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: Mid-20th Century
Pair Estate English Aesthetic Movement Silver-Plated Candlesticks Circa 1950-60.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Estate English Aesthetic Movement Silver-Plated Candlesticks, Circa 1950-1960.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Huichol Niereka Art Textile
Located in New York, NY
Mexican Huichol Niereka art textile depicting two figures, one with deer antlers shooting a bow and arrow at an anthropomorphic zoomorphic figure, housed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Textile
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
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
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
c. 1930s-40s 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". The "front cover" in very...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Acorn Shaped Ice Bucket by Teghini Firenze 1960s
By Teghini
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Bold.
Figurative.
Sleek.
Teghini Firenze designed this lovely modernist silver plated ice bucket in the 1960s.
The piece features a rounded shape with an oversized stylized acorn d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of 16 Wedgwood Hand Painted Artist Signed Cobalt Gilt Fish Plates
By Wedgwood
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a large set of 16 hand painted and artist signed A. Holland, one of Wedgwood's famous and iconic artists. These fish plates are decorated with an unusual border incorporating...
Category
1930s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pine Master Staircase
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and decorative master staircase is all made of pine with small brass nais. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category
1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pine
Mid 20th century aesthetic movement inspired brass hall cushion mirror
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality cushion mirror in the aesthetic movement taste, circa 1950.
Pressed brass decorative surface with florals and moulding. Raised cushion mirror with single door to the fr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
1930s Rosenthal Selb Hand Painted Floral Cherry Blossoms Serving Platter
By Rosenthal
Located in Chicago, IL
Eye-catching, romantic Rosenthal Selb hand-painted serving plate or platter with cherry blossoms outlined in gold, set on a background of the loveliest greenish-blue. This is not you...
Category
1930s German Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Lips - Italian space age modular island sofa, Circa 1960s
Located in PARIS, FR
The 1960s Space Age design, influenced by space exploration and atomic era tensions, brought a futuristic twist to art, cinema, and interior design. Originating amid Cold War anxieties on the American West Coast, it combined humor and avant-garde creativity, often using 'vital forms' inspired by nuclear imagery.
This style features modern, cosmic-inspired furniture with vibrant plastics, reflective metals, and curved lines, creating a futuristic ambiance reminiscent of a Stanley Kubrick film. Dominated by spherical and angular shapes, it mirrors the era's fascination with space and atomic science.
Enhancing brightness and contrasting with the colorful, reflective furniture. Warm colors and silver accents add to the optimistic, futuristic vibe of this 1960s-inspired design.
This sofa is an emblem of the period, refreshed with Vachette leather upholstery in anthracite, a human lips sculptural structure with an hand bar for...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Stainless Steel
Low Plafonnier Crystal Chandelier Brass Lustre Ceiling Art Deco Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Exquisite Antique Chandelier: A restored masterpiece from the past
Discover the charm of a bygone era with our carefully restored antique chandelier, a true labor of love from Berli...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Vintage Hermes Horsebit Silver Bracelet 925, France
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Hermes Silver Bracelet 925 France. Vintage silver bracelet 925 representing horse bits connected between them by straps. Original velvet...
Category
1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
1950s French Carved Giltwood And Painted Acorn And Leaf Sconces - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of carved giltwood French sconces that depict spiraling leaves with branches and acorns. They most likely date to the 1950s. The pair is not electrified.
Category
1950s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
Mid-Century Cast Concrete English Garden Style Pots / Planters / Jardinieres - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of unique cast concrete planters. As one can see, one is significantly darker than the other. They most likely date to the 50s/60s. They are unmarked.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Concrete
Modern Watercolor Female Portrait
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
ST/736 - Watercolor and tempera modern female portrait: simple but unusual.
An interesting item..., simply to frame.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paper
A Boucheron Paris 18k Gold Silver & Ruby Vermeil Minaudiere Circa 1940
By Boucheron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Boucheron Paris 18k Gold, Silver & Ruby Vermeil Minaudiere Circa 1940, of rectangular form with a hinged cover the top of the cover with pierced vermeil scrolling foliage the flow...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Gold, Silver
Boar and Stag Majolica Tureens
Located in Savannah, GA
A pair of Italian majolica boar and stag head tureens, mid 20th century.
16 ½ inches wide by 11 inches deep by 10 inches tall
Category
Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century Chinese Hand Painted Bird & Floral Bamboo Side Tables / Cabinets -2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century hand painted Aesthetic Movement inspired celadon bamboo cabinets. They have bird and floral fronts with pinstripe details....
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Mid-Century set of 4 Large Scale Four Seasons Paintings
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century set of 4 Large Scale Four Seasons Paintings were designed for a French bakery, and beautifully and colorfully represent the Four Seasons, with the seasons' names painted ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paint
Pair of folding stools 1950 Italy
Located in Nice, FR
pair of stained beech, walnut stools. This is the foldable stool. The seat is in brown velvet. They were made in Italy around the 1950s easy to transport commercially, I offer transp...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Fruitwood
Mid Century Abstract Ceramic Lamp in Cerise An unusual shape
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Mid Century Abstract Ceramic Lamp in Cerise
An unusual shape with the light bulb concealed in the bottom of the lamp, this makes unusual and attractive patterns when lit
The lamp is...
Category
1960s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Carved Nordic Monk Chairs
Located in Venice, 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 Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by G. Remmerie is an interesting take on the classic landscape painting, where the artist has captured a low lying marshy area under an overcast...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
Epergne in Silver Plate with Flowers Holders
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Elegant antique silver plate épergne with low branches and 4 flowers holders.
