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.
French Art Nouveau Gilt Console Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French Art Nouveau giltwood console table circa 1900, a sculptural piece of furniture that expresses the artistry of the period when every aspect of interior design was an opportunit...
Marble
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble Top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900
Located in Chappaqua, NY
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900. Ornate molded cast iron base with rectangular marble top. Weathered red paint on base. Makers mark st...
Marble, Iron
Modern Cast Bronze Console Table from Costantini, Lychorinda
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Lychorinda Modern Cast Bronze Console Table from Costantini Measurements are 48" W x 20" D x 31.5" H The Lychorinda Console Table balances modern...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Faux Marble Painted Brass Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and unusual signed dining table or display console featuring a hand-painted faux marble formica top painted by Roy Alderson. This table features a repurposed 19th century brass base from Harris and Sheldon...
Brass
Antique French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Scroll Wood Top 42" Potting Work Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Scrolling 42" Work Potters Table with Wooden Top. Item features a scrolling wrought iron base circa early 1900s with the wooden plank top appe...
Wrought Iron
$7,800 / item
French Art Nouveau Marble Pastry Table Console
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic French Art Nouveau pastry table or console table featuring a dark green marble slab top. The thick marble is supported by a bronze mounted steel decorative arts base with w...
Marble, Bronze, Steel
Garden Iron and Wicker Plant Stand Console Table With Mirror & Umbrella Stand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun garden set! The pieces are a combination of iron and wicker. The set is attributed to Pulaski. All three pieces are in very good condition. From garden sunroom to foyer...
Iron
Art Nouveau Bronze and Marble Console Table by Costantini, Lychorinda
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Bronze and Marble Console Table by Costantini, Lychorinda The Lychorinda Console table balances modern scale and proportion with Art Nouveau influences. Shown in cast po...
Marble, Bronze
Antique Italian Painted Consoles, Faux Marble, Hand-Painted
Located in Austin, TX
Pair of consoles from Italy featuring hand-carved floral friezes and tapered legs. The bases of the tables have a soft Trianon gray color. The tops are hand-painted with a faux marbl...
Wood, Paint
French Art Nouveau Green Wrought Iron Marble Top Scrolling Console Hall Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Art Nouveau Green Wrought Iron Marble Top Scrolling Console Hall Table. Item features a patinated green scrolling wrought iron base with ornate floral work and stretch...
Marble, Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau side table/console in painted wood, circa 1900
By Thonet
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Art Nouveau - Decoration - Home Decor Measures : 110x69cm H:80cm Material : Bentwood painted black Art Nouveau side table, in the style of the Gebrüder Thonet company, renowned for ...
Bentwood
Style 20th Century Transformable Dining - Consolle Table Lacquered Bordeaux
Located in Lentate Sul Seveso, IT
Step into a world where timeless artistry meets contemporary functionality with our Transformable Console Table, exquisitely designed in the spirit of Art Nouveau and modernized with a high-gloss Bordeaux lacquer...
Wood
Art Nouveau console table, Portugal, 1910s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Elegant console table in pure Art Nouveau style, 1910’s Has a brass plaque indicating the manufacturer: "Lusitana Marcenaria" based in Coimbra, Portugal, founded in 1911 Very good co...
Wood
$3,580Sale Price / set|20% Off
Louis XV Style Carved Walnut and Marble Top Console Table or Radiator Cover
Located in Miami, FL
Louis XV Style carved walnut and cane console or radiator cover, Spain, circa 1920. The wood is in perfect condition and has a white top marble. You can use like a console table.
Cane, Walnut
$15,770Sale Price|20% Off
Original Art Nouveau Pedestal by Emile Galle 1890 French Antique Inlaid Table
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Breathtaking & Most rare! This French Art Nouveau Pedestal by famous designer Emile Galle with early signature circa 1890. Exquisite ...
Wood, Fruitwood, Rosewood
Late 19th Century Venetian Vanity Console Art Nouveau by Testolini & Salviati
By Salviati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Very importsant console vanity in solid walnut, finely hand-carved, with top shaped grey marble. Very special processing that surrounds the rectangular mirror by Salviati Murano, dep...
