In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.
ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.
The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking, and Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau.
The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own variants.
In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers.
The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.
Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass.
Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).
Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.
There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.
$4,701 / set
Pair of W.A.S. Benson Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
By Was Benson
Located in NANTES, FR
Paire d'appliques art nouveau vers 1900. Monture en laiton et cuivre. Tulipe ouraline de James Powel. The height of the tulip-shaped shade can be ...
Brass, Copper
Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn: Dressing table model 1134 and Bat chair
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
This dressing table is stylistically related to the furniture of the famous Fledermaus cabaret from 1906: Made of dark-stained beechwood, the piece features clean, architectural lin...
Beech
Antique Art Nouveau Hungarian Zsolnay Tádé Sikorski Openwork Floral Mallow Vases
By Tádé Sikorski, Zsolnay
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of two antique art nouveau Zsolnay reticulated pierced openwork floral faience vases from the Mályva (Mallow) series. Designed by Tádé Sikorski. Made in Pecs Hungary. Five C...
Porcelain
Brass/Silk - of the Showroom Wiener Werkstätte Wall Light Jugendstil, Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Wall Sconces, Variation of the Wall-Lamp from the Fabric-Showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette. Measures are without tassel. Just with plain-colored fabric. USA and CAN: All ele...
Brass
Set Of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.406 Fledermaus For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.728 FLEDERMAUS For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Fledermaus Bench By Josef Hoffmann No.406 For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Fledermaus Bench By Josef Hoffmann No 728 For Jacob & Josef Kohn Austria 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Small Ceramic Art Nouveau Vase by Herman A. Kähler, Denmark, 1920s
By Kähler, Upsala Ekeby, Herman Kähler, Kähler Keramik
Located in Malmö, SE
A small, rare and beautiful Art Nouveau / Jugend / Arts and Crafts vase with amazing glaze. Handmade by potter Herman A. Kähler in his studio in Denmark, 1920s. Great original condi...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Set of 5 Majolica Plates, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A beautiful set of five antique French majolica plates, featuring an elegant relief design of vine leaves, grape clusters, and branches. Their rich palette of greens, browns, and cre...
Majolica
French White Opaline Glass & Brass Pendant Lights
Located in Amsterdam, NL
White mat opaline glass pendant Brass top and bottom 200 cm / 80" black cotton wire. Weight: 1.70 kg / 3.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by inter...
Brass
Art Nouveau Casket by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau bronze casket designed by Niels Dam Ravn and produced by Nordisk Malm in the 1930s. * Curvilinear bronze casket with deer motifs and a fitted wooden interior box * Desig...
Brass
Diskometal Rabbit Sculpture designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Diskometal rabbit sculpture designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. * Rabbit sculpture in diskometal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1515 * Year: 1933 * Condition: Fair vin...
Metal
Josef Hoffmann Table For Jacob & Josef Kohn No. 906
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Table N0.906 For Jacob & Josef Kohn
Wood
1900s Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Secessionist Bentwood Wall Coat Rack, Austria
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet, August Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, original, and authentic Art Nouveau (Jugendstil / Secession) wall-mounted coat and hat rack, dating from around 1900 and produced by Gebrüder Thonet, Vienna, Austria. Th...
Bentwood, Wood
Jacob & Josef Kohn Coat Stand No.1082
Located in Čelinac, BA
Jacob & Josef Kohn Coat Stand No.1082
Bentwood
Pair Tiffany Style Art Nouveau Stained Glass Table Lamps with Cast Bronze Bases
Located in Torquay, GB
A decorative pair of Tiffany style table lamps featuring richly coloured leaded stained glass shades with stylised rose motifs in shades of ruby red, green, amber and opalescent whit...
Bronze, Lead
Vintage Gold plate Cigar Cutter by Donatus, Western Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A superb vintage Donatus cigar cutter from Solingen, Germany, dating to the 1960s. Expertly crafted in gilded metal, this piece exemplifies the exceptional quality and precision for ...
Metal, Gold Plate
Antique Bohemian Czech Kralik Green Iridescent Art Nouveau Glass ashtray 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Antique Bohemian Czech Kralik Green Iridescent Art Nouveau Glass ashtray 1908 Original condition
Brass
1900s Art Nouveau Lacquered Wood Sicilian Round Coffee Table
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This enchanting early 1900s Sicilian Art Nouveau coffee table is a masterpiece of Stile Liberty design, capturing the fluid, organic poetry of the era. Crafted from lacquered wood, t...
