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.
Swedish Grace Pewter Candlesticks by Ernst Svedbom, 1930s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant pair of Art Nouveau Pewter Candlesticks with sculptural horse figures designed by Ernst Svedbom in Sweden in the late 1930s. * Pair of two (2) pewter candlestick holders wit...
Pewter
Lotus Shaped Tiffany‑Style Art Nouveau Pendant in Green Stained Glass and Bronze
Located in Bochum, NRW
Art Nouveau Tiffany‑Style Green Stained Glass & Bronze Pendant, 50 cm Diameter Details Materials: Green stained glass, white inner glass globe, bronze frame Diameter: approx. 50 ...
Brass, Bronze
French Art Nouveau Brass and Holophane Glass Flush Mount, Pendant Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau Holophane glass ceiling lamp. Brass arm and ceiling plate. Diameter ceiling plate 100 mm / 3.94” Weight: 1.30 kg / 2.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Pewter vase with decorative motifs depicting a woman with a dove * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just And...
Pewter
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstaette Ceiling Lamp Fabric Shades, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Three-arm chandelier with fabric shades. The given length is just the chandelier with no chain, the total drop is custom-made. WW-Archiv, MAK M1652. Originally manufactured at the Wi...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Pende, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant and delicate pendant designed by Josef Hoffmann Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
Art Nouveau Table Lamp, Patinated Metal & Murano Glass, Circa 1900
By Marke Unbekannt
Located in Schwerin, MV
Original Art Nouveau table lamp from the 1900s in good working condition and in a rare design: This intricate piece is characterized by the organic, flowing lines and nature-inspired...
Metal, Brass
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Glass Vase with Carved Applied Roses, France, c.1910
By Daum
Located in Bochum, NRW
Daum Nancy Wheel‑Carved Cameo Glass Vase with Applied Roses, France, c.1910 An exquisite Daum Nancy cameo glass vase, crafted in white glass overlaid in soft green and finished with ...
Art Glass
Antique Charles Parker Art Nouveau Two Light Slag Glass Table Lamp 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Charles Parker Company slag glass lamp featuring Art Nouveau design with a domed shade, gilded metal scrolled overlay, floral embossed gilded cast metal base, doubl...
Metal
Rudolf Marschall (1873–1967): 2 Austrian Art Nouveau bronze table lamps
By Rudolf Marschall
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Pair of table lamps, patinated bronze, signed by Prof. Rudolf Marschall. Each fitted with an E14 socket. Rudolf Marschall (born December 3, 1873, in Vienna; died July 24, 1967, in t...
Bronze
Antique Majolica Bird Planter Cache Pot Jardinière Cobalt Blue Wasmuël c1890
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique Majolica Bird Planter Cache Pot Jardinière Cobalt Blue Wasmuël c1890. Direct from Europe, a striking antique majolica cache pot or jardinière by ...
Majolica
French 1910s Art Nouveau Brass Table Desk Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Art Nouveau Brass table desk lamp with brass shade and wooden base. ca. 1920 Natural aged with small cracks in edge shade 2,5 meter black cotton flex with plug and switch in bulb h...
Brass
Antique Art Nouveau Daum Nancy Style Glass Vase, Dutch Landscape, 1900s
By Daum
Located in Bochum, NRW
French Art Nouveau Daum Nancy style miniature glass cabinet vase, dating to the early 20th century, features a finely hand-painted monochromatic enamel landscape in the manner of the...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Belgian Art Nouveau Brass & White Opaline Glass Wall Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Belgische art nouveau wandlamp met opaal glas Messing arm, messing top, wit opaal glas Diameter globe 250 mm / 9.84 inches Diameter wall plate 140 mm / 5.5 inches Weight: 3.20 kg ...
Brass
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
Fabric Department Wiener Werkstaette Silk Wall Light Wall Lamp
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant wall lamp suitable to the fabric department pendants of the Wiener Werkstaette Material Metal frame work covered with silk Most components according to the UL regulations, wi...
Brass
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
Tiffany Studios Favrile Glass Bud Vase Tiffany Studios, New York, Circa 1920
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exquisite early 20th-century Tiffany Studios Favrile glass bud vase, created by Tiffany Studios circa 1920 and showcasing the remarkable iridescent qualities and organic forms tha...
