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Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

AESTHETIC MOVEMENT

In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.

The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.

The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.

Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.

The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.

Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.

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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Model 17 Bentwood High Back Armchair by Michael Thonet
Model 17 Bentwood High Back Armchair by Michael Thonet

Model 17 Bentwood High Back Armchair by Michael Thonet

By Michael Thonet

Located in Buffalo, NY

This model 17, bentwood side chair with a cane seat and back was designed by Michael Thonet for his own company in the 1860s. This example was produced in the 1970s and is in a very ...

Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood

High-Back Aesthetic Movement Chair
High-Back Aesthetic Movement Chair

High-Back Aesthetic Movement Chair

Located in Rümmingen, BW

Shipping Note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. Important Care Information: When purchasing a ch...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Richard Charles Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Elbow Chair with X Frame stretcher
Richard Charles Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Elbow Chair with X Frame stretcher

Richard Charles Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Elbow Chair with X Frame stretcher

By Richard Charles

Located in London, GB

Richard Charles (1823-93), an Aesthetic Movement ebonized elbow chair, circa 1866, with ball finials, a ladder back, later leather seat, gilt highlights and X-frame base with X-frame...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Aesthetic Movement Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W Godwin
Aesthetic Movement Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W Godwin

Aesthetic Movement Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W Godwin

By Edward William Godwin, C.J. Plunkett & Co

Located in London, GB

An Aesthetic Movement Jacobean or Old English ebonized armchair. After a design by E. W. Godwin. Probably made by C J Plucknett & Co. See The Secular Furniture of E W Godwin by Susan...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Lacquer Armchair, Maison Versace, 1970
Lacquer Armchair, Maison Versace, 1970

Lacquer Armchair, Maison Versace, 1970

By Gianni Versace

Located in Nice, FR

Armchair structure in burgundy lacquer, the fabric is not original. Chrome feet. Italy 1970

Category

20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Lacquer

Pair Of English Windsor Armchairs
Pair Of English Windsor Armchairs

Pair Of English Windsor Armchairs

Located in Brussels, Brussels

a fine pair of English Windsor armchairs in oak. Superb and rare model from the beginning of the 20 century Beautiful, good -quality armchairs with elegant curved legs and a very dec...

Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Dante Rossetti for Morris and Co. A pair of rush seated armchairs
Dante Rossetti for Morris and Co. A pair of rush seated armchairs

Dante Rossetti for Morris and Co. A pair of rush seated armchairs

By Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Morris & Co.

Located in London, GB

A pair of Morris and Co rush seated armchairs, designed by Dante Gabriel Rossetti with newly laid rush seats.

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Rush

Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Arm Chair
Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Arm Chair

Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Arm Chair

Located in Houston, TX

Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo arm chair.

Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Robert W Edis, An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair in the bamboo style
Robert W Edis, An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair in the bamboo style

Robert W Edis, An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair in the bamboo style

By Robert William Edis

Located in London, GB

Robert William Edis. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair, ebonized on beech, in the bamboo style. From 1883, Edis Architect extended and rebuilt Sandringham House in Norfolk fo...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Rush

Collinson and Lock, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair
Collinson and Lock, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair

Collinson and Lock, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair

By Collinson & Lock

Located in London, GB

Collinson and Lock, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair with double shaped back and arm rail. The seat sits slightly proud of the tapering legs to allow for the decorat...

Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Armchairs Attributed to G.Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Pair of Aesthetic Movement Armchairs Attributed to G.Viardot, France, Circa 1880

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Armchairs Attributed to G.Viardot, France, Circa 1880

By Gabriel Viardot

Located in PARIS, FR

These armchairs made of tinted wood are to be linked to another pair of armchairs executed by Gabriel Viardot, and now exhibited at the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris (Inv. 2006.105.1.2). They present a similar asymmetric design and an equal carving quality including the winding dragon on the back. (see picture attached) Gabriel Viardot career began as a wood carver and he produced small furniture, sculpturally carved with naturalistic motifs and animals. In the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, his finely sculpted objects were well received. However, with the increasing importation of similarly produced Swiss and German articles, he found less opportunity for these and decided to innovate. G. Viardot succeeded to his father’s business in 1861 installed rue Rambuteau in Paris, circa 1870 he turned to the idea of producing “Meubles genre Chinois et Japonais”. The taste in Europe for exotic furniture...

Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Jas Shoolbred, an Aesthetic Movement Oak Corner Armchair with Stylized Turnings
Jas Shoolbred, an Aesthetic Movement Oak Corner Armchair with Stylized Turnings

Jas Shoolbred, an Aesthetic Movement Oak Corner Armchair with Stylized Turnings

By Jas Shoolbred & Co.

Located in London, GB

Jas Shoolbred. An exceptional English Aesthetic Movement oak corner armchair with wrap-around arms with incised scrollwork decoration to the top of the arm ends with turned supports...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Henry William Batley attri,  Jas. Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair.
Henry William Batley attri,  Jas. Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair.

Henry William Batley attri, Jas. Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair.

By Jas Shoolbred & Co., Henry William Batley

Located in London, GB

Henry William Batley (attributed) Jas. Shoolbred., an oak armchair, re-upholstered in red leather, with stylised floral carved details to the back supports the curved arms with elbow...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Regency Style Bamboo Upholstered Arm Chair
Regency Style Bamboo Upholstered Arm Chair

Regency Style Bamboo Upholstered Arm Chair

Located in Queens, NY

Regency Style bamboo open arm chair with high back design and upholstered seat and back panel (19/20th Cent.)

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Scottish 19th century walnut armchairs by J. & T. Scott, Edinburgh
Antique Scottish 19th century walnut armchairs by J. & T. Scott, Edinburgh

Antique Scottish 19th century walnut armchairs by J. & T. Scott, Edinburgh

Located in Castle Douglas, GB

A pair of Scottish 19th century walnut armchairs by J. & T. Scott, Edinburgh of the best quality. Made in the Aesthetic style, the backs with turned finials, moulded and polished cr...

Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Tall Back Mahogany Armchair Attributed to Liberty & Co
Aesthetic Movement Tall Back Mahogany Armchair Attributed to Liberty & Co

Aesthetic Movement Tall Back Mahogany Armchair Attributed to Liberty & Co

By Liberty & Co.

Located in Petworth, GB

Aesthetic Movement turned tall back mahogany chair Pad feet and spindle decoration Silk upholstery Circa 1890 Attributed to Liberty & Co Height 132cm. Width 57cm. Depth 47cm. ...

Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Silk, Mahogany

Antique English 19th Century Gothic Revival Aesthetic Oak Armchair
Antique English 19th Century Gothic Revival Aesthetic Oak Armchair

Antique English 19th Century Gothic Revival Aesthetic Oak Armchair

By Charles Bevan

Located in Glasgow, GB

A striking Gothic Revival oak armchair attributed to Charles Bevan and dating to c. 1870. The back with canted angles, carved and ebonised dog tooth carvings to the arch and circula...

Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Philip Webb for Morris & Co. Two Aesthetic Movement reclining armchairs.
Philip Webb for Morris & Co. Two Aesthetic Movement reclining armchairs.

Philip Webb for Morris & Co. Two Aesthetic Movement reclining armchairs.

By Philip Webb, Morris & Co.

Located in London, GB

Two classic adjustable reclining armchairs, one ebonized and one in golden oak the latter with good quality tan leather button back upholstery. The ebonized one with later upholstery...

Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Walnut

19th Century Windsor Oak Armchair
19th Century Windsor Oak Armchair

19th Century Windsor Oak Armchair

Located in Brussels, Brussels

a fine 19th-century English Windsor armchair in oak. This beautiful armchair has a superb wood turning featuring elegant legs and decorative details on the backrest. It has a lovely ...

Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Oak

An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with a curvaceous back leather upholstery.
An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with a curvaceous back leather upholstery.

An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with a curvaceous back leather upholstery.

Located in London, GB

An Aesthetic Movement Walnut Library armchair with a curvaceous back and nicely worn button back leather upholstery. The arms with double curves to the end of the armrests and floret...

Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Liberty and Co attributed An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair
Liberty and Co attributed An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair

Liberty and Co attributed An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair

By Liberty & Co.

Located in London, GB

Liberty and Co attributed, in the style of a Morris and Co Sussex armchair. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair with incised turnings to the back and below the arms with elegant...

Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Beech

E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

By C.J. Plunkett & Co, Edward William Godwin

Located in London, GB

After a design by E W Godwin. Jacobean or Old English armchairs. Two Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized armchairs both professionally reupholstered in a quality green and tan leather...

Category

Early 1800s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Liberty & Co. an English Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Armchair with Seagrass Seat
Liberty & Co. an English Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Armchair with Seagrass Seat

Liberty & Co. an English Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Armchair with Seagrass Seat

By Liberty & Co., Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Morris & Co.

