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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
Belgium Majolica Oyster Plate Wasmuel Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Belgium Majolica oyster plate with pink flowers & green leaves Wasmuel, circa 1890.
Category

1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pondview Ceiling Light
Located in Hudson, NY
The elegant Pondview by AERIN updates one timeless design by pairing it with another. A simple candelabra floats visibly within a glass bell shade, gracefully illuminating any entryw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

19th Century French Blue & White Morning Glory Plate Vieillard Bordeaux
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Blue & White Morning Glory Plate Vieillard Bordeaux. Diameter 8.8 inches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Plaster light, Giacometti style with four branches
Located in Nice, FR
Plaster lamp in the style of Giacometti Composed of four branches. The luminaire is electrified in working order. Base E 27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

H Boulenger & Cie Exceptional Hand Painted Heavenly Scene Ceramic Plaque
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and rare French signed hand painted ceramic plaque with a signed heavenly scene by H Boulenger & Cie, Choisy dating from the 19th century. T...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Aesthetic Movement Mantle Clock
Located in Ross, CA
Aesthetic movement mantle clock made in France in the late 19th century. The face is blue and white hand painted enamel centered over blue and white porcelain. The round case which i...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Plaster light, Giacometti style with four branches for pair
Located in Nice, FR
Plaster lamp in the style of Giacometti Composed of four branches. The luminaire is electrified in working order. Base E 27
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster

19th-C. French Pine Faux Bamboo Marble Top Stand / Pedestal / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century French pine faux bamboo two tier marble top wash stand. This would make a lovely side table or pedestal as well. It a single drawer over single door. The ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

German Majolica Wild Boar Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce German majolica glazed earthenware Wild Boar plate, circa 1890-1900. Unusual both for the subject matter and for the lighter glaze coloring, this delightful plate is playful and amusing. The dark glazing of the wild boar shows him in contrast to the more pastel coloring of the background. Raised mold work defines the landscape. A slightly scalloped rim. 9 inches in diameter x 1 inch high. Marked with an inscribed mold number – possibly attributing this plate to the Zell pottery...
Category

1890s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

A Set of 10 Wedgwood & Barlaston of Etruria Green Glazed Majolica Cabbage Plates
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Set of 10 Wedgwood & Barlaston of Etruria Green Glazed Majolica Cabbage Plates Extremely popular during the Hollywood Regency period, now a classic. The mold shows an oversized ca...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Aesthetic Movement Trinket Box, circa 1900
Located in Spencertown, NY
The box with scenes of lilliputian figures
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

VM-Plaster Mirror 24"
Located in BOGOTÁ, CO
Discover the timeless essence of rustic elegance with our wooden-framed mirror plastered in gypsum. This mirror exudes a unique charm with its curvilinear, organic design that adds a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Plaster, Oak

Audacious English Roll Arm Sofa with Pull-Out Bed, in French Jacquard Velvet
Located in colima, MX
Our devilishly handsome rendition of the classic English Roll Arm sofa, in a luscious French Jacquard Velvet. This sofa was initially envisioned ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Jacquard, Velvet

19th Century carved oak and marble center table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century carved oak and marble center table circa 1880. Fine quality circular marble top center table.  White marble with grey veining and rounded edge, sits on a frieze of carv...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

Majolica Seaweeds Oyster Plate Keller and Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica oyster plate attributed to Keller Et Guerin Saint Clement, circa 1890. Reference / page 98 "Collecting oyster plates" of Jeffrey B. Snyder.One small chip.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

19th Century Large French Majolica Flamingo Platter
Located in Austin, TX
Exceptional 19th Century Large French Majolica Flamingo Platter or Charger. 15.7 diameter.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

An Aesthetic Movement wrought iron and copper fire bucket with sunflower finials
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement wrought writhen iron and copper fire bucket, with sunflowers that form a part of the main iron frame coming down to form the r...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Table with Stylised Floral Details
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Victorian cast iron garden table by G Hufton of Birmingham with stylised floral and zig-zag details throughout, an arched stretcher uniting the side uprights st...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

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

Dr Christopher Dresser An ebonized and gilded pedestal torchère
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and gilded pedestal torchère in the style of Dr C Dresser. The circular top has a Greek key pattern band, the main octagonal column has incised and gil...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

A Rare Original Chair By Syrie Maugham ca' 1940's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare hand painted chair designed by Syrie Maugham and custom made for John Gerald, NYC ca' 1940's. What is rare is that the chair appears to have original upholstery and label unde...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Bronze Elephant Head Console Table (Base Only)
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century bronze elephant console table. This listing is for the base only and is shown with glass as inspiration. Dimensions are for base only.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Dominick & Haff Aesthetic Sterling Perfume or Flask with Dragon Fly
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Dominick & Haff aesthetic sterling perfume or flask with dragon fly, a choice example, a tall profusely repoused with florals and leaves. Complete with locking hinged circular ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Bobbin Turned Chairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of English late 19th Century ebonized and bobbin turned corner chairs with woven rush seats.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rush, Beech

19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

Antique Meissen Porcelain Floral Encrusted Tea Cup & Saucer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meissen, Germany, late 19th to early 20th century Hard-paste porcelain, hand-painted with polychrome enamels and gilt accents, applied porcelain flowers, five small knop feet. ...
Category

19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Of American Aesthetic Brass And Onyx Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with square onyx tops with beveled edge set in a cast brass frame with square section legs and stretchers, raised on cabriole legs.
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Large Majolica Shell Vase Nautilus Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica Shell Nautilus Vase Urn signed Choisy Le Roi, circa 1890. The base is decorated with shells and coral. H / 8 inches , W / 10 inches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic

