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.
$1,312Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Solid Wood Service Table Cart Mid Century Modern Dry Bar
By Ico Parisi
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration an Art Nouveau solid wood service cart. Features a Kentwood handle. It is mounted in four wheels. Upper tray has a floral motif with inlay brass. Unmarked, n...
Brass
$30,400Sale Price|20% Off
Louis XVI Style Oval Side Table by François Linke, Circa 1890
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Oval French side table, Louis XVI style, made of mahogany wood and gilt bronze (Ormolu), mounted on guéridon and marble top. In its design, we can distinguish that it has bronze garlands...
Bronze
$2,290Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th century Italian Bar Cart on Wheels in Beech Wood
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We are excited to present this unique early 20th-century bar trolley, crafted in Italy during the elegant Art Nouveau period. This striking piece is characterized by its refined carv...
Beech
Art Deco Swedish Flame Birch Bar Cart Trolley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Art Deco bar cart made of Swedish flame birch. Two-tiered serving cart with wheels and a glass top. Curved shape that complements a variety of...
Birch
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
1900s Art Nouveau Occasional Side Table, Carved Ebonized Walnut, Wax Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A spectacular early 20th century, Venetian Art Nouveau occasional side table, hand-carved ebonized walnut, wax polished. Testolini & Salviati attributable Measures cm: H 73 x W 90 ...
Walnut
Émile GALLÉ - Exceptional Marquetry Tea Table
Located in Beaune, FR
Rare model for this superb tea table with double marquetry trays with floral decorations: wheat, dandelion flowers, poppies and cricket/grasshopper. Magnificent mahogany base carved ...
Fruitwood
French Two Tiered Inlaid Tray Table
Located in Sarasota, FL
A French two tiered tray table circa 1910. Beautifully inlaid with floral marquetry on both table tops and finished with bronze ormolu. Supported on slender restrained cabriole legs.
Bronze
$2,863
H 29.02 in W 15.75 in D 33.67 in
Aldo Tura 1950s Mid-Century Bar Cart, Trolley or Stand in Brown Italian Goatskin
By Aldo Tura
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Midcentury Modern vintage Italian 1950s bar cart, tea trolley or drinks stand by Aldo Tura, Milan. The brown colored and lacquered goatskin leather combined with gilded cast metal ha...
Metal
Edwardian Mahogany Art Nouveau Inlaid Occasional Table
Located in Altrincham, GB
Edwardian Mahogany Art Nouveau Inlaid Occasional Table, with Marquetry and Pewter Inlay - 21"w x 20"d x 28"h
Pewter
Italian Design Mid-Century Bar Cart, 1950s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare 1950s Italian desgin serving bar cart. Made of beech wood equipped with two glass shelves and brass wheels for convenient movement. Perfect for serving drinks to your guests. Vi...
Glass, Beech
$1,259
H 30.52 in W 26.58 in D 16.54 in
Space Age Vintage Bar Cart Serving Trolley Green Chromed Metal 1970s Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage bar cart or serving trolley from green formica plates and chromed metal frame 1970s. Throughout its foldable parts on eac...
Metal
Art Deco Figured Walnut Occasional Side Table
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely well made original Art Deco figured walnut occasional side table. This was made in England, it dates from the 1930’s. The quality is fantastic, this is large...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Walnut & Chrome, 1940s
By Cassina, Cesare Lacca
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian bar cart made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed by Cesare Lacca and produced by Cassina, enhanced by detailed wood carvings,...
Metal, Chrome
Art Nouveau Side Table with Brass Accents, circa 1900
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Elegant side or salon table from the Art Nouveau period, around 1900, made of beautifully grained walnut. The circular top rests on four column-shaped supports that rise from a stepp...
Brass
Large Gray Painted and Limestone Console Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Large console table with a limestone top and caved wood acanthus leaf legs with a gray painted finish.
Limestone
$1,924
H 28.75 in W 36.62 in D 19.69 in
Cesare Lacca Midcentury Wood Italian Bar Cart with Glass Serving Trays 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic midcentury wood bar cart with glass serving trays. This piece is attributed to Cesare Lacca and it was designed in Italy during 1950s. ...
Brass
$1,145Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.19 in W 15.75 in D 15.56 in
Oak Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Side Table, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts side table. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak frame with hand-carved flowers on top and legs. This wonderful Art Nouveau ...
Oak
$1,740Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 24.41 in
Midcentury Cesare Lacca Wood Italian Bar Cart with Serving Trays, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mid century wood bar trolley. It was produced by Cesare Lacca in Italy during 1950s. This wonderful piece comes with two glass removable trays and an ergonomic bottle rack. The lines of this piece make it perfect for a midcentury-style dining room or bar. Born in Naples in 1929, Italian architect-designer Cesare Lacca created modernist furniture and metalwork throughout the 1950s. Though details of his personal life and professional training remain lost to history, there are sufficient surviving primary sources that document his many elegant designs in brasswork for which he is the best know and which fetch high prices from collectors. Like many Italian designers in the 20th century, Lacca moved to Milan after World War II to launch his career. Before he was even 21 years old, his work was selected by a group of American curators for inclusion in the landmark exhibition Italy at Work: Her Renaissance in Design Today that toured 12 US museums between 1950 and 1953—the first major exhibition of Italian design outside of Italy. The exhibition showcased the best and brightest of Italian designers who had embraced modernist principles and rejuvenated traditional Italian crafts, like Carlo Mollino , Franco Albini, and Gio Ponti In the exhibition catalogue, curator Meyric R. Roger’s spotlights Lacca's expert achievements in brass, noting “the variety and quality of his creations,” which “place him high among the architect-designers leading the current [Modernist] movement." Rogers adds, "The quality of his work...provide[s] all the decorative effectiveness needed without strain or exaggeration”. Lacca designed a great many tea carts and serving trolleys in his career—which make up a large proportion of what is available on the vintage market today—as well as magazine racks and coffee tables. Lacca’s most iconic tea cart was manufactured by Italian brand Cassina and features sculpted beech, cedar, teak, or walnut with brass details, a glass tabletop, and a removable glass tray. Lacca also designed high-backed lounge chairs, which were regularly featured in Arredoluce advertisements for Angelo Lelli’s lighting...