Mirror, Walnut
Wrought Iron Wall Console Table, Art Nouveau Style, Marble Top, 1920
Located in PARIS, FR
Wrought iron wall console adorned with scrolling motifs and gilt foliage decoration, topped with a veined marble surface. The wrought iron structure features elegant curves and flow...
Marble, Iron
Italian three-shelf console table in metal and glass, 1920s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian three-shelf console table in metal and glass, 1920s Three-tier glass console. The structure is composed of three metal tubes. 1920s Vintage condition, with signs of aging and...
Metal
Rare early 20th Century Danish Console Table by Johan Rohde
By Johan Rohde
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare early 20th century Danish console table in Lemon tree wood by Johan Rohde (1856-1935) for the art collector William Bendix (1865-1937) and produced by the brothers H.P & L Larse...
Fruitwood
$2,053Sale Price|20% Off
Console table Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Recently completely renovated
Beech, Bentwood
Console Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty in bronze and Iron, 1900, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Iron
1920s Art Nouveau Venice Console, Vanity by Testolini & Salviati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1920s Vanity Art Nouveau, Eclecticism Venetian dressing table, console, in excellent conditions, polished to wax. In blond walnut, carved walnu...
Crystal
Pair of 19th Century French Marble Top Polished Iron Bow Front Console Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an entry or hallway with these exquisite elegant console tables built with antique railings. Forged in France circa 1880, the tall table bases stand on straight legs connected with an all around bottom stretcher. The consoles feature a gently curved, bow-front design, and each railing is decorated with ornamental scroll work and diamond-patterned mesh panels, showcasing a harmonious blend of Art Nouveau and classical ironwork styles. The top rail is capped with two circular ring and floral motifs, and the overall structure exhibits expert blacksmith craftsmanship, typical of traditional European architectural detailing. Each surface is dressed with a thick 3cm shaped black Nero Marquina leathered marble top with white veins, and finished with Dupont edge around the front. The heavy console tables are in excellent condition, and adorn a rich polished black and white steel finish. Their durable iron construction and patinated finish reflect age and authenticity, making them a striking architectural salvage items with strong aesthetic and historical appeal. Versatile, the long bombe console...
Marble, Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau console or pied de stall in glazed plaster, 1920s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1920 / console / plaster / Art Nouveau A French console in glazed plaster with nice sculpture details and floral decorations of grapes growing along the pillar. Made in the...
Plaster
Antique Console Table Mahogany, Bronze and Onyx Art Nouveau Style c1888-1900
Located in Highwood, IL
Antique Console Table in an exquisite Viennese Art Nouveau style c1888-1900. The Antique Console Table was crafted from solid Mahogany with beautifully cast Bronze Clover details and...
Onyx, Bronze
A 19th century French carved walnut console table with conforming trumeau mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A 19th century French carved walnut narrow marble top wall mount console table with conforming trumeau mirror with Cherubs painted on canvas. This unit is very narrow and is a size t...
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
French 1920's Wrought Iron Console with Marble Top
Located in Buchanan, NY
This beautiful and unique iron console with a marble top dating back to the 1920s has a stunningly intricate wrought iron base that is composed of delicate scroll and foliage pattern...
Marble, Iron
Artisan Made Wrought Iron and Glass Console Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Custom wrought iron console table, with lower glass tier, having two X-form panels conjoined with C-scrolls and a round floral medallion. The custom 3/4" beveled glass top with etche...
Iron
Thonet Style Curved Wooden Console
By Thonet
Located in Charmes, FR
Large console table in curved wood with a white veined marble top. In the style of Thonet. The wood is black lacquered beech. The white marble top is in excellent condition. Beautifu...
Wood
French Art Nouveau Console Tables by Louis Majorelle with Marble Top
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Art Nouveau mahogany bracket console tables with a floral carved apron supported on a single leg with "D" shaped yellow marble top (Signed with label: LOUIS MAJORELLE)...
Marble
Console Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty in bronze and Iron, 1900, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Marble, Bronze
$7,850Sale Price|82% Off
Art Nouveau Console Table Austrian Bronze, Mahogany Onyx All Original c1890's
Located in Highwood, IL
Exquisite Viennese Art Nouveau oblong Console Table made from solid Mahogany with magnificent Bronze clover details and an exotic appearing Onyx t...
