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.
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Wiener Werkstaette Art Nouveau Coat Hook, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elegant handmade coat-hook. Literature: Waltraud Neuwirth, Wiener Werkstaette – Avant Garde Art Deco, Industrial Design, 1985 Vienna p. 49. Different hooks are available see pic...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Coat Hook for the Wiener Werkstaette, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Sensational design from the very puristic period of Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette. Literature: Waltraud Neuwirth, Wiener Werkstaette - Avantgarde Art Deco, Industrial Des...
Brass
Art Nouveau Cherrywood Wardrobe from Germany, circa 1900
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This Art Nouveau wardrobe from Germany around 1900 combines warm cherrywood tones with a clear, elegant silhouette that shows the typical simplicity of the period. The door panels an...
Spruce, Cherry
Art Nouveau, Wardrobe , Chest of Drawers by Vincenzo Cadorin Venezia in Walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
This important chest of drowers, wardrobe, in solid walnut, is masterfully carved by hand by the great sculptor artist Vincenzo Cadorin and his Atelier performers: floral motifs and classic art nouveau shapes, carved and embossed All original and functional key locks. The mirror, original, has oxidations in the bevelled part, and, on request, we can apply a new mirror The furniture has been treated with woodworm and we have covered the passive holes Measures cm: H 225, W 135, D 55 About Cadorin Vincenzo (1854-1925) Venetian sculptor born in 1854, he was trained in the studio of Benvenuti, he then studied at the Venetian Academy. In 1883 he exposed his first works in Rome and in the next year he won the Gold Medal in the exposure in Turin. (Luisa GIORDANO, Cadorin, Vincenzo, in Biographic Dictionary of the Italians, XVI, Rome 1973, p. 97). His most known work is the gilt carved wooden desk given to the Pope Pio X for his sacerdotal jubilee in 1908; the desk is now in the Basilica della Salute in Venice. He died in 1925. Fortuny palace: The Cadorin Bottega: A dynasty of Venetian artists The last published photo is the Palazzo Fortuny of Venice where IDA Cadorin, known professionally as IDA Barbarigo...
Walnut
Wardrobe by Colli Torino Est 1850 Art Nouveau Huge Italian Solid Oak Masterpiece
By Colli Torino
Located in Landshut, BY
This wardrobe was produced by Colli Torino established in 1850. - solid oak with hand-carved ornaments - beautiful brass fittings - with its original keys - height: 195cms ~ width: 245cms ~ depth: 60cms ~ weight: ca. 360-400 Kg (!) -: please have a closer look - which hopefully will make my fascination with this masterpiece comprehensible. What also makes this wardrobe quite special is the 2 doors on each side covering compartments with narrow shelving...
Brass
Art Nouveau Rosewood Wardrobe
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Nouveau rosewood wardrobe. Second wardrobe on my second auction. The furniture from our workshop is manually covered with high-gloss shellac Laquer.
Walnut
Art Nouveau Rosewood Wardrobe
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art Nouveau rosewood wardrobe. Second wardrobe on my second auction. The furniture from our workshop is manually covered with high-gloss shellac Laquer.
Walnut
Early 20th Century Whitewashed Massive Baltic Pine Two-Door Armoire
Located in Barntrup, DE
This beautiful and massive early 20th-century Baltic armoire features paneled doors and two pull-out drawers below, three massive turned column pilasters, and two half-columns on each door. The exterior front side has a whitewashed finish. Inside, the pine remains in its raw color. The right side is equipped with two drawers, in both sides, there are original wooden clothes hangers...
Metal
Art Nouveau Wood Inlaid Wardrobe, France, circa 1900
By Émile Gallé, Louis Majorelle
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Magnificent mahogany wardrobe with double doors inlaid with flowers. From the Art Nouveau period but some elements such as the pediment recall the Napoleon III style. Key present,...
Wood
Louis Majorelle French Art Nouveau Walnut Floral Armoire
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau walnut and inlaid floral design 3 door armoire cabinet with shelf on bottom and top with spindle sides. (signed: LOUIS MAJORELLE). ...
Walnut
Adolf Loos for Knize Taylorshop, Coathook Re-Edition by Woka Lamps Vienna
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed for the Knize Taylor-shop in Vienna, Paris and Berlin. A three-hole, or a four-hole version is avaliable.
Brass
Fine Satinwood and Bronze Mounted French Art Nouveau Louis XVI Armoire
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine French armoire seamlessly blends Art Nouveau elegance with Louis XVI neoclassical refinement, making it a highly versatile and collectible piece. Crafted in richly figured ...