English Transferware Iris Plate Cauldon Circa 1904
Located in Austin, TX
English Transferware Iris Plate signed Cauldon Circa 1904 Cauldon Ltd (Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co)
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

English Aesthetic Movement Coat Hooks Coat Rack Coat Hanger
Located in High Peak, GB
P0308 Attractive set of three Victorian brass coat and hat hooks on solid mahogany backing. Cleaned, polished and fitted with wall fittings this antique coat rack is in home ready co...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Aesthetic Bamboo Hall Stand, England circa 1870
Located in Knutsford, GB
Aesthetic Bamboo Hall Stand, England circa 1870 The frame set with 4 turquoise Minton, Hollins & Co tiles decorated with cupids and butterflies Eboni...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

St. Clement French Majolica Pottery Basket Weave Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica glazed oyster plates from the faïencerie of Saint-Clément, Circa 1890-1900. Six white scallop shell shaped wells against a rich blue-green basket weave ground. The...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Majolica Plate Lily & Butterfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Plate Purple Lily & Butterfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880. Baby blue background with lily of the valley. 8 inches.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Boho Tortoise Bamboo Hall Tree
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Make a stunning first impression with this exceptional vintage tortoise bamboo hall tree. A brilliant example of Chinoiserie chic, this piece recalls the artistic spirit of the Aesth...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror

Large Antique Giltwood Frame
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Large, old, perfect giltwood frame, suitable for painting or mirror. On request I also have an ornamental frieze to place on top. ref. O/8340
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

An Aesthetic Movement Walnut & Gilt Octagonal Centre Table
Located in London, GB
Hewetson & Thexton, in the style of Bruce Talbert. An Aesthetic Movement walnut and gilt octagonal centre table with ring and spiral turned legs terminating in turned finials, united...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Bentwood Mahogany Twin Bed
Located in Queens, NY
Bentwood (19/20th Century) mahogany stained twin size bed with fluted frame (includes: headboard, footboard, rails). (Irregular size, check measurements).
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Pair of Belgium Bronze Busts by Georges Van Der Straaten
Located in Belmont, MA
The Belgium artist Georges van der Straaten (born 1856) designed the two bronze busts at the end of the 19th century. One is titled "Bergere" (shepher...
Category

1890s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

George Jones Rare Large Majolica Floor Standing Pedestal or Pot Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and large antique majolica floor standing pedestal by renowned and sought after maker George Jones and dating from around 1865. The pedestal is formed as three curved branches...
Category

1860s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique Gold Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning brass baroque empire chandelier reminiscent of the classic style of the empire era. This is a new reproduction and there are several available to ensure you ca...
Category

2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Haviland Limoges Serving Bowl with Handles, Cobalt Blue and Gold, 1887
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Serving bowl with handles is hand decorated with gold rims and gold borders of abstract leaf designs on cobalt blue and white background. The handles and rim are done in solid gold, ...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century English Aesthetic Movement side table made of oak with decorative stick and ball design. Square wood body with curved and rounded bentwood trim and brass accents. Stur...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Majolica Plate Flowers & Dragonfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Plate Flowers & Dragonfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880. Baby blue background with lily of the valley. 8 inches diameter.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Aesthetic Period Kilkenny Marble Fireplace Inset with Minton Tiles
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic period Kilkenny marble fireplace inset with Minton tiles, removed the Cornish home of the celebrated British novelist John Le Carré. The fossil stone surround with stop...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

Majolica Plate Flower & Butterfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Plate Purple Flower & Butterfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880. Baby blue background with lily of the valley. 8 inches diameter.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

T. Elsley attri. Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert w. upper central peacock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Elsley attributed. A rare Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert with an upper central peacock and Japanese basket weave decoration around it. Each side is designed to display t...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

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

Armani Casa Pump Workout Luxury Set Made in Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
Armani Casa Pump Workout Luxury Set Pump is a range conceived for the home fitness signature of designer Giorgio Armani as part of Armani Casa. This minimalist yet incredibly glamourous set includes: • Mesh and Leather Carrying Workout Bag featuring GA Signature • Pump Leather Jump Rope with dust bag in mesh fabric featuring GA Signature: Handles can be opened to regulate length of rope. • Set of two weights (1 kilo or 2.2 pounds) each. Wrapped in eco leather featuring GA Signature. • Leather water...
Category

2010s Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Dr C Dresser, Important Aesthetic Movement Marble Fire Surround with Bull Rushes
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser. An important and probably unique Aesthetic movement black marble fire surround, with stylized bull rushes and floral incised g...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble

Faux Bamboo Wooden Two Drawer Desk
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Faux Bamboo-style table desk with two drawers with patinated bronze hardware, resting on four gently tapered legs connected by an X-shaped stretcher base with a central decor...
Category

20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Carved Nordic Monk Chairs
Located in Malibu, CA
Unique pair of solid oak monk chairs with intricate carvings in Norse style. Hand crafted and unique with removable double sided upholstered cushions. Norw...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Antique Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Wood Sculpture Display Pedestal, C1870
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Aesthetic Movement sculpture pedestal offers ebonized wood construction with found upper display over column having car...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Furstenberg Germany Vintage Flower Round Gold Leaf Trinket Plate
Located in BILBAO, ES
Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate Perfect gift for your special someone. Dimensions: Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches) A s...
Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

Majolica Plate Red Lillies Villeroy & Boch
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Plate Red Lillies Villeroy & Boch,
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Early 20thC Aesthetic French Jardinière
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Aesthetic French Jardinière with Foliate Banding - 9" diam x 7"h
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Maitland-Smith Faux Tortoise & Tooled Leather Bamboo Canterbury Magazine Rack
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking Maitland-Smith faux tortoise and tooled leather bamboo magazine rack. It is marked and in very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

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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