Onyx, Bronze
Console Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty in Iron, 1900, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Iron
19th Century Corner Shelf, in Solid Walnut Hand-Carved, Restored Wax Finished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
19th century corner shelf, in solid walnut hand-carved, restored and wax finished Measure in cm: H 62 x W 42 x D Ang. 29 x 29.
Walnut
Art Nouveau Oak and Marble Console Table, France, 1900s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very gorgeous Art Nouveau brushed oak console table with cabriole legs, decorated with entwining flowers and foliage. In the apron (on the side) is a small drawer that hinges out, li...
$5,600
Art Nouveau Table
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
French Art Nouveau table, made of carved wood, with a resin-type top. Original mustard-yellow color. The table has the agreable, flowing lines chara...
Resin, Pine
$4,828Sale Price|40% Off
Italian Console Table in Wood, Glass, Iron with Heart Wall Mirror from the 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
Italian Console with decorated mirror made in the 1950s here are the dimension of the two pieces: Table Console: Ø 102 cm Ø cm 28 h cm 82 Wall Mirror: Ø cm 87 h cm 107 The Cons...
Iron
Heavy Steel Console Sofa Table
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
This is an amazing console constructed of pounded and bent steel and brass. The heavy steel is hand molded to form this unique console trimmed with bulls eye brass and a small brass ...
Steel, Brass
Tavolo Scultoreo in Legno Fossile e Bronzo - Pezzo Unico - Europa - Metà '900
Located in Milano, IT
Sculptural end table with authentic fossil wood (petrified) top, featuring an irregular section that preserves the primordial appearance of the trunk, with natural grain and "bark" e...
Brass, Bronze
Spectacular entrance Marble French display table at Studio ALM
Located in Paddington, NSW
A spectacular and elegant table featuring a striking white marble top paired with a beautifully crafted wrought iron base. The ironwork consists of gracefully looping and intersectin...
Marble, Iron, Wrought Iron
1930s Italy Art Nouveau Brass Console, wall Mirror & side Chairs Gio Ponti Style
Located in Vigonza, Padua
We can sell the pieces separately Midcentury Art Nouveau brass entrance, console, mirror, chairs, Gio Ponti style Structural parts in burnished brass, circa 1930. Seat of the two chairs in original red brown velvet in good condition Top of the console in white onyx We also sell the chairs, the console and the mirror individually Measures cm: chairs H 4...
Onyx, Brass
Iron and marble console table by Pier Luigi Colli, Italy, Art Deco
Located in Nice, FR
Exceptionnelle console attribuée à Pier Luigi Colli — Italie, milieu du XXe siècle Rare et élégante console demi-lune attribuée au célèbre designer italien Pier Luigi Colli, remarqu...
Marble, Metal
Console Iron and Marble, 1900, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, Edgard Brant
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Marble, Iron, Bronze
French Marble & Cast Iron Console or Side Table, 19th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This French console table was designed and made circa late 19th century from marble and cast iron. It remains in a very good condition. It can be used as a display table in a shop or...
Marble
Beautiful Art Nouveau Display Console Table
Located in Vienna, AT
Console display hardwood table with brass ornaments and glass top made in Germany, circa 1890. Original condition.
Brass
French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Grapevine Maple Leaf Wall Mounted Console Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Grapevine Maple Leaf Wall Mounted Console Table. Item features half round eglomise glass top, scrolling wrought iron frame, maple and grapevine design...
Wrought Iron
Console in Wood, French 1900, Style: Art Nouveau
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Marble, Iron
French Art Nouveau Two Tiered Painted Top Center Table, Circa 1900
Located in CH
French Art Nouveau Two-Tiered Painted Top Center Table Circa 1900 A finely crafted French Art Nouveau center table featuring two tiers with a delicately painted tabletop. Dating to ...
Wood
Console, France, 1940, iron and marble
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Marble, Iron
Console and Mirror, 1900, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Marble, Iron, Gold Leaf