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.
Liberty & Co., attri. An Aesthetic Movement Hexagonal Side Table
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co., attributed An Aesthetic Movement hexagonal side table with herringbone inlay to the edge of the top and a molded edge with shaped aprons below, standing on six legs un...
Walnut
E W Godwin attr, for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement mahogany side table
By Edward William Godwin, Collinson & Lock
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, attributed, made by Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic movement mahogany side table with spiral-turned legs on out swept feet.With the original lock and key to the drawer.Col...
Mahogany
19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century English Aesthetic Movement side table made of oak with decorative stick and ball design. Square wood body with curved and rounded bentwood trim and brass accents. Stur...
Brass
English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Side Table W/ Shell Transferware Mosaic Top
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an English burnt bamboo side table with a mosaic top comprised of 19th century transwferware. It has a shell motif. The second shelf is grasscloth. It is in very good antique...
Pottery, Grasscloth, Bamboo
Victorian Glass Ball and Claw Black Ebonized Oak Table, circa 1870s
Located in Hastings, GB
Victorian glass ball and claw ebonised table C'1870's Beautiful ebonised side table with turned bobbin legs. There are 4 brass eagle claws holding ...
Oak
Aesthetic Style Carved Hoof Table with Marble Top
Located in Houston, TX
One of a kind aesthetic style ebonized table with black marble top and turned spindled finial sphere base supported by four hand carved hooved legs.
Marble
19th Century Mahogany Side Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th century square walnut side table raised on four exquisite barley twist legs. Detailed, carved stretchers with urn-shaped carved finial and brass ball and claw...
Brass
Marsh Jones and Cribb. A superb pair of side tables
Located in London, GB
A superb pair of side tables by Marsh Jones and Cribb with circular top and shaped aprons below and fabulous shaped legs united by a shaped lower shelf on little pad feet.
Mahogany
Aesthetic Movement 2 Tier Side Table After A Design By E W Godwin
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement 2 side table in ebonised beech. Square top with under tier shelf, turned legs with ring incised detailing with connecting turned and angled struts. After a desi...
Beech
Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Side Table
Located in Astoria, NY
Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Side Table, with square top above carved mask head aprons on pierced spindle curved legs conjoined by under tier. 34" H x 17.75" W x 17.75" D. Provenanc...
Mahogany
An Aesthetic Movement side table with scroll supports stood on ring turned legs
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement side table with scroll supports stood on ring turned legs united by a turned cross stretcher with an object or plant pot stand to the centre.
Walnut
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table
Located in London, GB
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table with a shaped top and shaped upper apron standing on six beautifully shaped legs, each with fine carved f...
Mahogany
Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Occasional Table with Hand Painted Flowers
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful Aesthetic Movement ebonised occasional table with a circular top and lower tier. Both tiers are beautifully painted in the original Victorian penwork designs with floral...
Elm, Pine, Paint
E W Godwin An Aesthetic Movement six leg walnut circular centre table
By Edward William Godwin, Collinson & Lock
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin attributed. Made by Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement six leg walnut circular centre table with shaped radiating under supports and subtle shaped details to the ends...
Walnut
$1,828
VM-Martini Table
Located in BOGOTÁ, CO
Beatiful and delicate Martini side table, hammered solid black metal oiled finished 8"dia x 26"H
Metal
Gillows attr, An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut eight leg centre table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed, in the style of H W Batley. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal Mahogany eight leg centre table with shaped supports below the top and four ...
Mahogany
Antique Black Forest Style Barley Twist Side Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
Carved from walnut, this table was possibly made in Germany. It favors the work stemming from the Black Forest. The legs are carved in the barley twist style. The skirt is carved in ...
Walnut
Unusual 19th Century Oak Side Table with Book Storage Cupboard with Door
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
This former 19th Century Chicken/Bird cage would have once been used to protect poultry, now it presents as a characterful side table with handy ...
Oak
Victorian Liberty of London Japanese Carved Table
Located in Houston, TX
Late Victorian period carved wood table from Liberty of London showcasing Japanese decorative influence with its bas-relief floral blossoms.
Wood
19th-C. French Pine Faux Bamboo Marble Top Stand / Pedestal / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century French pine faux bamboo two tier marble top wash stand. This would make a lovely side table or pedestal as well. It a single drawer over single door. The ...
Marble
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized walnut two tier side table with a pierced gallery
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized two-tier side table with turned legs, the lower shelf with raised pierced circular details.
