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.
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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Glass and mirror pedestal table, asymmetrical, Fontana Arte style, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Round glass and mirror pedestal table with asymmetrical glass legs, mirrored top in the style of Fontana Arte from the 70s
Italian work, design
This pedestal table can be placed at t...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mirror
Antique Gorham Sterling Olive Bowl and Tongs
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1884, sterling, Gorham. This unequivocally charming serving piece embodies the relaxed refinement of the Victorian era. Complete with tongs, this rare example of a figural Gorham olive dish...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Studio Crafted Claro Walnut End Table, 1970s
By Sam Maloof
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning, studio crafted end table constructed of solid Claro walnut, made by an unknown designer in the 1970s. The table features a large storage area, a small drawer and a pull o...
Category
1970s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Old Hand Painted "Fish" Tiles
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
nr. 1647 - Pair of antique "fish " tiles, hand painted under plaze. They were glued to the wall to embelish houses and gardens: I did it too at the seaside.
I have other ones, that ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Azerbaijani Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair Of Tall Gilt Bronze Altar Candlestick Lamps as Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Pair of Antique Altar Candle Sticks which have been electrified and shaded. Pair of tall, tripod footed lamps, with bobeche and single bu...
Category
19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Other
Vintage Wicker Garden or Porch Planter Stand
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Fabulous, 1930s, tightly woven wicker plant holder with spiral turned wood legs.
Painted motif of red and black in center. High skilled craftsmanship.
Galvanized inner liner.
Category
Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Wood
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
French Brown Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Very rare French Majolica oyster plate, circa 1890.
White flower on the center and leaves.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Large Scale Gilt Bronze 6-Light Candelabra W/ Fox & Dog Hunting Scene
Located in Atlanta, GA
French, late 19th century. Good Quality
Behold the epitome of grandeur and sophistication: a truly magnificent Large Scale Gilt Bronze 6-Light Candelabra, resplendent with an enchan...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza originates from the United States, Circa 1895. Featuring a scalloped profile achieved with ornate organic designs and...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
A Set Of 4 Globe Wernicke Bookcases In Mahogany-19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant set of four large Globe Wernicke London mahogany bookcases from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century from England which have two lower advanced part (the two lowe...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Liberty & Co Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Corner Chair Style of Ford Maddox Brown
By Liberty & Co., Ford Madox Brown 1
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. Regent St. London.
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized corner armchair from the Argyll suite designed in 1884, after a Sussex chair design by Ford Maddox Brown...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
French Bent Bamboo Mirror & Cane Hall Tree / Umbrella Stand / Coat Rack
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is one of my favorite hall trees! It is a 1950s French bent bamboo piece. It has four octagonal mirrors, multiple hooks and a lined base for umbrellas. It is in very good condit...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Mirror, Bentwood
19th Century Oil On Canvas Equestrian Scene by George Armfield
By George Armfield
Located in Dublin 8, IE
George Armfield (1808-1893) oil on canvas painting, depicting an atmospheric scene of three horses to foreground with a thunderstorm in the background. Dramatic tension is created by...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paint
Circa 1880-1900 Seashells & Seaweed Motif Fish Service by Limoges
By Limoges
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1880-1900 sea shells & seaweed motif fish service, Limoges, France. Comprised of a platter, shell bowl, 8 plates & 8 sauce dishes. All but sauce dishes are R. Delinieres & Co, ...
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880.
Height / 9.5 inches.
Diameter / 13 inches.
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Gilt Lily Side Table
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Italian gilt metal lily table with glass top.
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880.
Height / 9 inches.
Diameter / 13 inches.
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Circa 1880s Set of Fish Knives & Forks for 6, English
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A circa 1880s set of fish knives & forks for 6, English. Silverplate made by William Hutton & Sons, Sheffield. Aesthetic taste. Fine condition.
