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Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

AESTHETIC MOVEMENT

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.

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Style: Aesthetic Movement
1980s Maitland-Smith English Style Burnt Bamboo Chinoiserie Armoire / Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale Maitland-Smith faux burnt bamboo armoire. This has English styling with its lacquered chinoiserie painted panels. The armoire has quite a bit of storage options...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Gillow's of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Armoire Wardrobe Compactum
Located in London, GB
Gillow's of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement walnut armoire wardrobe compactum with lots of useful storage space. The moulded cornice and b...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Bruce Talbert for Gillow. A Walnut, Amboyna, Ebonized and Gilt Bedroom Suite.
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert (1838-1881) for Gillow and co., a rare and important walnut, amboyna, ebonized, and gilt bedroom suite, each with differing carved rosettes, comprising: a triple mirror door wardrobe, 208cm high, 208cm wide, 58cm deep; a pair of bedside lockers, 85cm high, 38cm wide; and a pair of single bedsteads, 124cm wide Provenance: The famous Argentinian writer and suffragette Victoria Ocampo (1890-1979), bought from her estate and shipped back from Argentina. Bruce James Talbert originally trained as a carver and then an architect, and he became an influential and very successful furniture designer. He served an apprenticeship in Dundee and had his own carving business for two years where he learned the skills to apply carved details to furniture and then joined the architectural offices of Charles Edward. In 1856 he moved to Glasgow and worked for the architects W. N. Tait and Campbell Douglas. He moved to Manchester in the early 1860s, where he gained employment with the cabinetmakers Doveston, Bird, and Hull, which was short-lived, then moved to Coventry gaining work with Skidmore's Art Manufactures. In 1863 he won the competition to design the masthead for 'The Building News and in the mid-1860s moved to London, where he started designing furniture for Holland and Sons. His 'Pericles' Gothic sideboard was displayed on their stand at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867 where it was the Grand Prix winner. It was at this point that his most prolific period began and also when he started designing furniture for Gillows of Lancaster in 1868. in the same year, he published his very influential first book 'Gothic Forms Applied to Furniture, Metal Work and Decoration for Domestic Purposes', which he dedicated to George Edmund Street. This was followed in 1876 by 'Examples of Ancient and Modern Furniture, Metalwork, Tapestries and Modern Furniture' and in 1881 by 'Fashionable Furniture. Other companies he designed for were Marsh, Jones and Cribb, Jackson and Graham, and for a short time, was a partner with Daniel Cottier. He designed textiles for Templeton's, Warner's, Cowlishaw, and Barbour and Miller; carpet designs for Templeton's and Brinton and Co.; and his wallpaper designs were printed by Jeffrey and Co. He also designed church metalwork and furniture for Cox and Sons...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Antique Aesthetic Style Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Wardrobe with Mirror
Located in London, GB
Antique Aesthetic style marquetry and gilt bronze wardrobe with mirror Continental, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 202cm, width 154cm, depth 61cm This beautiful wardrobe ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Ormolu

VICTORIAN ASH AESTHETIC MOVEMENT WARDROBE BUILT IN CAMPAIGN CHEST OF DRAWERs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning Antique Victoria Aesthetic Movement Ash wood large triple wardrobe with built in Mi...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

19th Century Aesthetic Style Wardrobe
Located in Dallas, TX
A large aesthetic ash wardrobe in the style of Charles Bevan dating to 1890. The front is beautifully inlaid with stylized flowers and painted bird motifs. The two doors flanking the...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Ogdens of Manchester, An Aesthetic Movement Wardrobe & Matching Bedside Cabinet.
Located in London, GB
Ogdens of Manchester, in style of Dr C Dresser, An Aesthetic Movement treble wardrobe and matching bedside cupboard made from Ash with intricate ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Ash, Fruitwood

Lambs of Manchester Attributed, a Rare Aesthetic Movement Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in London, GB
Lambs of Manchester, attributed. A rare Aesthetic Movement, unusually tall chest of drawers made from ash each drawer with stylized brass drop handles and ebonized inlaid rectangular details behind the back plates. Handcut dove tails to the drawers. All stood on a plinth base. A huge storage...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Ash

