Skip to main content

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.

to
542
994
693
1,594
111
32
196,781
113,080
42,669
32,671
15,935
11,706
10,544
10,380
9,662
8,840
7,239
6,744
6,325
6,245
6,110
5,600
4,843
3,728
12
1,108
474
143
210
139
63
52
11
11
8
4
11
15
16
9
6
517
492
434
296
192
1,185
713
582
246
216
1,737
1,722
1,727
34
30
30
21
19
Style: Aesthetic Movement
English 19th C. Hide/Jaguar Green Mohair Wingback Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of late 19th Century English wingback chairs have been refreshed using new off-white hide and Jaguar green mohair upholstery and th...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Hide, Mohair, Mahogany

Giacometti Style Plaster Light Fixture, 6 Lights, France
Located in Nice, FR
Plaster luminaire with 6 branches (E27 base) in the style of Giacometti. Elegant and sober. The luminaire is electrified.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

Porcelain Half Moon Pink Shell on Baby Blue Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A late 19th century, French porcelain, crescent or half-moon shaped oyster plate, five pink blush oyster wells on a baby blue ground. Shown behind the main wells are the brown glazed...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

English Aesthetic Silver-Plate And Blown Glass Bridal Bowl
Located in New Orleans, LA
Stunning and unusual, rare English Aesthetic period silver plate and hand blown, hand painted with bell flowers, glass bridal bowl, having a perching bird with open beak under a canopy of leaves and sitting on a rocky outcropping on a shaped base with very detailed engraving of flora and fauna. Brides...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

1960's Tartan Plaid Rug with Traditional Ivy League Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60809 Vintage Tartan Plaid Rug, 10'04 x 13'10. Steeped in heritage and woven with the essence of timeless elegance, this handwoven wool vintage ta...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Liberty & Co armchair with a shaped back & mashrabiya turnings to the head rest.
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co An Aesthetic Movement ebonized Moorish low armchair with a shaped back with mashrabiya turnings to the head rest and tapestry seat
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Edwardian Egret Fountain / Urn
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
fleurdetroit offers for your consideration, offering this fantastic cast-iron fountain featuring Swans in a tight ring around the basin. In the style of the leading makers of the Edwardian garden ornament companies, this Cast iron egret fountain...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique English Agate Ware Matchstrike
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Antique English Agate Ware Matchstrike is a charming and functional piece, showcasing the artistry of 19th-century English ceramics. Agate ware, known for its distinctive marble...
Category

20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair, Antique Meissen Porcelain Ornithological & Gold Encrusted Chargers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meissen (German, founded 1710), 20th century. A pair of fine quality porcelain chargers depicting two hand painted birds. Each centralized ornithological bird perched on a branch is...
Category

20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Pansies Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with colorful pansies, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1910. Two pansy heads form the top handle, pansy blossom...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Roberts & Belk Dr C Dresser style off. A Silver Plated Double-Well Preserve Dish
Located in London, GB
Roberts and Belk, lamp trademark. After a design by Dr Christopher Dresser. An English silver-plated double-well preserve dish, with a hand-woven wicke...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold Circle Whirl
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Style Brass Wall Lamp Large Art Deco Tradition Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Immerse yourself in the elegance of bygone times with our exclusive antique-style brass wall lamp. This wall lamp is not only a stunning lighting object, but also a real work of art ...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Globe Pottery. Tunis design. A large Aesthetic Movement blue and white jug
Located in London, GB
Globe Pottery. Tunis design. A large Aesthetic Movement blue and white jug.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

1960's Tartan Plaid Rug with Traditional Ivy League Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60814 Vintage Tartan Plaid Rug, 12'11 x 15'02. A celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and effortless collegiate style, this handwoven wool vintage tartan plaid rug is the very ess...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Wool

Gillows attri An Aesthetic Movement oblong ebonized & Gilded walnut centre table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement oblong ebonized walnut center table with canted corners and incised gilded decoration throughout. The top with a molded edge and quadrant su...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. An Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair with ebonized dot details and chip carved details to the fra...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Large French Tazza Etched Cristal Pedestal Fruit Dish
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large French Tazza etched crystal pedestal fruit dish A beautiful piece of etched crystal showing pictures of fruits, the dish stands on a heavy steppe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

A set of four Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs with carved decoration
Located in London, GB
Set of Four Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs with carved floral decoration and soft chamfered edges to the frame and legs. Professionally upholstered in a blue fabric.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

English Aesthetic Tortoise Bamboo Hall Shelf Magazine Rack
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English aesthetic movement bookstand with a display shelf and a large magazine rack or canterbury. Beautifully crafted from tortoise shell bamboo poles. The stand has a smal...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

1960's Zeki Muren Turkish Sivas Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53375 Zeki Muren Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug, 05'03 x 08'10. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Turkey's Sivas region, Zeki Muren Turkish Sivas rugs honor the legacy of the revere...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

