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.
Globe Wernicke Bookcase In Mahogany With 3 Elements
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London bookcase in mahogany from the late 19th century–early 20th century from England, composed of 3 elements A beautiful piece composed of a molded base and ...
Mahogany
Large Globe Wernicke London "Waterfall" Bookcases In Mahogany, Circa 1900
Located in Den Haag, NL
Large Globe Wernicke London "waterfall" Bookcases In Mahogany, Circa 1900 Elegant Globe Wernicke London oak bookcase from the late 19th/early 20th century - England This charming bo...
Mahogany
Store Showcase Cabinet Or Bookcase In Mahogany Early 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little mahogany display cabinet or bookcase from the early 19th century circa 1820. Small model with cut corners which is unusual. It must certainly have been in a store as a...
Mahogany
Globe Wernicke Mahogany Bookcase With 3 Large Elements And A Drawer
Located in Brussels, Brussels
An elegant Globe Wernicke London mahogany bookcase from late 19th/early 20th century from England composed of three sections and a drawer in its base. This bookcase stands out by its...
Mahogany
Early Victorian Ebonised Inlay Pier Cabinet Glazed Bookcase Velvet Lined
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A well proportioned Victorian peer cabinet, ebonised with fruitwood inlay and standing on four turned bobbin feet. Two opening glazed doors, retaining its original lock and key, ope...
Fruitwood, Mahogany
Pair Of Globe Wernicke London "waterfall" Bookcases In Mahogany, Circa 1900
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant pair of Globe Wernicke London mahogany bookcases from the late 19th/early 20th century from England. This delightful pair of waterfall bookcases, so named because they have e...
Mahogany
English Early 20th Century Glazed Tiger Bamboo Cabinet
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Early 20th Century Tiger Bamboo Glazed Library Bookcase. Leather top, warm naturally aged patina. fitted with two glazed doors enclosing three shelves. with woven cane panels to the ...
Leather, Bamboo, Glass, Pine
Antique Bamboo Étagère with Pagoda Top, Inlaid Design, 19th Century
Located in Queens, NY
19th Century Bamboo and inlaid etagere with pagoda top and 3 doors with 3 beveled mirrors and black lacquered decorated top.
Bamboo, Mirror
Globe Wernicke Waterfall Mahogany Bookcase Of 4 Sections
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London bookcase in mahogany from the late 19th century–early 20th century -England, featuring 4 sections A bookcase known as a “waterfall” bookcase because it ...
Mahogany
Globe Wernicke Bookcase In Mahogany Of 3 Elements With Small Cabinet
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London mahogany bookcase from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century from England which has 3 elements with the upper element composed of a small ca...
Mahogany
Bibliothèque Globe Wernicke En chêne De 5 éléments avec tiroir
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London oak bookcase from the late 19th century - early 20th century from England with 5 elements and a drawer in the base Beautiful model with a molded base a...
Oak
Lamb of Manchester (stamped). A fine Aesthetic Movement oak breakfront bookcase.
Located in London, GB
Lamb of Manchester. Charles Edward Horton. Stamped to the brass door lock. A fine Aesthetic Movement breakfront bookcase made from quarter sawn oak wit...
Oak
Antique Bamboo Étagère Bookcase, Black Lacquered Top, Circa 1880s
Located in Queens, NY
Late 19th-early 20th century bamboo étagère with side shelves, glass door, and mirrored upper section with shaped black lacquered decorated top.
Bamboo, Lacquer
Globe Wernicke Bookcase In Oak, 4 Elements
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London oak bookcase from the late 19th/early 20th century from England composed of four sections. A beautiful model consisting of a molded base and top and fo...
Oak
Stacking Bookcase In Oak Of 6 Elements With An Advanced Lower Part (height 2m19)
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant oak stacking bookcase from the late 19th/early 20th century from England, with 6 elements and an advanced lower part. making it ideal for large books and objects. the total h...
Oak
Fine Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Hardwood Revolving Bookcase Book Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made English mahogany circa 1880-1900 Aesthetic Movement revolving bookcase table with nicely carved cabriolet legs and fret work pa...
Hardwood
$3,795
H 82 in W 33.75 in D 11.5 in
Antique Globe Wernicke Arts & Crafts Mahogany Five-Stack Barrister Bookcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts five-stack barrister bookcase By Globe Wernicke USA, Circa 1900 Mahogany, with glass front doors and brass hardware. Measures: 33.75"W x 11.5"D x...
Brass
Antique Globe Wernicke bookcase
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Beautiful antique mahogany Globe Wernicke bookcase in perfect condition. The bookcase consists of 12 stackable sections in 3 different heights. With drawers in the plinths. Origin: ...
Mahogany
Pair Boulle Pier Cabinet Ebonised Inlay Antique 1850
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Wonderful Pair of French Ebonised and Boulle Pier Cabinets. Circa 1850 These Cabinets are Raised Upon Shaped Plinth Bases. Each Cabinet Having 1 Glazed Door Which Opens to Reveal She...
Glass, Wood
$2,976Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 59.85 in W 34.26 in D 13.39 in
Early 1900s Globe Wernicke Four Tier Glazed Sectional Barrister's Bookcase
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Globe Wernicke four tier glazed sectional / modular / barrister's bookcase 1920s Comes apart in sections for easy transportation. Height 152cm Width 87cm Depth at top and base plin...
