In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.
ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.
The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking, and Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau.
The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own variants.
In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers.
The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.
Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass.
Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).
Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.
There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a rich...
Metal, Brass
Beautiful late 19th-century Gien faience dinner service
Located in New York, NY
Some table services charm with their refinement. Others invite you into a whole imaginary garden. This beautiful late 19th-century Gien faience dinner service immediately captivates ...
Faience
Josef Hoffmann Silk and Brass Pendant Wiener Werstaette 5th Avenue, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
This marvellous pendant was designed for the New York branch of the historical Wiener Werkstaette. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will ...
Brass
$4,687 / set
Pair of W.A.S. Benson Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
By Was Benson
Located in NANTES, FR
Paire d'appliques art nouveau vers 1900. Monture en laiton et cuivre. Tulipe ouraline de James Powel. The height of the tulip-shaped shade can be ...
Brass, Copper
Brass/Silk - of the Showroom Wiener Werkstätte Wall Light Jugendstil, Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Wall Sconces, Variation of the Wall-Lamp from the Fabric-Showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette. Measures are without tassel. Just with plain-colored fabric. USA and CAN: All ele...
Brass
Fabric Department Wiener Werkstaette Silk Wall Light Wall Lamp
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant wall lamp suitable to the fabric department pendants of the Wiener Werkstaette Material Metal frame work covered with silk Most components according to the UL regulations, wi...
Brass
Antique Charles Parker Art Nouveau Two Light Slag Glass Table Lamp 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Charles Parker Company slag glass lamp featuring Art Nouveau design with a domed shade, gilded metal scrolled overlay, floral embossed gilded cast metal base, doubl...
Metal
$2,975Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Hungarian Zsolnay Tádé Sikorski Openwork Floral Mallow Vases
By Zsolnay, Tádé Sikorski
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of two antique art nouveau Zsolnay reticulated pierced openwork floral faience vases from the Mályva (Mallow) series. Designed by Tádé Sikorski. Made in Pecs Hungary. Five C...
Porcelain
Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Pendant Opaline Glass, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Woka ceiling lamp, also available with a 50 cm diameter radius - total drop is custom-made. Materials used are brass and opaline glass. Available in different finishes. L...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn: Dressing table model 1134 and Bat chair
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
This dressing table is stylistically related to the furniture of the famous Fledermaus cabaret from 1906: Made of dark-stained beechwood, the piece features clean, architectural lin...
Beech
Antique Tiffany Studios Three-Light Lily Piano Lamp New York, Circa 1910
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Tiffany Studios three-light Lily piano lamp was created by Tiffany Studios of New York during the early 20th century, circa 1910. Founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany, T...
Bronze
Antique Tiffany Studios New York Ten-Light "Lily" Favrile Glass Table Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional and highly sought-after Tiffany Studios New York Ten-Light "Lily" table lamp, created circa 1910 during the golden age of American Art Nouveau design. This magnificent...
Bronze
Antique French Ormolu Beveled Glass Jewelry Dresser Box
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique French gilt brass ormolu beveled glass footed jewelry casket or dresser box with hinged lid and lovely ornate handle. This fine quality box has been newly relined ...
Ormolu
Fratelli Toso Murrine Glass Table Lamp, Art Nouveau, Italy, 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare Fratelli Toso Venetian glass table lamp or night-light, made in Venice, Italy, circa 1900. Exceptionally decorative and uncommon in this size, this elegant lamp is a refined exa...
Bronze
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine with original pressed steel cup handles - Decorative carved front - 24 large drawers - The top has been given several coat...
Steel
Beautiful Large France Art Nouveau Glass and Brass Wall Lights
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful large pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces in glass and gilded metal/brass. Elegant and refined, with a timeless charm and a high-end, luxurious appearance. France 1920/1930s
Metal, Brass
Pair of Antique Art Nouveau Richard Evered & Sons Nickel Wall Lamps. c.1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional pair of early Art Nouveau wall lamps by Richard Evered & Sons. c.1900. Crafted in solid brass and finished in bright nickel plate. The plating has mellowed beautifull...
Brass, Nickel
Highly Collectible Émile Gallé Cameo Glass "Pansies" Vase, circa 1900
Located in Bochum, NRW
An exceptional French Art Nouveau cameo glass vase by Émile Gallé 1stDibs, featuring an exquisitely acid-etched design of wild pansies (pensées) 1stDibs. The multi-layered glass mast...
Glass
Italian 1920's Walnut Game Table
Located in New York, NY
Italian Stile Liberty period (the Italian equivalent of Art Nouveau) 1920's walnut square game table with architectural frame. With elegant organic curves, sculpted flowing lines, an...
