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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
Round Walnut Extension Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Round walnut extension dining table. The tabletop features a beautiful star design constructed of walnut and white oak veneer, and it sits upon a base...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

English Fence & Ivy Majolica Crescent Plate, TC Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rarer English Majolica crescent shaped plate from Thomas C. Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co., Cauldron Place, Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, circa 1865. A rustic pattern ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Christopher Dresser Watcombe Aesthetic Movement Twin Handled Persian Taste Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Aesthetic Movement flow glaze twin handled vase in the ‘Persian Taste’ by renowned British designer Christopher Dresser (British, 1834 – 1904) for Watcombe Torquay...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

An Aesthetic Movement rosewood two tier side table inlaid with floral decoration
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood two tier side table inlaid with floral decoration to the centres and parallel line inlay to edges of top and bottom shelf, stood on turned legs united ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Aesthetic Wakefield Rattan Co. Etagere, c.1880
Located in Savannah, GA
An Aesthetic Period Wakefield Rattan Co. etagere, circa 1880s.
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wicker, Rattan

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

George Tinworth Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Pottery Bowl, 1879
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and decorative Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth early stoneware bowl decorated with scrolling seaweed and rosette designs by renowned artist George Tinworth and dated 1...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Rare French Majolica Butterfly Wall Pocket, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Rare French Majolica butterfly wall pocket, circa 1880. From North of France.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Vase Coalport England Hand Painted with Jeweling and Raised Gilt
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming vase by the storied English firm of Coalport. This sweetie features 2 handles, and an interesting hand painted scene with river, mountains, flora fauna accented with white...
Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Louise J Davis Large Doulton Lambeth Floral Design Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and very impressive Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Art Pottery vase decorated with large flowering buds by renowned designer and decorator Louisa J Davis...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

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

Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
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

Late 19th to 20th Century Framed Needlepoint & Pettipoint
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Needlepoint & pettipoint featuring shields & a deer, origin unknown. Likely a late 19th to 20th century decorative hobbiest piece. Good colors; molded gilt frame. Sight: 19.25" x 15....
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Thread

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

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

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

Pair Arthur Court Gilded Lily Occassional Tables
Located in Houston, TX
A lovely pair of vintage Arthur Court gilt metal lily occasional tables with new showroom glass.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
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

Studio Crafted Claro Walnut End Table, 1970s
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

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

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

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

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

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

El Artistico Jose Ignacio morales lantern Outdoor Sconces Arts And Crafts Copper
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Handmade at ‘El Artistico’ sconce pair. Each has been rewired and ready for use. Copper and metal construction with wonderful age patina and Verdis. ‘El Artistico ‘ founded b...
Category

Late 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Copper, Brass

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

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

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

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

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

Aesthetic Movement Thebes Corner Chair by Liberty & Co
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement rare ‘Thebes’ walnut corner chair Red velvet seat By Liberty & Co Circa 1885.  
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Ceiba Table Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Peninsula, renowned as the C...
Category

2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Clay, Linen

Mid-Century French Bent Bamboo End And Coffee Table - Garden Patio Sunroom
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of French bent bamboo coffee table and matching end table. They date to the 60s and are in very good condition. Glass will be provided. The smaller end table measures 3...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

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

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 magazine rack.
Category

1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

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

Brown Wedgewood Transferware wall plates England, 1880s
Located in Milan, IT
Set of Three Brown Wedgewood Transferware wall plates England, 1880s The smaller wall plates measure 16.8 x 16.8 x H 3 cm
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

French Majolica Daffodil Cache Pot Creil & Montereau, Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Daffodil Cache Pot Creil & Montereau, Circa 1890. Total height / 10.3 inches. Platter / 11.5 inches diameter. Cache pot / height :9.3 inches, diameter: 10 inches.
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faience

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

Doulton Lambeth Frank Butler Stylized Pattern Candlestick
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Doulton Lambeth saucer shape stylized leaf design candlestick with brass fittings by Frank Butler and dating from around 1890. The candle stick...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

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 cano...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

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

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

Circa 1880-1900 Seashells & Seaweed Motif Fish Service 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

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

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

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

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

19th Century English Tortoise Bamboo Trompe L'oeil Centre Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical 19th century English aesthetic movement occasional table, center table, or games table crafted from radiant tortoise shell bamboo. The two-tier table features a trompe l'oeil decorated top on both tiers with decoupage playing cards on a black background with a rope border. The top of the games table is square with clipped corners. The legs are crafted from thick bamboo poles...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Paper

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

Rosella Glass Cake Plate 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 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

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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