Skip to main content

Art Nouveau Sideboards

ART NOUVEAU STYLE

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

  • Sinuous, organic and flowing lines
  • Forms that mimic flowers and plant life
  • Decorative inlays and ornate carvings of natural-world motifs such as insects and animals 
  • Use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood

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.

4
to
1
3
1
4
4
4
8
4
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
29
3
23
3
6
2
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
4
3
3
1
1
4
3
1
2
1
Style: Art Nouveau
Period: Early 1900s
J.&J. Kohn Art Nouveau Waiting Table, Mahogany stained, Austria, Around 1905
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Art Nouveau waiting table, or flower table, on slightly outwardly curved legs, with decorative struts underneath the table top and in the base area. High-quality handcrafted ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Beech

Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Wall Étagère No 51, Book Shelf, Mahogany stained, 1903
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegantly shaped etagere with four large storage levels, the straight uprights slightly flared in the lowest area, decorative, openwork struts in the form of repeating stylized conta...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Beech

J.&J. Kohn Vienna Art Nouveau Desk Chair, Mahogany stained, Around 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Armchair made by hand in high-quality, shapely bent beech wood furniture, mahogany stained, shellac hand-polished. Manufactured by JACOB & JOSEF KOHN, Vienna, around 1900 Model number T 1253 Measures: Height: 77.0 cm / 30.31 inches Seat: 47.0 cm / 18.50 inches Width: 54.0 cm / 21.25 inches Depth: 55.0 cm / 21.65 inches Bibliography: JACOB & JOSEF KOHN, 'DER KATALOG VON 1916' (catalogue from 1916), DRY MUNICH 1985, page 60, number T1253. Antique furniture from...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Beech

Italian Art Nouveau Carved Walnut Buffet Server, Vittorio Valabrega ‘1861-1952’
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine Italian 19th-20th century Art Nouveau carved walnut buffet server by Vittorio Valabrega (1861-1952). The finely carved walnut body with twin center doors carved with grape vin...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Marble, Silver Plate

Related Items
Belgian Brutalist Sideboard in Dark Stained Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sideboard or credenza, stained mahogany, Belgium, 1970s. This cabinet features a clear rhythm and flow established by means of a well-thought-out lay out that is utterly well-balanc...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

Unique Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Oakwood Open Shelf Etagere, Sideboard, Buffet
Located in Lisse, NL
Pure Art Nouveau and good size, three shelf side table. This early and good size, Arts & Crafts period sideboard with its stunning design makes...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Bronze

Thonet Art Nouveau Nesting Tables Model 10, 1900s
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of four bentwood Art Nouveau nesting tables by Thonet, labeled. Carefully restored with new handmade shellac finish.
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Bentwood

Early 19th Century Italian Walnut Renaissance Revival Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
Early 19th Century Italian Walnut Renaissance Revival Buffet is a superlative combination of classical architecture inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans melded with stylish embe...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Emile Gallé Art Nouveau Marquetry Nest of Four Tables Seascape Boats, Circa 1900
Located in Norwich, GB
Superb French Art Nouveau nest of tables with graduated tops, having specimen wood inlays with nautical themes of Brittany. Each table signed in marquetry, 'Gallé'. Circa 1900. Each table top is a work of art in its own right, a fabulous series representing seascapes of Brittany in specimen woods. Raised on beechwood chamfered openwork supports, united by stretchers. The main table shows a coastal landscape. The second having boats near the coastline, a lighthouse in the distance. The third, sailing boats at sea with light reflections. The fourth, Breton women in a rowing boat with light reflection, a gull in the foreground. The tables are in very good condition and have their original finish which has been lightly restored, cleaned and wax polished. Showing some age and use related patina marks to the tops. The top table has a few areas of inlay which have raised very slightly, please refer to photographs 17, 18 and 19. They are not loose, and it does not affect the table's use in any way. One of the legs has moved with age, as shown in the last photograph. This however is solid and does not affect the stability of the table. Emile Gallé (1846 – 1904) was one of the most important French designers of the Art Nouveau period. His career took off after his work received praise at the Paris Exhibition of 1878. Within a decade of another successful showing at the Paris Exhibition of 1889, Gallé had reached international fame and his style, with its emphasis on naturalism and floral motifs, was at the forefront of the emerging Art Nouveau movement. In 1901, together with Victor Prouvé, Louis Majorelle, Antonin Daum and Eugène Vallin...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Beech

Rare Art Nouveau Wall Shelf by Eugene Gaillard France 1900 Jugendstil Walnut
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Exquisite & most rare! This French Art Nouveau wall shelf designed by art nouveau grandmaster Eugene Gaillard circa 1900. Superb organic design...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Fruitwood, Walnut

Art Nouveau Tea Table by Jacob & Josef Kohn, Stained Beech, Aluminium - Austria
Located in Girona, ES
Tea table or game table, stained beech, French polish, polished aluminium feet, greige cotton fabric underneath a thick glass on top. Manufacturer: Jacob and Josef Kohn (label). Au...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Aluminum

French Art Nouveau Sideboard in Carved Walnut with Stained Glass, circa 1910
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Beautiful buffet / dresser / sideboard in walnut carved with various floral and fruit motifs: ivy, strawberries, reeds, thistles and quinces. Set with bronze handles carved with ber...
Category