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Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Bamboo Motif Armoire Linen Press by C
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A striking Late 20th Century chinoiserie armoire or linen press by Chelsea House, featuring exquisite hand-painted scenes in the chinoiserie style. The cabinet showcases a deep green...
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Late 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

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Rattan, Wood

Modernist Built-in Wardrobe in Handcrafted, Glossy Lacquered Wood, Germany, 2018
Located in Berlin, DE
Customized four-door built-in wardrobe, manufactured by GMD Berlin, exclusively presented in our Rudolf Vichr Collection. These high-quality, handmade furniture in a classic modern ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Metal

English Art Deco Burr Walnut Bedroom Suite Attributed to H & L Epstein
Located in Glasgow, GB
An English Art Deco four-piece burr walnut and rosewood crossbanded bedroom suite attributed to H & L Epstein and dating to circa 1925. Typically stylish and of superb quality it comprises: A four-door fitted wardrobe with a rare additional internal door providing triple dressing mirrors...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Chrome

Maitland Smith Asian Chippendale Bamboo Wicker Wardrobe Armoire Bar Cabinet
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category

1970s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wicker, Wood

Maitland Smith Chinoiserie Desk Vintage Bamboo Rattan Desk Entryway Table
Located in Rochester, NY
This is a stunning vintage Maitland Smith desk with Chinoiserie painted details throughout. The bamboo bases are leather wrapped and the hardware is all solid brass. It’s in gorgeo...
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Leather, Wood

Maitland Smith Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Marble Top Sideboard or Bar Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Maitland Smith Philippines, Late 20th Century Faux tortoise shell painted wood case, with Asian nat...
Category

Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Marble, Brass

Miniature Wardrobe, Walnut Wood, Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Miniature moon wardrobe. Walnut wood. XIX century. Miniature wardrobe with a door (inside, two shelvesand a drawer) and a drawer with two handles, whichhas a mirror on the outside ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Other

Miniature Wardrobe, Walnut Wood, Mirror, 19th Century
Miniature Wardrobe, Walnut Wood, Mirror, 19th Century
$859
H 37.01 in W 16.93 in D 11.42 in
Rustic 19th C Antique French Louis XV Style Armoire or Wardrobe
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Charming rustic French Louis XV-style armoire, crafted from hand-sanded wood, circa 1880. This beautifully aged piece has been carefully hand-sanded to reveal the warm wood grain a...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Old Built-In Wardrobe Front, Germany, circa 1920
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Original old built-in wardrobe front with doors from Germany, circa 1920. Original color patina and really special fittings in star shape. Dimension...
Category

Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Old Built-In Wardrobe Front, Germany, circa 1920
Old Built-In Wardrobe Front, Germany, circa 1920
$886
H 82.68 in W 59.06 in D 3.94 in
Midcentury Walnut Bedroom Suite by Coleman of Virginia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern five-piece bedroom suite by Coleman Furniture, circa 1960s. Featuring attractive walnut veneer with solid wood construction, dovetail joints and tapered legs, this matching set would make a strong midcentury statement in any environment. Headboard 56.5" W 39 H, nightstand 24.25 W, 16 D, 24 H, mirror 27...
Category

1960s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Walnut Bedroom Suite by Coleman of Virginia
Midcentury Walnut Bedroom Suite by Coleman of Virginia
$4,200 Sale Price / set
30% Off
H 32 in W 60.25 in D 19 in
Drexel Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Pagoda Top Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning and breathtaking black lacquered chinoiserie style armoire that features a gold pagoda with faux bamboo accent detail all around. It alos features hand painted landscape sc...
Category

1970s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer

Art Deco Bedroom Set: Armoire, Bed and Mirror - France, 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Lovely and lively exotic bedroom set comprised of one three-door wardrobe, a double bed and a large mirror. The set is lacquered in red and black with gilt and silvered decor repr...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Art Deco Bedroom Set: Armoire, Bed and Mirror - France, 1920s
Art Deco Bedroom Set: Armoire, Bed and Mirror - France, 1920s
$11,620 / set
H 72.05 in W 89.77 in D 25.99 in
Previously Available Items
French Painted Faux Bamboo Armoire, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A French painted faux bamboo armoire, circa 1890s. Ten drawers with a mirror-front wardrobe. 34 ½ inches wide by 15 ½ inches deep by 63 ½ inches tall
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood, Paint