Brass
$2,359
H 84.65 in W 47.05 in D 16.74 in
Antique English 19th Century Early Victorian Mahogany Two Door Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Glasgow, GB
A handsome and unusual early Victorian mahogany two door bookcase / cabinet dating to c.1850. The top section with rectangular moulded cornice above two arched glazed doors and a lo...
Brass
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
H 66.75 in W 34 in D 12.25 in
Globe Wernicke Mission Oak Barrister Bookcase Secretary with Leaded Glass c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Globe Wernicke Mission Oak 5 Stack Barrister Bookcase...
Oak
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 46.5 in W 22 in D 22 in
Globe Wernicke Arts & Crafts Mahogany 3-Stack Barrister Bookcase c1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
An authentic Globe Wernicke sectional barrister bookcase, crafted from mahogany in the Arts & Crafts style, dating to approximately 1920. This three-stack unit features the distincti...
Mahogany
19th century French Bookcase Mahogany
Located in MILL, NL
Insanely beautiful Louis Philippe bookcase / sideboard / display cabinet. Mahogany veneer over oak. Dates from the late 19th century. Condition is exceptionally good. All locks func...
Mahogany, Oak
$3,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 54 in W 34 in D 12 in
Pair of Antique Globe Wernicke Oak Four Stack Barrister Bookcases C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** A pair of antique Globe Wernicke oak barrister bookcases, each featuring four stackable sections with...
Oak
English 19th Century Mahogany Revolving Bookcase
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A very practical and fun design, this square revolving bookcase would have been made in England circa 1870 using mahogany decorated with an inlaid satinwood medallion on top and fine...
Mahogany, Satinwood
$3,164Sale Price|36% Off
H 86.62 in W 47.25 in D 17.33 in
19th Century English Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, circa 1885
Located in Sofia, BG
Late 19th century two-door mahogany breakfront bookcase cabinet, the moulded cornice above two astragal glazed doors opening to reveal four adjustable shelves, the bottom section hav...
Mahogany
$3,491Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 63.78 in W 33.86 in D 11.42 in
1920s Antique Globe Wernicke Stacking Barrister's Bookcase, USA
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An attractive American Globe-Wernicke stacking barrister’s bookcase dating from the 1920s, constructed in richly toned wood and arranged as four glazed stacking sections above a rais...
Brass
A Set Of 3 Globe Wernicke Oak Bookcases -19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
exceptional set of three Globe Wernicke London oak bookcases from the late 19th century-early 20th century from England It's rare to find such a beautiful set with large elements. It...
Oak
Pair Of Globe Wernicke Bookcases In Oak, Circa 1900
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A rare pair of Globe Wernicke London bookcases in oak from the late 19th century to early 20th century—England Very beautiful bookcases in light oak, known as “golden oak” It is poss...
Oak
Pair Of Globe Wernicke London Bookcases In Oak, Circa 1900
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A rare pair of Globe Wernicke London bookcases in oak from the late 19th century–early 20th century—England Very beautiful, low bookcases in light oak with deep compartments, allowin...
Oak
Sold
H 71.66 in W 34.26 in D 12.21 in L 71.66 in
Globe Wernicke Bookcase In Oak Of 5 Elements With A Drawer
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London oak bookcase from the late 19th century - early 20th century from England with 5 elements and a drawer in the base The bookcase has large, deep elements...
Oak
Sold
H 51.5 in W 33.25 in D 14.25 in
English Bamboo Bookcase Cabinet with Gallery Top and Two Glazed Doors
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome English bamboo bookcase cabinet from the Aesthetic Movement period, featuring a decorative gallery top of bamboo with japan-lacquered panel, over two framed-glass doors wi...
Brass
Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Book Case
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement bamboo and lacquer bookcase, circa 1910. With a black lacquer top with red floral decoration, glass doors with bamboo frames and bronze pulls, embossed paper mache...
Bamboo, Glass, Lacquer, Paper
Sold
H 89.77 in W 26.78 in D 16.74 in
Pair of late 19th Century English Victorian Narrow Oak Bookcases
Located in Glasgow, GB
A narrow pair of golden oak estate bookcase cabinets dating to the last quarter of the 19th century. The tops with a spindle gallery flanked by ball finials above a pair of glazed d...
Glass, Oak
English Figured Walnut Open Bookcase with Marble Top
Located in High Peak, GB
K0630 A low Victorian marble topped open bookcase, having original veined marble above a shallow frieze and two height adjustable shelves all fitted with green tooled leather dust c...
Marble
English Bamboo Open Bookcase with Seagrass Accents
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English bamboo bookcase from the Aesthetic Movement period, circa 1870-1910, featuring open shelving - with original seagrass accents to the top, sides, and shelves - and a to...
Bamboo, Seagrass, Wood
Sold
H 46.5 in W 26 in D 13 in
Aesthetic Movement Stick & Ball Wicker & Oak Bookcase/Shelf by Heywood Wakefield
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Stick & Ball Wicker & Oak Bookcase/Shelf by Heywood Wakefield USA, Circa 1880 Bearing Remnant of Heywood Wakefield Label A remarkable Aesthetic Mov...
Wicker, Rattan, Reed, Oak, Willow
19th-C. English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Bookcase Or Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century English burnt bamboo bookcase. It has two shelves behind glass doors over two open shelves. It is wrapped in embosse...
Bamboo, Wood
Early 20th century Swedish bookcase cabinet by Sandberg & Co
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish bookcase cabinet by Sandberg & co circa 1910. Good quality 1 piece bookcase cabinet by swedish furniture makers sandberg of linköping. Stepped top surfac...
Glass, Birch