf
Art Nouveau Pewter Box by Just Andersen, 1910s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Box designed by Just Andersen in the late 1910s. * Round hammered pewter box with lid with flower knop and floral chasings * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufactur...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Terracotta Vase by Valdemar Koch (1852-1902), P. Ipsen, C.1890.
By Ipsen
Located in Valby, 84
Art Nouveau Terracotta Vase by Architect Valdemar Koch, P. Ipsen, Copenhagen, ca. 1890. Vase in a baluster form in unglazed terracotta, the upper body with matte black slip, the low...
Clay
Majolica Violet Cache Pot Delphin Massier circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Purple flower Violet Cache Pot signed Delphin Massier Circa 1890.
Ceramic
Large Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
Brass/Silk - of the Showroom Wiener Werkstätte Wall Light Jugendstil, Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Wall Sconces, Variation of the Wall-Lamp from the Fabric-Showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette. Measures are without tassel. Just with plain-colored fabric. USA and CAN: All ele...
Brass
Bentwood Chair By Harnisch & Co. Wiena 1880
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Harnisch & Co. Benrwood Chair Wiena 1880
Bentwood
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière. This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th Century.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Art Nouveau, Brass Chandelier with Figural Detail and Pleated Shades, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant brass chandelier featuring three gracefully curved arms, each supporting a pleated textile shade. The flowing, organic lines are characteristic of the Art Nouveau aesthetic, ...
Brass
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Vintage Industrial Frosted Glass & Brass Pendant Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French frosted glass globe with floral pattern Brass gallery. 2 meters black fabric wire Weight: 1.30 kg / 2.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by...
Brass
Rare Majolica Butterfly Wall Pocket Clement Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica butterfly wall pocket signed Clement Massier, Golfe Juan Circa 1900. H / 7 inches. W / 9 inches.
Ceramic, Faience
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with pink glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have b...
Brass
Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia Britannica Library Trunk
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING A Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia Britannica Library Trunk produced as part of a limited commission of one thousand examples for the...
Canvas
1930 Alabaster Pendant With Rope Suspension and Alabaster Matching Canopy Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Art Nouveau alabaster bowl pendant lamp, dated 1931. The lamp features a beautifully veined alabaster shade suspended by knotted cords, giving the piece a distinctive and decorative ...
Alabaster
Art Nouveau Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Nouveau Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine and Larch with original cast iron handles - Decorative carved sides and front - 30 large drawers - The top has...
Iron
Antique Art Nouveau Gilt Gold Bronze Ormolu Jewellery Accessories Keys Tray Dish
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Art Nouveau Gilt Gold Bronze Ormolu Jewellery Accessories Keys Tray Dish Continental Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 3.5cm x 38cm x 23cm This superbly decorat...
Bronze, Ormolu
Enamel Painted Biddy Chicken Bird Opal Glass Vase, Antique German Eastern, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite Opal Black Glass Vase with Enamel Chicken Motif A charming small opal black glass vase featuring a delicate enamel painting of a biddy chicken. The hand-applied enamel des...
Enamel
Pair of Danish Carved Lounge Chairs in Green Velvet, 1920s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Pair of Danish Carved Lounge Chairs in Green Velvet, 1920s. A rare set of gorgeous antique armchairs in a rich dark green velour. Jacquard woven seat with floral motifs. Wide scallo...
Velvet, Oak
20th Century Art Nouveau Bench - Bentwood, newly upholstered, Austria circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute beautiful, early 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood bench attributed to the renowned company of Jacob & Josef Kohn in Vienna/Austria. An incredible timeless design impressing...
Fabric, Bentwood
Small Swedish oak Jugendstil sideboard, 1930s.
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1930s Swedish Jugendstil cabinet crafted from solid oak. The piece features two drawers above a double-door cupboard, raised on elegantly tapered legs. The doors are decorated with h...
Oak
1940s Swedish Floor Lamp With Three Red Satin Shades
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s brass floor lamp with a solid bronze base. The lamp features three adjustable arms, each fitted with its original red satin shade. All three light points can be switched indivi...
