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
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
Antique English wood armchair with cane seat, early 19th century
Located in View Park, CA
An early 19th century Aesthetic Movement carved English arm chair with rattan cane seat. Featuring barley twists, classic carved crest rail, and spindle accents.
Cane, 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
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
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
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
Celtic Chair Trône by Paul Covaci, hand carved 2025
By Paul Covaci
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Celtic Chair Trône by Paul Covaci, hand carved 2025 by Paul Covaci born in 1983 in Transilvania -Romania. He graduated Graphics in 2004 at the Art Faculty of Vest Univesity of Timișo...
Poplar
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
$1,944Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mary III Bar Chair Wood or Lacquered Legs Dedar Made in Portugal by Ottiu
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
One of the most imposing and provocative figures of the Hollywood Golden Era, Mary Mae West was the ultimate symbol of independence and allure. Inspired by her magnetic personality a...
Stainless Steel
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
Morris & Co. Armchair from the Sussex Line, London, 19th Century
By Ford Madox Brown 1, Morris & Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Armchair, from the Sussex range of chairs by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., later Morris & Co., English 1870-1900 The armchairs and chairs, which have round seats and square back...
Rush, Fruitwood
Antique English Aesthetic Movement Caned Side Chair C.1880
Located in London, GB
Antique English Aesthetic Movement Caned Side Chair C.1880 In very good condition commensurate of age. Please message for a shipping quote
Satinwood
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
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
$1,202Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Aesthetic Movement Small Folding Chairs E.W Godwin Manner
Located in Norwich, England
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
$1,830Sale 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
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
$1,173Sale Price|19% 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
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
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
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
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
Charles Bevan, Gillows Attr. a Set of Six Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Charles Bevan, Gillows of Lancaster & London
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
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
Suite of 12 folding chairs – Period 1960 – Chromed tubular metal
Located in NAVILLY, FR
Set of 12 folding reception chairs, 1960s period, in chromed tubular metal with X-shaped folding mechanism characteristic of the period. The chrome tubular structure has an overal...
Steel
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
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
$978Sale 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
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
$3,415 / set
H 36 in W 20 in D 20 in
Charles Bevan, Gillows Attr. a Set of Six Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Charles Bevan, Gillows of Lancaster & London
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
$2,341 / set
H 42.92 in W 18.9 in D 20.87 in
Set of 4 Brutalist Mid-Century Oak Dining Room Chairs, 70's
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
These chairs have a unique and distinct design characteristic of the 1970s. They are crafted from oak,and are durable and robust build. The choice of bouclé fabric for reupholstery a...
Oak, Fabric
$15,221 / set
H 29.53 in W 20.48 in D 18.9 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa English Red Leather Monk Dining Chair for Molteni, Set of 6
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Molteni & C
Located in Vicenza, IT
Set of six “Monk” dining chairs designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni in 1973. Made of English red leather and walnut. Fully restored in Italy. Interesting is the ‘flat’ sha...
Leather, Walnut
$5,260 / set
H 35.44 in W 18.12 in D 18.9 in
Unique Set of Four Walnut Framed Dining Chairs by Gillows of Lancaster
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Crawley, GB
For sale a set of four Victorian walnut framed dining chairs by Gillow of Lancaster , raised on fluted tapering legs , bearing stamped maker s marks to seat rails. According to Wikip...
Walnut
Mid 20th Century Mid-Century Milo Baughman Style Barrel Back Chair
Located in Cookeville, TN
Nice example of a mid-century modern Milo Baughman style barrel back tub chair in original upholstery. We love the classic modernist form. Seat is soft and comfortable. Original up...
Brass
Set of 6 Fine French Art Deco Oak Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of six French Art Deco stained oak dining chairs.
Fabric, Oak
$1,990
H 28.35 in W 17.33 in D 14.97 in
Mid-Century Arflex "Lucania" Chair by Carlo De Carlo, Italy, 1954
Located in Sacile, PN
Chair designed by Giancarlo De Carlo, manufactured by Arflex, Italy, 1954. This chair is an original commission for the furnishings of the motor yacht "Lucania". The seat shell is ma...
Metal
Set of Four Charles Pollock Rush Seat Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Four wooden Charles pollock Green painted Chairs. These hand crafted chairs and hand painted chairs have hand rushed seats and in fine sturdy condition.This set of four chair...
Wood
$2,450
H 39.5 in W 27 in D 27 in
Early 19th Century English Mahogany Library Chair with Leather Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th Century English Mahogany Library Chair with Leather Upholstery, ca. 1800
Mahogany
American Neo-Gothic Carved Walnut Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
An American Neo-Gothic carved walnut side chair. Tall arched back with carved trefoil motif pierced carving and upholstered panel back and sea...
Fabric, Walnut
Morris & Co. Armchair from the Sussex Line, London, 19th Century
By Ford Madox Brown 1, Morris & Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Armchair, from the Sussex range of chairs by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., later Morris & Co., English 1870-1900 The armchairs and chairs, which have round seats and square back...
Rush, Fruitwood
Set of 8 cantilever Bauhaus style dining chairs, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A set of eight cantilever leather dining chairs in the Bauhaus style, after Mies van der Rohe, probably mid 20th century. Each chair f...
Metal
Pair of Aesthetic Movement Ebonised side chairs
Located in Petworth, GB
A pair of Aesthetic movement side chairs in ebonised beech with caned seats. Beautifully balanced light design with fine detailing. Godwin was an Archetect Designer of the Aesthetic ...
Beech
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
Sold
H 37.01 in W 21.86 in D 28.75 in
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 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
Sold
H 33.08 in W 16.54 in D 14.97 in
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
Sold
H 32.25 in W 16.5 in D 16 in
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Chair & Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair and Ottoman, ATTR: Herter Brothers This listing is for the TWO PIECES. *Please View Other Listings - Matching Piano Sto...
Fabric, Bamboo, Wood
Sold
H 32.25 in W 16.5 in D 16 in
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair, ATTR: Herter Brothers *Please View Other Listings - Matching Ottoman and Piano Stool* Presenting an exceptional piece o...
Fabric, Bamboo
Pair of Carved Nordic Monk Chairs
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Unique pair of solid oak monk chairs with intricate carvings in Norse style. Hand crafted and unique with removable double sided upholstered cushions. Norw...
Upholstery, Oak
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
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
Hill House Chair by Rennie Mackintosh for Cassina
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Cassina
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rennie Mackintosh hill house chair, produced by Cassina. This is a late 1980's model from when Cassina first started to sell them again. A ...
Wood, Ash
Sold
H 36.42 in W 16.34 in D 18.71 in
Pair of Exceptional Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chairs Mother of Pearl
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite pair of Liberty’s style Aesthetic movement occasional side chairs with mother of pearl inlay and ornate carvings A ve...
Mother-of-Pearl, Oak