Skip to main content

Art Nouveau Armchairs

ART NOUVEAU STYLE

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

  • Sinuous, organic and flowing lines
  • Forms that mimic flowers and plant life
  • Decorative inlays and ornate carvings of natural-world motifs such as insects and animals 
  • Use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood

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.

16
to
1
15
1
16
16
16
1
1
1
3
13
11
3
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
8
6
4
16
9
7
7
7
16
14
1
1
13
13
12
6
Style: Art Nouveau
Creator: Jacob and Josef Kohn
Pair Of Art Nouveau Armchairs by Gustav Siegel For J&J Kohn, Austria ca. 1905
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic pair of early 20th century Art Nouveau armchairs designed by famous Austrian architect Gustav Siegel for the world renowed bentwood company Jacob & Josef Kohn in Vienna/ Au...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Jugendstil armchairs by J&J Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Jugendstil armchairs by J&J Kohn in original condition with signs of use.
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Very rare armchairs nr.813 /1F by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Very rare armchairs nr.813 /1F by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob Josef Kohn in original vintage condition.
Category

1910s German Vintage Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Art Nouveau Armchair, Gustav Siegel for J.J.Kohn (Vienna, 1901)
Located in Wien, AT
Objekt: Armlehnstuhl Entwurf: Gustav Siegel (Schüler Josef Hoffmanns), Wien um 1900 Modell-Nummer: 716 (seltenes Modell) Ausführung: Jacob & Josef Kohn, Wien ab 1901 (Papieretikette...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Bentwood

Original Josef Hoffmann/Gebrüder J&J Kohn Chair, Early 20th Century, Jugendstil
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and so far undocumented armchair by Josef Hoffmann, original leather upholstery, branding iron J&J Kohn. An identical chair with a different u...
Category

1910s Austrian Vintage Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Office Armchair by Jakob & Josef Kohn Nr. 704
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Office chair produced by Jakob & Josef Kohn, model no. 704, in bent beech and original Vienna straw seat of the time, perfectly restored and polished with shellac.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Straw, Beech

Original Josef Hoffmann 1908 Barrel-Chair, Kohn, Jugendstil, Early 20th Century
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremely rare armchair in bentwood, original condition, original fabric, manufactured by Jacob & Josef Kohn. Enclosed an image from the Exposicion Internacional de Centenario in...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Jacob & Josef Kohn Vienna Art Nouveau Armchair No. 412 by Otto Wagner, 1904
Located in Lucenec, SK
Design created by Otto Wagner (1841-1918) and manufactured by Jacob & Josef Kohn Manufactory. Beechwood / mahogany stained / brass / seat covered with new fabric and horizontal brass...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau Bentwood Seating Set "Fledermaus" by J. Hoffmann for Kohn, ca. 1907
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Beautiful Bentwood Seating set designed by the world renowed Austrian architect and founder of the "Wiener Werkstaette" - Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn around 1907. Extraordinary shaped of Fine bentwood (=beech was bent under steam and high pressure), the bench and the chair carry the unique handwriting of Josef Hoffmann - the so-called "Fledermaus" design which was designed for the famous Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna - a very own design that has made his creations famous and wanted all-over the globe. Both pieces have been newly upholstered with a fantastic looking, high quality Backhausen fabric. A small pillow upholstered with the same fabric is included as a nice addition to this gorgeous Art Nouveau seating set...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Arm Chair by Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VIENNA SECESSIONIST BENTWOOD ARM CHAIR BY JACOB AND JOSEF KOHN Stamped to the underside "J&J KOHN / WSETIN, AUSTRIA" Item # 906ANW08L A fine and rare Vienna Secessionist maroon stained bentwood arm chair executed and stamped by the firm of Jacob & Josef Kohn, it is a striking piece with a free-flowing form. The chair is finished in a caramel top...
Category

20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Brass

1900s Koloman Moser Pair of Armchairs for J & J Kohn No. 327
Located in Praha, CZ
-good original condition -carefully restored and finished with shellac -seat strings in good condition..reforced in some places -height of seat 48 cm.
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Wood

1900s Koloman Moser Pair of Armchairs for J & J Kohn No. 327
Located in Praha, CZ
-good original condition -carefully restored and finished with shellac -seat strings in good condition..reforced in some places.  
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Beech Art Nouveau Green Three-Piece Suite by Josef Franz Maria Hoffmann, 1910s
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Art Nouveau three-piece suite. Material: Beech. Restored Source: Czechia (Czechoslovakia) Period: 1910-1919 Maker: J. & J. Kohn ( Designer: Josef Franz Maria Hoffmann) Sofa di...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Lacquer, Beech

Bentwood Seating Set by Josef Hoffmann J&J Kohn, Austria, circa 1903
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Stunning bentwood seating set designed by the famous austrian architect and founding member of the world famous "Wiener Werkstaette", Josef Hoffmann. This fantastic salon suite processed by J&J Kohn in the very early 20th century, circa 1903 in Vienna, consists of two timeless designed armchairs and a bench. The ornate bent beechwood set was trimmed to the legendary nut wood look and newly upholstered with finest original Art Nouveau fabric from the renown Backhausen manufacture. These amazing chairs as well as the bench bear the peerless hallmarks of Josef Hoffmann. A rare Art Nouveau seating set...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood, Fabric

