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Aesthetic Movement Seating

AESTHETIC MOVEMENT

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.

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Style: Aesthetic Movement
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...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Bench ceramic contemporary glaze
Located in Rubi, Catalunya
Handmade earthanware Bench manufactured at the workshop of Apparatu in Barcelona. Different clay bodys are mixed with natural fibers like corn, straw, or heather straw. The pieces ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware

Robert W Edis, An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair in the bamboo style
Located in London, GB
Robert William Edis. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair, ebonized on beech, in the bamboo style. From 1883, Edis Architect extended and rebuilt Sandringham House in Norfolk fo...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech, Rush

Anglo-Indian Carved Peacock Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century hand carved peacock chair.
Category

20th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique English Aesthetic Movement Side Chairs with Upholstered Seats
Located in Miami, FL
From the English Aesthetic Movement, a pair of finely-crafted side chairs in mahogany with ebonized line inlays. Featuring an exquisite choice of woods with concave high back with th...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Ebony, Mahogany

C Dresser for Colebrookdale Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Canopy Seat Ends
Located in London, GB
Designed by Dr C Dresser for Colebrookdale A cast iron Aesthetic Movement garden Canopy Seat named 'Waterplants'. The first image here is an example to ...
Category

1870s Great Britain (UK) Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Iron

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 ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Iron

Phillip Webb for Morris & Co. an English Aesthetic Movement Reclining Armchair
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co. Designed in C1866. A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized adjustable reclining armchair. The arched arms with padded armrests...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

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...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Ottoman ATTR: Herter Brothers *Please View Other Listings - Matching Side Chair and Piano Stool* Presenting an exceptional piece of...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Faux Bamboo

Liberty & Co, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co attributed, style of a Morris and Co. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair with incised turnings to the back and below the arms, the arms follow through to the sid...
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Rush

Late 19th Century American Mahogany and Brass Library Armchair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An impressive late 19thC American mahogany and brass library armchair. The seat and back rest are covered with dark burgundy leather and riveted. The slightly curved armrests protrud...
Category

Late 19th Century North American Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Mahogany

Round Table Turned Legs, Mid 20th Century.Spain
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
This table is raised on a base composed of six bobbin turned Legs and a optogonal star stretcher, also turned. Oval antique wine or side table of the 19th century. Wood with bobbin ...
Category

1930s Spanish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

English Paisley Upholstered Storage Ottomans, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of petite English upholstered storage ottomans on tiny castors. The paisley fabric is in very good condition as is the pink ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Brass

Pair of Bobbin Turned Chairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of English late 19th Century ebonized and bobbin turned corner chairs with woven rush seats.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Rush, Beech

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 Design Al...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Morris & Co. Phillip Webb Attri. Aesthetic Movement rush seat Sussex side chair
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...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

Phillip Webb for Morris & Co. English Aesthetic Movement oak reclining armchair
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co. Designed in C1866. A rare Aesthetic movement oak adjustable reclining armchair with good quality tan leather button back ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Rare Thonet Settee with Cushions
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
K0208 Rare ebonised sofa by Thonet, having shaped top rail with kidney shaped back, generous seat and open scroll arms, standing on outsewpt legs, all w...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Bentwood

Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo side chair.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Metal

Le Bon Marché Boudoir chair upholstery restored b The Royal School of Needlework
By Le Bon Marché 1
Located in London, GB
Le Bon Marche. A unique Boudoir chair with the original upholstery restored by the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court Palace retaining the origi...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Fruitwood

Dante Rossetti for Morris and Co. A pair of rush seated armchairs
By Morris & Co., Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Located in London, GB
A pair of Morris and Co rush seated armchairs, designed by Dante Gabriel Rossetti with newly laid rush seats.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Rush

Morris & Co attr to Philip Webb. Aesthetic Movement pair rush seat Sussex chairs
By Morris & Co., Ford Madox Brown 1
Located in London, GB
Ford Maddox Brown for Morris and Co. An Aesthetic Movement pair of rush seat Sussex side chairs with newly laid rush seat.These chairs have bee...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Rush

