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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
Period: 20th Century
1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52704 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 02'09 x 11'09. Woven with the pulse of Anatolia and the palette of a sun-warmed earth, this hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak runner i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

English Antique Tantalus
Located in Denton, TX
Early 20th century English Tantalus. Solid oak travel caddy with two cut glass decanters and a key for safety.
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

1980's Tibetan Odegard Carpet with Modern Cubist Bauhaus Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78203 Vintage Tibetan Odegard Rug, 08'03 x 10'04. This hand-knotted wool vintage Tibetan Odegard rug is a striking example of minimalist elegance, where mo...
Category

Late 20th Century Nepalese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

French Bamboo, Grasscloth Wallpaper & Wicker Coat Rack Or Hall Tree Or Coat Rack
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a charming French bamboo and wicker hall tree or coat rack. It has grasscloth wall paper in the open spaces. Each panel has some red and blue painted accents. It dates to the...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Bamboo, Wicker, Mirror

Selection of Antiqued Gilt Mirrors
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of antiqued gilt mirrors #5, circa mid-20th century. They are: 1) Spanish gilt mirror, circa 1940s. Retains original antiqued mirror. I...
Category

20th Century Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Grapes Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with bunches of grapes, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1920. A grape vine branch forms the top handle, grape b...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Leather Giraffe 20th Century, England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb leather giraffe from England from the 20th century from the 50's Very nice giraffe in superb condition which has a very beautiful patina. The bl...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather

Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A superb quality Gorham silver plated on copper oval tea tray encrusted in cast vintage motifs. Monogram "EBR". Medallion maker's insignia: "Plate...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

Pair Antique French Chinoiserie Majolica Faience Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of unique antique (early 20th century) French polychrome glazed earthenware (faience) vases mounted on brass pedestals for use as table lamps, featuring song birds in relief on ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Royal Worcester Blush Porcelain Hadley Design Bud Vase with Roses F126/H
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique porcelain flower vase. By Royal Worcester. Model no. F126/H. Designed by James Hadley. Of a bulbous form with blush decora...
Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Mahogany And Brass Music Cabinet in Aesthetic Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A tall mahogany music cabinet with brass racks for music or magazines. The top with brass supports with art deco style brass decorative plaques. framing functional brass bars. Below ...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

1920’s Colorful Turkish Kilim Flatweave Carpet with Modern Tribal Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78951 Antique Turkish Kilim Rug, 02'11 x 05'03. This exquisite handwoven wool antique Turkish kilim rug embodies the rich tradition of tribal artistry, showcasing the timeless beauty...
Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Minton Secessionist Vase in Light Blue and Cobalt with Floral Motif
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique potery vase was made by the renowned Mintons Company of England in approximately 1905 in the period Secessionist style. The vase is done with a Robin egg blue ground wit...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Aesthetic Movement Emerald Green Glass Leaf Plates
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Discover the epitome of elegance and refinement with our exquisite collection of a set of 4 emerald green glass leaf plates. The delicate gree...
Category

20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

Italian Adjustable Wooden Lounge Chair, Italy 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian adjustable wooden lounge chair with wave formed armrest in black tinted wood. Italy 1940s.  
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

1960's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
73289 Vintage Turkish Rug, 05'03 x 07'11. In this captivating hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish rug, the sleek lines of Midcentury Modern design intersect with the inviting warmth of artisan craftsmanship. Against a neutral tan backdrop, the composition unfolds into two distinct compartments, each telling its own unique story. In one compartment, bold stripes traverse from side to side, creating a sense of movement and dynamism that draws the eye and sparks curiosity. In the other compartment, a mesmerizing pattern emerges, with a concentric cube...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

20th Century Asthetic Movement Style Bamboo Hall Stand
Located in LYON, FR
Bamboo and brass Hall stand with mirror in the style of the asthetic movement. The tiger cane bamboo has been stripped and refinished. the shelves have bee...
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Harriton Eglomise Painted Mirrors Signed
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1960s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, 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

English Aesthetic Movement Two Tier Bamboo Plant Stand Shelf
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late 19th century/early 20th century English aesthetic movement bamboo plant stand, display shelf, or side table crafted from bamboo. The table features a bent bamboo frame with thre...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

12 Webb Hand Blown Large Crystal Goblets w/ Flared Rim Engraved Prunus Blossoms
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 12 hand blown crystal goblets were made by Webb Corbett, England and are the perfect addition to your table setting. The nice large size makes these an excellent choice f...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Round Ceramic Hand Painted Portugese Mirror by Jay Willfred for Andrea Sadek
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful round hand-painted ceramic mirror. This piece was hand-painted in Portugal by artist Jay Willfred for Andrea Sadek. It features a round cerami...
Category

20th Century Portuguese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Mirror, Paint

Antique Persian Bakhtiari Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
73095 Antique Persian Bakhtiari Rug 10'02 x 11'10. In this masterfully hand-knotted antique Persian Bakhtiari rug, the story of a tribe is written not with ink, but with wool—each kn...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

1920's Persian Heriz Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76651, traditional antique Persian Heriz rug with English Country style Manor House. This hand knotted wool antique Pe...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

20th Century Bentwood Oak Cheval Mirror 'Manner of Michael Thonet'
Located in Queens, NY
Bentwood (19th/20th Century) oak cheval mirror with ornate screw supports. (manner of Michael Thonet).  
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak, Wood

Dr Christopher Dresser for Benham and Froud. A pair of brass fire dogs
Located in London, GB
C Dresser for Benham & Froud, a pair of brass fire implement rests.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