Walnut
Set of Six Antique Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Berry Bowls, 1905
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This refined set of six antique Limoges porcelain berry bowls was made in France around 1905 by Tressemanes & Vogt, a respected firm known for producing high-quality porcelain an...
Porcelain
Massive Antique Tiffany Style Light Lamp Shade Glass 21"
Located in Somis, CA
A massive 21" wide Tiffany-style leaded glass lamp shade. Its graceful, pointed conical form is composed of softly variegated amber and honey-colored glass, accented with small flora...
Metal
French White Opaline Glass & Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
White mat opaline glass pendant Brass top and bottom 200 cm / 80" black cotton wire. Weight: 1.70 kg / 3.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by inter...
Brass
Set Of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.406 Fledermaus For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.728 FLEDERMAUS For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Fledermaus Bench By Josef Hoffmann No.406 For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Fledermaus Bench By Josef Hoffmann No 728 For Jacob & Josef Kohn Austria 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Set of 5 Majolica Plates, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A beautiful set of five antique French majolica plates, featuring an elegant relief design of vine leaves, grape clusters, and branches. Their rich palette of greens, browns, and cre...
Majolica
Art Nouveau Frosted Glass Vases with Fine Gilded and Enamelled Floral Décor
By Saint Louis
Located in Bochum, NRW
Pair of Art Nouveau Crystal Vases with Gilded Floral Incrustations. Attributed to Saint‑Louis, 27 cm, Perfect Condition A refined pair of Art Nouveau clear‑crystal vases, attribute...
Glass
Art Nouveau Casket by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau bronze casket designed by Niels Dam Ravn and produced by Nordisk Malm in the 1930s. * Curvilinear bronze casket with deer motifs and a fitted wooden interior box * Desig...
Brass
Original Gambling Table in the Style of Adolf Loos 1910 with Brass Chip-Bowls
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Beechwood stained, round brass-base, chased with Hammer-finish, four collumnar table-legs, on four corners extendible chips-bowls in brass - compare haberfeld table, knize tables.
Brass
Diskometal Rabbit Sculpture designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Diskometal rabbit sculpture designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. * Rabbit sculpture in diskometal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1515 * Year: 1933 * Condition: Fair vin...
Metal
Majolica Ceiling Light Fixture, To Be Electrified, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
To Be Electrified. Late 19th-century French slipware ceiling light with floral decoration, ready for rewiring. Charming late 19th-century French slip...
Majolica
Art Nouveau Umbrella Stand in Enameled Cast Iron, France, Circa 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau cast iron umbrella stand, circa 1900. Rare in this color. This exquisite French Art Nouveau umbrella stand dates back to circa 1900 and is crafted from high-qualit...
Iron
Impressive size Tiffany style stained glass chandelier, 1990s
Located in ECHT, NL
Impressive round Tiffany style chandelier. The frame is made from steel and consists of two halves that bolt together. The frame houses 48 stained glass plates with floral decor. T...
Metal
Vintage Gold plate Cigar Cutter by Donatus, Western Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A superb vintage Donatus cigar cutter from Solingen, Germany, dating to the 1960s. Expertly crafted in gilded metal, this piece exemplifies the exceptional quality and precision for ...
Metal, Gold Plate
$2,343 / set
Pair of Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
Located in NANTES, FR
Pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces, circa 1920. Nickel-plated brass mounts featuring acanthus leaf ornamentation. Electrified; B22 sockets. Three-point mounting. Uraline (uranium) glas...
Brass
Tiffany Studios Poppy table Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
TIFFANY STUDIOS 'Poppy' Table Lamp, circa 1905 Leaded glass, gilt bronze Dimensions: 21 ¾ in. (55.2 cm) high, 16 ¾ in. (42.5 cm) diameter Shade impressed TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 146...
Bronze
Vintage Royal Bayreuth Figural Lobster Creamer, Bavaria
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A whimsical vintage figural lobster creamer by Royal Bayreuth, Bavaria, masterfully modeled as a lobster with raised claws forming the spout and handle. Finished in rich hand-painted...
Porcelain
1900s Art Nouveau Hand-Crafted Ceramic Huge Italian Vase
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This monumental 1900s Art Nouveau ceramic vase stands as a breathtaking example of early 20th-century Italian decorative art, perfectly embodying the organic, fluid elegance of the S...
Ceramic
French Coquillage Shellwork Amphora, Turn of the 20th Century
Located in Valencia, VC
French Coquillage Shellwork Amphora Vase, Cabinet of Curiosities Object, Turn of the 20th Century French shellwork amphora dating to the turn of the 20th century, covered with hundr...
Sandstone
1900s Art Nouveau Lacquered Wood Sicilian Round Coffee Table
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This enchanting early 1900s Sicilian Art Nouveau coffee table is a masterpiece of Stile Liberty design, capturing the fluid, organic poetry of the era. Crafted from lacquered wood, t...
