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.
Late 19th Century British Sofa with Tiles by John Moyr Smith, England circa 1875
Located in Greven, DE
Sofa Bench with Tiles by John Moyr Smith England Ebonised wood, mother-of-pearl, brass, ceramic tiles circa 1875 Dimensions: H × W × D: 99 × 157 × 70 cm, seat height: 45 cm Descri...
Ceramic, Wood
Authentic Thonet Bentwood Settee Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Sofa
Located in High Peak, GB
P0208 A Rare Turn-of-the-Century Ebonised and Gilded Sofa by Thonet, c.1900 An exceptional ebonised sofa by the world renowned manufacturer Thonet, dating to circa 1900. This model ...
Bentwood
Late 19th C Herter Brothers Leather tufted Sofa
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully restored Herter Brothers Sofa is upholstered in supple brown calfskin. It has a tight seat, a 3-part tufted back and nailhead trim. The Herter Brothers, Gustave and ...
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Black Ebonized Figural Carved Loveseat Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Black Ebonized Figural Carved Loveseat Sofa. Item features carved lion heads to the arms, rolling casters, black ebonized frame, great style and ...
Fabric, Wood
$7,595Sale Price|20% Off
EXQUISITE ANTIQUE BURR WALNUT AESTHETiC MOVEMENT SALON SOFA GRAND TOUR PLAQUE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale very rare, highly collectable Burr Walnut & Ebony framed Victorian Aesthetic Movement Salon sofa with a inse...
Ebony, Walnut
$1,200
H 36.5 in W 53 in D 23 in
Authentic Rare Eastlake Aesthetic Movement Ornate Carved Walnut Loveseat
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An Eastlake period sofa loveseat or settee centered with a stunning pierced crest having a pierced floral motif with the shape mirrored in the arm pediments. Beautiful outward rolled arms are finished with wooden panels carved with scrolled details, all over lovely apron and tapered legs. Original upholstery in excellent condition - this is the real deal...
Upholstery, Walnut
$21,856Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 53.94 in D 30.32 in
Antique Howard & Sons Aesthetic Movement Sofa Claw & Ball Feet Chinoiserie Fabic
By Howard & Sons Ltd, Howard and Sons, Howard Chairs Ltd.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning exceptionally rare and original Howard & Son's circa 1880 two seat sofa with duvet feather padded arms and seat cushions, with Aesthetic movement ebonised frame and Claw & Ball feet in the original Chinese Chinoiserie upholstery. I have a large collection of very fine restored and original unrestored Howard & Son's seating listed under my other items. This is simply put the most comfortable sofa in the world, the arms back and base are all feather and fibre filled, you sink when seated in a similar manner to a very plump feather filled duvet. The upholstery is super rare original Victorian, heavily distressed, its Chinese Chinoiserie and has wonderful colours. The frame is period Victorian, it is the only Aesthetic movement ebonised frame I have seen and one of very few Claw & Ball examples as well. Howard & Sons are simply put are the finest sofa and armchair makers in history, the Queen even had a private collection. This piece is totally original and unrestored, it will only every be original once, as such I have left it as it is for the new owner to decide what to do with it, I can help with full restoration should the new owner wish. To confirm though, as you can see the upholstery is very distressed, the frame is structurally solid and does not require any repairs Dimensions Height:- 74cm Width:- 137cm Depth:- 77cm Seat height:- 44.5cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point. A History of Howard and Sons The name of Howard and Sons is probably one of the best known and highly sought-after names in Upholstered furniture. Over the next few paragraphs, I will do my best to give you a brief history of the company. The company was started by John Howard in 1820 trading from 24 Leman St, London as a Cabinet Maker. Over the next 25 years they would make several changes of premises within the Whitechapel area. First to 27 Great Alie St (Now just Alie St) before moving a short distance to 34 Great Alie St. In 1844 the company made its first venture into upholstered furniture by opening a showroom/workshop at 36 Red lion St. This was also to be a big move towards what would be their next and most famous location. In 1848 they moved to a new address much more accustomed with the name; Berners St. London as “Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer and Decorator” under the name John Howard and Sons. The business seemed to boom at this location with workshops opening up at Tottenham St, Charlotte Mews and Fitzroy Sq and an expansion to a second Berners St building in 1853. In 1869 the company consolidated its many workshops into the one building on Cleveland St. By 1872 the company was occupying 25, 26 and 27 Berners St. These adresses would remain unchanged until 1935. During this period they became a limited company in 1899 and won the first of their Royal warrants in 1901. In 1935 the the well-established decorators Lenygon and Morant...
Upholstery, Hardwood
19th Century French Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th century French sofa is a masterfully crafted piece that reflects timeless design and superior artistry. The walnut frame features intricate carvings along the arms ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 31 in W 72.25 in D 33 in
Antique Victorian Rococo Revival Carved Walnut Button-Back Sofa C1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Victorian Rococo Revival Carved Walnut Button-Back Sofa C1880 Measures- 31"H x 72.25"W x 33...
