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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
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

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 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

E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
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 leathe...
Category

Early 1800s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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

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 Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W 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 Plunkett & Co. See The Secular Furniture of E W Godwin by Susa...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

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.
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Victorian Designer E W Godwin Aesthetic Movement Jappaned Abstract Elbow Chair
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Rare E W Godwin Aesthetic Movement Jappaned Low Elbow Arm Chair With Anglo Japonesque Geometric Back On Hand Turned Legs Auctioneer has given attribution. Victorian architect-desi...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

George Bell & George Freeth Roper Aesthetic Movement Walnut rush seat armchair.
By George Bell, Kendall & Co.
Located in London, GB
George Bell & George Freeth Roper. Probably made by Kendal Milne & Co for Herman Schill. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair with a row of fine barley t...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Bruce Talbert Style, Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chair with Elongated Turnings
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert in the style of. Probably made by Gillows of Lancaster. A good quality Aesthetic Movement dining or side chair with elongated turnings to the back.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Henry W Batley attr. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with sinuous touches.
By Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Henry Batley Attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with sinuous touches, curled finials, and a spray of elongated turned details to the back. The shaped arms have curvace...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Otto Wagner for Jacob and Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair, with Pierced Vase Splat & Branded Stamp to Chair Underside Made in Vienna Austria Jacob & Josef Ko...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Bentwood, Velvet

Superb Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Occasional Chair Dark Oak
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A beautifully crafted Aesthetic Hall Chair, carved foliage and scroll detailing with arched top. Lovely turned front legs with the most superb narrow bobbin front feet. Solid oak wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Northern Irish Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Charles Bevan. Marsh & Jones. Aesthetic Movement button back chaise lounge
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan for Marsh and Jones of Leeds Late Kendal works. A good Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized button back chaise lounge with carved rosettes to the front upright and subtle...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

E W Godwin Style of Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair
Located in London, GB
After a design by E W Godwin. An Aesthetic Movement OAK armchair originally named,' A Jacobean or Old English Armchair '. Probably made by Collier and Plunkett or James Peddle. See...
Category

Early 1800s 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 Movement Anglo-Japanese armchair Godwin style
By Henry William Batley
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese upholstered ebonised armchair in the manner of E. W. Godwin but attributed to H. W. Batley. The armchair is in good condition with its ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery

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...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

H W Batley attri, Jas Shoolbred An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Armchair
By Jas Shoolbred & Co., Henry William Batley
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, ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair Of Antique Aesthetic Lift Top Bench Stools
Located in Norwood, NJ
Pair of English Aesthetic walnut benches with upholstered over-seats opening to storage compartments above incised aprons, all raised on scrolled "X" supports with ebonized details, ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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

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

English 19th C. Hide/Jaguar Green Mohair Wingback Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of late 19th Century English wingback chairs have been refreshed using new off-white hide and Jaguar green mohair upholstery and th...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Hide, Mohair, Mahogany

A set of four Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs with carved decoration
Located in London, GB
Set of Four Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs with carved floral decoration and soft chamfered edges to the frame and legs. Professionally upholstered in a blue fabric.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

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...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Zebra Hide, Oak

19th C. French Walnut Carved Lyre Back Side Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Aesthetic Movement Style chair with fine form. A charming chair with carved openwork arch top back with a center lyre with bird heads within a scrolled frame. The turned sides with f...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Henry William Batley attri, Jas. Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair.
By Henry William Batley, Jas Shoolbred & Co.
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley (attributed) Jas. Shoolbred., an oak armchair, re-upholstered in red leather, with stylised floral carved details to the back supports the curved arms with elbow...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Leather, Oak

English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester
Located in London, GB
An aesthetic movement chair By Lamb of Manchester designed by W.J. Estall Of unique elegance and design, the black ebonised chair fashioned in the...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

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...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Brass

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

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Chair & Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
By Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair and Ottoman, ATTR: Herter Brothers This listing is for the TWO PIECES. *Please View Other Listings - Matching Piano Sto...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wood

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

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...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Pair Antique Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Hall Bedroom Chairs in House of Hackney
Located in Sale, GB
- A wonderful pair of Victorian Aesthetic Movement ebonized hall chairs in Hollyhocks Winter Velvet fabric by House of Hackney. - The chairs are in a beautiful condition for their a...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Ebony