Wood, Lacquer
1940s Art Nouveau / Swedish Grace Designer lounge Chair With Floral Jacquard
By Ilmari Lappalainen, Carl Malmsten
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant Swedish lounge chair dating from the 1940s, displaying a graceful combination of Swedish Grace proportions and subtle Art Nouveau influences. The chair feature gently curved...
Fabric, Beech, Pine
Art Nouveau Marquetry Side Table by Émile Gallé, Walnut, France, 1900s
By Émile Gallé
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau marquetry side table. Design by Émile Gallé Original solid walnut base with four tapered legs. The original table top, which has been slightly bended...
Macassar, Walnut
Fine Antique Picture Frame in Gilt Bronze, Art Nouveau Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful Art Nouveau style picture frame suitable for a photograph or small picture measuring up to 5 1/4 inch high and 7 3/4 inch wide. This gilt bronze picture frame has a bea...
Cast Iron, Bronze
$297Sale Price|30% Off
Japanese Linden Art Nouveau Style Swinging 8 Day Diana Statue Desk Clock 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Japanese Linden 8 day figural Diana swinging clock statue. It features an Art Deco / Nouveau Diana statue holding a swinging clock pendulum. Dimensions: 5.25" x 4.875" ...
Metal
Circular Table Josef Hoffmann, Entwurf: um 1903, Sanatorium Purkersdorf. Origina
Located in Vienna, AT
A Circular Table from a Games Room at the Purkersdorf Sanatorium, designed by Josef Hoffmann, 1903, for the Purkersdorf Sanatorium, executed by the Wiener Werkstätte, oak, brown-stai...
Metal
Art Nouveau Marquetry Desk Table by Louis Majorelle, France 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
A French Art Nouveau desk table by Louis Majorelle, France, circa 1900-Signed, “L Majorelle.” Rare desk version with a drawer and the intricate twisted leg motive. The table top is ...
Fruitwood
Pair of Art Nouveau Turquoise Ceramic Table Lamps in the style of Amphora
By Amphora
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking pair of monumental vintage ceramic table lamps, created from impressive Art Nouveau–style vessels and distinguished by their brilliant turquoise glazed finish and dramatic...
Metal
Small Ceramic Art Nouveau Vase by Herman A. Kähler, Denmark, 1920s
By Kähler, Kähler Keramik, Herman Kähler, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Malmö, SE
A small, rare and beautiful Art Nouveau / Jugend / Arts and Crafts vase with amazing glaze. Handmade by potter Herman A. Kähler in his studio in Denmark, 1920s. Great original condi...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$580Sale Price|49% Off
Antique Hand Carved Wooden Angel Head Sculpture, Spanish, Circa 1900-1920
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful early 20th century hand carved wooden angel head with glass eyes. Amazing eyecather with beautiful expression. Spain circa 1900-1920 Weathered, small losses. H:20cm W:9cm ...
Glass, Wood
French Set of 6 Majolica Flowers Egg Cup Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 6 French Majolica Egg Cup Circa 1890. Manufacture Saint-Clément ( East of France ) Purple lavender flowers shape.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Pedestal Pewter by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Pedestal pewter bowl made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Round pewter bowl on foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Model: MT60 * Period: 1926–1929 * Cond...
Pewter
$6,150
Thonet Bench 1865
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet Bench 1865
Bentwood
Pair of Jugendstil Nickel-Plated Brass Beds, Austria 1900s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an exceptional matching pair of Austrian beds dating from circa 1900–1910, crafted in brass with a nickel-plated finish. The beds feature an elegant an...
Brass, Nickel
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Elegant French Flower Glass & Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French frosted glass pendant lights Brass top with 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton flex More in stock 50x, small differences in the edges. Good to combine. Weight 0.50 kg / 1.1 lb...
Brass
19th Century Antique Gilt Wood Oval Frame, European Design, 8x6.5"
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This antique oval frame is a beautifully understated showcase of classic European design. Crafted in richly toned gilt wood, it features a warm, aged patina that highlights its subtl...
Giltwood
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom-...
Silk
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom ...
Silk
Early 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture sh...
Bronze
$1,115Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Majolica Serving Dish Set by Schramberg, Teal Glaze, 1920s
Located in Uppsala , SE
It is handcrafted in Germany, featuring a vibrant teal glaze with intricate embossed details, showcasing a delicate Lily of the Valley and Forget-Me-Not floral design. Majolica Schra...
Ceramic
Early-20th Century, Pair of Danish Art Nouveau Armchairs, Elm & Bouclé, 1920s
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant pair of Danish Art Nouveau armchairs from the 1920s, crafted in elm wood and recently reupholstered in a refined off-white bouclé fabric. The combination of graceful proporti...
Fabric, Bouclé, Elm