Knife: 9.5" x 7/8" blade, Fork: 7 7/8"...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
13 Davenport 19th c. Dessert Set W/ Aesthetic Movement Teal Blue Fern Subjects
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 13 Aesthetic Movement dessert plates with matching serving compote, were made by Davenport ca. 1890's and feature hand decorated ferns surrounding the molded floral relie...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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
Antique Aesthetic Walnut & Burl Marble Top Dressing Table with Bird & Leaf Tiles
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Aesthetic Walnut & Burl Marble Top & Mirrored Dressing Table with Bird & Leaf Tiles, c1890
Measures - 52"H x 51.25"W x 22.25"D
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Burl
19th Century Large Cast Iron Garden Urn Aesthetic Movement
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular cast iron Victorian Aesthetic Movement Garden Urn. In excellent antique condition with tons of patina, and no breaks or bad repairs. Amazing pair of handles all original ...
Category
1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
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
Antique Aesthetic Foliate Carved Rosewood & Rouge Marble Side Table C1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Aesthetic side stand offers rosewood construction with and inset rouge marble top, foliate carved skirt, lower shelf and raised on straight square legs, c1910
Measures - ...
Category
Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Marble
Dutch Refectory Table From The 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
superb 19th century extending table in colonial wood from the 19th century from the Netherlands
Very elegant table with straight legs which has very beautiful proportions with a bea...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand Wrought Black Iron Andirons
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large Aesthetic Movement Hand Wrought Black Iron Andirons 28” Tall By 22” deep and 16” wide. Each andiron is one piece. Great condition with just some age-appropriate wear.
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Josiah Wedgwood Colored Cabbage Leaf on Basket Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica multi-colored glazed cabbage leaf on basket rim plate, Josiah Wedgwood, circa 1870.
Most often found in a solid green glaze, cabbage leaf plates were also made briefly i...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Set of 6 1880-83 Sterling Silver Tablespoons by Gorham
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 Gorham's Cluny sterling silver tablespoons, 1880-1883. One of the greatest silver designs of the Aesthetic Movement in America. Obverse monogram "NS". 19.25 troy oz.
8.25" x...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Gillow and Co. Oak Octagonal Table, England, circa 1860
Located in Oxford, GB
Description
Stamped and numbered oak octagonal drum Gillow and Co. pedestal table, circa 1860. Untouched and 100% authentic with just shy of 160 years of...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
19th C Bronze pendant with Bats
Located in Hudson, NY
Amazing. Bronze. Possibly Austrian. Wonderful patina.
This is not currently wired. If you have any questions or would like it wired please reach out.
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
German Majolica Swallows Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
German majolica aqua plate with birds swallow and insect circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
An Elegant Pair of Antique French, Gilt and Patinated Bronze Figure Candelabra
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An elegant pair of antique French, guilt and patinated bronze figure candelabra from the 1870s the pair with two different patinated bronze bust centers with the rest in its brillian...
Category
1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Big Lustre A Cage Antique Chandelier Crystal Brass
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Antique Chandelier: A Testament to Craftsmanship and Grace
Behold the splendor of the past revitalized in our meticulously restored old chandelier, a true masterpiece that e...
Category
1880s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Early Victorian Ebonised Inlay Pier Cabinet Glazed Bookcase Velvet Lined
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A well proportioned Victorian peer cabinet, ebonised with fruitwood inlay and standing on four turned bobbin feet.
Two opening glazed doors, retaining its original lock and key, ope...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood, Mahogany
Rare Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Center Table w/ Bronze Masks ca. 1870
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A RARE AESTHETIC MOVEMENT EBONIZED MARQUETRY-INLAID PARCEL GILT CENTER TABLE WITH BRONZE MASKS OF DIANA OF ANET
In the manner of Pottier & Stymus of New York unmarked ca. 1870
Item...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
English Aesthetic Mahogany Table Attributed To Godwin
Located in Essex, MA
Square solid mahogany top over spindle sides supporting a conforming shelf. Circular ring turned legs joined by an X form stretcher with central ball turning.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Thomas Forester Leaf on Bark English Majolica Tea Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A majolica glazed Tea Tray by Thomas Forester, Longton, Staffordshire, England, circa 1880.