Wood, Lacquer
$581Sale Price|49% Off
Antique Hand Carved Wooden Angel Head Sculpture, Spanish, Circa 1900-1920
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful early 20th century hand carved wooden angel head with glass eyes. Amazing eyecather with beautiful expression. Spain circa 1900-1920 Weathered, small losses. H:20cm W:9cm ...
Glass, Wood
Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Pendant Opaline Glass, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Woka ceiling lamp, also available with a 50 cm diameter radius - total drop is custom-made. Materials used are brass and opaline glass. Available in different finishes. L...
Brass
Antique Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hammered Copper and Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen
Located in Hannover, DE
A remarkably decorative and authentic original Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) fireplace screen, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1895–1915, showcasing the unmistakable organic elega...
Copper, Wrought Iron
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Pink Swirl Wine Goblets - Set of 6 - France
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage wine glasses in a pale blush pink hue. Each glass has a lovely swirl design. Made in France by Arcoroc. Each glass measures 3.25"Dia x 6.25"H
Glass
French Art Nouveau Style Dressing Armoire Beveled Mirror, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French two doors cabinet. A bevelled mirror on the central door. An elegant storage cabinet made of solid ash and burl ash veneer, dating from the early 20th century. Its refined des...
Brass
$6,150
Thonet Bench 1865
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet Bench 1865
Bentwood
Antique Art Nouveau Inlaid Mahogany Display China Cabinet Vitrine Waring Gillow
Located in Portland, OR
A fine, elegant antique Edwardian Art Nouveau display cabinet vitrine, with elements of Sheraton Revival, mahogany with inlaid marquetry, by S. J. Waring of London and Liverpool, cir...
Mahogany, Satin, Glass, Satinwood
Monumental Art Nouveau Design Brass Table Lamp or Desk Light Austria 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser
Located in München, BY
Monumental Art Nouveau design table lamp. Manufactured in Austria. This is probably a production from 1980s. This sculptural table lamp is executed in brass and opaline glass. It co...
Brass
Art Nouveau Casket by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau brass casket designed by Niels Dam Ravn in the 1930s. * Curvilinear bronze casket with floral motifs and fitted wooden interior box * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufact...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom-...
Silk
J. & J. Kohn art nouveau side table in bentwood, Austria ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An art nouveau “Palm” side table by Jacob and Joseph Kohn in bentwood. Designed in Vienna, Austria around 1910. The table top has a dark circled wear mark (see pictures) This table ...
Wood, Bentwood
Bronze Ashtray by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Bronze Ashtray designed by Niels Dam Ravn in the 1930s. * Bronze ashtray with lid with motif of a deer * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufacturer: No...
Brass
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardinière. This jardinière is inspired by the Art Nouveau and the Naturalism movement of the end of 19th Century.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom ...
Silk
Lundberg Studios Tiffany Style Art Glass Tulip Table Lamp
Located in Fulton, CA
A Tiffany Style "Tulip" art glass table lamp by James Glenn Lundberg for Lundberg Studios. Founded in 1970 in Santa Cruz, California. Iridescent art glass shades both signed "Lundber...
Art Glass
Rare Art Nouveau Armchair by H.P. Mutters & Zoon, Walnut Frame, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Nouveau armchair. Design by H.P. Mutters & Zoon Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid American walnut frame with hand-carved decora...
Wicker, Walnut
Antique Italian Carved Alabaster Maiden Seated in Bronze Chair, by E. Fiaschi
Located in Petaluma, CA
This lovely young girl seated in a chair is a fine example of the work of Emilio Fiaschi, Italian b.1858-d.1941. Known mostly for his alabaster carvings, this is a nice example of hi...
Alabaster, Marble, Bronze
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Puristic design from the early stages of the Wiener Werkstaette, Measures: Diameter 25 cm. This lamp is also available in diameter 35cm and 50cm. most components according to the UL...
Brass
Hanging Lamp from the showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Josef Hoffmann
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hammered Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB 3 p. 256-2...
Brass
Jugendstil Baccarat Antique Art Glass Dandelion Vase, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass dandelion vase for Baccarat, France. The vase - made out of art glass - is made from a clear glass, with yellow dandelions and green leafs on it...
Art Glass
French Lounge Chair With Sheep Leather And Velvet In The Manner Of Louis Chambry
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant early 20th century French lounge chair, executed in the spirit of Louis Chambry, combining sculptural form with rich, tactile materials. The cha...
