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.
19th Century English Aesthetic Era Bamboo Table with Marquetry and Painted Detai
Located in Troy, MI
Found and made in England, this bamboo framed side table dates from the 1870s. Framed in tortoise or spotted bamboo with a table top and lower shelf made of pine. The top features d...
Bamboo
Regency Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo Black Lacquer Plant Stand Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a reproduction bamboo and lacquer chinoiserie fern stand or side table. It has four shelves that rotate to support plants or drinks. Each shelf is black lacquer with floral a...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Bamboo Hand Painted Lacquer Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Chinoiserie Table A striking 19th century Aesthetic Movement bamboo Chinoiserie table, featuring hand-painted birds in flight and perched amon...
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
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
$810Sale Price|40% Off
Aesthetic Movement Tiger Tortoise Bamboo Pedestal 2-Tier Side Drink Table
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late Victorian tiger bamboo side table with intricate embossed Paisley block pattern octagonal tabletop. The table features a tiger bamboo frame with a secondary bottom shelf, usuall...
Rattan
19Th. Century Octagon Tiger Bamboo & Lacquer Side Table, C1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just arrived in my shop, This 19Th. Century Octagon Tiger Bamboo & Lacquer Side Table, C1880 This is perfect example of the Victorian and Napoleon II period from the 19Th. century, i...
Bamboo, Lacquer
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Diminutive American Aesthetic Movement Peacock Motif Pedestal of Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Diminutive American Aesthetic Movement peacock Motif pedestal of side table of hexagonal form with a stylized Greek key border, with penwork decorated cube-work center. Supported on...
Birch, Poplar, Satinwood
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
Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with hand painted floral tile to the Top
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic movement style floral tile-top ebonised side table. The tile has a fine crack running through it.
Porcelain, Beech
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
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Side Table with Turquoise Tile Top
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Aesthetic movement burnt bamboo tile top side table. The base is constructed from bamboo, with a porcelain tile inset into the top surface. The tile artwork depicts a sc...
Bamboo
Vintage Brighton Pavilion Style Scorched Bamboo Plant Stand or Side Table
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Striking vintage bamboo plant stand featuring beautiful scorched bamboo patterning and decorative Brighton Pavilion–style fretwork. The architectural open frame design showcases eleg...
Bamboo
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
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
English Aesthetic Movement Walnut & Brass Hall Stick Stand James Shoolbred
Located in Norwich, England
A superb Aesthetic Movement walnut and brass mount hall stand attributed to James Shoolbred - London. Kite registration stamps - English Dated 1883. James Shoolbred & Co were a fir...
Brass
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
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
Gillows attr, An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut eight leg centre table
By Henry William Batley, Gillows of Lancaster & London
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
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
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
Gillows, attri. Style of E. W. Godwin. Aesthetic Movement Two-Tier Side Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed In the style of E. W. Godwin. Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal two-tier side table with turned and incised legs uniting to the lower shelf and turned stretchers...
Walnut
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
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
$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
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
$650Sale Price|31% Off
Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Side Table, UK, Late 19th Century
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
E W Godwin An Aesthetic Movement six leg walnut circular centre table
By Collinson & Lock, Edward William Godwin
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bruce Talbert An Aesthetic Movement Gothic Revival oak needlework table and box
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed. An Aesthetic Movement/Gothic Revival oak needlework table and box with carved lunettes, florets and incised turned details to the legs united with turnings ...
Oak
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
Bruce Talbert, Style of, Probably by Gillows, an Aesthetic Movement Side Table
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert style of, probably made by Gillows of Lancaster. A rare and unusual Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with parcel gilt incised details, an Onyx top and matching u...
Onyx
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 William Birch for Liberty & Co Occasional Table
Located in Faversham, GB
A charming Aesthetic movement mahogany side table by British designer and furniture maker William Birch for Liberty & Co. The table displays a generous top raised on four turned sup...
Mahogany
$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
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
American Victorian Inlaid Circular Carved Wooden Plant Stand / Side Table
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian wooden plant stand / side table with circular top featuring a central inlaid medallion design, resting on a pedestal base with a ...
Wood
Antique E W Godwin Style Walnut Side Table
Located in Sherborne, GB
EW Godwin style side table circa 1880, the square top sits on slender ring turned legs, it has a middle shelf with slender angled turned supports, the table retaining its original pa...
Walnut
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
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
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
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
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
Liberty & Co An Aesthetic Movement Walnut side table with a touch of Art Nouveau
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut side or occasional table with a square top and wavy Art Nouveau uprights on opposing sides flowing do...
Walnut
Brass Vereinigte Werkstätten München Side Coffee Table 1950s Hollywood Regency
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in London, GB
An elegant and rare Mid-Century Modern tripod side table designed and manufactured by Vereinigte Werkstätten, in 1950s Germany. This side table stands on a brass tripod base where a...
Brass
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
Collinson & Lock. Aesthetic Movement octogonal two tier table on ring turn legs.
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octogonal two tier side table on splayed and fine ring turn legs, reminiscent of some of the legs Godwin chased around.
Walnut
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
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
An Aesthetic Movement rosewood two tier side table inlaid with floral decoration
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood two tier side table inlaid with floral decoration to the centres and parallel line inlay to edges of top and bottom shelf, stood on turned legs united ...
Rosewood
E. W. Godwin, attri. Aesthetic Movement Rosewood Two-Tier Side or Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
E. W. Godwin attributed, Small Aesthetic Movement Rosewood two-tier side or coffee table On turned and incised legs with angled supports uniting the legs to the lower shelf.
Rosewood