Discreet and delicate, it can be placed anywhere: in the m...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Italian Painted Carved Wood Faux Bois Mirror With French Styling
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French style heavily carved Italian faux bois mirror with sprigs of leaves a berries throughout the branches. It is an ivory painted finish. It is unmarked and in very good...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Rare Arthur Barlow Silver Mounted Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Jug / Pitcher
By Doulton Lambeth, Arthur Barlow
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare English silver mounted stoneware pitcher by Arthur Boulton Barlow for Doulton Lambeth.
The diminutive pitcher has incised leafwork throughout that is decorated in blue slip. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Val Saint Lambert Cobalt Blue Cut To Clear Crystal Vase Birds & Flowers
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This Val Saint Lambert vase is a rare example of a pattern that was only used for goblets and most likely a custom order. It is hand blown crystal with cobalt blue overlay cut to cle...
Category
1930s Belgian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal
1950s Georgetown Galleries George III Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1950s George III Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Dining Table by iconic Georgetown Galleries. Features 4 pedestals all on original solid wheels. Recently refinished and in very good condi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Brunschwig & Fils Victoria & Albert Bird Song Hand-Printed Wallpaper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Adorable and rare Brunschwig & Fils hand-printed wallpaper border inspired by Victorian design from the Victoria & Albert Museum. Have not been able t...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paper
Interesting and Unusual Swiss Designed Side Table
Located in Hudson, NY
Unusual table, either Swiss or Swedish. Was brought to the USA by cellist Haim Zemach. Has two drawers. With partial label underside of table. Great form and turnings on base and top...
Category
1930s Swiss Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Arab on Horseback with Slave Girl
By Alfred Barye
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large Sculpture by both Barye and El Guillman cast and made after the Original . Two signatures are visible on the base . Large at 33" in Ht and 22" long . Heavy casting . Has a re...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
1950s French Style Orange Painted Faux Bamboo Bergere Chairs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1950s French style faux bamboo orange painted bergere chairs. The upholstery is vintage and in very good condition. Although the upholstery has the appearance of si...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Maple
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
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
Set of 3 Mexican Antique Flower Pot Ceramic Vases
By Popular Style
Located in Mérida, YU
Amazing looks and patina of these 3 Mexican antique flower pots. Nice texture. Blue ornamental motif.
With or without plants this ceramics fill a r...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Clay
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
Midcentury English Brighton Pavilion Style Burnt Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a vintage English Brighton style burnt bamboo coffee table with glass top. It is most likely from the Phillipines, but it is unmarked...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Glass
Three Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Teaspoons with Assorted Decorations
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Three Tiffany and Co. sterling silver teaspoons, with assorted beautiful decorations in the pattern Holly: perfect and rare.
They are three little sculptures...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Silver
Blown Art Glass Peacock Pattern Large Vase
Located in Stamford, CT
Large and substantial blown glass art vase. All over peacock swirl pattern with gold flecking throughout. No makers mark or signature.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Blown 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
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
Mosaic table, iron foot, 1960, unique piece
Located in Nice, FR
Table or pedestal table with a mosaic top, iron base, all made in the old fashioned way, in an antique way, the mosaics are highlighted, unique piece.
60s work
The outline of the mos...
Category
1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
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
English Armchair In Dark Green Leather
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful English leather armchair with a mahogany base
Very beautiful armchair covered with green leather which has a very beautiful patina
The armchair rests on a solid mahog...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Leather
Aesthetic Movement Carved Gilt Wood Ornament Vase
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement carved and gilt wood ornamental vase in the shape of a handle-less elongated amphora, carved with geometric eight-pointed star design, upon a round base. In very g...
Category
Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Giltwood
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
Vintage Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by Mees
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by Mees is a charming post-impressionistic rendering of a quaint Belgian town along the canal. Such canals were integral to most villages, provi...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Antique Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique framed oil painting on canvas is a classic take on the timeless Still Life of a bouquet of flowers. The artist has utiliz...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Framed Oil Painting on Canvas by deMoen
Located in Dallas, TX
Framed oil painting on canvas by deMoen is yet another rendition of the storied city of Bruges, centuries ago a bustling port eventually eclipsed by Antwerp, and connected to other s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Pair of Wall Lights, Murano, 1970, Attribuée Mazzega
By AVMazzega
Located in Nice, FR
Pair of Murano glass sconces, transparent, chromed metal structure,
Italian work from the 70s.
Attributed to Mazzega.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
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
Antique Framed Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique framed landscape oil painting on canvas is a Classic pastoral but oriented on the vertical allowing the stream to gently Meander thro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Canvas
Monumental Italian 1950s Wrought Iron Wall Lamp
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Italian 1950s wrought iron wall lamp.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
"Knitting by the Hearth" by Sam Uhrdin
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Oil on canvas, signed and dated in the upper left and inscribed on the reverse.
Painting features a Swedish girl knitting by the fire. The work has a lovely warm feel to it.
Sam Uhrdin...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paint
Italian Murano Glass Vintage Table Lamp
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
The true Murano artistically engraved glass table lamp: elegant and settable anywhere.
It is NOT necessary to change the power supply, but also use Your lamps with 110 W - 12 V.
Now...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
English Paisley Upholstered Storage Ottomans, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of petite English upholstered storage ottomans on tiny castors. The paisley fabric is in very good condition as is the pink ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
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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