Aesthetic Movement Furniture
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.
2
556
16
13
to
46
585
874
585
578
579
95,703
52,482
21,345
20,619
8,378
6,080
4,409
4,193
3,670
3,292
3,126
3,033
2,948
2,445
2,183
1,810
1,783
1,413
2
448
106
29
40
27
17
10
2
2
2
2
5
5
5
3
3
274
143
120
102
59
540
366
307
62
42
28
14
14
11
11
Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Aesthetic Movement
Bird Cage in Bone and Wood, 19 ° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant bird cage in bone and wood from the 19th century
Very beautiful bird cage from Moorish influence southern Spain
Very beautiful patina and in very good condition
Small wear...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bone
"Festgesang" Royal Vienna Porcelain Vase
Located in Vienna, AT
Antique Royal Vienna hand painted "Harp Player" porcelain vase with enamel paint and golden stucco patterns throughout the vase. Base color is an a beautif...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Luigi Melchiorre Italian Gilded Bronze Bust of Child in Bonnet
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique Italian gilded bronze sculptural bust of a young child wearing a bonnet signed by Luigi Melchiorre (1859-c.1908). The bust sits on a dr...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Silver Mounted Thirteen Grotesque Faces Molded Glazed Pottery Mug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very unusual Aesthetic Movement art pottery silver mounted mug modeled in relief with thirteen grotesque faces and dating from around 1880. The finely...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Exquisite 19th Century Heavily Carved Oak Antique Box Settle
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A highly decorative carved oak box settle, English circa 1900
Nicely detailed with four foliate carved panelled back and scroll arms. Box seat with lift up lid and two panel carved ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Sarreguemines French Majolica Twin Handle Bird Mounted Pottery Bowl
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and stunning French majolica twin handled pottery bowl applied with birds by renowned maker Sarreguemines and dating from the latter 19th century. The rounded bowl stands raised on four half ball shaped feet with a basket weave styled design. The rounded bowl is applied with decorative panels in low relief with leaf and stem handles to either side and with birds, their wings out spread, perched on a scorlling vine. The bowl has a raised rim with gothic style pierced panels and is richly hand painted in tones of brown, green, red, yellow, white and black. The inner bowl and base applied with bright turquoise glazes. The bowl is numbered 537 and has impressed SARREGUEMINES and MAJOLICA marks...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows an Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Parcel-Gilt Settee
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows of Lancaster and London.
A very good quality English Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel-gilt upholstered settee with a rollover back and arms with in...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold
Round Table, Bamboo Base, Large Glass Top, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Round table, bamboo base, large glass top.
Category
20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Faux Bamboo
English Simple Epergne in Silver Plate
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Simple but nice épergne in silver plate for Your table ornament, specially for Christmas: with candles, flowers and fruits all around. Just a few flowers are enough to refine a tabl...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Monumental Italian 1950s Wrought Iron Wall Lamp
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Italian 1950s wrought iron wall lamp.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Victorian late 19th century hand carved pine stools in the Aesthetic movement taste
This stools are very decorative and we...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pine
Antique Cast Iron Faux Bamboo Wall Hooks Hangers on New Black Wooden Support
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique cast iron faux bamboo coat rack or hangers coming from an authentic original late 19th century, 1890s, hall tree, completely cleaned and polished and mounted on a n...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Lacquer Armchair, Maison Versace, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Armchair structure in burgundy lacquer, the fabric is not original. Chrome feet. Italy 1970
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Aesthetic Movement Antique Chimneypiece in Pencil Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
An elegant and large Aesthetic Movement, bordering on Reformed Gothic, antique fireplace surround in Pencil Statuary Marble with a wide moulded shelf. The main body of the fireplace,...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Statuary Marble
Henry W Batley Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Pedestal Stand with Carved Sunflowers
By Collinson & Lock, Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Henry W Batley attributed. Probably for Collinson and Lock.
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized pedestal base with a central pillar adorned on all four sides with carved sunflowers in a s...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Dr C Dresser for Benham and Froud. A Scarce Aesthetic Movement Oak Coal Box.
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement oak coal box designed by Dr Christopher Dresser, made by Benham and Froud with stylized brass handles retaining it's original liner and coal shovel...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Armchair with Ottoman Antique Horn
Located in Nice, FR
Armchair with its pouf, horn structure, beautiful light brown braided leather work. Good condition, not torn.
Category
20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather
Choisy-le-Roi Green Majolica Pheasant Moulded Pottery Plate, 19th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine and quality antique French Majolica plate with a pheasant set within a wooded landscape signed Hippolyte Choisy le Roi and dating ...
