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.
$4,121Sale Price|25% Off
French Victorian Carved Pine Faux Bamboo Daybed Or Twin Headboards
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement carved pine faux bamboo daybed. It would also make a great pair of twin headboards. The cushion is a custom cushion in a neutral flax ...
Maple, Pine
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 ...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Iron
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
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 ...
Satinwood
Aesthetic Movement Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W Godwin
By C.J. Plunkett & Co, Edward William Godwin
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Jacobean or Old English ebonized armchair. After a design by E. W. Godwin. Probably made by C J Plucknett & Co. See The Secular Furniture of E W Godwin by Susan...
Walnut
19th Century Carved Anglo Indian Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th-Century Anglo Indian carved wood chair featuring motif designs based on local lore. Newly reupholstered seat. Also available C.O.M. with quick turnaround, add $90.00, 1 yard o...
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Fruitwood
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
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
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 u...
Oak
A small Aesthetic Movement ebonized foot stool
Located in London, GB
A small Aesthetic Movement ebonized foot stool, with partial gilt incised and turned decoration on stub feet.
Beech
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
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
$1,712 / set
Pair Of English Windsor Armchairs
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine pair of English Windsor armchairs in oak. Superb and rare model from the beginning of the 20 century Beautiful, good -quality armchairs with elegant curved legs and a very dec...
Oak
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
$1,650 / item
Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo side chair.
Metal
Aesthetic Movement Rare Thebes Stool Chair By Liberty & Co
Located in Haywards Heath England, GB
Aesthetic Movement rare ‘Thebes’ walnut corner chair recovered with original Aesthetic Movement silk fabric Liberty & Co Circa 1875 Width 45cm. Depth 45cm. Height 68cm. Se...
Silk, Walnut
Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Chaise Lounge
Located in New York, NY
A lovely chaise lounge crafted in the late 19th century. The design comes out of the Aesthetic Movement which began in the 1860s in England. Ebonized wood with gilt embellishment is ...
Ultrasuede, Burl, Mahogany
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
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
Charles Eastlake attri., Aesthetic Movement Walnut & Carved Swivel Desk Armchair
Located in London, GB
Charles Eastlake attributed., An Aesthetic Movement Walnut swivel desk armchair, with floral carving to the headrest and circular backrest, with tram ...
Walnut
A little pair of Aesthetic Movement oak Thebe stools with leather studded seats
Located in London, GB
A little pair of Aesthetic Movement oak stools with leather studded seats, on Thebes style mushroom feet.
Oak
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
$1,632Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Faux Bamboo Bench With 19Th. C Cashmere Shawl
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...
Fabric, Faux Bamboo
Bruce Talbert Gillows, Aesthetic Movement rosewood armchair with pink upholstery
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood armchair with a pink button back upholstered back and seat.
Rosewood
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
Philip Webb for Morris & Co. Two Aesthetic Movement reclining armchairs.
Located in London, GB
Two classic adjustable reclining armchairs, one ebonized and one in golden oak the latter with good quality tan leather button back upholstery. The ebonized one with later upholstery...
Oak, Walnut
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
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
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...
Rush
19THC Hunzinger Walnut with Original Strapping Rocking Chair Signed 1876
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic example of a Victorian walnut designed and created by George Hunzinger c1876. His work stands alone and is easily recognized. Numerous turnings with bent wood and the remna...
Leather, Walnut
Liberty & Company Mahogany Thebes Stool
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with new leather with tacks. With label from Liberty on base. From a Bunny Williams designed Palm Beach home.
Leather, Mahogany
Jas Shoolbred Morris & Co Style a Pair of Aesthetic Movement Reclining Armchairs
By Philip Webb, Jas Shoolbred & Co., Morris & Co.
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. In the style of Morris and Co, after a design by Phillip Webb. A pair of Aesthetic Movement adjustable reclining armchairs. Professiona...
