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.
George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895 Dimensions: 33" H × 16" W × 18" D Seat Height: 16" This rare and sculpturally articulated American side ...
Walnut, Leather
22 x Aesthetic Movement Oak Upholstered Dining Chairs with Turned Front Legs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows of Lancaster attributed. A rare set of 16 + 6 aesthetic movement oak upholstered dining or boardroom chairs with turned front legs. (The price...
Oak
Morris & Co. Phillip Webb Attri. Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair
By Morris & Co.
Located in London, GB
Morris & Co. Attributed to Philip Webb An Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair with newly laid rush seat. This chair has been totally restored and had new rush professional...
Beech
A Rare Original Chair By Syrie Maugham ca' 1940's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare hand painted chair designed by Syrie Maugham and custom made for John Gerald, NYC ca' 1940's. What is rare is that the chair appears to have original upholstery and label unde...
Upholstery, Wood
Rare Walnut Copper and Parchment Side Chair by Carlo Bugatti.
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare carved walnut side chair by Carlo Bugatti upholstered with parchment and inlaid with pewter details and mounted with hammered copper decoration. Beauty & Mischief: The Desig...
Walnut
Pair of "Argyle" Chairs by Charles R Mackintosh for Atelier International
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Pair of Argyle chairs designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for Atelier International, Designed 1897 and exhibited at the Eighth Secession Exhibition in Vienna, Austria in 1900 And ...
Wood
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Childs Chair with Pressed Leather Cats on Seat Back
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Childs Chair with Pressed Leather Cats on Seat Back. 17” wide by 14” deep by 24 1/2” tall seat hight 10”. Pressed leather...
Leather, Oak
Attributed to Philip Webb Aesthetic Movement original rush seat Sussex chair
By Morris & Co.
Located in London, GB
Morris & Co. Attributed to Philip Webb An Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair with original rush seat and retaining the rush seat side panels. This chair has been totally ...
Rush
Anglo-Indian Carved Peacock Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century hand carved peacock chair.
Wood
19th C. Windsor Style Chair with Dolphin Head Arms
Located in Southampton, NJ
A scarcely seen 19th c. spindle back barrel accent chair with George Hunzinger & Windsor chair influences. Marvelous character in the unusual splayed & carved dolphin head ar...
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,943Sale Price|20% Off
Aesthetic Movement Side Chair in Walnut by E.W. Godwin, circa 1885
By Goodwin
Located in Faversham, GB
Aesthetic Movement walnut and rush seated chair by E.W. Godwin for William Smee & Son, London. Turned spindle and dowel back with legs united by six-shaped ...
Walnut, Bamboo, Cane, Rush
Bruce Talbert for Gillow & Co, . Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Nursing Chair
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert (1838-1881) for Gillow and Co., an Aesthetic Movement ebonized nursing chair, with a lobed top rail, a button upholstered crushed velvet in...
Walnut
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...
Wood
Antique Burnt Bamboo & Root Bamboo Details Desk Chair c.1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this perfect example of an Antique Burnt Bamboo and Root Bamboo Desk Chair. The finials and the feet of the chair are in the root of the bamboo This chair is late 19Th cen...
Linen, Bamboo
$3,400 / item
Iconic Nest-Egg Hanging Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The Nest Egg hanging chair swing seat is inspired from the organic forms in birds' nests and has a natural egg shape. The chair has been designe...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Arts and Crafts Carved Barrel Back Hall or Library Chairs
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Carved Barrel Back Hall or Library Chairs This is a Beautifully designed pair of Library or Hall chairs from the 19th Century Arts and Crafts movement Pugin inspired ...
Oak
Superb Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Occasional Chair Dark Oak
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A beautifully crafted Aesthetic Hall Chair, carved foliage and scroll detailing with arched top. Lovely turned front legs with the most superb narrow bobbin front feet. Solid oak wi...
Oak
English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester
Located in London, GB
An aesthetic movement chair By Lamb of Manchester designed by W.J. Estall Of unique elegance and design, the black ebonised chair fashioned in the...
Upholstery, Wood
Aesthetic Movement Thebes Corner Chair by Liberty & Co
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement rare ‘Thebes’ walnut corner chair Red velvet seat By Liberty & Co Circa 1885.
Walnut
Blackened Wood Boudoir Chair - Napoleon III
Located in MOUGINS, FR
Beautiful boudoir chair from the Napoleon III period / late 19th century in blackened and gilded wood. Beautiful tapestry and trimmings in perfect condition. Very sturdy and suit...
Wood
Pair Antique Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Hall Bedroom Chairs in House of Hackney
Located in Sale, GB
- A wonderful pair of Victorian Aesthetic Movement ebonized hall chairs in Hollyhocks Winter Velvet fabric by House of Hackney. - The chairs are in a beautiful condition for their a...