Bronze
Leon Benouville French Art Nouveau Maple Armoire
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau maple and inlaid armoire cabinet with brass trim and mirrored door and small side door with shelf (Attributed to Leon Benouville)
Brass
Louis Majorelle Gilt Walnut "Aux Pins" Vitrine
Located in New York, NY
This gilt vitrine "aux pins" by Louis Majorelle is a masterpiece in Art Nouveau design. The gilt finish and simplicity of line that unifies the piece lend it a refined elegance, making it the perfect frame for carefully selected objets d’art. Louis Majorelle’s father Auguste had specialized in 18th-century style furniture, including the chinoiserie so loved in the court of Louis XVI. Louis Majorelle experimented with the pine motif at the same time as Rene Lalique. Both looked to East Asian Art...
Fabric, Glass, Giltwood
Mirrored Jugendstil Armoire
Located in New York, NY
With strong internal shelves, this piece sacrifices nothing to absolutely maximize storage while maintaining a graceful and elegant aesthetic. Created in the early 20th century, the armoire combines sinuous curves with more geometric lines; a style iconic of the Jugendstil movement which creates a sense of dynamism and movement. Other "key" details include period brass escutcheons/pulls, exterior mirror...
Ash
Adolf Loos Art Nouveau Brass Wall Hook, Werkstätte Hagenauer, Austria, 1910
By Adolf Loos, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Art Nouveau brass wall hook, designed by Adolf Loos, executed by Werkstaette Hagenauer, Vienna, 1910. In very good condition.
Brass
Jugendstil Thonet wardrobe
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Jugendstil Thonet wardrobe in very good original condition with slight signs of use.
Beech
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
Louis Majorelle Signed Art Nouveau Burled Mahogany Bar Cabinet, Newly Restored
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Art Nouveau armoire dresser or bar cabinet By Louis Majorelle (original label present) Paris, France - Circa 1900 Exotic burled mahogany, with...
Brass
Italian Art Nouveau Ash Armoire Wardrobe, c. 1900
Located in Southampton, NY
Italian Art Nouveau Ash Armoire Wardrobe, c. 1900 The Art Nouveau cabinet from circa 1900 thought to be made in Italy. The details show a refined restrained elegance reflecting the ...
Brass
An Early MODERN NEO-CLASSICAL WARDROBE COAT-HANGER, France 1900
Located in PARIS, FR
DESCRIPTION: A spectacular and decorative coat rack or valet stand or fashion display stand, Art Deco, Neo-Classical, Art Nouveau, in 2 parts: lower part: solid wrought iron structur...
Metal
EXQUISITE ViNTAGE HAND CARVED ART NOUVEAU PINE WARDROBE NUDE NYMPHS INSIDE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Exquisite Liberty's of London Art Nouveau style, hand carved Pine wardrobe depicting Nude Nymphs inside...
Pine
H 59.85 in W 33.86 in D 18.51 in
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An impressive quality Art Deco burr walnut compactum, circa 1930s Featuring a pull out hanging rail, shelves and a drawer The original key is missing but the latch works
Wood, Walnut
H 55.12 in W 29.93 in D 17.33 in
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A stylish 1930s Art Deco compact wardrobe by Palatal Furniture, featuring beautifully figured burr walnut veneer to the doors with bookmatched patterning and original stepped handles...
Wood, Walnut
H 63 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
A vintage Oak Art Deco compactum / compact wardrobe circa 1930's Inside is fitted out with a pull out hanging rail and shelves
Wood, Walnut
H 63.39 in W 37.01 in D 19.69 in
Art Deco Walnut Compact Wardrobe, 1930s
Located in South Shields, GB
An elegant English Art Deco two-door wardrobe crafted in richly figured walnut, dating from the early to mid 1930s. The piece features a refined gently bowed front with striking book...
Wood, Walnut
H 19.69 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in
1900's Bamboo Style Pichpin Wardrobe
Located in Marseille, FR
Pitchpin wardrobe in bamboo style, 1900 doll's house window panes with mirror on the front 50 cm high 28 cm wide 12 cm deep Additional information: S...
Bamboo
H 80.71 in W 39.38 in D 22.45 in
EXQUISITE ViNTAGE HAND CARVED ART NOUVEAU PINE WARDROBE NUDE NYMPHS INSIDE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Exquisite Liberty's of London Art Nouveau style, hand carved Pine wardrobe depicting Nude Nymphs inside...
Pine
H 5.52 in W 3.15 in D 5.52 in
Modernist Coat Hooks
Located in Vienna, AT
Anodized aluminium made in Austria in Vienna in the 1970s. Up to ten pieces available Delivery time about 2 weeks.