1910s French Vintage Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Art Nouveau Corner Shelves French Oak Étagère
Located in Labrit, Landes
French Art Nouveau étagère, Corner shelve from a pharmacy (meuble de métier) Dimensions between two shelves: 11.42 in. Very good condition For shipping: 122 x 40 x 48 cm 26 ...
Category

1920s French Vintage Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Antique Vintage J & J Kohn Austrian Art Nouveau Wardrobe, 1900's
Located in South Shields, GB
An impressive Austrian Art Nouveau wardrobe designed by J & J Kohn, circa 1900's Featuring a full length mirror and brass details externally Internally there is a hanging rail and sh...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Wood

France Art Nouveau Side Tables Japonisme Style, 1925
Located in Den Haag, NL
Two very nice Art Nouveau side table. Hand painted Flowers on the tops. These tables are in a distressed condition. In a Japonisme style love this. Structural sound.
Category

1920s French Vintage Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Antique Sideboard Dresser French Louis XV Carved Walnut Buffet, 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique carved walnut Louis XV style buffet hand carved French sideboard dresser, 19th century Carved floral motifs typical of Louis XV furniture Three drawers Superb patina Very...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
Art Nouveau Chest of Drawers, Walnut Veneered, Original Fittings, Vienna ca 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant chest of drawers with two drawers in the simple, austere Art Nouveau style on high, tapering, profiled pyramid legs, original fittings, pull fittings with movable rings, original locks with keys. Beautifully shaped piece of furniture, handcrafted with high quality, walnut veneer, shellac hand-polished. Vienna, manufactured circa 1900 MEASURES: hight: 84.0 cm / 33.07 in width: 76.0 cm / 29.92 in depth: 42.0 cm / 16.53 in CONDITION: Antique furniture from...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Étagère No 31 Book Shelf, Mahogany Stained, circa 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegantly shaped etagere with four large storage levels, the straight uprights slightly flared in the lowest area, decorative, openwork struts in the form of repeating stylized containers on the sides, a circumferential rail attached to the top level serves as a border to the sides and to the rear. Beautifully designed, handcrafted furniture with bentwood elements, beech, stained mahogany, shellac hand-polished. Manufactured by Thonet Brothers...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Beech

Art Nouveau Sideboard in Carved Mahogany and Stained Glass, France, circa 1900
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb buffet two bodies / dresser / sideboard in mahogany on a naturalist theme: butterflies, fruits (quinces). There are magnificent brass ornaments as well as stained glass with ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Music Table, Mahogany stained, Around 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Small table with elegantly curved legs, one horizontal and four vertical slots for notes and newspapers. Shapely furniture made by hand in high-quality with bentwood elements, beech,...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Beech

J.&J. Kohn Vienna Art Nouveau Set of Nesting Tea Tables, Mahogany Stained
Located in Vienna, AT
High-quality handcrafted placemat, shapely beech bentwood, stained mahogany, shellac hand-polished: Four nesting side tables in different sizes with an elegant design, table tops wit...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Beech

Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Étagère No 32, Book Shelf, Mahogany Stained, Ca 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegantly shaped etagere with five storage levels, four curved uprights with console elements carry the different sized shelves, vertical struts in the middle area for storing newspapers and notes. Shapely furniture made by hand in high-quality with bentwood elements, beech, stained mahogany, shellac hand-polished. Manufactured by THONET BROTHERS, Vienna, around 1900. Model number 32 Measures: Height: 120.0 cm / 47.24 inches Width: 85.0 cm / 33.46 inches Depth: 40.0 cm / 15.74 inches Bibliography: Illustrated Catalogue of Michael Thonet, Vienna 1904, page 85, number 32 Original vintage...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Beech

Art Nouveau Sideboard Solid Cherry Liberty Style Original Tuscany, Italian
Located in Buggiano, IT
Sideboard Art Nouveau in solid cherry, with two doors with riser, with carvings, handmade. Drawers and internal shelf. Original handles. Original from Tuscany, Italy. Size cm: 57 x ...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Cherry

Monumental Italian Art Nouveau Demilune Console Table/Sideboard
Located in Westport, CT
Wonderful and long demilune-shaped console table with an inset marble top resting on a pedestal base in solid walnut with stunning leaf carvings. The base is in solid walnut and is...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Antique Walnut Sideboard, French Art Nouveau Cabinet, France 1900, B1511
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique walnut sideboard, French Art Nouveau buffet and hutch, antique cabinet, Antique Furniture, France 1900, B1511 France, 1900. Solid ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Antique French Sideboard, Art Nouveau Walnut Sideboard, France, 1900
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique French sideboard, Art Nouveau marble top walnut sideboard server, Antique furniture, France 1900, B1510 France 1900 Solid walnut a...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Walnut

Oak Dutch Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Sideboard by Onder den Sint-Maarten, 1900s
By Onder den Sint Maarten
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts sideboard. Attributed to Onder den Sint-Maarten Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with original brass hinges and inlay. Original ...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Brass

French Art Nouveau "Cephataria" Server by Louis Majorelle
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau French walnut server by Louis Majorelle in the “Cephataria” motif. The server has two drawers with gilt-bronze handles in a leaf motif, double door storage below...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Sideboards

Materials

Bronze

Art Nouveau sideboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Art Nouveau sideboards 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 sideboards created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Nouveau sideboards made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sideboards, popular names associated with this style include Louis Majorelle, August Ungethüm Kunstmöbel-Fabrik, August Ungethüm, and Galileo Chini. 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 sideboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,375 and tops out at $35,771 while the average work can sell for $7,157.

Recently Viewed

View All