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Majolica
Victorian Antique Centrepiece Vase, Ram Horn, Glass & Silverplate, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880, this striking, Victorian, antique silver plated centrepiece, stands on Ram horn legs, and features a varicoloured glass dish and trumpet vase. The centrepiece measur...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster and London.
A good quality set of six oak dining chairs with an upper and lower row of turnings and carved details above.
As you can see...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Perfume Bottles, Murano, Red, Italy, 1960
Located in Nice, FR
Lot of Murano perfume case, from the 60s, in good condition. Ruby red color. Never used.
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Murano Glass
Bird Cage on Stand with Chinese Decor, 19 ° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant 19th century bird cage with Chinese decoration
Very beautiful unique bird cage with a superb base
Atypical piece with an Asian influence, but also elements of the Renaissan...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Charles Bevan, Gillows Attr. a Set of Six Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan attributed, for Gillows.
A good quality set of six English Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs, with central upright to the back united by lower angular uprights wit...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Coat Rack, Rattan, French, XXth
Located in Nice, FR
Wall coat rack, rattan, bi-color, bamboo and rattan work.
Category
20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Rattan
Catherine Vargas Doulton Lambeth Faience Hand Painted Framed Plaque, 1877
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and unique hand painted framed porcelain tile in the aesthetic taste depicting a young girl seated on a grassy bank and holding a doll by renowned artist Catherine Vargas and dated 1877. Probably made at Doulton Lambeth Faience...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Textured Glass, Brass and Steel Pendant in the Style of Stilnovo-Ipso Facto
Located in Nice, FR
Stylnovo Ipso facto metal lantern with crackle glass globe, from Italy, 1960. Green color. Interesting metal work.
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pedestal Overlay Glass Patisserie Stand
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant patisserie stand with flowers printed in silver on the glass: named "overlay", classical American object for the table service.
O/. 1770.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Antique Silver Aesthetic Rose Bowl
Located in London, GB
This amazing antique Edwardian sterling silver bowl is entirely handmade and styled after a Chinese design. The reliefs of chrysanthemums and fighting cocks are exceptional, being ha...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Lamb of Manchester, An Aesthetic Movement Walnut Writing Desk.
Located in London, GB
Lamb of Manchester. An Aesthetic Movement walnut and leather writing desk with a bank of four graduating drawers to the left and a large upper drawer to the right with turned and flu...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Collinson & Lock an English Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Glazed Wall Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Collinson and Lock London. 103. Stamped to the back.
An English Aesthetic Movement Mahogany glazed wall cabinet with incised scrollwork sw...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mahogany
Pair Lamps, Modernist, Metal, Geometric
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of lamps, modernist, composed of a lampshade of a gray metal sphere and a fabric lampshade. Palm style beech wood. The pair of Lamps is a creation, it is not mass-produced. Ampo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
Letter Rack or Stationery Rack in Leather from the 19th Century, France
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant 19th centuryletter rack or stationery rack from France
It is unusual to find them with their original key.
Very nice interior
beautiful pati...
Category
19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather
Murano Mirror, Italy, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Murano mirror, Italy, 1970, central mirror part, smoked mirror outline, original shape.
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Falkirk, Style of Dr C Dresser, Aesthetic Movement Painted Cast Iron Stick Stand
Located in London, GB
Falkirk iron Foundry. In the style of Dr C Dresser.
An Aesthetic Movement painted cast iron hall stand, the upper part with six hooks above a stick stand with removable tray, lozeng...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
Located in London, GB
After a design by E W Godwin. Jacobean or Old English armchairs.
Two Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized armchairs both professionally reupholstered in a quality green and tan leathe...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Dr C Dresser, Style of, an Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Gilt Bedside Cabinet
Located in London, GB
In the style of Dr. C dresser, probably made by Gillows.
A fine English Aesthetic Movement ebonized walnut bedside cabinet with a three-quarter gallery to the top, a single panelled...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Bruce Talbert, Style of, Probably by Gillows, an Aesthetic Movement Side Table
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert style of, probably made by Gillows of Lancaster.
A rare and unusual Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with parcel gilt incised details, an Onyx top and matching u...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Onyx
20th Century Terracotta Bottle Vase in the Classical Taste
Located in London, GB
A late nineteenth century terracotta bottle vase in the classical taste, the tapering neck with double green band decoration, the bulbous body with polychrome anthemion frieze.
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Dr C.Dresser Style of, Aesthetic Movement Oak Hall Stand with Floral Decoration
Located in London, GB
Dr C. Dresser style of, An Aesthetic Movement Gothic style oak hall stand with central arched mirror, flanked by open sides and six turned button ended coat hooks to the outer edges, with mitred plank details above a lift up seat with storage...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
E W Godwin, an Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement Walnut Centre or Dining Table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, attributed. Probably made by Collinson and Lock.
An Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement walnut centre or dining table, with a large circular top with a shaped apron below,...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Elkington. An Exhibition Quality Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Oil Lamp.
Located in London, GB
An impressive exhibition quality Aesthetic Movement silver plated oil lamp by Elkington. Decorated with a central peacock beneath three Nordic style architectural cross beams supported on three tri-form gilt column uprights emulating bamboo gadrooned base with three serpentine feet with engraved foliage details through out, surmounted with a ruby cut glass...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
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 rectangula...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ash
19th Century French Inlaid Mahogany Column Display Pedestal
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century French inlaid mahogany column display pedestal
This is a rectangular column, it is set on a stepped base with a square top
The Column is made in mahogany and has an ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Bronze Curtain-Holders or Coat Hangers or Tie-backs
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/6840 - Antique bronze curtain-holders to enrich Your windows.
Before photos had not been cleaned. Excuse me...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Victorian Aesthetic Movement Silver Tea Service, circa 1880
By Joseph, Albert, Horace & Ethelbert Savory, Goldsmiths Alliance Ltd.
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century Victorian Aesthetic movement solid silver tea and coffee service, comprising of a hot water kettle, coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, cream jug and tray. The set i...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Bruce Talbert for Gillow & Co, . Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Nursing Chair
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert (1838-1881) for Gillow and Co., an Aesthetic Movement ebonized nursing chair, with a lobed top rail, a button upholstered crushed velvet in...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug, Cantaloupe Glass by Thomas Webb
By Thomas Webb & Sons, W & C. Sissons 1
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1887 by W. & C. Sissons, this stunning, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Claret Jug, is realistically modelled to look like a Cantaloupe melon, with the gla...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Collinson & Lock. Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese Glazed Walnut Side Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock.
An outstanding quality Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese walnut side cabinet with dentil moulding to the cornice and astr...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
22 x Aesthetic Movement Oak Upholstered Dining Chairs with Turned Front Legs
Located in London, GB
Gillows of Lancaster attributed. A rare set of 16 + 6 aesthetic movement oak upholstered dining or boardroom chairs with turned front legs. (The price...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester
Located in London, GB
An aesthetic movement chair
By Lamb of Manchester
designed by W.J. Estall
Of unique elegance and design, the black ebonised chair fashioned in the...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Antique English Victorian Cast Iron Garden Seat/Bench by the John Finch Foundry
Located in Glasgow, GB
A stylish Victorian Aesthetic cast iron garden seat or bench by the John Finch Foundry and dating to circa 1870. This Arts & Crafts period seat has pierced sides combining formal geo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum by Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a textured base, and will hold 6 ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Stilnovo, Lighting, Italy 1950 Th
By Stilnovo
Located in Nice, FR
Italian light from the 1950s, with 6 white opalines, brass structure, red metal, original bakelite parts. Interesting to find a light from this period, all complete.
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Opaline Glass
Coffee Table, Glass, Italy, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Square smoked glass top table, chrome cylinder, burgundy faux leather coffee table, castors, made in Italy, 1970.
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Aesthetic Movement Walnut Cabinet of Architectural Form with Carved Decoration.
Located in London, GB
An English Aesthetic Movement walnut cabinet of architectural form with carved floral decoration to the upper and lower cupboard doors with stylized brass ring pull handles to the do...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
E.W. Godwin, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Octagonal Table with Crossed Stretcher
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin in the style of.
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal centre or side table with arched apron below the top, he legs united by upper stretcher...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Paintings, Sand, Color, Elio Garis 2012
Located in Nice, FR
Elio was born in Vigone, Italy in 1954, where he still lives and works. After graduating from school, he began to paint and exhibited for the first time, in 1975, at the Floriana Gal...
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Natural Fiber
Phillip Webb for Morris & Co. English Aesthetic Movement oak reclining armchair
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co. Designed in C1866.
A rare Aesthetic movement oak adjustable reclining armchair with good quality tan leather button back ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Minton, Doulton Lambeth, Christopher Dresser, and Wedgwood. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $86,402 while the average work can sell for $1,820.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Bow Fronted Chest Of Drawers
Bow Front Chest Of Drawers
Antique Walnut Cabinet Italian
Architectural Blueprints
Architectural Blueprint
Bedside England
Cabinet Black White Doors
Womens Legs
Cabinet With Tables Inside
Campaign Chest Antique
Walnut Glass Display Cabinet
Campaign Chest Antique Furniture
Carved Set Of Doors
Black Round Cabinet
Antique Vintage Doors
Antique Vintage Door
Vintage Antique Door
Vintage Antique Doors