Bench ceramic contemporary glaze green black square organic
Located in Rubi, Catalunya
Handmade stoneware Bench manufactured at the workshop of Apparatu in Barcelona. Different clay bodys are mixed with natural fibers like corn, straw, or heather straw. The pieces are ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware

Audacious English Roll Arm Sofa with Pull-Out Bed, in French Jacquard Velvet
Located in colima, MX
Our devilishly handsome rendition of the classic English Roll Arm sofa, in a luscious French Jacquard Velvet. This sofa was initially envisioned ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Jacquard, Velvet

Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Bench With Rush Seats By Heals
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement ebonised beech settle with rush double seat Heals - after the ‘Sussex’ design by Morris & Co Previously unrecorded settle version Circa 1890 Height 90cm. Width...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

Whytock & Reid. A pair of Aesthetic Movement ebonized & parcel gilt side chairs.
Located in London, GB
Whytock & Reid of Edinburgh. A rare pair of high Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt side chairs.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

English Aesthetic Movement Petite Chestnut Hall Bench or Window Seat, circa 1880
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A circa 1880 English aesthetic movement solid chestnut hall bench or window seat of rare single seat form attributed to James Shoolbred & Co. of London, the rectangular molded-edge t...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Chestnut

R. W. Edis, probably made by Jackson & Graham A fine pair of Walnut side chairs
By Jackson & Graham, Robert William Edis
Located in London, GB
R. W. Edis, probably made by Jackson and Graham. A fine pair of Aesthetic Movement Walnut side chairs with fine ring turned and incised tramline details, and sweeping side supports. ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Philip Webb for Morris & Co. Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Settee with Bobbins
Located in London, GB
Philip Webb for Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. The firm became Morris & Co in 1875. A rare Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Settee. Professionally re-upholstered in period-style fabric....
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

Exquisite 19th Century Fretwork Armchair with Architectural Detailing
Located in New York, NY
A striking and highly decorative 19th-century aesthetic Movement armchair showcasing exceptional fretwork craftsmanship. Likely attributed to George Hunzinger, a renowned 19th-centur...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Wood

Morris and Co. An Aesthetic Movement cane seated armchair
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement cane seated armchair by Morris and Co with circular cane seat. A variant is illustrated in the Liberty Yuletide Gifts catalogue.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Cane

1980s Faux Tortoise Bergere Chairs W/ Coral Form Backs & Carved Shells - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of late 20th century bergere chairs with an oil drip faux tortoise finish on the frames. The backs are a carved coral motif, and the tapered legs have a carved shell a...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Wood

FULLY RESTORED ANTIQUE VICTORiAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT CHESTERFIELD ROCKING CHAIR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely fully restored Children's Aesthetic Movement Chesterfield tufted rocking armchair M25 only fo...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

High-Back Aesthetic Movement Chair
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Note: if you are only interested in one of the two Armchairs please contact us. Shipping Note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, don't hesitate to...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak, Hardwood, Wood

Victorian button back armchair
Located in Petworth, GB
A stylish Victorian button back traditional upholstered armchair with turned walnut feet raised on brass castors, covered in cotton velvet fabric 'Glasgow Rose' by Patch Rogers Design.
Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale Two ‘Medieval’ Pattern Cast Iron Garden Benches
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale. Two ‘Medieval’ pattern cast iron garden benches. These particular models are ‘Medieval’ number 52 in the Coalbrookdale 1875 trade catalogue. I bought...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Iron

Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Victorian late 19th century hand carved pine stools in the Aesthetic movement taste This stools are very decorative and we...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Pine

Pair of Fine Antique English Aesthetic Movement Lolling Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of English lolling chairs with noteworthy carved and turned oak frames, circa 1870s. Custom upholstered in brown tone-on-tone raised fabric ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

English Bamboo Table or Stool with Tile Seat from the Aesthetic Movement Era
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English bamboo table or stool from the Aesthetic Movement period of the late 19th century, featuring a handsome patinated finish and square seat of bamboo with inset blue and white ceramic tile...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Bamboo, Wood