Leather, Velvet, Oak, Pine
Very Large Art Nouveau Sterling Silver-Mounted Corkscrew
Located in New York, NY
Very large, Art Nouveau, sterling silver-mounted polished antler, J.F. Fradley and Company, New York, Ca. 1900. J.F. Fradley and Company was in business from 1873-1936 when the last ...
Metal, Sterling Silver
French Art Nouveau Heavy Brass Etched Glass Lantern Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Classic French gilded brass Art Nouveau hall lantern. Brass frame and gallery with balloon-shaped etched glass. Around 1900-1930 Height including chain and canopy: 75 cm / 29.53 in...
Brass, Gold Plate
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with 11 Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing 11 third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a r...
Metal, Brass
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine and Larch with original cast iron handles - Decorative carved sides and front - 20 large drawers - The top has been given ...
Iron
Art Nouveau Silver Plated Hand Held Mirror
Located in Worcester Park, GB
An exquisite antique hand mirror crafted in the Art Nouveau style, featuring elegant flowing lines and high-relief floral decoration. The sculptural handle and back are richly adorne...
Silver Plate
French Pink Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica plate with two parakeets on a very rare pink background with oranges of Salins, circa 1890.
Majolica
Two Art Nouveau Lorgnette Opera Glasses Folding Spectacles Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two beautiful antique lorgnettes (handled spectacles) in a nostalgic style, featuring ornate handle designs. These glasses utilize a folding mechanism where the lenses overlap; opera...
Silver
Dutch Art Nouveau Ceramic Table Lamp Pair, circa 1915, New Ochre Linen Shades
By Arnhemsche Fayencefabriek, Amitābha Studio
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
A pair of Dutch Art Nouveau ceramic table lamps in green and ivory, hand-painted with stylized orchids at the Arnhemsche Fayencefabriek, circa 1915–1920. The bases are unique organic...
Brass
Charles Rennie Mackintosh MCM Ingram Dining Chairs for Cassina, Set of 12
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Cassina
Located in Plainview, NY
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Ingram Art Nouveau Dining Chair for Cassina, Set of 12 This rare, collector-grade set of 12 Charles Rennie Mackintosh "Ingram" dining chairs, produced by ...
Upholstery, Wood
Large Scalloped Bronze Bowl by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Scalloped Bronze Bowl designed by Niels Dam Ravn and produced by Nordisk Malm in the 1930s. * Scalloped bronze Bowl with floral motifs * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufacture...
Brass
Antique Germany Cutlery Pocket Knife Nuremberg Beer Scene 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are pleased to offer a charming early 20th-century souvenir pocket knife produced as an advertising piece for the historic Jacob Kann Company of Nuremberg, Germany. Once a well-kn...
Metal, Brass
Antique Dog catching Duck Figural Cigar Cutter, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early Metal Cigar Cutter, Austria, circa 1900s A rare and finely detailed cigar cutter in silver plate metal, crafted in the early 1900s or possibly earlier. This exceptional piece ...
Metal, Silver Plate
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with pink glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have b...
Brass
Antique Monumental Hand Carved Alabaster Plafonnier in Cast Bronze Ring
Located in Nottingham, GB
Antique Monumental Hand Carved Alabaster Plafonnier in Cast Bronze Ring A monumental carved alabaster plafonnier of the highest quality, the deep alabaster bowl suspended within a f...
Alabaster, Bronze
Art Nouveau Iridescent Yellow Blue Favrile Glass Bowl signed L.C. Tiffany & Co
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Art Nouveau iridescent Favrile glass bowl, signed L.C. Tiffany & Co. #1925, circa 1900, is a captivating example of Louis Comfort Tiffany's mastery of glass artistr...
Art Glass
French Art Nouveau Brass White Opaline Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass pendant Brass bulb holder with white opaline shad with clear green glass edge. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.75 kg / 1.7 lb Priced per ...
Brass
Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
Tiffany Studios New York "Twelve Light Lily" Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Tiffany Studios New York "Twelve-light lily" lamp marks the combination of two of Tiffany's favorite floral motifs, the pond lily, and the morning glory. These shades ...
Bronze
Signed Thonet Bentwood Hall Tree with Mirror
By Thonet
Located in Troy, MI
This bentwood hall tree by Thonet is constructed of steam-bent beech, with two tall posts each topped by a turned finial and a cluster of scrolling bentwood coat hooks...
Glass, Mirror, Bentwood, Beech