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.
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
Antique Art Nouveau Cabinet or Cupboard Early 1900's
Located in Fulton, CA
Early 20th century, graceful and organic Art Nouveau 2 piece cabinet. Crafted in oak, circa. 1890-1915. The Art Nouveau period is defined by flowing lines, organic shapes, and nature...
Brass
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 GRITZNER Germany
Located in Palermo, Sicily
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 GRITZNER Germany
Metal
Antique Austrian Art Nouveau Diminutive Hanging Wall Cabinet Jugendstil C.1910
Located in London, GB
Antique Austrian Art Nouveau Diminutive Hanging Cabinet Jugendstil design C.1910 A diminutive wall-mounted cabinet in the Austrian Art Nouveau taste . With an arched, shield-form cr...
Fruitwood
20th Century Art Nouveau Cabinet/ Buffet by H. Bäck, Mahogany, Austria ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional looking, early 20th century Art Nouveau buffet/ cabinet out of Austria made by the renowed company of Viennesse cabinetmaker Heinrich Bäck around 1910. The lower part pro...
Marble
Art Nouveau Style Mahogany Sideboard with Marble Top
Located in Troy, MI
This circa 1910 Art Nouveau style marble-topped mahogany sideboard was found in France. The cabinet has four front legs and two back legs. Sideboard is topped with a pale beige marbl...
Marble
Rare Art Nouveau chestnut document cabinet 1910 Italy
Located in Palermo, Sicily
rare and distinctive wall-mounted document cabinet made of solid chestnut, with shutter doors with pull-out drawers, you can also make good use of it in the kitchen.
Chestnut
Wall Cabinet with Marquetry Inlays and Drawer Art Nouveau Vienna Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wall cabinet with 4 drawers and marquetry inlay Door. Perfect as a furniture in your dressing room for your lingerie or in your living room. It could also be great at the w...
Metal
Early 20th Century Austrian Dry Bar Art Nouveau Wall Display Cabinet in walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1910s Austrian Art Nouveau dry bar wall display cabinet in walnut with two compartments with glass shelf and mirror on the bottom and with two comfortable...
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
19th Century French Art Nouveau Cupboard by Louis Majorelle
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau mahogany & walnut cupboard cabinet with floral inlay and carving and bronze drawer handles with 2 glass door upper structure (signed MAJORELLE)
Bronze
Art Nouveau style display cabinet, early 20th
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Art Nouveau - Decoration - Home Decor Art Nouveau style collector's display cabinet, early 20th. Mahogany frame with two translucent textured glass doors at the front, surmounted by ...
Glass, Wood
French Vintage Gobelin Set of Clutch Handbag and Coin Purse, circa 1920
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Vintage Gobelin set of clutch handbag and coin purse, black base with floral embroidery on both sides, enameled brass frame and chain strap. The interior is lined in black silk with ...
Tapestry
Art Nouveau Filing Cabinet with Tambour Shutter Door, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau filing cabinet. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with original tambour shutter door. Original patinated brass handles and lock pl...
Oak
French Art Nouveau Cabinet by Camille Gauthier, Floral Marquetry
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau two-tier display cabinet / vitrine with a glass upper cabinet topped with an elaborately carved floral crest over an open compar...
Metal, Bronze
Louis Majorelle Signed Art Nouveau Marquetry Display Cabinet, France, circa 1900
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
An exceptional Art Nouveau display cabinet by Louis Majorelle, masterfully crafted in France around 1900. This elegant cabinet perfectly illustrates the refined craftsmanship and org...
Walnut
Louis Majorelle rosewood cabinet secretary desk circa 1910
Located in Paris, IDF
Superb cabinet secretary desk executed by the Ateliers Majorelle in Nancy circa 1910. This piece presents a strong presence, entirely crafted in rosewood, bringing warmth and depth t...