Aluminum
H 51.19 in W 52.76 in D 17.33 in
Italian Art Deco 1940s Wardrobe
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian 1940s Art Deco wardrobe.
Wood
H 66.82 in W 60.48 in D 18.71 in
Guillerme & Chambron Large Cabinet or Wardrobe in Solid Oak
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, armoire or cabinet, solid oak, France, 1960s. This wardrobe is a good example of excellent woodworking by virtue of the well-designed constr...
Oak
H 1.58 in Dm 10.63 in
French Majolica Jugendstil Art Nouveau Ceramic Plate, circa 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful French Majolica wall plate from the Jugendstil / Art Nouveau period (ca 1900). Elegant design with a lovely lady in the middle. Nu...
Ceramic
H 74.5 in W 48 in D 20 in
Art Deco Burlwood Wardrobe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco burlwood armoire cabinet. The doors retain their original door latches, handles and working lock and key. Made in UK circa 1930s.
Burl
H 68.9 in W 96.46 in D 23.63 in
Large 5-door vintage wardrobe in rosewood with stylish adjustable legs
Located in Breda, NB
Large 5-door vintage wardrobe in rosewood with stylish adjustable legs in Italian style from the 60s. The wardrobe has two drawers, 4 shelves, 2 hanging rods and a mirror. The wardro...
Wood
H 88.59 in W 55.52 in D 22.45 in
Antique Vintage Large French Art Nouveau Oak Wardrobe, early 20th Century
Located in South Shields, GB
An impressively tall solid oak French Art Nouveau wardrobe, handmade in the early 20th century The curves and floral motifs, are typical of the Art Nouveau style There's a large m...
Wood
H 82.68 in W 81.89 in D 23.63 in
Art Nouveau wardrobe attr. to De Coene with artwork by Geo Verbanck, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1905 / Wardrobe / De Coene/ Geo Verbanck / oak, copper / Art Deco / Art Nouveau A stylish Art Nouveau wardrobe or armoire in solid oak most likely designed by De Coene, Ko...
Copper
H 81.11 in W 51.19 in D 17.72 in
Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Armoire or Wardrobe by W.Gieben, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts armoire or wardrobe. Design by W. Gieben Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with original patinated brass handles...
Brass
H 79.53 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Art Nouveau One-Door Armoire or Wardrobe, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Nouveau one-door armoire or wardrobe. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with original patinated brass handles on door and drawer. The door has ...
Brass
H 98.43 in W 46.46 in D 25.99 in
Art Nouveau wardrobe from the early 20th century, France.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique Art Nouveau wardrobe from around 1920, France. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 250 cm / width 118 cm / depth 66 cm
Glass, Mirror, Wood
H 49.5 in W 29.5 in D 16 in
Jugendstil Armoire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small cabinet in blackened pearwood, Japanese-inspired from the Jugendstil period. Made in Germany circa 1910s. Retains original stained glass doors, two interior shelves and two ke...
Glass, Pearwood
H 82 in W 61.75 in D 20 in
Louis Majorelle Style Antique French Art Nouveau Burled Walnut Mirrored Armoire
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning antique French Art Nouveau or Art Deco period knockdown armoire dresser, linen press, or wardrobe In the manner of Louis Majorelle France, Circa 1920s Carved walnut, wi...
Brass
H 73 in W 53 in D 22 in
Antique Hand Painted German Armoire Wardrobe
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
This enchanting antique German “wedding” armoire or cupboard is a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship and artistry. Hand-painted with intricat...
Wood, Paint
H 74.41 in W 56.7 in D 18.9 in
Vintage French Kingwood & Satinwood Marquetry Wardrobe / Linen Cupboard, 1910s
Located in South Shields, GB
A vintage French double door linen cabinet Featuring beautiful floral kingwood and satinwood marquetry and inlays Additional ormolu details to the sides and legs The interior featur...
Wood
H 72.84 in W 52.76 in D 24.02 in
Continental Pine Art Nouveau Knockdown Wardrobe
Located in London, GB
This lovely Continental Pine Art Nouveau Wardrobe features a convenient Knockdown design, making it collapsible for easy transportation. The wardrobe includes a Cavetto cornice atop ...
Brass
H 91 in W 72 in D 20 in
Maison Krieger French Deco Armoire with Ormolu Mounts
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Maison Krieger French Deco Armoire With Ormolu Mounts is nothing but exceptional! This museum quality piece is a prime example of some of the finest French Art Nouveau furniture...
Bronze
H 78.75 in W 49.22 in D 23.63 in
Large jugendstil wardrobe by J&J Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Large jugendstil wardrobe by J&J Kohn in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Mirror, Beech, Bentwood