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Art Nouveau Chairs

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.

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Style: Art Nouveau
Recognized Seller Listings
Folding Chair by Thonet
Located in Hudson, NY
Invalid furniture war design in 1890's ,this example is from early 1920s folding bentwood chair partial paper label under the seat ,picture of this m...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

French Art Nouveau Chairs by Louis Majorelle
Located in Bridgewater, CT
French Art Nouveau chairs by Louis Majorelle.   
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Wood

French Art Nouveau Pair of Louis Majorelle Chairs
Located in Bridgewater, CT
French Art Nouveau pair of Louis Majorelle chairs Measures: Width: 17", depth: 15.5", height: 38". In good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Wood

Single Chair by Leon Jallot Art Nouveau, France, circa 1906
Located in New York, NY
Low curved walnut frame, carved with straight grooves along the back and inset with two bronze plaques decorated with a pine-cone motif. Signed.   OUR REFERENCE N6489  
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Art Nouveau Armchair, Belgium, C. 1900
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau armchair in walnut and white leather, in the manner of Henri van de Velde.
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Walnut

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Pair of French Art Nouveau Side Chairs in Solid Mahogany Sprig Seat Green Velvet
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1910s pair of French Art Nouveau side chairs in solid mahogany, original spring seat, green velvet upholstered, only wax-polished. The up...
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Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Chairs

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1950s Pair of B751 Folding Chair from Thonet/Ligna, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use - Ligna is a nationalized Thonet factory after the Second World War - Stamped Ligna
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1950s Czech Vintage Art Nouveau Chairs

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Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty Chair, 1900, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Chair Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty Material: Wood Country:France We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questi...
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Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

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Pair of Art Nouveau Chairs in Mahogany
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn4533 pair of stylish Art Nouveau chairs, one being a carver chair, both having carved decoration to finely inlaid back, generous seat and tapered legs terminating in pad feet. This...
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Early 1900s British Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

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Mahogany, Satinwood

Pair of Art Nouveau Chairs in Mahogany
Pair of Art Nouveau Chairs in Mahogany
H 17.33 in W 22.05 in D 18.12 in
Pair of Art Nouveau Thonet Bentwood Chairs No. 14, Austria, circa, 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Elegant set of two bentwood chairs made by the renown company of Thonet in Vienna/ Austria in the era around 1890. These beautiful Art Nouveau chairs from the earlier period are the famous Thonet coffeehouse chairs model No. 14. Created out of fine bentwood (beechwood that has been formed under hot steam and high pressure) and stained to a gorgeous looking nut wood look, this antique Art Nouveau seating set provides comfortable seating surfaces which are holding the still original (!) renowed classical "vienesse mesh". A beautiful set of timeless designed, late 19th century bentwood chairs...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

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Bentwood

Pair of Austrian Art Nouveau Upholstered Bentwood Side Chairs
Located in New York City, NY
A lovely pair of Art Nouveau/ Secessionist cushioned side chairs; the backs featuring butterfly padded rests. The Art Nouveau movement blossomed in Vienna, Austria at the turn of the...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Beech

Art Nouveau Side Chair Designed by Thonet, Austria, 1910
Located in Antwerp, BE
Classic collectible chair by famous German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet. Bentwood frame with hooped legs. The seat is embossed with a decorative floral motif.  
Category

1910s Austrian Vintage Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Art Nouveau Side Chair Designed by Thonet, Austria, 1910
Art Nouveau Side Chair Designed by Thonet, Austria, 1910
Free Shipping
H 33.08 in W 14.18 in D 14.97 in
Thonet No 19 Chair 1900s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet no19 Chair Austria 1900s
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Thonet No 19 Chair 1900s
Thonet No 19 Chair 1900s
H 34.26 in W 17.33 in D 16.54 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 Chairs

Materials

Brass

Secession Desk Chair No. 25 by Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession desk chair no. 25 by Thonet with new handmade rattan seat professionally stained and repolished.
Category

Early 1900s Czech Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Bentwood

Secession Desk Chair No. 25 by Thonet
Secession Desk Chair No. 25 by Thonet
H 35.44 in W 21.66 in D 16.54 in
Set of 6 French Art Nouveau Dining Chairs Attributed to Majorelle
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1920s set of six French oak dining chairs attributed to Majorelle. Acquired from a French estate - the dining table they surrounded was a documented Majorelle piece and owners ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Brass