Located in London, GB

Liberty & Co. In the style of Morris and Co's Sussex range. An English Aesthetic Movement ebonized rush-seat Sussex style armchair after a design by Daniel Gabriel Rossetti in original condition with original seagrass seat...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Beech

George Bell & George Freeth Roper Aesthetic Movement Walnut rush seat armchair.
George Bell & George Freeth Roper Aesthetic Movement Walnut rush seat armchair.

George Bell & George Freeth Roper Aesthetic Movement Walnut rush seat armchair.

By Kendall & Co., George Bell

Located in London, GB

George Bell & George Freeth Roper. Probably made by Kendal Milne & Co for Herman Schill. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair with a row of fine barley t...

Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

William Birch. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with turned ball finials
William Birch. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with turned ball finials

William Birch. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with turned ball finials

By William Birch

Located in London, GB

William Birch. An Aesthetic Movement stylish Walnut armchair with turned ball finials to the tops and to the front of the arms with crossed decoration to the back and below the arms,...

Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & upholstered armchair with sweeping side rails.
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & upholstered armchair with sweeping side rails.

An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & upholstered armchair with sweeping side rails.

Located in London, GB

A stylish Aesthetic Movement ebonized armchair with sweeping side rail incorporating the upholstered armrests which are set back to accommodate those wonderful hoop dresses of the Vi...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

H W Batley attri, Jas Shoolbred An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Armchair
H W Batley attri, Jas Shoolbred An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Armchair

H W Batley attri, Jas Shoolbred An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Armchair

By Jas Shoolbred & Co., Henry William Batley

Located in London, GB

Henry William Batley (attributed) Jas. Shoolbred., a mahogany armchair, with stylised floral carved details to the back supports, the curved arms with elbow pads on fluted supports, ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

E. W. Godwin, Attributed. A tall back serpentine shape Walnut Armchair
E. W. Godwin, Attributed. A tall back serpentine shape Walnut Armchair

E. W. Godwin, Attributed. A tall back serpentine shape Walnut Armchair

By James Peddle, Edward William Godwin

Located in London, GB

E. W. Godwin (attributed) Made by James Peddle or Smee. A tall back serpentine shape walnut armchair with an ergonomically perfectly shaped slatted back with curved arms and a shaped...

Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Austrian Children's Chair in Polychrome Wood, circa 1800
Austrian Children's Chair in Polychrome Wood, circa 1800

Austrian Children's Chair in Polychrome Wood, circa 1800

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Lovely Austrian child's chair decorated with flowers and birds from the end of the 18th century beginning of the 19th century circa 1800. Very beautiful original polychromy. The ...

Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Armchair with Ottoman Antique Horn
Armchair with Ottoman Antique Horn

Armchair with Ottoman Antique Horn

Located in Nice, FR

Armchair with its pouf, horn structure, beautiful light brown braided leather work. Good condition, not torn.

Category

20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese  armchair    Godwin style
Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese  armchair    Godwin style

Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese armchair Godwin style

By Henry William Batley

Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB

19th Century Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese upholstered ebonised armchair in the manner of E. W. Godwin but attributed to H. W. Batley. The armchair is in good condition with its ...

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Austrian 19th century Aesthetic Movement 'Swan' Library Armchair
Austrian 19th century Aesthetic Movement 'Swan' Library Armchair

Austrian 19th century Aesthetic Movement 'Swan' Library Armchair

Located in Troy, NY

Unique Library or Lounge armchair, the padded armrests supported by decorative sculpted and ebonized swans., the back ending in a backwards scroll, the...

Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Pearwood, Upholstery

SUPER RARE ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT ARMCHAIR WITH GRAND TOUR PLAQUES
SUPER RARE ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT ARMCHAIR WITH GRAND TOUR PLAQUES

SUPER RARE ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT ARMCHAIR WITH GRAND TOUR PLAQUES

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and totally original Aesthetic Movement, Victorian circa 1840-1860 Library armchair with ins...

Category

1840s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE LEATHER ARMCHAIR FOR RESTORATION
ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE LEATHER ARMCHAIR FOR RESTORATION

ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE LEATHER ARMCHAIR FOR RESTORATION

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this original Aesthetic Movement style Victorian circa 1860 armchair for restoration with original brown lea...

Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Aesthetic Movement armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement armchairs made in a specific country, there are England, Europe, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include William Watt, Gillows of Lancaster & London, Edward William Godwin, and Jas Shoolbred & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $18,297 and tops out at $18,297 while the average work can sell for $18,297.