Brass, Metal
$1,660
H 24.81 in W 31.11 in D 14.97 in
Midcentury Rattan and Black Metal Raoul Guys Trolley Bar Cart, circa 1950
By Raoul Guys
Located in Labrit, Landes
Rattan and black metal serving trolley bar cart drinks midcentury, made circa 1950. Raoul Guys is a Parisian interior designer who will produce some furniture typical of the 1950s s...
Marble, Metal
$4,434 / item
H 31.5 in W 70.87 in D 21.66 in
Console Table, High Gloss Laminate & Brass Details, Antique White - L
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Julieta Collection. Console Table with High Gloss Top, Brass Tape Framed, Black Powder Coating Conical Legs with Brass End Introducing the stunning console table with black powder...
Brass
Coastal Long Console Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Coastal long console table with a white limestone top, wire-brushed cerused pine in our Sea Salt finish with two long drawers accented with four org...
Wood
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.96 in W 33.67 in D 17.52 in
Unique White Cesare Lacca Tea Trolley or Bar Cart for Cassina, Italy 1950s
By Cesare Lacca, Cassina
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Unique white lacquered tea trolley or bar cart by Cesare Lacca for Cassina In my opinion the white lacquer is period correct from when it was ...
Glass, Walnut
Antique French Serving Table
Located in Calgary, Alberta
Antique French painted serving table with 4 deep dovetailed drawers. The unadorned top sits on 4 simple slightly splayed legs. It has a very English feel to the design and possibl...
Pine
Sold
H 33.08 in W 34.65 in D 24.41 in
L. Majorelle Marquetry Art Nouveau Tea Table, Serving Table, France, Signed
Located in Valladolid, ES
Stunning Te-Table or Serving Table in marquetry with flowers and paillons , Art Nouveau , Ecole de Nancy , France , circa 1900 .With bronze handles in the both sides and signed by th...
Bronze
Sold
H 30.32 in W 40.95 in D 24.41 in
Art Nouveau Serving Trolley, After a Design by Adolf Loos, ca 1905
By Adolf Loos, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant serving trolley in the style of a cab: The housing above the two large spoked wheels, as well as the connected 'carriage' on two legs, have fixed glass shelves on the top, co...
Beech
Art Nouveau Bar Cart, Rolling Cart, Serving Cart, Casters, Storage
Located in Stamford, CT
An Art Nouveau bar cart with open serving area. This rare and stunning Mid-Century Modern style bar cart has large rear wheels and smaller casters...
Glass, Wood
Original Painted French Serving Table, 1900´s
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
French original cream and white painted pine serving table from circa 1900/1910. Formerly from a hotel in the city of Nimes. Dimensions: 92 cm high, 258 cm wide, 45 cm deep.
Pine, Paint
Art Nouveau Side Table in Oak, Top Covered with Ceramics
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Art Nouveau side table in oak, top covered with ceramics this table can be in the middle of a room, the drawers open on each side.
Ceramic, Oak
Thonet Table Nr.1 with Waxed Cloth Covered, circa 1900
Located in Praha, CZ
Original state with a pleasant patine of age, perfectly cleaned and re-polished with shellac polish. Original waxed cloth cover.
Beech, Bentwood
French Decorative Vintage Bistro Pastry Shelve/Stand
Located in Westport, CT
French vintage reproduction brass with bronze patina, marble wood and thick glass shelves pastry stand, very heavy not sure of the age, two slight scratches to one glass shelf. Other...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Magnificent Giacometti Style Hand Forged Console Table
Located in Bellport, NY
A rare console table in the style of Diego Giacometti, hand forged birds and leaves, beautifully perched on winding sculptural branches. Glass top (1/2 thick.).
Metal
English Silver Plated Art Nouveau Meat Carving Trolley Cart by Elkington
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine English early 20th century century Art Nouveau silver plated "Chariot à Viande" meat-carving trolley-cart on wheels, by Elkington Plat...
Silver Plate
French Cast Iron Base with Travertine Bistro Table 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
French Art Nouveau bistro table with a florial and geometric cast iron base and a travertine stone top. late 19th-early 20th century France.
Travertine, Iron
Sold
H 28.35 in Dm 27.56 in
Venetian Belle Epoque Period Gueridon Side Table Testolini & Salviati Attributed
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century Venetian Gueridon , side table with four-legged legging hand-carved walnut and round top in briar and walnut slab. Wax polished in excellent condition. Testolini &...
Burl, Walnut
In the Giacometti Style a Studio Crafted Console Table
Located in Bellport, NY
A magnificent sculptural handcrafted Giacometti style console table. Birds,leaves and twigs. Two available priced per piece.
Iron
Thonet Side Table
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Secessionist side table by Thonet. Stylized beechwood table with brass mounts. Tray-form top on tall legs with spindle detailing. Nice patina ...
Wood
Maison Baguès Rare Brass Bar Cart, or Tea Cart circa 1930s
Located in Bellport, NY
A rare find in this beautiful solid brass highly detailed Maison Baguès Bar Cart. The tray removes on the top, the piece is ornate and fine, eve...
Brass