French Louis XVI Pair of Bergere Chairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those charming pair of bergere chairs are covered of leather in the Louis XVI style. Simple and elegant they can be place anywhere at home.
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Previously Available Items
Sculptural Set of Six Art Nouveau Dining Chairs
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Fine and sculptural set of six Art Nouveau (Jugend) dining chairs upholstered in brown leather. Ca 1920's Sweden.
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Wood

Sculptural Set of Six Art Nouveau Dining Chairs
Sculptural Set of Six Art Nouveau Dining Chairs
H 35.83 in W 18.12 in D 16.54 in
Swedish Art Nouveau Chairs
Located in Stockholm, SE
I very nice designed set of seven Swedish art nouveau oak chairs consisting of 2 armchairs and 5 chairs. Made ca. 1900. For perfection, a light ...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Wood, Oak

Swedish Art Nouveau Chairs
Swedish Art Nouveau Chairs
H 47.25 in W 21.66 in D 20.48 in
Art Nouveau Mahogany Klismos Chairs, c.1920, Denmark
Located in Stockholm, SE
A fine pair of Danish Art Nouveau mahogany klismos chairs. c. 1920 Denmark. About klismos: A klismos chair is a type of ancient Greek chair, ...
Category

1910s Danish Vintage Art Nouveau Chairs

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Mahogany

Rare Oak and Parchment Chair by Carlo Bugatti
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare oak and parchment chair by Carlo Bugatti han painted with birds and leaves motifs. Marked to underside ‘Mobili Brevettat Bugatti. Italy: circa 1904 Carlo Bugatti was a famous designer active at the turn of the century. His pieces are rare and highly prized. He was the father of Rembrandt Bugatti who was a renowned sculptor, his work is also highly valuable and very rare since he died at 32. Ettore...
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Early 1900s Italian Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Oak

Finely Carved Walnut Set of Six French Art Nouveau Dining Chairs
Located in Shippensburg, PA
An incredibly rich and finely carved set of dining chairs, these are part of a matched dining room suite we recently acquired. The set of chairs are executed in a dense solid walnut...
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Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Chairs

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Cane, Walnut

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Set of 8 Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 8 Charles Rennie Mackintosh chairs in oak, 20th century Measures: Seat height 17.5 inches.
Category

20th Century British Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Oak, Fabric

Danish Art Nouveau Armchairs
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A pair of French Art Nouveau mahogany and mother of pearl Klismos chairs, upholstered in new distressed leather. Made by Lysberg Hansen, now called Lysberg, Hansen and Thorp, are very high quality furniture makers in Central Copenhagen. The timber always the finest, the mahogany always Cuban. These chairs are in Jungen style (Danish Art Nouveau) and are dated circa 1900. They are reminiscent of the designer Rhode. Often Lysberg and Hansen...
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany

Danish Art Nouveau Armchairs
Danish Art Nouveau Armchairs
H 31 in W 29 in D 26 in
Carlo Bugatti Throne Chair in Ebonized Wood, Vellum and Copper
Located in New York, NY
Of stylized curule form embellished in Bugatti's signature blend of Moorish and Japanese motives; with vellum hand-painted circular back and seat, and geometrical inlay and applied r...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Copper

French Art Nouveau Wooden Side Chair by Jacques Gruber
By Jacques Gruber
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau carved wood side chair by Jacques Gruber. This unique chair has an unusual cut-out back, contrasting angular lines against its rounded outer edges. Exhibited at ...
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Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Rare "Mosque" Chair by Carlo Bugatti
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare "Mosque" chair by Carlo Bugatti made of ebonized wood, upholstered with parchment and suede, fitted with typical silk tassels, inlaid with pewter details and mounted with hammer...
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Early 1900s Italian Antique Art Nouveau Chairs

Jacques Gruber French Art Nouveau Armchair
By Jacques Gruber
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau carved mahogany armchair by Jacques Gruber. The chair has a pierced back, curved arms and an ample seat. It is upholstered in green fabric. Circa 1903. Exhibit...
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Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Chairs

Vintage Solid Brass Chiavari Chair
Located in Austin, TX
From the eponimous city on the Ligurian coast of Italy, vintage solid brass Chiavari chairs with new, embossed blue leather seat. Seat height is 20...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Chairs

Materials

Brass

Vintage Solid Brass Chiavari Chair
Vintage Solid Brass Chiavari Chair
H 35.625 in W 15 in D 16.75 in

Art Nouveau chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Art Nouveau chairs 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 chairs 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, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Nouveau chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Austria, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Woka Lamps, and Jacob and Josef Kohn. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $155 and tops out at $87,192 while the average work can sell for $3,152.

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