Walnut
Brown Leather 3-seater Chesterfield Sofa Made In England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb English brown leather three-seater chesterfield sofa with a length of 2m40 Chesterfield sofa handmade by an English craftsman with whom we have worked for 40 years. The seat i...
Leather
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 ...
Walnut
$1,229 / set
Pair Aesthetic period Oak Tiled back Hall chairs
Located in Dereham, GB
Pair Aesthetic period Oak Tiled back Hall chairs Circa 1880s Oak with Ebonised detail, Arch tops, with carved leaf decoration, Inset tile by: Minton China works : Designed by Moyr Sm...
Oak
$2,130Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Leather, Hardwood
$1,883 / set
Set Of 4 19th Century Windsor Wheelback Chairs
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A fine set of four 19th-century English Windsor chairs in chestnut with a wheelback . Very beautiful model called wheelback with a decoration on the back. Very beautiful set which h...
Oak
Late 19th Century George Hunzinger "Lollipop" Rocking Chair
Located in Southampton, NJ
A classic lollipop rocking chair by George Hunzinger, considered among the first ever designs to anticipate the modern age. The German emigrant arrived in New York in the mid 19th ce...
Metal
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
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
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
$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
George Nakashima Style "Conoid" Chairs by Gino Russo, Set of 6, 1960s
Located in Coronado, CA
A striking set of "Conoid" dining chairs designed by George Nakashima and recreated by Gino Russo in the 1960s. The chairs feature a striking cantilevered design with smooth, solid w...
Seagrass, Walnut
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
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
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 ...
Walnut
Jas Shoolbred, in the Style of Morris & Co. a Reclining Upholstered Armchair
By William Morris (English), Jas Shoolbred & Co.
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. In the style of Morris and Co, after a design by Phillip Webb. A reclining armchair professionally upholstered in a Morris and Co. Vine p...
Oak
$1,871Sale Price / set|25% Off
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...
Wood
Thomas Jeckyll Style a Pair Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs with Sunflowers
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll in the style of. A good quality pair of aesthetic movement dining chairs with sunflower carved details to the backs, subtle details below the seats with ring-turned le...
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...
Beech
Pair Of Aesthetic Design Victorian Mahogany Hall Chairs
By Henry Ogden
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality And Attractive Pair Of 19th Century Mahogany Hall Chairs, By H.Ogden Of Manchester, In The Aesthetic Movement Taste, Having Carved And Moulded Decoration To Pierc...
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
$1,871Sale Price|25% Off
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, stamped Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered oak armchair.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed, stamped Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement oak armchair. It was professionally re-upholstered in a light blue Damask.
Oak
$728Sale Price|35% Off
Bernhardt Round Ottoman Pouf in Silk Jaccard Textile, Aesthetic Style
By Bernhardt
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bernhardt designed mid 20 th c round pouf with silk jaccard textile cover with tassels.
Silk
E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
By Edward William Godwin, C.J. Plunkett & Co
Located in London, GB
After a design by E W Godwin. Jacobean or Old English armchairs. Two Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized armchairs both professionally reupholstered in a quality green and tan leather...
Leather, Walnut
$12,000 / set
1990s John Hutton for Donghia Merbau Lounge Chairs
By Donghia, John Hutton
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful organic/ coastal modern Lou mg e chairs by John Hutton for Donghia circa 1994. Great scale and use of materials. Could blend easily with a variety of interior styles give t...
Reed, Mahogany
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised & Leather Piano Stool With Drawer Circa 1880
Located in Norwich, England
Aesthetic Movement ebonised & leather piano stool, with drawer. English. Circa 1880. The stool has been reupholstered and covered in a 'super luxu...
Leather, Beech
Antique Oak Petite Footstool with Barley Twist legs and a Hand Carved Apron
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful craftsmanship with a simple and elegant flair, the barley twist legs and hand scribed apron separate this little gem from theack. Originally had a cushion attached and tack...
Oak, Lacquer