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.
Tall Aesthetic Movement Pewter Inlaid Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare English Aesthetic movement pewter inlaid mahogany tall octagonal taboret table in the "Orientalist" taste, after the Indian and Middle Eastern examples, this one using very dens...
Pewter
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
George Jones Rare Large Majolica Floor Standing Pedestal or Pot Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and large antique majolica floor standing pedestal by renowned and sought after maker George Jones and dating from around 1865. The pedestal is formed as three curved branches...
Earthenware
E W Godwin attr, for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement mahogany side table
By Collinson & Lock, Edward William Godwin
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
Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Aesthetic Movement example of a charming writing desk fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet. The desk with a single drawer with ...
Faux Bamboo, Wood
Howard & Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875
Located in Kinderhook, NY
English circa 1875 Aesthetic Movement writing table or desk by London cabinetmakers Howard & Sons having original green leather top; the oval form case with single drawer and origina...
Brass
19th Century Faux Bamboo Vanity Attributed to Horner
Located in Bradenton, FL
A fine aesthetic movement example. A charming and eye catching vanity fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet. The carvings are sharp and...
Birdseye Maple
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
19th C. Burled Walnut Oval Table In Aesthetic Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With a book matched burled top, inlaid scrolled decorated banding, and a burled apron. Raised on four turned supports with a turned finial. Mounted on four carved leafy scrolled oak ...
Glass, Satinwood, Walnut, Burl
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
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
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut & Gilt Octagonal Centre Table
Located in London, GB
Hewetson & Thexton, in the style of Bruce Talbert. An Aesthetic Movement walnut and gilt octagonal centre table with ring and spiral turned legs terminating in turned finials, united...
Walnut
Bruce Talbert, by Gillows & Co. Aesthetic Movement chess table
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, made by Gillows and Co. An exceptional exhibition-quality Aesthetic Movement chess table inlaid with boxwood to the chessboard top, with three baluster legs incised an...
Boxwood, Walnut
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
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
Stephen Webb, by Collinson and Lock. Aesthetic Movement octagonal centre table
Located in London, GB
Stephen Webb, made by Collinson and Lock. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal centre table with floral inlay to the top and shaped aprons below, with eight turned uprights uniting a spid...
Walnut
Aesthetic Walnut Chart Table
Located in Essex, MA
Circular when open and folds with brass hinges and fittings and stays closed with a latch. Simple turned legs with stretcher.
Walnut
19th Century Bamboo Table with Découpage Fish Decoration
Located in Atlanta, GA
Découpaged bamboo end or side table, probably English, circa 1880s.
Wood, Bamboo
Late 20th-C. Bamboo, Wicker, and Rattan Etagere or Vanity by Palecek
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking late 20th century bamboo, wicker and rattan etagere or vanity by Palecek. It is very interesting piece and is in very ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
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
19th-C. Victorian Era Aesthetic Movement Burnt Bamboo Side Table Faux Bois Paper
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Victorian Era English burnt bamboo side table. Both tiers have been papered in a tree motif wall paper that is in keeping with the Aesthetic Movement period. It is in very ...
Bamboo, Paper
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
$13,203Sale Price|40% Off
Gillow and Co. Oak Octagonal Table, England, circa 1860
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Oxford, GB
Description Stamped and numbered oak octagonal drum Gillow and Co. pedestal table, circa 1860. Untouched and 100% authentic with just shy of 160 years of...
Oak
19th-C. English Victorian Carved Oak Eagle Form Console Table / Credenza
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a unique English Victorian carved oak eagle form console table or credenza. The back has a carved lion cartouche. The supports are opposing eagles. It is in very good conditi...
Oak
Small 19th Century Cherry Wood Farmhouse Table
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely little 19th century farmhouse table in cherry wood fromFrance with a length of 1.42m long and width of 69cm Small knife drawer in the belt. Very beautiful top with a superb p...
Cherry
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
Mosaic table, iron foot, 1960, unique piece
Located in Nice, FR
Table or pedestal table with a mosaic top, iron base, all made in the old fashioned way, in an antique way, the mosaics are highlighted, unique piece. The outline of the mosaic tray...
Belgian Black Marble
Oak Table Or Desk - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely 19th century farmhouse table in oak and chestnut from France. Very beautiful table with two drawers in the belt that can be used as a dining room table or desk. Very beautif...
Oak
Bronze Elephant Head Console Table (Base Only)
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century bronze elephant console table. This listing is for the base only and is shown with glass as inspiration. Dimensions are for base only.
Bronze
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
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
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
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE TiLED TOP CHESSBOARD CHESS TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning antique Victorian Mahogany games table with Chessboard Tiled top and stamped to the base with ...
Hardwood
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
$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
Large Gateleg Table In Oak
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely oak table called Gateleg Very beautiful table which has a very beautiful turned base Beautiful top with a thickness of 3cm the table can be used as a dining room table, as ...
Oak
19th Century English Satinwood and Coromandel Folio Stand by Jackson & Graham
By Jackson & Graham
Located in London, GB
A Coromandel and Satinwood Folio Stand Firmly attributed to Jackson & Graham Constructed from richly figured coromandel and banded with satinwood and New Zealand honeysuckle, the fo...
Macassar, Satinwood
Gillows attr. An Aesthetic Movement tilt top dining table with floral inlays
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows of Lancaster attributed. An Aesthetic Movement tilt top dining table with floral inlays to the oval top walnut. Stamped mark under the top 8198
Walnut
Dr Christopher Dresser An ebonized and gilded pedestal torchère
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and gilded pedestal torchère in the style of Dr C Dresser. The circular top has a Greek key pattern band, the main octagonal column has incised and gil...
Walnut
Gillows attr, Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Mahogany Centre Table with Amboyna top
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Mahogany Octagonal Centre Table with a wonderful burr Amboyna top with line inlay and ebonized to the edges. The four turned legs...
Mahogany, 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
Bevan. Marsh Jones & Cribb. An Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized card table
By Marsh, Jones & Cribb, Charles Bevan
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan, made by Marsh Jones and Cribb. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized card table with fold over top retaining the original red baize on turned legs united by a double w...
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
Jas Shoolbred attri. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut side table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred attributed An octagonal Walnut centre table with central shelf, carved circular details to the legs, united by lower cross 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
FULLY RESTORED AESTHETIC MOVEMENT AMBOYNA EBONY ANTiQUE VICTORIAN DRESSING TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, hand made in England Aesthetic Movement Dressing table...
Mirror, Amboyna
Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Inlaid Occasional/Side Table
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
This table is primarily fashioned after the Aesthetic Movement of the late 19th century (roughly 1870-1900). Defined by its simple geometric structure, the piece highlights quality c...
Wood
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
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
$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
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
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
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
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Tiered Dessert Server Tea Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, charming, and most unusual three tier bamboo dessert server or tea table. Dating to the late 19th to early 20th century, likely English, execu...
Bamboo, Lacquer, Wood, Bentwood
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
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
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut six leg octagonal two tier center table with fine turned legs and out swept feet. The construction has radiating stretchers ...
Walnut