Brass
1940s Romantic / Art Nouveau Shell Back Sofa Upholstered With Bronze Velvet
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s Swedish two-seater sofa upholstered in bronze-coloured velour. The design features softly curved lines, elegantly shaped armrests and refined cabriole legs, reflecting a romant...
Velvet, Beech, Pine
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Partly copper
Brass, Copper
Paul GASQ - Large French Art Nouveau Diane/Artemis Bronze Bust, 1900
By Paul Gasq
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Large French Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Sculpture of Diane / Artemis by Paul Gasq (1860–1944), France, circa 1900. An exceptional and large French Art Nouveau bronze bust sculpture dep...
Marble, Bronze
Herman A. Kähler LARGE HAK Ball Shaped Floor Vase Denmark Early 20th Century
By Herman Kähler, Sophie Lundstein 1
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Large Art Nouveau ceramic floor vase made by Herman A. Kähler ceramic works in Denmark in the period 1915-1930. Most likely crafted by Sofie Lundstein or Tulle Emborg. The ball shape...
Ceramic
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 55 Pendant Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
1940s Slim Jugendstil Swedish Club Chair Patinated Tan Brown Leather
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant and refined Swedish “Tiger” club chair from the 1920s, executed in rich dark brown leather. This slender model reflects the influence of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), combining s...
Leather, Beech, Pine
Diskometal Vase by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Diskometal Vase designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the late 1940s. * Flower-shaped Diskometal vase * Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch * Manufacturer: Just Ander...
Metal
Rare Art Nouveau Pottery Bowl by Anders Teodor Andersson. Ystad, Sweden, 1920s.
By Charles Greber, Auguste Delaherche, Clement Massier, Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful art nouveau vase with amazing glaze. Made by Anders Teodor Andersson in his factory in Ystad, Sweden, 1923-1929. Good condition. I has a tiny chip to the top ri...
Ceramic
French Art Nouveau Brass White Opaline Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass pendant Brass bulb holder with white opaline shad with clear green glass edge. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.75 kg / 1.7 lb Priced per ...
Brass
Delphin MASSIER Majolica Three Wild Roses Flower Vase, Vallauris, Late 19th C.
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Majolica Vase Three Eglantines (Wild Roses) by Delphin Massier, Vallauris, France Late 19th Century Earthenware A stunning French Majolica vase featuring three beautifully modeled e...
Ceramic
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
French Sconces Wall Lamps Satin Glass & Brass Flower
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French wall lamp White satin glass. Brass wall piece and arm diameter brass wall mount: 10 cm / 3.94, 3 holes to secure Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Multiple flower design glasses in ...
Brass
Alabaster pendant, diam. 30 cm. Swedish Grace, 1920s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful pendant in alabaster with new wiring and black chains. Similar has been made by Bröderna Malmströms metallvarufabrik (BM) in Sweden during the early 1900s. A beautiful ...
Alabaster, Metal
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 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
Antique Large Sacred Heart Ex-Voto, Flaming Heart, PGR (Per Grazia Ricevuta)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade large Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, ...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Antique 1940s Roseville Pottery USA Pitcher Ewer Freesia Botanical Orange Vase
By Roseville
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 1940s Roseville Pottery USA Pitcher Ewer Freesia Botanical Orange Vase. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 6.5" W x 6.5" D.
Pottery
Majolica Dragonfly Wall Pocket Fives Lille, circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica dragonfly wall pocket by Fives Lille, circa 1900.
Ceramic
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 Art Nouveau Pairpoint Large Silver Plated Candelabra. 1880s-1900s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique Art Nouveau large candelabra features ornate, highly detailed, sculptural form with 4 curved arms radiating from the central candle holder. The silver plated, heavy metal can...
Silver Plate, Bronze
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890, 9.8 inches diameter , 4 inches height.
Ceramic, Majolica
20th Century Art Nouveau Clear Glass Vase, Ruffled Edge, Austria circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Charming Art Nouveau glass vase with ruffled edge coming from the famous period in Austria around 1910. The extraordinary mouthblown clear glass body impresses with a beautiful bulb...
Blown Glass