Art Glass
Josef Hoffmann Silk and Brass Pendant Wiener Werstaette 5th Avenue, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This marvellous pendant was designed for the New York branch of the historical Wiener Werkstaette. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Marquetry Desk Table by Louis Majorelle, France 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
A French Art Nouveau desk table by Louis Majorelle, France, circa 1900-Signed, “L Majorelle.” Rare desk version with a drawer and the intricate twisted leg motive. The table top is ...
Fruitwood
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut Jardinière
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Majolica Chesnut attributed to Jardinière.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$4,582 / 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 & Wiener Werkstaette Silk & Brass Moldauer Pende, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
For the residence of the Banker Dr Dietrich Moldauer material: Patinated brass, silk, all other colors are possible. Literature: Sekler, Josef Hoffmann – Das architektonische Werk, S...
Brass
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
Small 19th Century Majolica Pansy Vase Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Small 19th Century Majolica Pansy Vase Delphin Massier Table vase decoration , very rare form and size. Around 4 inches height , Width 2.5 inches. The Massier family are known for th...
Ceramic, Majolica
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Hungarian Zsolnay Tádé Sikorski Openwork Floral Mallow Vases
By Zsolnay, Tádé Sikorski
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
Highly Collectible Émile Gallé Cameo Glass "Pansies" Vase, circa 1900
Located in Bochum, NRW
An exceptional French Art Nouveau cameo glass vase by Émile Gallé 1stDibs, featuring an exquisitely acid-etched design of wild pansies (pensées) 1stDibs. The multi-layered glass mast...
Glass
Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Bronze Bowl with finely chased motif of a woman with a peacock designed by Just Andersen in the late 1920s. * Low bronze bowl with chased decoration depicting a woman w...
Bronze
1940s Art Nouveau / Swedish Grace Designer lounge Chair With Floral Jacquard
By Ilmari Lappalainen, Carl Malmsten
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant Swedish lounge chair dating from the 1940s, displaying a graceful combination of Swedish Grace proportions and subtle Art Nouveau influences. The chair feature gently curved...
Fabric, Beech, Pine
French 19th Century 20-Inch Marble Top Bistro Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 20” diameter bistro table is scaled to seat 1-2 people for a coffee or a drink and easily placed anywhere in the home as an accent. Bistro tables like this were originally popu...
Marble, Brass, Iron
Set of four 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Silver plate Miniatures Figurine
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This classic set of four 20th-century Vienna silver-plated figurines showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and intricate detailing associated with the tradition of Austrian bronze ...
Bronze
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine with original pressed steel cup handles - Decorative carved front - 24 large drawers - The top has been given several coat...
Steel
Beautiful late 19th-century Gien faience dinner service
Located in New York, NY
Some table services charm with their refinement. Others invite you into a whole imaginary garden. This beautiful late 19th-century Gien faience dinner service immediately captivates ...
Faience
$1,140Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Nouveau German WMF Green Glass Pewter Claret Pitcher Jug 16"
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Germany WMF Art Nouveau green glass and silver-plated/pewter claret jug / pitcher / wine carafe. Circa 1900–1906. Cast with flowing whiplas...
Silver Plate
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
Daum Table Lamp Snake Bronze Yellow Crystal, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
This beautiful table lamp is a real eye catcher. Made by Daum in Nancy, France. A stunning table lamp, with a bronze snake and yellow crystal glass. Daum is a renowned French glass...
Glass
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a rich...
Metal, Brass
Beautiful Large France Art Nouveau Glass and Brass Wall Lights
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful large pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces in glass and gilded metal/brass. Elegant and refined, with a timeless charm and a high-end, luxurious appearance. France 1920/1930s
Brass, Metal
Art Nouveau Style Vianne Table Lamp Blue Glass, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a Vianne table lamp, made around the 1970s in France. The lamp features a brass base and 3 arms with blue and clear glass shades with a floral pattern on it. Illuminates be...
Opaline Glass
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
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
Pair of Antique Art Nouveau Richard Evered & Sons Nickel Wall Lamps. c.1900
Located in London, GB
An exceptional pair of early Art Nouveau wall lamps by Richard Evered & Sons. c.1900. Crafted in solid brass and finished in bright nickel plate. The plating has mellowed beautifull...