An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & upholstered armchair with sweeping side rails.
Located in London, GB
A stylish Aesthetic Movement ebonized armchair with sweeping side rail incorporating the upholstered armrests which are set back to accommodate those wonderful hoop dresses of the Vi...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Charles Bevan, Gillows Attr. a Set of Six Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan attributed, for Gillows.  A good quality set of six English Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs, with central upright to the back united by lower angular uprights wit...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Oak

Late 19th Century English Barley Twist Carved Armchair
Located in San Francisco, CA
the uniquely styled chair composed of barley twist supports
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Wood

Liberty & Co. an English Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Armchair with Seagrass Seat
By Liberty & Co., Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Morris & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co. In the style of Morris and Co's Sussex range. An English Aesthetic Movement ebonized rush-seat Sussex style armchair after a design by Daniel Gabriel Rossetti in original condition with original seagrass seat...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

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

Majolica Cobalt Blue Garden Seat or Pedestal, Late 19th Century, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous Majolica garden seat or plant stand, late 19th century, Italy. Decorated in a deep cobalt blue, with clusters of white hibiscus. Scrolling acanthus leaves in a pleasing da...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Majolica

Egyptian Revival Thebes Stool By Liberty & Co
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement oak stool with ash legs In the Eygptian Revival style This was knows as the 'Thebes' stool It was first registered by Liberty & Co in 1884 This is rare and a wonde...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Ash, Oak

Jas Shoolbred Morris & Co Style a Pair of Aesthetic Movement Reclining Armchairs
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...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

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 ...
Category

1970s Austrian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Cane, Wood

19thc Ebonised Piano Stool by Henry Brooks & Co London W/Howard & Son Upholstery
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An ebonised piano stool by Henry Brooks & Co London. Beautifully made, well proportioned stool with cushioned seat leading to four turned legs with hoof like feet and delicate turned...
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Beech

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Small Folding Chairs E.W Godwin Manner
Located in Norwich, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement small walnut low folding decorative chairs with cane seats, in the manner of E.W. Godwin. Circa 1870s. Free delivery to the UK via a selected parcel company. The walnut frames are in very good condition and have their original patina, showing some age with use, they have been lightly waxed. One of the chairs cane seats professionally re-caned, and it has been aged to resemble the other original cane seat. This same chair has had the under rail replaced in oak with two bolts, as shown in photograph number 12. This was done many years ago - I would say about 80 plus years, looking at the construction. Also added at a similar time under the seat, one small rail either side. The wooden dome...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Cane, 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.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

1950s German Daybed
Located in London, Lambeth
Very comfortable German daybed with slight angled top To make for a perfect relaxing bed. Wooden frame with Origin cotton fabric, circa 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Seating

Regency Style Bamboo Upholstered Arm Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Regency Style bamboo open arm chair with high back design and upholstered seat and back panel (19/20th Cent.)
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Austrian Children's Chair in Polychrome Wood, circa 1800
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely Austrian child's chair decorated with flowers and birds from the end of the 18th century beginning of the 19th century circa 1800. Very beautiful original polychromy. The ...
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Armchairs Attributed to G.Viardot, France, Circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
These armchairs made of tinted wood are to be linked to another pair of armchairs executed by Gabriel Viardot, and now exhibited at the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris (Inv. 2006.105.1.2). They present a similar asymmetric design and an equal carving quality including the winding dragon on the back. (see picture attached) Gabriel Viardot career began as a wood carver and he produced small furniture, sculpturally carved with naturalistic motifs and animals. In the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris, his finely sculpted objects were well received. However, with the increasing importation of similarly produced Swiss and German articles, he found less opportunity for these and decided to innovate. G. Viardot succeeded to his father’s business in 1861 installed rue Rambuteau in Paris, circa 1870 he turned to the idea of producing “Meubles genre Chinois et Japonais”. The taste in Europe for exotic furniture...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Exceptional Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chairs Mother of Pearl
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite pair of Liberty’s style Aesthetic movement occasional side chairs with mother of pearl inlay and ornate carvings A ve...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Oak

Pair of Carved Nordic Monk Chairs
Located in Malibu, CA
Unique pair of solid oak monk chairs with intricate carvings in Norse style. Hand crafted and unique with removable double sided upholstered cushions. Norw...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Seating

Materials

Upholstery, 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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