1980's Colorful Turkish Striped Kilim Rug with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60678 Colorful Vintage Turkish Striped Kilim Rug, 05'08 x 07'01. Like a woven symphony of Anatolian sunlight and festival music, this handwoven wool vintage Turkish kilim rug dazzles...
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique French Oval Miniature Painting on Porcelain Bronze Frame
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique French oval miniature painting on porcelain. Thee ladies and a gentleman gathering in a parlor. Very nice to excellent condition. Fabric on the ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

H W Batley attri, Jas Shoolbred An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Armchair
By Jas Shoolbred & Co., Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley (attributed) Jas. Shoolbred., a mahogany armchair, with stylised floral carved details to the back supports, the curved arms with elbow pads on fluted supports, ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Aesthetic Movement Japanned Bamboo Side Table, Late 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Aesthetic Movement, Japanned bamboo side table. Japanning or Japonisme. Rough hewn and torched bamboo frame with “Japanned” top and panels. Single lower shelf decorative table. The w...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Antique French Root Bamboo & Grasscloth Rectangular Table, C.1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this great large Antique French Root Bamboo & Grasscloth Rectangular Table, C.1890. The Root bamboo structure is all original with a great patina. The grasscloth has recent...
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Heals attributed. An Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement three tier ebonized stand
Located in London, GB
Heals attributed. An Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement three tier ebonized stand with fretwork decoration to the top and a raised and turned gallery to each of the lower tiers, with ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

English 1880s Aesthetic Movement Carved Oak Chair with Zebra Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English Aesthetic Movement accent chair from the 1880s is a stunning example of craftsmanship and decorative detail. Made of bleached oak, this chair highlights intricate carvin...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Zebra Hide, Oak

Victorian button back armchair
Located in Petworth, GB
A stylish Victorian button back traditional upholstered armchair with turned walnut feet raised on brass castors, covered in cotton velvet fabric 'Glasgow Rose' by Patch Rogers Design.
Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

19th Century American Aesthetic Period Grain Painted Stool with Upholstered Seat
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
American Aesthetic Movement footstool on four tapered legs below a shaped and pierced apron, the legs connected with ball and ring turned x-stretcher centering a large red sphere wit...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Wood & Hughes Sterling Silver Zephyr Pattern Gravy or Sauce Ladles
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of silver gravy or sauce ladles. By Wood & Hughes. In sterling silver. In the Zephyr pattern. Each ladle with a gilt bowl and raised geometric decoration to the hand...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

French 19Th. C. Tortoiseshell Bamboo Table With Red Tooled Leather Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this great looking French 19Th. C. Tortoiseshell Bamboo two tier Table with Red Tooled Leather Top. The tortoiseshell effect is stunni...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Bamboo

19th Century French Creil & Montereau Hand Painted Aesthetic Movement Charger
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This outstanding hand painted 19th century French ceramic charger was made by Hautin Boulenger & Cie at Creil & Montereau. The highly detailed Aesthetic Movement charger features polychrome decoration depicting a Japanese quail perched in a flowering cherry tree bearing vivid green foliage. The bird's gaze is fixed on a colorful butterfly with intricately patterned wings which is located off to one side. The image is set on a gilt ground which bears a series of repeating raised gilt motifs. The charger's shoulder is finished in cobalt blue with stylized gilt hearts separated by light blue floral and foliate elements. The 4lb 11oz charger bears an impressed mark used by Creil et Montereau between 1876-1884. The foot rim is not pierced. This beautifully executed hand painted French charger...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Christopher Dresser & Barnard, Bishop & Barnard Aesthetic Movement Fireplace
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare antique aesthetic movement fireplace circa 1880 made by Barnard, Bishop and Barnard, inset with four Linthorpe Pottery tiles designed by Christopher Dresser (1834-1904). Beau...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Wood, Walnut

19th C Carved Lion wall shelf
Located in Hudson, NY
19th C carved and gilt lion wall shelf. Amazing stylization. Whimsical. Faux marble painted top. Carved in oak.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

An Aesthetic Movement walnut drop leaf side table on four turned & incised legs
Located in London, GB
A small Aesthetic Movement Walnut drop leaf side table on four turned and incised legs united by a lower stretcher with a turned gallery arround on original brass and ceramic castors...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Ten Coalport Octagonal Imari Dessert Plates Aesthetic Movement Dated 1891
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Imagine serving a first course or dessert course on these unusually shaped plates, all decorated in the Imari style and color way, highlighted in gold. The octagonal shape with notched rims adds a dramatic visual to the traditional round table...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Two Christopher Dresser for Perry & Son Aesthetic Movement Candleholders
Located in Sharon, CT
Two Aesthetic Movement candleholders, one with a rare retaining of the original porcelain bobeche. Losses to original clay red paint. Signed with the Perry mark on the bottom. The ot...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Tin