Walnut
Tufted Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from premium top-grain leather, this sofa boasts a rich caramel hue that invites warmth into any living space. The intricate button-tufted detailing on the backrest provides ...
Leather
EXQUiSITE HOWARD STYLE HERITAGE GREY LEATHER SOFA (2/2) J1
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Exquisite Howard Style Three Seater Sofa. The Howard-style Heritage Grey Leather Sofa is a truly exquisite...
Leather
EXQUiSITE HOWARD STYLE HERITAGE GREY LEATHER SOFA (1/2) J1
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Exquisite Howard Style Three Seater Sofa. The Howard-style Heritage Grey Leather Sofa is a truly exquisite...
Leather
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Sofa Circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 19th-century Swedish Gustavian sofa, circa 1820, is a striking example of the timeless beauty and functionality of Scandinavian design. Crafted from pine, the sofa featu...
Pine
$1,696Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.5 in W 25.5 in D 49 in
1920's Antique French Art Deco Carved Walnut Sofa / Settee
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Rare 1920's French Art Deco Carved Walnut Sofa / Settee. Beautifully carved & detailed. Please look closely at pictures as the details are phenomenal. The upholstery is original and ...
Wood
Late 19th Century French Painted Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Late 19th Century French painted sofa with gilt decoration. The sofa has been fully reupholstered and the cushion is feather filled. Circa 1890.
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century English Regency Settee / Sofa
Located in Allerum, SE
An early 19th-century English Regency settee in the neoclassical taste, circa 1810. The frame is constructed with sloping armrests and is supported by turned, tapered front legs. It ...
Wood
19th Century Swedish Sofa Circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning 19th-century Swedish sofa, circa 1800, crafted in the neoclassical tradition. This elegant piece is constructed from pine and retains its original painted finish, now soft...
Pine
$3,500
H 38.5 in W 45 in D 20 in
20th Century Bentwood Sofa in the Thonet Style, circa 1925, Caned Seat
By Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
20th century bentwood sofa in the Thonet style, circa 1925, caned seat This sofa it´s very heavy and sturdy.
Cane, Bentwood
19th Century Swedish Classical Sofa
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
An unusual period Gustavian sofa with classical plaster decoration. With rare lions paw feet and scraped to original paint. Newly upholstered in linen.
Linen, Wood
French 19th Century Sofa
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This Charming French Louis XV Sofa is made of walnut with a creme velvet fabric.
Velvet, Walnut
Sold
H 29.53 in W 45.67 in D 45.67 in
ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT BURR WALNUT TETE A TETE CONVERSATION SOFA
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, highly collectable, Victorian Aesthetic Movement “Tete a Tete” Conversation couch with Burr...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pairs Of Sofas With Floral Decor
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb pair of sofas in fabrics with embroidery on silk with their very beautiful trimmings Exceptional quality which would cost a fortune new and very decorative Sold with 4 small ...
Silk
Pair of Large Circa 1880 Sofas
Located in Paris, FR
Aesthetic movement. Pair of large sofas in turned and blackened wood, decorated with balusters, covered in red embossed velvet. Circa 1880.
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 28.35 in W 51.19 in D 29.93 in
Antique Asthetic Movement Two Seater Sofa in Damask Printed Silk
Located in London, GB
A pretty antique aesthetic movement two seater sofa recently upholstered in a gold Damask print silk fabric. This lovely little sofa set is set on its original castors and has a ...
Wood
Biedermeir Sofa - Bench Swedish
By Biedermeier
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderful lines on this Swedish style Biedermeier period sofa or bench. Lovely crushed velvet in pale green. Maple construction with the flourishes of black lacquer finish. Size 82" ...
Maple
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Carved Mahogany Chaise Longue Recamier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Late 19th century, aesthetic movement, chaise longue or recamier features a beautifully carved mahogany frame with newly constructed upholstery in white muslin. The chaise can be use...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 35 in W 67 in D 29.5 in
Bruce Talbert, attri Aesthetic Movement Ebonized and Parcel-Gilt Settee
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, attributed. A very good quality Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel-gilt three-seat settee with slightly arched back, turned details below the arms and stylish arch...
Gold
Antique Kilim Carpeted Settee
Located in Sheffield, MA
19th century two-seat love seat sofa has been newly upholstered with an antique mideastern carpet. Measures: Arm height, 22.50".
Wool, Wood
Sold
H 34 in W 94 in D 24 in
H W Batley Attri, Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood Courting Sofa
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley, attributed (probably) for Collinson and Lock, an unusual Aesthetic Movement rosewood 'Courting Sofa' with D shaped armchairs to ea...
Rosewood