Rosewood
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 JONES
Located in Palermo, Sicily
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 JONES
Metal
Exceedingly Rare Jugend Cabinet by Eliel Saarinen, Early 1900s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Jugend cabinet by Eliel Saarinen from the early 1900s. Originally designed to the Nordic Share Bank. The same symbol can be found in the archive picture...
Copper
Walnut Art Nouveau Tea Cabinet with Serving Tray, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau tea cabinet. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid walnut frame with four original drop-leaf doors. All four doors have the original beveled gl...
Brass
Émile Gallé "Grenouilles" Fruitwood Cabinet
By Émile Gallé
Located in New York, NY
This French Art Nouveau "Grenouilles" carved fruitwood cabinet by Émile Gallé features detailed and masterful marquetry depicting dragonflies and mushrooms in a lush, leafy landscape...
Beech, Fruitwood
Early 20th Century Cabinet with Beveled Mirror Walnut art Nouveau
Located in Buggiano, IT
Furniture with semi-oval ground mirror for entrance, original Art Nouveau, with three doors, one with ground glass linked to lead. Size cm.: 107 x 31 x 95 + 165 H (tot 260). They wil...
Mirror, Walnut
Art Nouveau Cabinet attributed to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Belgium, circa 1900
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
An exeptional Art Nouveau cabinet attributed to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, produced in Belgium around 1900. Executed in oak, the piece combines leaded stained glass, green and yellow fa...
Brass
Art Nouveau Walnut Display or Music Cabinet with Beveled Glass and Easel Stand
Located in Doylestown, PA
A unique music or display cabinet in walnut with an easel stand and beveled glass door, circa 1910s. A beautifully shaped cabinet with a rectilinear form in Jugendstil manner featur...
Brass
Antique French Art Nouveau Cabinet by Henri Sauvage 1900 Oak Display Cabinet
By Henri Sauvage
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exquisite French Art Nouveau Cabinet / Display cabinet by famous French architect / designer Henri Sauvage 1900. A very large impressive ca...
Brass
Dutch Antique 1910 Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Wall Cabinet in Cherry Wood Brass
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous Dutch antique Art Nouveau wall cabinet from the 1910s. Gorgeous Art nouveau lines in solid wood with high quality brass decorations. (thes...
Brass
Oak Art Nouveau File Cabinet with Roll Top Door, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau file cabinet. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with original roll top door. Original patinated brass handle and lock plate. The lock...
Oak
Antique Art Nouveau Cabinet, Bookcase or Kitchen cabinet, Vitrine
Located in Berlin, DE
This impressive antique cabinet comes from the Art Nouveau era, around 1900. The cabinet impresses with its artistic decorations and the typical organic design language of this style...
Mahogany
Art Nouveau Cabinet in wooden frame and gilded silver-plated embossed leather
Located in Valladolid, ES
Exceptional Spanish cabinet with a wooden frame and gilded and silver-plated embossed leatherwork, decorated with flowers and birds. Spanish craftsmanship, circa 1920-30, Art Nouveau...
Leather, Wood
Baroque Style Cabinet in Oak & Birch, Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1920s
Located in Odense, DK
This magnificent baroque-style cabinet, crafted by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1920s, is a stunning example of opulent craftsmanship. Made from rich oak and a luxurious burl wood in...
Oak, Birch, Burl
French Art Nouveau Wall / Hanging cabinet attributed to Alphonse mucha 1900 wood
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous French Art Nouveau Wall cabinet / hanging cabinet in the style of Alphonse Mucha 1900. The piece has been carved and hand painted on all 3 sides displaying a work in the si...
Wood
Art Nouveau Mahogany & Glass Vitrine, France, 1890, Fair Condition
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic display and storage cabinet constructed around the turn of the century in France. Beautiful Art Nouveau lines crown this showcase...