The tray has an unusual gray glazed body worked as tree bark. Applied twig form handles s...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Globe Wernicke Bookcase In Mahogany Of 3 Elements With Small Cabinet
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London mahogany bookcase from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century from England which has 3 elements with the upper element composed of a small ca...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Royal Worcester Shell and Coral Vases
Located in Great Barrington, MA
These rare examples of Aesthetic Movement ivory porcelain themed vases features a matching pair of realistically molded open shells nestled in coral branches. The translucent walls a...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Parcel Gilt Serving Spoon - J.E. Caldwell
Located in New York, NY
Large, beautiful, Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver, parcel gilt serving spoon (great for vegetables, cake/pie, desserts, potatoes, etc.), J.E. Caldwell, Philadelphia, Ca. 1880's. ...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver
Bruce Talbert, stamped Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement upholstered oak armchair.
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed, stamped Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement oak armchair. It was professionally re-upholstered in a light blue Damask.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
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
Joseph Holdcroft English Majolica Leaf & Dandelion Majolica Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An English majolica Leaf and Dandelion floral bowl by Joseph Holdcroft, Circa 1870.
Designed in the Aesthetic taste, four overlapping leaves, glazed in the colors of Autumn, are cen...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized walnut two tier side table with a pierced gallery
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized two-tier side table with turned legs, the lower shelf with raised pierced circular details.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Heath & Middleton - Lotus Bowl - Antique Sterling Silver - London 1902
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1902 by Heath & Middleton, this wonderfully designed Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Bowl, takes the form of a blossoming lotus flower, supported on the stems o...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rosella Glass Cake Plate by Mikasa
By Mikasa
Located in Bradenton, FL
A decorative glass plate in the Rosella pattern made by Mikasa of New Jersey. Frosted glass is etched with roses on the underside and decorated in pink, surrounded by delicate foliag...
Category
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Glass
Antique Gorham Coin Silver Vase No. 335
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver vase.
By the Gorham Mfg. Co.
In coin silver.
The vase with a footed base, rounded body, and elongated narrow neck which opens into a wider mouth. These are v...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Majolica Seal Handled Ice-Cream Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Majolica green glazed- Seal-Molded Ice-Cream Tray, England – Date code EGH for 1878
A very scarce rectangular tray with the center molded as waves breaking...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Etagere
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement bamboo and lacquered etagere / canterbury, circa 1910. With bamboo frame work and lacquered panels. The lower section is a magazin...
Category
1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Lacquer
Large Gateleg Table In Oak
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely oak table called Gateleg
Very beautiful table which has a very beautiful turned base
Beautiful top with a thickness of 3cm
the table can be used as a dining room table, as ...
Category
20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Portuguese White Ceramic Lobster Platter
Located in Bradenton, FL
A white ceramic platter made by Sanor Ceramica of Portugal. Embossed with a coastal design, centered with a lobster amidst starfish and shells. Each end of the platter is embossed wi...
Category
Late 20th Century Portuguese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Fern Wall Brackets
Located in New York, NY
American, circa 1850-1880.
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), with wire armature and composition ornament, gessoed
and gilded.
Measures: 14 1/8 in. high, 16 5/16 in. wide (at the sh...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Gorham Aesthetic Sterling Silver Olive Spoon with Pick
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic sterling silver olive spoon. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1885. Cast stem with entwined leaf and olive. Shallow and pierced bowl with engraved leaves. At other end pick...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Bentwood Office Chair Model Number 704 J J Kohn For Thonet 1900s Jacob Joseph
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Wonderful bentwood chair, designed by Jacob and Joseph Kohn, Austria and produced by Thonet, dates from the early 1900s. Model Number 704
Retains the original embossed seat with won...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bentwood
Aesthetic Movement Tiger Bamboo Bat Wing Bar
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early 20th century Aesthetic Movement tiger bamboo small 2 person bat wing bar with a unique batwing bar top and small 2 shelf cabinet along the back.
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
c. 1930s-40s Scarlet Book Form Biscuit Tin by Huntley & Palmers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large scarlet book form biscuit tin box by Huntley & Palmers, c.1930s-40s, English. Scarlet with black & gilt cartouche & floral designs, with gilt "pages". Overall good condition gi...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
1910 Faux Books Biscuit Tin by Huntley & Palmers
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Faux books biscuit tin box by Huntley & Palmers, 1910, English. In the form of a strapped group of generic books old red & black paint with gilt work and tan strap. Overall wear comm...
Category
1910s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
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.
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