Brass, Nickel
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Japanese Linden Art Nouveau Style Swinging 8 Day Diana Statue Desk Clock 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Japanese Linden 8 day figural Diana swinging clock statue. It features an Art Deco / Nouveau Diana statue holding a swinging clock pendulum. Dimensions: 5.25" x 4.875" ...
Metal
Set Of Fledermaus Seating Group By Josef Hoffmann for Jacob &Josef Kohn
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Fledermaus Bench,two armchair and table by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef Kohn.
Fabric, Wood
Baccarat Candy Jar, Clear Crystal Brass, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glorifying the effects of refracted light for 170 years, the iconic Baccarat products are well-know over the world. A crystal masterpiece, the bowl crystallizes the extraordinary kn...
Crystal
Mid Century Majolica Pitcher, Art Nouveau Style by Bordallo Pinheiro, Portugal
Located in Andernach, DE
Fabulous Portuguese Majolika pitcher in beautifully combined colours of sheaves of grain, held together by a pastel green ribbon and functioning as the handle. Working with clear art...
Majolica
Small 19th Century Majolica Wild Rose Vase Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Small 19th Century Majolica Wild Rose Vase Delphin Massier Table vase decoration , very rare form and size. 4 inches height , Width 2.5 inches. The Massier family are known for the q...
Ceramic, Majolica
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
WMF Model 131 German Jugendstil Brass and Velvet Jewelry Box, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
WMF Model 131 German Jugendstil Brass and Velvet Jewelry Box, circa 1905 A documented German Jugendstil brass jewelry box by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), dating to circ...
Brass
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
French Sarreguemines Burgos Wash Basin and Pitcher Set, circa 1900
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming French ceramic wash basin and pitcher set produced by the Sarreguemines manufactory, bearing the printed “Burgos U & Cie Sarregue...
Ceramic, Faience
Antique Tiffany Studios Three-Light Lily Piano Lamp New York, Circa 1910
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Tiffany Studios three-light Lily piano lamp was created by Tiffany Studios of New York during the early 20th century, circa 1910. Founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany, T...
Bronze
$2,291 / set
Pair of Art Nouveau Wall Sconces
Located in NANTES, FR
Pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces, circa 1920. Nickel-plated brass mounts featuring acanthus leaf ornamentation. Electrified; B22 sockets. Three-point mounting. Uraline (uranium) glas...
Brass
Antique Tiffany Studios New York Ten-Light "Lily" Favrile Glass Table Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional and highly sought-after Tiffany Studios New York Ten-Light "Lily" table lamp, created circa 1910 during the golden age of American Art Nouveau design. This magnificent...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Umbrella Stand in Enameled Cast Iron, France, Circa 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau cast iron umbrella stand, circa 1900. Rare in this color. This exquisite French Art Nouveau umbrella stand dates back to circa 1900 and is crafted from high-qualit...
Iron
Vintage Royal Bayreuth Figural Lobster Creamer, Bavaria
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A whimsical vintage figural lobster creamer by Royal Bayreuth, Bavaria, masterfully modeled as a lobster with raised claws forming the spout and handle. Finished in rich hand-painted...
Porcelain
Fledermaus Chair No.406 By Josef Hoffmann For Jacob & Josef Kohn Austria 1900s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Fledermaus Chair No.728 By Josef Hoffmann For Jacob & Josef Kohn Austria 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Antique Oval Flush Mount Chandelier Brass Crystal Ceiling Light Restored Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
An elegant oval flush mount chandelier with balanced proportions and a refined presence. Fully restored in our Berlin workshop. The electrical system has been renewed and all crysta...
Crystal, Brass
Massive Antique Tiffany Style Light Lamp Shade Glass 21"
Located in Somis, CA
A massive 21" wide Tiffany-style leaded glass lamp shade. Its graceful, pointed conical form is composed of softly variegated amber and honey-colored glass, accented with small flora...
Metal
Daum Table Lamp Iron Leafs Amber Crystal Glass, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau table lamp with iron and orange glass is a real eye catcher. Made by Daum in Nancy, France. A stunning table lamp, a classic design, inspired by organic a...
Glass