Velvet, Wood, Ebony
$1,221Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Aesthetic Movement Small Folding Chairs E.W Godwin Manner
Located in Norwich, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement small walnut low folding decorative chairs with cane seats, in the manner of E.W. Godwin. Circa 1870s. Free delivery to the UK via a selected parcel company. The walnut frames are in very good condition and have their original patina, showing some age with use, they have been lightly waxed. One of the chairs cane seats professionally re-caned, and it has been aged to resemble the other original cane seat. This same chair has had the under rail replaced in oak with two bolts, as shown in photograph number 12. This was done many years ago - I would say about 80 plus years, looking at the construction. Also added at a similar time under the seat, one small rail either side. The wooden dome...
Cane, Walnut
Ebonised Tub Chair, in the style of Godwin.
Located in London, GB
Charming ‘Anglo Japanese’ ebonised tub chair in the style of E.W. Godwin. England c. 1870s Provenance: Fine Art Society, Bond Street, London 1980s, Priva...
Wood
$994Sale Price|20% Off
James Shoolbread Occasional Chairs
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful pair of James Shoolbred occasional chairs in mahogany. The gothic style chairs have a square back with four vertical slats. Featuring Marlborough front legs and sabre l...
Upholstery, Velvet, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Pair of Chiavarine Eclectic Chairs , Carlo Molino designer
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century unique and rare pair of Chiavarine Chairs, by Carlo Mollino in ebonized mahogany and with new red velvet upholstery. Feet in gilt brass Measure cm: H 125\50 W 43 ...
Velvet, Walnut
Bentwood and Cane Thonet "Caminsessel" / Fire Place Chair No. 1, c. 1860
By Thonet
Located in Surbiton, GB
Rare folding cane chair from the aesthetic movement, produced by Thonet, c.1860. In fair condition, with minor scuffs to the frame and a small area...
Cane, Bentwood
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster and London. A good quality set of six oak dining chairs with an upper and lower row of turnings and carved details above. As you can see...
Oak
Bruce Talbert, Attributed. A pair of back throne style Aesthetic Movement chairs
Located in London, GB
A pair of tall back throne style Aesthetic Movement chairs with fine carved decoration throughout. The seats are drop in and the backs have an unusual design where they are held firm...
Walnut
20th Century Chinese Burnt Bamboo Brighton Style Arm Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful Chinese Brighton style burnt bamboo arm chair. It has a vintage embroidered linen cushion that does show slight wear. It ...
Upholstery, Bamboo
Collier & Plucknett attri. Godwin style. Aesthetic Movement ebonized music chair
Located in London, GB
Collier and Plucknett attributed. In the style of E W Godwin. A scarce Aesthetic Movement ebonized music chair with a higher than usual newly laid rush seat. The top shaped head rail...
Walnut
Ogdens Of Manchester. An Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Parcel Gilt Nursing Chair
Located in London, GB
Ogdens of Manchester, in the style Dr Christopher Dresser. Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt walnut nursing chair, with a carved lotus f...
Walnut, Giltwood
Charles Bevan, Gillows Attr. a Set of Six Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Charles Bevan
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan attributed, for Gillows. A good quality set of six English Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs, with central upright to the back united by lower angular uprights wit...
Oak
Aesthetic Movement Ebonized and Gilt Wood Side Chairs with Cane Seats C. 1880
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning set of four Aesthetic Movement side chairs, dating to circa 1880 and attributed to D.G. Fischel & Söhne. These elegant chairs exemplify the refined craftsmanship and artis...
Cane, Bentwood, Giltwood
$1,860Sale Price|20% Off
Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair
By Otto Wagner
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Otto Wagner for Jacob and Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair, with Pierced Vase Splat & Branded Stamp to Chair Underside Made in Vienna Austria Jacob & ...
Bentwood, Velvet
English 1880s Aesthetic Movement Carved Oak Chair with Zebra Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English Aesthetic Movement accent chair from the 1880s is a stunning example of craftsmanship and decorative detail. Made of bleached oak, this chair highlights intricate carvin...
Zebra Hide, Oak
Antique Victorian Ebonised & Fabric Aesthetic Movement Prayer Chair with Casters
Located in King's Lynn, GB
Here we have a antique Victorian (1837-1901) aesthetic movement prayer chair with a cushion. This prayer chair has an ebonised wood frame, the chair back has Corinthian columns to ea...
Fabric
Antique Bamboo Rocker in the George Hunzinger Style
Located in Bellport, NY
A charming little rocker with all the bells and whistles of the George Hunzinger style. Handcrafted and upholstered in a modern woven beige and green top grade fabric. Excellent cond...
Bamboo
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 ...
Wood