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
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
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
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
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
1950s French Style Orange Painted Faux Bamboo Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1950s French style faux bamboo orange painted bergere chairs. The upholstery is vintage and in very good condition. Although the upholstery has the appearance of si...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
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...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Beech
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
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
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
Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
By 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
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
Aesthetic Movement settee with Ebonised Walnut legs and framing
Located in Petworth, GB
A beautiful upholstered Aesthetic Movement settee with ebonised turned front legs and arched fan shaped front and ebonised framing. Traditionally reupholstered in Liberty of London, ...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Bench With Rush Seats By Heals
By Heal's
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
Morris & Co attr to Philip Webb. Aesthetic Movement pair rush seat Sussex chairs
By Ford Madox Brown 1, Morris & Co.
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
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
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
Pair Levantine or Syrian Ebonized Corner Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb pair of Levantine or Syrian corner chairs that date to the the late 19th or early 20th century. The chairs have been ebonized and retain their original multitude of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Syrian Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
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...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Cane, Bentwood, Giltwood
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
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Tortoise Bamboo Settee
Located in Southampton, NJ
Aesthetic Movement Tortoise bamboo settee carefully curated to emulate Japanned bamboo furniture of the period, in the dark forest green Moha...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Mohair, Bamboo
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
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
Audacious English Roll Arm Sofa with Pull-Out Bed, in French Jacquard Velvet
By Higareda
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
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
R. W. Edis, probably made by Jackson & Graham A fine pair of Walnut side chairs
By Robert William Edis, Jackson & Graham
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
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
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
FULLY RESTORED ANTIQUE VICTORiAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT CHESTERFIELD ROCKING CHAIR
By Chesterfield
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
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 ...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Rush
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
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
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
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
EW Godwin Style of. Aesthetic Movement ebonized folding chair with new cane seat
Located in London, GB
EW Godwin Style of. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized folding chair with bobbin details to the backrest and a new cane seat.
This listing is for one chair. We ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Beech
Morris and Co. An Aesthetic Movement cane seated armchair
By Morris & Co.
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
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
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
Jas Shoolbred & Co. A pair of Aesthetic Movement dining or side chairs
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred and Co. A pair of Aesthetic Movement dining/side chairs with drop in rush seats.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Rush
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
Aesthetics Movement Faux Bamboo Needlepoint Stool
Located in Queens, NY
Aesthetics Movement faux bamboo (English 19th Century) ebonized and gilt trimmed round stool/bench with a needlepoint seat.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Ebony
Bruce Talbert probably for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement walnut side chair
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert probably for Gillows of Lancaster and London. An English Aesthetic Movement Walnut side, dining or desk chair with a subtly curved back with feather carved details to t...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Walnut
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
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
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
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
Pair of J.W. Fiske Victorian Wire & Iron Garden Lounge Chairs C 1895
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic pair of Rare Late Victorian leaning to the Asethetic Movement with the pattern of the wire & iron. Coated in zinc and years of old paint have preserved these beauties waiti...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Iron, Wire, Zinc
English Aesthetic Movement, Mahogany Armchair with Suede seat
Located in New York, NY
A refined, hand carved mahogany armchair of the Aesthetic Movement with a seat upholstered in green suede. Elements of the chair’s design anticipate the near future Jugendstil and Ar...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Brass
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
Lily Pad Pair of Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Benches by Coalbrookdale
Located in London, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches, known as the Lily pad design, with fine fern leaf detailing, and smaller Lily-style leaves to the angular legs.
Coalbrookdale ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Iron
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
19th Century Bentwood Bobbin Vanity Stool
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a beautiful unusual vanity stool . Made with a bentwood seat that ends in brass tip scrolling, it quite eye catching and comfortable. The legs are made of turned legs that ha...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Bentwood
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
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
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
Phillip Webb A large Aesthetic Movement bobbin turned Satinwood chaise lounge
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co attributed. A larger than usual Aesthetic Movement bobbin turned Satinwood chaise lounge or day bed, the upper turned armrests with typical Morris and ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating
Materials
Satinwood
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
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
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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