Jugendstil Armchairs No 714 by Jacob & Josef Kohn Style Otto Wagner Austria 1902
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugendstil armchairs model no 714, which were designed Style Otto Wagner, Vienna, 1902 and produced by Jacob & Josef Kohn. Documented in the company´s catalogue Kohn from 1903. The chairs were made out of mahogany stained beechwood and shellac hand polished. While the frame was made out of beechwood, the back and seat were made of perforated plywood...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Plywood, Beech

Sofa and Armchairs Labelled Jakob & Joseph Kohn Wien, Josef Hoffmann Style
Located in Vigonza, Padua
They can be sold separately 1900s leaving room settee, pair armchairs and sofa, Art Nouveau, by Jakob e Joseph Kohn, Wien, is in solid walnut , in the styl...
Category

20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Related Items
Set of 6 Bistro Chairs by Jacob & Josef Kohn, 1890 Austro-Hungarian Empire
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Exceptional and rare set of 6 Bistro chairs by Jacob & Josef Kohn from the end of the 19th century. Bentwood chairs with seats and backs carved with be...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Vienna Secession J. & J. Kohn 1880/90 Armchair No. 11
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
It was 1885 that the entire set No. 11 was presented: sofa, chair and armchair, characterized by having an oval piece -or three in the case of the sofa- meshed on the back. . The sof...
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob and Josef Kohn, Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Kohn catalog no 423 on the 1st picture chair which is already sold. The chair is still in original condition (pic.2,3) so you have the possibility to choose the color of the wood and fabric or leather. The price incl. shellack polish and traditionally upholstery with "Backhausen" fabric or leather. Delivery time about 4-6 weeks Lit. Giovanni Renzi, Il mobile moderno, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Milano 2008, S. 226; Julio Vives Chillida, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Catalogo (estratto) dei mobili in legno curvato, ca. 1912, o. O. 2008, S. 2, Nr. 423 F u. C.; Ausst. Kat. Josef Hoffmann und sein Kreis, Galerie Alt Wien...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Pair of Austrian Secessionist Side Armchairs by Koloman Moser for J & J Kohn
Located in New York City, NY
A fine pair of Austrian Secessionist bentwood chairs for a salon / living room, office, bedroom, foyer... in walnut stained beechwood with upholstered seat and back. Designed by Koloman Moser: March 30, 1868 – October 18, 1918 Manufactured by J & J Kohn in 1910 Geometric arms and square back rests complement the sweeping curved surround featuring horizontal slat design which decorates the chair backs. Austere planes and strict geometry typical of the Wiener Werkstätte are featured on this pair of armchairs. Elegantly curved and straight edged wooden elements provide Stark architectural planes, timelessness, comfort and beauty. The set's upholstery was from Backhausen, the famous, high end textile house that has been in business since 1849 and made fabric for these original designers during the period. Moser was an important designer. He was a founding members and artistic director of the Jugenstil art movement. Along with Josef Hoffman, Moser co founded the iconic Wiener Werkstätte ( Viennese workshop) . The Wiener Werkstätte was a workshop dedicated to the production of craftwork. Art Deco armchairs, Club Chairs, bergere chairs, canapes, chairs, chaise longues, club chairs, corner chairs, daybeds, living room sets, Dining Room Chairs, Lounge Chairs, Office Chairs and Desk Chairs...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Jakob & Josef Kohn Fancy Back and Seat Chair
Located in Tucson, AZ
Beautiful Jacob & Josef Kohn "fancy" chair with embossed/engraved back and seat. Their indestructible chairs where designed in the late 1800's and the label places this chair in ear...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Dining Chair by Josef Hoffmann for J. & J. Kohn
Located in Brno, CZ
This chair is believed to be produced in 1905 by Josef and Jacob Kohn furniture Company in Wsetin, Austria and designed by the legendary Josef Hoffmann. Hoffman designed several piec...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Dining Chair by Josef Hoffmann for J. & J. Kohn
Dining Chair by Josef Hoffmann for J. & J. Kohn
H 35.44 in W 14.97 in D 16.15 in
Jacob & Josef Kohn Vienna Art Nouveau Armchair No. 412 by Otto Wagner, 1904
Located in Lucenec, SK
Design created by Otto Wagner (1841-1918) and manufactured by Jacob & Josef Kohn Manufactory. Beechwood / mahogany stained / brass / seat covered with new fabric and horizontal brass...
Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Jacob & Josef Kohn Wien #18, 1/2 design
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Very nice J&J Kohn 18, 1/2 model armchair. J&J was the main contender to Thonet and the two companies always competed and there involved in legal proceedings b...
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Jacob & Josef Kohn Wien #18, 1/2 design
Jacob & Josef Kohn Wien #18, 1/2 design
H 34.5 in W 21.5 in D 18 in
Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech bentwood frame, wool fabric upholstery. Designed circa 1900-1910 by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna. Made by Thonet. Set of two.
Category

