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.
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
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 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
$4,720 / 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Josef Hoffmann Table For Jacob & Josef Kohn No. 906
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Table N0.906 For Jacob & Josef Kohn
Wood
Jacob & Josef Kohn Coat Stand No.1082
Located in Čelinac, BA
Jacob & Josef Kohn Coat Stand No.1082
Bentwood
1900s Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Secessionist Bentwood Wall Coat Rack, Austria
By August Thonet, Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, original, and authentic Art Nouveau (Jugendstil / Secession) wall-mounted coat and hat rack, dating from around 1900 and produced by Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna, Austria. Th...
Bentwood, Wood
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
Pair Tiffany Style Art Nouveau Stained Glass Table Lamps with Cast Bronze Bases
Located in Torquay, GB
A decorative pair of Tiffany style table lamps featuring richly coloured leaded stained glass shades with stylised rose motifs in shades of ruby red, green, amber and opalescent whit...
Bronze, Lead
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
Original Gambling Table in the Style of Adolf Loos 1910 with Brass Chip-Bowls
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
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
Late 19th Century Majolica Pink Swirl Plate
Located in Ross, CA
Late 19th Century majolica platter with a pink swirl pattern over a black and tan background.
Ceramic
$584Sale 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
Antique Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hammered Copper and Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen
Located in Hannover, DE
A remarkably decorative and authentic original Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) fireplace screen, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1895–1915, showcasing the unmistakable organic elega...
Copper, Wrought Iron
Antique Art Nouveau Inlaid Mahogany Display China Cabinet Vitrine Waring Gillow
Located in Portland, OR
A fine, elegant antique Edwardian Art Nouveau display cabinet vitrine, with elements of Sheraton Revival, mahogany with inlaid marquetry, by S. J. Waring of London and Liverpool, cir...
Mahogany, Satin, Glass, Satinwood
Antique Bohemian Czech Kralik Green Iridescent Art Nouveau Glass ashtray 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Antique Bohemian Czech Kralik Green Iridescent Art Nouveau Glass ashtray 1908 Original condition
Brass
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
$6,150
Thonet Bench 1865
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet Bench 1865
Bentwood
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
French Art Nouveau Style Dressing Armoire Beveled Mirror, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French two doors cabinet. A bevelled mirror on the central door. An elegant storage cabinet made of solid ash and burl ash veneer, dating from the early 20th century. Its refined des...
Brass
$2,360 / 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
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
Pink Swirl Wine Goblets - Set of 6 - France
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage wine glasses in a pale blush pink hue. Each glass has a lovely swirl design. Made in France by Arcoroc. Each glass measures 3.25"Dia x 6.25"H
Glass
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, 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
Art Nouveau Earthenware Bowl, Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s
By Vicke Lindstrand, Bo Fajans, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Berit Ternell, Harald Östergren
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Black art nouveau ceramic vase manufactured by Bo Fajans in the 1940-50s and attributed to designer Berit Ternell. Soft shaped bowl with a mother of pearl like black shine and sculpt...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery, Stoneware
Art Nouveau Bedroom Suite Attr. to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Belgium, circa 1900
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptionally rare and complete Art Nouveau bedroom suite attributed to the celebrated Belgian designer Gustave Serrurier-Bovy (1858–1910). Executed in beautifully figured walnut,...
Limestone
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Hanging Lamp from the showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Josef Hoffmann
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Hammered Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB 3 p. 256-2...
Brass
Bronze Ashtray by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Bronze Ashtray designed by Niels Dam Ravn in the 1930s. * Bronze ashtray with lid with motif of a deer * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufacturer: No...
Brass
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière. This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th Century.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Puristic design from the early stages of the Wiener Werkstaette, Measures: Diameter 25 cm. This lamp is also available in diameter 35cm and 50cm. most components according to the UL...