Brass Sunburst Mirror by Chaty Villauris
Located in New York, NY
Brass Sunburst Mirror By Chaty Villauris. Patinated brass frame with central round mirror. Signed on the back.
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

1920's Impi Sotavalta Finnish Röllakan with Scandinavian Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78467 Antique Impi Sotavalta Finnish Flatweave Rug, 07'00 x 09'10. Steeped in the soul of Finland’s golden age of textile artistry, this antique Finn...
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

An Aesthetic Movement heavy cast brass peacock trivet with fine detailing
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement heavy cast brass peacock trivet with fine detailing throughout.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Unusual Aesthetic Movement Antique Brass and Tile Accent Table ca. 1900
Located in Shippensburg, PA
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT BRASS AND PIGMENTED TILE ACCENT TABLE Circa 1900 unmarked Item # 408GPK21P This unusual and rather interesting Aesthetic Movement table features an encaustic til...
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Collinson & Lock. Aesthetic Movement octogonal two tier table on ring turn legs.
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octogonal two tier side table on splayed and fine ring turn legs, reminiscent of some of the legs Godwin chased around.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

c. 1860s Aesthetic Movement Japanese Imari Chop Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860s Aesthetic Movement Japanese Imari Chop Plate. Boldly scalloped, incorporating 2 phoenix bird cartouches on cobalt ground & then displaying narrow spines of diapering & se...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Christopher Dresser Old Hall "Indiana" Pitcher Aesthetic Movement
Located in Sharon, CT
Beautiful example of an English Aesthetic Movement ceramic for Old Hall Earthenware Company Limited, c.1881. A similar 'Indiana' pitcher Illustrated and discussed in "Christopher Dr...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Tazza Compote with Grape Motif 263 B
Located in Toledo, OH
Beautiful sterling Tazza compote in grape motif by Georg Jensen, circa 1918. Marked 263 B. Very good condition. Dimensions: 7" diameter x 7.5" H and weighs 19.9 ozt.
Category

1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

E W Godwin An Aesthetic Movement six leg walnut circular centre table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin attributed. Made by Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement six leg walnut circular centre table with shaped radiating under supports and subtle shaped details to the ends...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Ceramic Art Company C.A.C. (Ott & Brewer) Belleek Mocha Pot
Located in Sharon, CT
Important C.A.C. Belleek mermaid mocha/coffee pot.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Walker Hall Dr C Dresser style. An Aesthetic Movement silver plated spoon warmer
Located in London, GB
Walker Hall Sheffield after a design by Dr C Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement silver-plated ostrich egg shape spoon warmer with a circular handle, a mouth-shaped opening, and subtle ha...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Contemporary Black Persian Sultanabad Mahal Palatial Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
61293 New Modern Black Persian Sultanabad Mahal Rug, 13'00 x 18'03. Like a starlit Persian garden blooming beneath midnight skies, this hand-knotted wool modern Persian Sultanabad Ma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Early 20th Century Pair of Chiavarine Eclectic Chairs , Carlo Molino designer
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century unique and rare pair of Chiavarine Chairs, by Carlo Mollino in ebonized mahogany and with new red velvet upholstery. Feet in gilt brass Measure cm: H 125\50 W 43 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Three-Tired Display Stand Hand-Painted Plates
By Aesthetic Movement
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning antique Aesthetic movement early 19th century three tired stand with hand-painted plates depictin...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Hardwood

Aesthetic Movement Table Lamp by Christopher Dresser
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A table lamp converted from a terracotta vase attributed to Christopher Dresser and Watcombe Terra-Cotta Co., of Torquay, Devon, England, circa 1875. The matte finish vase has been decorated with transfer prints in a neoclassical style including a Greek key around the neck. The lamp is accompanied by a hand-dyed, heavy linen shade in black with a fine wool lining. "Watcombe Pottery...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century Brass Inlaid Walnut Box
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Brass inlaid walnut box. This stunning decorative box or jewelry box has beautiful brass inlay and trim with the original tufted satin interior.
Category

1890s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

1920's Spanish Needlepoint Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
72494 Antique Spanish Needlepoint Rug, 10'08 x 14'10. This antique Spanish needlepoint rug is a remarkable testament to Spanish artistry, blend...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Samuel Alcock & Co Majolica Strawberry Leaf Form Dessert Tray England circa 1850
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica glazed leaf form dessert tray from Samuel Alcock & Co, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1850. A central strawberry leaf on a shaped tray with a vine border, and sho...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Contemporary Manolo Eirin Handmade Table Side Lamp Ceramic Terracotta Color
Located in Carballo, ES
Table lamp inspired by the ancient amphora, which appears for the first time on the coasts of Lebanon and Syria, during the fifteenth century BC. C. an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Terracotta

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 All