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.
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
Antique Late 19th Century George Hunzinger "Lollipop" Chair
Located in Southampton, NJ
A classic lollipop accent 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 cen...
Metal
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
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
$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 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
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
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
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
Jas Shoolbred Morris & Co Style a Pair of Aesthetic Movement Reclining Armchairs
By Jas Shoolbred & Co., Philip Webb, 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
Antique English Burnt Bamboo Side Chair With Japanned Lacquer Seat
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A striking antique English burnt bamboo side chair featuring a beautifully detailed japanned lacquer seat with hand-painted floral and bird motif. The rich tortoise finish paired wit...
Bamboo, Plywood
Early 20th Century Upholstered Steam Bent Oak Arts and Crafts Bench
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 M...
Brass
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
$12,000 / set
1990s John Hutton for Donghia Merbau Lounge Chairs
By John Hutton, Donghia
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
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 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...
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
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
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
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
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
Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Iron
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
$1,947 / 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
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
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
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
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
E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
By C.J. Plunkett & Co, Edward William Godwin
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
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
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
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
Jas Shoolbred, in the Style of Morris & Co. a Reclining Upholstered Armchair
By Jas Shoolbred & Co., William Morris (English)
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
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
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
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
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
$750Sale Price / set|50% Off
Pair of Michael Thonet Folding Deck Chairs
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
This pair is offered in as-is condition and at a significantly reduced price due to their current state. Both chairs require wood restoration, as the front section of the seat frame ...
Cane, Bentwood
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
$1,770 / 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
George Faulkner Armitage (attributed). An Aesthetic Movement mahogany armchair
Located in London, GB
George Faulkner Armitage (attributed). An Aesthetic Movement mahogany armchair with rib detailing to the head rest flanked by scroll carved finials. With tramline decoration througho...
Mahogany
$1,650 / item
Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo side chair.
Metal
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lamb of Manchester. A Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Oak & Leather Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Lamb of Manchester by Charles Edward Horton. A Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs with carved and part ebonised details, professionally reupholstered in a quality matt ...
Oak
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
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
Bruce Talbert probably for Gillows, Pair of Walnut Dining Chairs, 1880
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert A pair of English Aesthetic Movement Walnut dining chairs with gilded highlights, the backs with a subtle curvature (making them very comfortable). With feather carved ...
Walnut, Giltwood, Upholstery
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
H W Batley attri, Jas Shoolbred An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Armchair
By Henry William Batley, Jas Shoolbred & Co.
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley (attributed) Jas. Shoolbred., a mahogany armchair, with stylised floral carved details to the back supports, the curved arms with elbow pads on fluted supports, ...
Mahogany
English Aesthetic Movement Footstool, Leather & Hardwood, Circa 1880
Located in Darien, CT
A handsome English Aesthetic Movement footstool dating to the late 19th century, featuring a richly patinated embossed leather seat and a finely crafted hardwood frame. Carved bullse...
Metal
Antique 19th Century Victorian Bamboo-Style Rocking Chair with Needlepoint Seat
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Antique 19th Century Victorian Bamboo-Style Rocking Chair with Needlepoint Seat — Rare Collector’s Piece For sale: a rare and exquisite 19th-century Victorian bamboo-style antique ro...
Thread, Wood
Liberty & Co armchair with a shaped back & mashrabiya turnings to the head rest.
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co An Aesthetic Movement ebonized Moorish low armchair with a shaped back with mashrabiya turnings to the head rest and tapestry seat
Walnut