Brass
Lundberg Studios Tiffany Style Art Glass Tulip Table Lamp
Located in Fulton, CA
A Tiffany Style "Tulip" art glass table lamp by James Glenn Lundberg for Lundberg Studios. Founded in 1970 in Santa Cruz, California. Iridescent art glass shades both signed "Lundber...
Art Glass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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
Monumental Art Nouveau Design Brass Table Lamp or Desk Light Austria 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser
Located in München, BY
Monumental Art Nouveau design table lamp. Manufactured in Austria. This is probably a production from 1980s. This sculptural table lamp is executed in brass and opaline glass. It co...
Brass
J. & J. Kohn art nouveau side table in bentwood, Austria ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An art nouveau “Palm” side table by Jacob and Joseph Kohn in bentwood. Designed in Vienna, Austria around 1910. The table top has a dark circled wear mark (see pictures) This table ...
Wood, Bentwood
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with 11 Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing 11 third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a r...
Metal, Brass
French Lounge Chair With Sheep Leather And Velvet In The Manner Of Louis Chambry
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant early 20th century French lounge chair, executed in the spirit of Louis Chambry, combining sculptural form with rich, tactile materials. The cha...
Leather, Velvet, Oak, Pine
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
Set Of Fledermaus Seating Group By Josef Hoffmann for Jacob &Josef Kohn
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Fledermaus Bench,two armchair and table by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn.
Fabric, Wood
Art Nouveau Brass & Iron, Clear Cut Glass Flush Mount
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast gas pendants / ceiling lamp ca. 1900 Cast Iron top with clear cut glass shade Diameter ceiling plate 19 cm / 7.48 inches Weight: 2.60 kg / 5.7 lb Priced per individual item. ...
Brass, Iron
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine and Larch with original cast iron handles - Decorative carved sides and front - 20 large drawers - The top has been given ...
Iron
Art Nouveau Casket by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau brass casket designed by Niels Dam Ravn in the 1930s. * Curvilinear bronze casket with floral motifs and fitted wooden interior box * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufact...
Brass
Dutch Art Nouveau Ceramic Table Lamp Pair, circa 1915, New Ochre Linen Shades
By Arnhemsche Fayencefabriek, Amitābha Studio
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
A pair of Dutch Art Nouveau ceramic table lamps in green and ivory, hand-painted with stylized orchids at the Arnhemsche Fayencefabriek, circa 1915–1920. The bases are unique organic...
Brass
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
Pair Antique Art Nouveau Silver Overlaid Glass Wine Decanters
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (late 19th century) glass wine decanters with exceptional silver overlay of flowers and foliage measuring 12 3/4 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter. With worn ille...
Silver
Art Nouveau Silver Plated Hand Held Mirror
Located in Worcester Park, GB
An exquisite antique hand mirror crafted in the Art Nouveau style, featuring elegant flowing lines and high-relief floral decoration. The sculptural handle and back are richly adorne...
Silver Plate
Antique Germany Cutlery Pocket Knife Nuremberg Beer Scene 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are pleased to offer a charming early 20th-century souvenir pocket knife produced as an advertising piece for the historic Jacob Kann Company of Nuremberg, Germany. Once a well-kn...
Metal, Brass
Tiffany Style Bronze Twelve-Light Floor Lamp with Charles Lotton Art Glass Shade
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Exceptional Tiffany style bronze twelve-light floor lamp featuring hand-blown art glass shades by renowned American glass artist Charles Lotton. This magnificent floor lamp is inspir...
Bronze
Rare Art Nouveau Armchair by H.P. Mutters & Zoon, Walnut Frame, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Nouveau armchair. Design by H.P. Mutters & Zoon Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid American walnut frame with hand-carved decora...
Wicker, Walnut
Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with pink glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have b...
Brass
Antique Dog catching Duck Figural Cigar Cutter, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early Metal Cigar Cutter, Austria, circa 1900s A rare and finely detailed cigar cutter in silver plate metal, crafted in the early 1900s or possibly earlier. This exceptional piece ...
Metal, Silver Plate