Aesthetic Movement French Faux Bamboo Armoire/ Beveled Glass Door
Located in Malibu, CA
19th century French pine & cherry faux bamboo armoire. A pine pitched piece with hand turned cherry wood appliqued trim & moldings with simple paneled sides. The case has a sing...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Cherry, Pine, Cut Glass

Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Burled Armoire Wardrobe Closet Almirah
Located in Dayton, OH
A unique free standing Aesthetic movement wardrobe or closet, circa 1880s. Made from curly pine with a large full length mirror between burle...
Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Mirror, Pine

R.J. Horner Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Armoire and Nightstand
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century American Victorian Aesthetic Movement faux bamboo armoire and bedside table by R.J. Horner made of solid cherry and amber...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Mirror, Birdseye Maple, Cherry

Lamb of Manchester, an Aesthetic Movement Compactum Armoire Wardrobe
Located in London, GB
Lamb of Manchester. An Aesthetic Movement Arts & Crafts style compactum armoire wardrobe with castellated cornice and twin fielded panel doors openi...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Oak

Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Decorated Bamboo Armoire
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic Movement bamboo armoire with chinoiserie style decorations, circa 1930s. Lacquer has a high gloss finish.
Category

1930s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Bamboo, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Aesthetic Movement Solid Walnut Wardrobe
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn4314 fine quality, Victorian solid walnut three-door wardrobe in Gothic taste, having castellated cornice above inlaid frieze and a mirrored centre door flanked by inlaid cupboard ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Solid Walnut Wardrobe
Aesthetic Movement Solid Walnut Wardrobe
H 83.08 in W 76.38 in D 23.63 in
Victorian Oak Lamb of Manchester Wardrobe
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn4160, Aesthetic movement two-door wardrobe in oak, having moulded and ebonized cornice above carved frieze and double panelled and carved doors hanging section or enclosing four sliders, two short over two long drawers below, all with ebonised mouldings and fitted with original brass handles, flanked by reeded pilasters. This superb quality wardrobe has been stamped by leading cabinet maker of Victorian era, Lamb of Manchester...
Category

1880s Great Britain (UK) Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Oak

Victorian Oak Lamb of Manchester Wardrobe
Victorian Oak Lamb of Manchester Wardrobe
H 86.62 in W 51.97 in D 24.02 in
Four Seasons, a Rare Aesthetic Movement Wardrobe in the Style of E W Godwin
Located in London, GB
The four seasons. A rare aesthetic movement wardrobe with pre raphaelite style maidens carved into each door depicting spring, summer, autumn and winter.
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1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Mahogany

Faux Bamboo and Pine Armoire
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Faux bamboo and pine armoire, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Mirror, Beech, Pine

Faux Bamboo and Pine Armoire
Faux Bamboo and Pine Armoire
H 90.5 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
Exquisite Lamb of Manchester Wardrobe
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn4013 An exhibition quality Victorian - Aesthetic Movement two-door wardrobe in walnut, having egg and dart cornice above coromandel frieze and a pair of panelled doors, enclosing four sliding trays and drawer alternatively hanging section. The panels being inlaid with coromandel, satinwood and ebonised, two panels being gilded and decorated with Japanese theme. The base having two short over one long cedar lined, coromandel and walnut banded drawers all fitted with original brass handles and flanked by chevron carving, sides are also panelled, all standing on square legs united by shaped apron. This fabulous wardrobe is a finest example of craftsmanship of this period, all in excellent condition throughout, ready to place at home. The wardrobe is stamped Lamb of Manchester...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Exquisite Lamb of Manchester Wardrobe
Exquisite Lamb of Manchester Wardrobe
H 87.41 in W 48.04 in D 18.12 in
Aesthetic Movement Maple Faux Bamboo Armoire Attributed to R. J. Horner & Co.
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Armoire cabinet with large right side aged mirrored door. The left side with one door, revealing shelves, and four drawers below. An important piece in a rare seven-piece collection ...
Category

1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Aesthetic Movement wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wardrobes and armoires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ash and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement wardrobes and armoires made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wardrobes and armoires, popular names associated with this style include Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert, and Maitland Smith. 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 wardrobes and armoires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,400 and tops out at $27,960 while the average work can sell for $5,286.

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