Walnut
An Aesthetic Movement walnut drop leaf side table on four turned & incised legs
Located in London, GB
A small Aesthetic Movement Walnut drop leaf side table on four turned and incised legs united by a lower stretcher with a turned gallery arround on original brass and ceramic castors...
Walnut
Mid-Century Mahogany Inlaid w Instuments & Angels Tray Table
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic mahogany tray table with inlaid angels and a large central musical instrument. Banded frame around the edge of the tray. Cast brass handles, tray lifts off and fits back sn...
Brass
Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Side Table or Window Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An exceptional Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Side Table, a superb example of craftsmanship that embodies the elegance of the era. This exquisite piece, possibly cr...
Beech, Amboyna
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Aesthetic Movement Tiger Maple Occasional Table English, 19th Century
Located in Lomita, CA
The beaded lunettes on this oval maple table are reminiscent of Moorish architecture; which the appraiser says was an influence of Aesthetic Movement furniture in England, which is w...
Maple
Aesthetic Movement side table with sunflower & curved & straight side stretchers
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement walnut side table with two curved upper stretchers that unite to a central sunflower and a lower straight sided H stretcher that unites to the bottom of the...
Walnut
Aesthetic Movement Walnut Octagonal Centre Table with Turned and Fluted Legs
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows of Lancaster, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal centre table with turned and fluted legs united by a lower square shelf with a turned gallery around, and la...
Walnut
Jas Shoolbred and Co (attributed) An octagonal oak side table with central shelf
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal oak side table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross stretchers.
Oak
Antique Ebonised Aesthetic Movement Occasional Side Table with Red Baize
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A superbly presented 19th Century Victorian Aesthetic Movement Side Table, crafted in the manner of the renowned designer E.W. Godwin. This exquisite piece features an elegant ebonis...
Beech
Lambs of Manchester An Aesthetic Movement ebonized Walnut eight leg centre table
Located in London, GB
Lambs of Manchester. A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized walnut octagonal eight-leg centre table with a veneered macassar ebony top and a molded edge and shaped aprons below united by...
Walnut, Macassar
Aesthetic Movement Walnut side table wot-not-stand with half triangle shelves.
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut tall side table wot-not-stand with a molded square top and a further full shelf below followed by staggered tri-angular shelves, from to bottom with fine...
Walnut
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with a marquetry octagonal top
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with a marquetry octagonal top decorated with conch shells and a central star detail in various fruit woods, with ebonized string and cheque...
Walnut
Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table circa 1910. Fine quality side table, that would also function well in the hall or as a lamp table. Inlaid and strung bord...
Birch, Elm
A. & H. Lejambre American Aesthetic Movement Tiered Square Table
Located in Sharon, CT
Crafted by A. & H. Lejambre in Philadelphia, circa 1880. The top is mahogany bordered with ebony and brass trim, and is inlaid with an Egyptian scarab and a bee in exotic woods. ...
Wood
Early 20th Century Side Serving Drinks Tea Twig Table Smoked Glass Top Wood
Located in Tilburg, NL
Beautifully crafted occasional twig table related to the aesthetic movement in the late 19th century. Early 20th century, most probably English. Made out of twigs and finished wi...
Twig, Smoked Glass
c. 1860 Swedish Travel or Lap Desk on Custom Made Side Table Stand
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 travel or lap desk on custom made side table stand, Swedish. Marquetry panel top decoration of a sleigh pulled by one man, pushed by another. Marquetry leaves & flowers wi...
Walnut
Jas Shoolbred attributed. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal Mahogany side table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal Mahogany side table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross ...
Mahogany
Garnet & Sons of Warrington. Aesthetic Movement Oak Side or Cricket Table
By Garnett & Sons
Located in London, GB
Garnet & Sons of Warrington A good quality Aesthetic Movement oak side or cricket table with a circular quarter sawn top gives wonderful figuring to the grain, with a shaped and scro...
Oak
Gillows of Lancaster An Aesthetic Movement ebonized circular side table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized circular side table with carved sunflower floret to the top with three turned, carved and incised gilt decoration to the legs and t...
Walnut
$4,206 / set
Pair of side tables, marble top, 20th century
Located in Nice, FR
These two tables feature a modern and elegant design, combining wood and stone. Each table has a square top made of dark stone (marble, pierre bleue de Belgique ), with a rough finis...