1950’s Turkish Kars Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52701, vintage Turkish Kars rug with Romantic Mid-Century Modern style. This hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Kars rug features a cusped central medallion anchored with palmette pen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Atkin Brothers Sheffield England Stag Horn Handle & Silver Plate Table Crumber
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Henry Atkin & Co. a natural Stag Horn handled table crumber, Sheffield, England, circa 1900. The extra-plated silver crumber shows a beaded edge,...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Circa 1900 Japanese Bronze Champleve Enamel Large Vase
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Circa !900 Japanese Large well shaped bronze champleve enameled vase.. Six paneled sides with Asian themed engravings on each panel.With two ringed handles. Original warm amber brow...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

1960's Taznakht Berber Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
20948 Vintage Red Taznakht Moroccan Rug, 04'01 x 07'06. Embark on an enchanting journey into the rich legacy of the Taznakht Tribe, where skilled hands in the High Atlas Mountains of...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Venetian Style Charles Pollock for William Switzer Tole Iron & Marble Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Venetian Style Charles Pollock for William Switzer tole iron & marble table Priced each! Additional information: Materials: Iron, Marble, Tole Color: Green Brand: William Swi...
Category

Late 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Chair & Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair and Ottoman, ATTR: Herter Brothers This listing is for the TWO PIECES. *Please View Other Listings - Matching Piano Sto...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wood

1950's Scandinavian Röllakan Flatweave Carpet with Modern Nordic Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78505 Vintage Gold Swedish Rollakan Rug, 05'11 x 12'05. Steeped in the warmth of Scandinavian design, this handwoven wool vintage Swedish rollakan rug exudes a sense of simplicity, c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Copeland Spode Dessert Set 8 Plates, 2 Square Plates Blue w/ Florals Butterfly
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 8 Copeland Spode dessert plates is accompanied by 2 matching square serving plates- Perfect for a cheese and fruit course as well as d...
Category

1920s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Coalbrookdale Passion flower pattern 'Lovers' seat.
Located in Alton, GB
A beautiful reproduction of a Coalbrookdale Passion flower pattern alloy garden seat circa 1970. Rare and interesting, this fabulous 'Passion flower' lovers seat...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Sculpted Bronze Sea Creatures Coffee Table with a Chiseled Glass Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful bronze and glass coffee table depicting a sea creatures playing around a piece of coral and sea weed leaves, there you can see a couple of fish, snails, clams and a sea star. The bronze has beautiful patina and a glossy finish to mimic the wet underwater environment. The glass top has a beautiful chiseled edge that supposed to represent the water and waves...
Category

1980s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Flower Chandelier Amber Crysatal Glass Candelabrum Brass Bronze Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Vintage Chandelier: A Fusion of History and Elegance Step into a realm of timeless beauty with our meticulously restored old chandelier, a testament to the skilled craftsman...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Wire

"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

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

1920's Persian Sarouk Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77634, antique Persian Sarouk rug with old world Victorian style 03'05 x 04'11. With its beguiling beauty and rich jewel-tones, this hand-knotted wool antique Persian Sarouk rug is p...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Side Serving Drinks Tea Twig Table Smoked Glass Top Wood
Located in Tilburg, NL
Beautifully crafted occasional twig table related to the aesthetic movement in the late 19th century. Early 20th century, most probably English. Made out of twigs and finished wi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Twig, Smoked Glass

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

Art Nouveau Brass Chandelier Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite Art Nouveau brass chandelier chandelier ceiling light - a real rarity and an antique jewel. This vintage chandelier was lovingly and professionally res...
Category

1910s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

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

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

1930’s Persian Malayer Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
75339 Antique Persian Malayer Runner 03'03 X 07'11. With ornate details and rustic sensibility, this hand knotted wool antique Persian Malayer runner will take on a curated lived-in...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Large English Bird Plate Mintons, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Large English blue bird plate in a landscape signed Mintons (mark 1873 to 1912).
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

1940’s Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53076 Distressed Vintage Turkish Oushak Prayer Rug, 02'09 x 04'02. This hand-knotted wool distressed vintage Turkish Oushak prayer rug embodies the enduring spirit of Anatolian weavi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Theresienthal enamel decanter and two liqueur glasses c1907
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Super Theresienthal set -a large clear and enamel decanter and two small liqueur glasses, decorated in green and yellow translucent enamel swags and garlands in a classic Aesthetic M...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Great Daum Nancy Vase Art nouveau
By Daum
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Daum Nancy vase Digitalis, Circa 1915 Perfect condition Size: 54 cm Monumental. Glassware marked Daum Nancy is attributed to Auguste and Antonin Daum. These brothers took over a gl...
Category

1910s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Large Pair Antique Aesthetic Cobalt Blue Porcelain Bronze Wisteria Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large (27 inch tall) antique (late 19th century) Aesthetic period porcelain vases with gilt decorations and raised enamel designs of butterflies and wisteria flowers on a cob...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Carlton House Horn Desk by Maitland Smith
Located in Round Top, TX
Late 20th C. tessellated horn Carlton House desk by Maitland Smith. A wood frame, with applied horn and brass inlay detailing. Multiple cubbies and drawers, with cast brass drop pull...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Horn, Wood

Tooled and Paint Embellished Versace Style Italian Leather Desk Organizer
Located in Ferndale, MI
Desk organizer highly decorated and colorful tooled leather. Cloth interior. Marked Made in Italy.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather

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

1940's Colorful Berber Tribe Moroccan Azilal Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
74732 Vintage Judaica Moroccan Azilal Rug, 04'07 x 06'03. This hand-knotted wool vintage Moroccan Azilal rug is a vivid testament to the artistry of Jewish artisans in Morocco, blend...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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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