1910s Austrian Vintage Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Vienna
Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet Vienna
H 30.32 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Vienna Secession armchair by Gustav Siegel for J.J.Kohn, Modell 715/F Austria
Located in Argelato, BO
One of the most iconic and refined armchairs of the Viennese secession, designed by the famous Austrian designer Gustav Siegel and created by the Kohn company, is proposed here in it...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Pair of Salon Chair No.423 by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Pair of Cabaret Fledermaus chairs no.423 by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn after professional renovation with new fabric.
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

J. J. Kohn Easy Armchair
Located in Vienna, AT
J. J. Kohn easy armchair excellent restored with new cane on seat and back the back is warped (see pictures) the reason for the cheap price.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Beech, Bentwood

J. J. Kohn Easy Armchair
J. J. Kohn Easy Armchair
H 39.77 in W 20.48 in D 31.5 in
Previously Available Items
Fledermaus Armchair, J&J Kohn Nr.728, Josef Hoffmann in 1905
Located in Praha, CZ
New upholstery, with woven decor inspired by work of Josef Hoffmann. The wooden bases were perfectly cleaned and treated with impregnating oil. Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Armchair by Jacob and Josef Kohn, in the manner of Thonet, Vienna, Austria
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Armchair by Jacob & Josef Kohn, designed in the manner of Thonet. Produced in Vienna, Austria. This chair has a solid, dark stained beech wooden frame which was steam-bent. Combined ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Pair Of Art Nouveau Armchairs by Otto Wagner for J&J Kohn, Austria ca. 1904
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Unique pair of rare Art Nouveau bentwood armchairs designed by none other than famous Austrian architect Otto Wagner (1841 - 1918) for the renowed company of Jacob & Josef Kohn. Made...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bentwood

Arch. Gustav Siegel - J.&J. Kohn ( 2 ) - Poltrone - 715/F
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Favolosa coppia di Poltrone della Wiener Werkstätte disegnata dall'architetto Gustav Siegel e prodotta dalla ditta Viennese J. & J. Kohn. Presentata all' Expò di Parigi del '900. Ogg...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Arch. Gustav Siegel, J.&J. Kohn, Rare Parlor with Patent
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Superb and rare sitting room from the J. & J. Kohn company on a design by the architect Gustav Siegel. This sitting room was purchased at a well-known auction house in Italy. Excel...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Armchair and Coffe Table J&J Kohn Nr.728, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
This amazing design was renowned by Josef Hoffmann in year 1907, using in the famous Viennese café Fledermaus. These design was appeared by J&J Kohn co...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Pair Josef Hoffmann 421 Chairs for J&J Kohn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful pair signature Barrel Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn. Bentwood construction provides ample yet elegant seat. Barrel back has wonderfully figured veneer...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood

Art Nouveau Bentwood Seating Set by J. Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable Art Nouveau bentwood seating seat with "Fledermaus" table designed by the famous Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, who was also founder of the world renowned "Wiener Werk...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Bentwood, Leather

Pair of Bentwood Armchairs by J. Hoffmann and Thonet Table, Austria, circa 1905
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Beautiful pair of bentwood armchairs mod. 423/F designed by famous Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann (who is also well known as founding member of the world renown "Wiener Werkstaett...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

J & J Kohn Bentwood Salon Suite Design Josef Hoffmann, Austria, circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fabulous J. & J. Kohn Bentwood Salon Suite designed by famous Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann (Wiener Werkstätte). This fantastic salon suite from circa 1910 consists of two armchairs, a bench and a small round "Fledermaus" coffee table all made of fine beechwood and trimmed to beautiful nut wood look. Newly upholstered with crème-colored leather, the amazing designed chairs, the bench as well as the table carries the handwriting of Josef Hoffmann, a very unique and renown design style that made him famous all-over the globe. This impressive Art Nouveau Salon Suite...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Armchair J&J Kohn Nr.714, 1906, Otto Wagner
Located in Praha, CZ
Viennese secession armchair are in the antiques world it often attributed to Otto Wagner. In the production program was included, circa 1906. Marked with paper label and stamp. Newly...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Armchair J&J Kohn Nr.714, 1906, Otto Wagner
Armchair J&J Kohn Nr.714, 1906, Otto Wagner
H 31.89 in W 24.02 in D 22.84 in
Beechwood Bench by Otto Wagner For J&J Kohn, Austria, circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
PLEASE NOTE: The chairs have already been sold, so ONLY the bench is available now! Early 20th century beechwood seating set by J & J Kohn, designed by famous Austrian architect Ott...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Art Nouveau armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Art Nouveau armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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, building and garden elements, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Nouveau armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Austria, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Jacob and Josef Kohn, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Josef Hoffmann, and Thonet. 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 $428 and tops out at $120,000 while the average work can sell for $3,766.

Recently Viewed

View All