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.
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
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
Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Arm Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo arm chair.
Metal
$3,900 / set
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.
Rush, Beech
Aesthetic Movement Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W Godwin
By Edward William Godwin, C.J. Plunkett & Co
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
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
19th Century American Aesthetic Period Grain Painted Stool with Upholstered Seat
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
American Aesthetic Movement footstool on four tapered legs below a shaped and pierced apron, the legs connected with ball and ring turned x-stretcher centering a large red sphere wit...
Fabric, Wood
$1,950 / 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
Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Iron
Pair of Antique English Aesthetic Movement Side Chairs with Upholstered Seats
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
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...
Ebony, Mahogany
Antique Black Lacquer Aesthetic Movement Slipper/Hall Chair With Velvet Seat
Located in Morristown, NJ
A very striking Antique English Aesthetic Movement black lacquered chair. The chair has an openwork wood back carved as a fan of styli...
Brass
C Dresser for Colebrookdale Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Canopy Seat Ends
By Coalbrookdale Foundry, Christopher Dresser
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 ...
Iron
Rare Ebonised Settee by Gebrüder Thonet, with Gilded Decoration, Austria, 1890
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in High Peak, GB
P0208 Rare ebonised sofa by Thonet, having shaped top rail with kidney shaped back, generous seat and open scroll arms, standing on outsewpt legs, all with gilded decoration througho...
Bentwood
Strikingly Decorative Victorian Aesthetic Movement Gilt & Ebonized Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A strikingly decorative Victorian side chair having detailed carved ebonized wood and gilded frame offset with fancy chartreuse damask new upholstery.
Wood
$1,650 / item
Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo side chair.
Metal
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
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
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
Antique Carved Wood Armchair with Cane Back
Located in Pasadena, TX
This stunning antique armchair features an intricately carved wooden frame with a unique cane backrest design that brings an airy elegance to its stately presence. The rich dark wood...
Cane, Wood
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...
Iron, Wire, Zinc
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
Arts and Crafts Upholstered Bentwood Bench or Trunk
Located in Southampton, NJ
An Arts and Crafts period bench of steam bent oak construction with exposed framework, turned ball feet and curved brass accented support stretchers. Custom upholstered in William ...
Brass
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
Jas Shoolbred Morris & Co Style a Pair of Aesthetic Movement Reclining Armchairs
By Morris & Co., Philip Webb, Jas Shoolbred & 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
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
$390 / item
Bentwood Scroll Café Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
84 Bentwood café side chairs with hairpin scroll design open back and wood seat. From BILLY'S 1890 RESTAURANT, NY. (84 - PRICED EACH)
Bentwood
Model 17 Bentwood High Back Armchair by Michael Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
This model 17, bentwood side chair with a cane seat and back was designed by Michael Thonet for his own company in the 1860s. This example was produced in the 1970s and is in a very ...
Cane, Wood
$825Sale Price / set|44% Off
Pair of Michael Thonet Folding Deck Chairs
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Model: Fireside chair model 1 (Kaminsessel) designed in 1866 The chairs need restoration, only the wood, the wicker cane webbing is in good condition on both pieces. MOMA New York ha...
Cane, Bentwood
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
$1,230 / 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
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.
Rush
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...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
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
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
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement E.W. Godwin-Style Oak Rocking Chair Rocker
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement E.W. Godwin-Style Rocking / Nursing Chair, circa 1870s. Features a quartersawn oak frame with spindled back, beaded accents and a red upholstere...
Oak
$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
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
Bentwood and Cane Thonet "Caminsessel" / Fire Place Chair No. 1, c. 1860
By Thonet
Located in Surbiton, GB
Rare folding cane chair from the aesthetic movement, produced by Thonet, c.1860. In fair condition, with minor scuffs to the frame and a small area...
Cane, Bentwood
Liberty & Co, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement rush seat armchair
By Liberty & Co., Morris & Co.
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...
Rush
Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale Two ‘Medieval’ Pattern Cast Iron Garden Benches
By Coalbrookdale Foundry, Christopher Dresser
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...
Iron
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 ...
Iron
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
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
Late 19thC Circular Walnut Revolving Piano Stool
Located in Altrincham, GB
Late 19thC Circular Walnut Revolving Piano Stool on turned splayed legs joined by under X-stretcher - 13.5"diam x 18" - 21"h
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
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
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...
Beech, Rush
E W Godwin Style of, an Aesthetic Movement Oak High Back Low Seat Chair
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin style of, an Aesthetic Movement high back oak nursing chair with a low seat, subtly carved head rest, and ball turned details to the side uprights with slender elongated t...
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...
Walnut
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised & Leather Piano Stool With Drawer Circa 1880
Located in Norwich, GB
Aesthetic Movement ebonised & leather piano stool, with drawer. English. Circa 1880. The stool has been reupholstered and covered in a 'super luxu...
Leather, Beech
Godwin Style. Pair of Aesthetic Movement ebonized folding chair w. new cane seat
Located in London, GB
EW Godwin Style of. A pair of Aesthetic Movement ebonized folding chair with bobbin details to the backrest and a new cane seat. This listing is for the pair (2 chairs). We also have...
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 ...
Beech
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, an Aesthetic Movement Oak Corner Armchair with Stylized Turnings
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. An exceptional English Aesthetic Movement oak corner armchair with wrap-around arms with incised scrollwork decoration to the top of the arm ends with turned supports...
Oak
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
Victorian Steer Horn Vanity Bench Side Chair C1890
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and fabulous steer horn vanity bench with a suede fabric. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Horns are tight and sturdy with no damage. Truly a rare form.
Horn, Fabric, Hardwood
An Aesthetic Movement Elm stool with a 'S' handle, and a wild grain to the seat.
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement period Elm stool with a 'S' shaped pierced handle, and a wonderful wild grain to the seat. Tight through and exposed joints to the four corners of the seat with...
Elm
E W Godwin attr. A pair of Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs ready upholstery
Located in London, GB
Edward William Godwin attributed. A pair of Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs with carved florets to the headrests. Ready for upholstery. Price for the pair See Soros, Susan Weber...
Oak
William Birch. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with turned ball finials
Located in London, GB
William Birch. An Aesthetic Movement stylish Walnut armchair with turned ball finials to the tops and to the front of the arms with crossed decoration to the back and below the arms,...
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 ...
Satinwood