Marble
19th Century Gypsy Table, Occasional / Side Table, Tripod Legs, circa 1860-1870
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Antique gypsy table, occasional / side table. Tripod legs, circa 1860-1870 A beautiful mahogany tripod base with twisted fluted legs, with cent...
Mahogany
English Arts & Crafts Wooden Carved Wood Side Table
Located in Montreal, QC
Great Arts & Craft period carved wood octagonal side table with Celtic style design. Bearing label under top: Bowman Brothers, Camden town, London , NW 1.
Wood
Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Occasional Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement bamboo and lacquer occasional table, circa 1910. With an inset lacquered top with floral and bird decoration bordered by bamboo, a lower shelf with floral and leaf...
Bamboo, Lacquer
French 19Th. C. Tortoiseshell Bamboo Table With Red Tooled Leather Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this great looking French 19Th. C. Tortoiseshell Bamboo two tier Table with Red Tooled Leather Top. The tortoiseshell effect is stunni...
Leather, Bamboo
19th Century Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Bamboo Sewing Side Table
Located in Forney, TX
Add a touch of elegant sophistication, romantic warmth, and authentic antique character with this absolutely exquisite 150 year old Victorian era sewing stand work table (today it wo...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Aesthetic Movement side table with Jeddo pattern plate by Brown Westhead & Moore
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement faux bamboo two tier ebonized side table, each tier inset with a Jeddo pattern plate made by Brown Westhead and Moore potteries featuring a Japanese fan with da...
Faux Bamboo
Late 19th Century Hand Painted Tiger Bamboo Side Table
Located in London, Lambeth
An wonderful Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie lacquered magazine table (canterbury) . Late 19th century. 72cm high x 53cm wide x 37cm deep. Beautiful lacquered tabletop with ...
Bamboo
$631Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Collectible Maple or Walnut Hand-Carved Table with Scalloped Rim
Located in Lomita, CA
The absolute attraction of this table is the intricate carving on the top, which includes a centerpiece portrait of a gentleman wearing a period hat, and his image is surrounded by h...
Maple, Walnut
Side table Alessia, Constellation 1, Light Oyster/gold
By EJE Design
Located in VALENCE, FR
With Alessia, the house of Eje-Design explores the boundary between art and design. A true contemporary sculpture, this abstract creation embodies a sensitive and daring vision of de...
Gold Plate
Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Burl Ebonised & Gilt Metal Side Table
Located in Norwich, GB
An Aesthetic Movement period amboyna burl, ebonised and gilt metal side table. English. Circa 1870. The table having decorative veneered amboyna burl to the top and tier - the name ...
Giltwood, Burl, Amboyna
Aesthetic Movement Side Table by C. Fischer Amsterdam, 1900s.
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Aesthetic Movement side table. Design by C. Fischer Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with original solid oak top. Marked with manu...
Oak
Antique Wine Cooler Side Table
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and unusual antique wine cooler table with a lift up lid, in solid birch. This was likely made in the 1920’s, it has an aesthetic influence in the design. It is dated on ...
Tin
E.W. Godwin, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Octagonal Table with Crossed Stretcher
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin in the style of. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal centre or side table with arched apron below the top, he legs united by upper stretcher...
Walnut
Lejambre Aesthetic Movement Japanese Ebonized Etagere, Philadelphia, circa 1880
Located in Sharon, CT
Important side table illustrated in Artistic Houses in the Japanese library of the Edward H. Williams house, Philadelphia PA.
Wood
Fine Aesthetic Movement Ormolu Porcelain Tiered Étagères, End Tables
Located in Forney, TX
A pair of fine gilt bronze ormolu mounted porcelain tiered étagères. Decedent French Aesthetic Movement styling, circa 1890, brilliant bronze doré suppo...
Bronze
E W Godwin (style of). An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal table
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin in the style of.An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal centre or side table with arched apron below the top, the legs united by upper stretchers and also united by a lowe...
Walnut
Aesthetic Movement oak oblong side table with ring turned legs, and splayed feet
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement oak oblong side table with staggered ring turnings to the legs and stood on splayed-out feet united by a fine ring-turned centr...
Oak
E W Godwin attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal centre table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal center table with tramline molded edges with fine turnings to the legs united by a high stretcher and standing on Thebes...
Walnut
Jas Shoolbred, an Aesthetic Movement Side Table with Angular Turned Supports
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with a galleried lower shelf and angular turned supports.
Walnut
An Aesthetic Movement walnut two-tier side table with canted corners
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement walnut two-tier side table with canted corners on fine ring turned legs
Walnut