Cut Glass, Ash, Birch, Mahogany
ITALIAN ART NOVEAU FURNITURE Late 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
ITALIAN ART NOVEAU FURNITURE Late 19th century, rosewood with carvings, trimmed finish. Three glass doors and glass sides with two mirrors. Dimensions: 210 x 116 x 36 cm Good condi...
Rosewood
Italian Art Nouveau period buffet cabinet with glass doors
Located in Milano, IT
talian Art Nouveau Carved Walnut Buffet Cabinet with Floral Relief Panels, Early 20th Century Liberty Style This refined Italian Art Nouveau buffet cabinet, dating to the early 20th...
Metal
Original Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Cabinet for Mimi Marlow 20th Century
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
For the private saloon of the then famous soubrette Mimi Marlow, who was also performing in the legendary "Fledermaus Cabaret," which was designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by t...
Oak
French Vintage Gobelin Set of Clutch Handbag and Coin Purse, circa 1920
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Vintage Gobelin set of clutch handbag and coin purse, black base with floral embroidery on both sides, enameled brass frame and chain strap. The interior is lined in black silk with ...
Tapestry
Art Nouveau pine wardrobe by Danish Architect Karl Kristensen, Denmark 1910
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll, Thorvald Bindesbøll
Located in København K, 84
This unique Danish Art Nouveau cabinet or wardrobe was designed by architect Hans Kristensen and executed in Ry, Denmark, between 1910 and 1920, during the height of the Jugendstil m...
Pine
Italian liberty wall display cabinet in wood and glass, early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian liberty wall display cabinet in wood and glass, early 1900s Wall display cabinet with finely crafted wooden structure with decorative curls. On the front there is a hinged op...
Glass, Fabric, Wood
Art Nouveau Original Cream Painted Cabinet Vienna, Austria 1900s
Located in CA, CA
A rare Art Nouveau cabinet with undulating lines, often referred to as "whiplash curves," inspired by natural forms such as vines. Original paint and tinted pink cathedral glass to t...
Wood
Art Nouveau Filing Cabinet or Bookcase, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Nouveau filing cabinet or bookcase. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with five original drawers and one original pull out shelf. Behind t...
Brass
Corner Cabinets by Hans Bolek, Oak Veneer, Early 20th Century
By Hans Bolek
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
These two corner display cabinets showcase Austrian Art Noveau Design perfectly. They are attributed to Hans Bolek who studied in Josef Hoffmann's class of architecture. The cabinets...
Oak
Late 19th century Swedish birch Art Nouveau cabinet on chest
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality Art Nouveau inspired cabinet on chest circa 1890. Comprising of 2 parts. Top section of a double and single door cupboard containing a shelf. Doors glazed with latice...
Glass, Birch
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Country Nightstand Cabinet Restored Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Italian early 20th century Art Nouveau country rustic nightstand cabinet restored and polished to wax, in all massive pine. Measure cm: H 79, W 48, D 35.
Pine
Art Nouveau Inlaid Cabinet "Chèvrefeuille et Digitales'
Located in NANCY, FR
Important cabinet en noyer massif mouluré et sculpté en haut relief de fleurs de chèvrefeuille. La partie centrale présente un caisson ouvrant par une porte pleine et un tiroir à la...
Walnut, Rosewood
Art Nouveau Carved Walnut inlaid & glazed Salon Cabinet by Louis Majorelle
Located in London, GB
Louis Majorelle (1859-1926), an Art Nouveau carved walnut, inlaid and glazed salon cabinet, with stylised floral carved details to the crown with a centr...
Walnut
Art Nouveau One-Door Cabinet by H.F. Jansen & Zonen Amsterdam, 1900s
By H.F. Jansen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau one-door cabinet. Design by H.F. Jansen & Zonen Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with one door with original glass and...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Walnut Display Cabinet
Located in London, GB
A French Art Nouveau walnut display cabinet, with foliate carving, an arch top, two bevelled glazed doors, eight drawers with Art Nouveau gilt brass handles, on foliate scroll feet. ...