Decorative Small Floral Painted Ebonised Victorian Stool
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A delightful small Victorian hand painted stool. Beautiful hand painted floral decoration, a great decorative piece. In good sound condition.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Wood, Paint

Italian Adjustable Wooden Lounge Chair, Italy 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian adjustable wooden lounge chair with wave formed armrest in black tinted wood. Italy 1940s.  
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

19Th. C. Cashmere Shawl Upholstered On Faux Bamboo Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a wonderful French 19Th. C. Cashmere Shawl that has been Upholstered on Faux Bamboo wood Bench The shall is circa 1880-1900, in very good condition, Very good condition, cons...
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Fabric, Faux Bamboo

An Aesthetic Movement low side chair with fretwork to the lower back rest
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement low side chair with fretwork to the lower back rest, this has shrunk and cracked a little but still quite useable. With unusual high, turned stretcher supports ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

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...
Category

2010s South African Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Lambs of Manchester A Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Oak & Leather Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Lambs of Manchester A Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs with carved and part ebonised details, professionally reupholstered in a quality matt black leather.
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Attributed to Philip Webb Aesthetic Movement original rush seat Sussex chair
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 ...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Rush

Bruce Talbert, for Gillows an Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Parcel-Gilt Settee
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows of Lancaster and London. A very good quality English Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel-gilt upholstered settee with a rollover back and arms with in...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Gold

Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Arm Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo arm chair.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Metal

Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. An Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair with ebonized dot details and chip carved details to the fra...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Liberty and Co attributed An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co attributed, in the style of a Morris and Co Sussex armchair. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair with incised turnings to the back and below the arms with elegant...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

Victorian William Godwin Ebonised Low Walnut Jappenned Folding Decorative Chair
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Victorian Aesthetic Movement Hand Crafted Ebonised Low Walnut Folding Decorative Chair with A Pale Upholstered Seat Chair Executed In The Manner of E.W. Godwin Circa 1870's Extra ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Wood, Walnut

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...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Bruce Talbert attri. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered love or twin window seat
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered love or twin window seat made from stained Beech with turned and rounded finials and tramline details to the back headrest...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

19Th C. English Majolica Faux Tree Stump With Ivy Leaves Garden Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this 19Th C. English Majolica Faux Tree Stump With Ivy Leaves and Berries attributed to Joseph Holdcroft, garden stool. Beautiful turquoise color to the background and Green ...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Ceramic

Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
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...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Lips - Italian space age modular island sofa, Circa 1960s
Located in PARIS, FR
The 1960s Space Age design, influenced by space exploration and atomic era tensions, brought a futuristic twist to art, cinema, and interior design. Originating amid Cold War anxieties on the American West Coast, it combined humor and avant-garde creativity, often using 'vital forms' inspired by nuclear imagery. This style features modern, cosmic-inspired furniture with vibrant plastics, reflective metals, and curved lines, creating a futuristic ambiance reminiscent of a Stanley Kubrick film. Dominated by spherical and angular shapes, it mirrors the era's fascination with space and atomic science. Enhancing brightness and contrasting with the colorful, reflective furniture. Warm colors and silver accents add to the optimistic, futuristic vibe of this 1960s-inspired design. This sofa is an emblem of the period, refreshed with Vachette leather upholstery in anthracite, a human lips sculptural structure with an hand bar for...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Stainless Steel

Late Victorian Aesthetic Movement upholstered Bench or Hall Seat
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Pretty Aesthetic Movement mahogany, upholstered small scale upholstered bench with low galleried back and finely ring turned legs circa 1880. It has been newly re-upholstered.
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

E W Godwin style of, An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean Ebonized Armchair
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, style of, An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean ebonized armchair. Professionally upholstered in a quality hide.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Bruce James Talbert, Collinson & Lock, Gillows of Lancaster & London, and Philip Webb. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $307 and tops out at $35,806 while the average work can sell for $2,914.

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