Walnut
Large German Art Nouveau Three-Door Wardrobe in Solid Ash and Cherry Wood
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This impressive Art Nouveau wardrobe was crafted in Germany around 1900. The piece is made of solid ash wood, with the door panels of the two outer sections in contrasting cherry woo...
Cherry, Ash
Martin Nyrop Cabinet by Rud. Rasmussen in Teak, Danish Modern, 1900-1920
By Martin Nyrop, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare tall cabinet in teak by Danish architect Martin Nyrop (1849-1921) for cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen in 1905. These cabinets were designed for Copenhagen City...
Teak
Antique Jugendstil Cigar Humidor Cabinet, Austria 1910s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an exceptionally rare Jugendstil Cigar Humidor Cabinet. This striking piece will be a true delight for all tobacco lovers, but also the collectors of Ju...
Brass
W J Neatby Attri, English Art Nouveau Music Cabinet with Musicians to the Doors
Located in London, GB
William James Neatby Attri. An English Art Nouveau music cabinet, with parquetry panels depicting Art Nouveau women and men playing musical instrumen...
Fruitwood, Mahogany
Art Nouveau Bookcase 1905 Wiener Werkstätte Period
Located in Rome, IT
Austro-Hungarian Wiener Werkstätte period bookcase , made around 1905, attributed to Koós Károly (Hungarian architect and designer), decorated with hand carved elements, such as bird...
Wood
Art Nouveau Display Cabinet Period 1890
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Impressive art nouveau mahogany display cabinet. Circa 1890 This cabinet is raised upon cabriole legs with a shaped frieze. The bow central door having lead work glass. The upper sec...
Mahogany
Early 1900s Small Sideboard from Florence, Gold Leaf and Florentine Red Lacquer
By Fratelli Ugolini
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century, Art Nouveau period, small sideboard or nightstand from Florence, gold leaf widely engraved with characteristic decorations and Florentine red lacquer. Measures i...
Gold Leaf
Rare sculptural cabinet Henry Ernest Anaclet Parayre (1879–1970)
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Henry Ernest Anaclet Parayre (1879–1970) Rare sculptural cabinet with an mechanism, carved and inlaid in walnut. Woman with a chignon and a house in the forest surrounded by two pe...
Walnut
Late 19th French Art Nouveau Walnut Cabinet
Located in Miami, FL
The Vertiko made from walnut with brass fittings, a mirror with facet cut, with typical Art Nouveau ornamentations. In good restored condition with the original glasses and mirror.
Mirror, Walnut
Art Nouveau Pine Nightstand from the Early 20th Century with Stone Top
Located in Opole, PL
Art Nouveau Pine Nightstand from the Early 20th Century with Stone Top We present you an Art Nouveau nightstand circa 1910. This piece of furniture is made of pine and topped with a stone board...
Stone
Two Art Nouveau Gilt Metal and Steel Vitrines
Located in London, GB
These wonderful vitrines (display cabinets) were created in France in the early 20th century. They are designed in an elegant Art Nouveau style which was in vogue in this period. ...
Steel, Metal
A Large Sideboard by Bernhard Ludwig Vienna ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Large Sideboard by Bernhard Ludwig Vienna ca. 1900 A large Victorian oak wood side board with great decorations. Manufactured by the Royal Warrand Holder Bernhard Ludwig, Vienna. ...
Wood
FRENCH LEON JALLOT ART NOUVEAU BURR WALNUT BOOKCASE CHEST OF DRAWERS PART SUiTE
By Léon Jallot
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely 1 of 2 large hand made in Paris France, Leon Jallot Art Nouveau, Burr Walnut & Oak bookcase cupb...
Oak, Walnut
Antique Victorian Mahogany Display Case 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique Victorian mahogany display case with quality marquetry inlays that has a lid with quality floral marquetry inlays with oval mirrors with a beveled edge, ormolu mounts, door w...
Rosewood