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
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
$3,431Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Aesthetic Period Davenport, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Aesthetic Period Davenport. An English, walnut and bird's eye maple writing desk, dating to the Victorian era, circa 1880. A delightful example, with exquisite cr...
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Aesthetic Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Side Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement bamboo and lacquer side table, circa 1910. With a black and red lacquer top with floral and bird decoration and bamboo borders, an embossed paper mache lower shelf...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paper
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
$3,800 / set
Pair Of American Aesthetic Brass And Onyx Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with square onyx tops with beveled edge set in a cast brass frame with square section legs and stretchers, raised on cabriole legs.
Onyx, Brass
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Red Mahogany Pedestal or Plant Stand
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Red Mahogany Pedestal or Plant Stand. Nice Ribbed base. 35 1/2" tall. Perfect for sculpture or plant. Re-finished at some point and has some age appropri...
Mahogany
$1,950
Octagonal Walnut Stand
Located in Greenwich, CT
Turn of the century Aesthetic octagonal table with splayed legs and small undershelf, showcasing clean geometry and understated craftsmanship, in nicely figured striated walnut. Thi...
Walnut
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
Mid-Century French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Pine Square Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this family friendly coffee table! From mountain to beach, it is a versatile option! This is a mid-century knotty pine faux bamboo coffee table. It is French and unmarked. It ...
Pine
Pierre Renart Wave desk ziricote wood
Located in Paris, FR
The Wave desk by Pierre Renart is a singular demonstration of wood virtuosity combined with contemporary design. Inspired by the movemnts of the ocean, the light ribbon creates a pow...
Ziricote
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
Jas Shoolbred Attri, An Aesthetic Movement octagonal shaped centre table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred Attri, An Aesthetic Movement Octagonal Shaped Centre Table with lower shelf and turned cross stretchers below.
Oak
$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
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
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
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
English Aesthetic Movement Macassar Ebony Petite Low Table or Stand, circa 1875
By Collinson & Lock, Edward William Godwin
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A C R O T E R I O N is pleased to offer this fine circa 1875 English Aesthetic Movement low table or stand of diminutive two-tier étagère form attributed to famed architect-designer ...
Macassar, Ivory
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
19th Century Bamboo Table with Découpage Fish Decoration
Located in Atlanta, GA
Découpaged bamboo end or side table, probably English, circa 1880s.
Wood, Bamboo
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
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
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
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
Classic Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann of Austria Fledermaus Lamp / End Table
Located in Buffalo, NY
This is a Secessionist 'Fledermaus' Table, initially designed by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann of Austria in 1905. This example dates to the 1960s / 70s . primarily constructed of dark...
Brass
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
19th Century Bamboo and Rattan Side Table with Greek Key Apron and Fretwork
Located in Houston, TX
A beautifully composed 19th century bamboo and rattan table, exemplifying the refined yet relaxed elegance of the Aesthetic Movement's fascination with Asian-inspired design. The ta...
Bamboo, Rattan
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, Ivory
19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Walnut Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
The design attributable to Charles Bevan (1815-1891) Manufactured by Lamb of Manchester, English, circa 1870 Stamped 'Lamb, Manchester'. Walnut and inlaid 122 cm. wide x 74 cm. hig...
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 Occasional Table, English, Circa 1870
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Aesthetic Movement occasional table in the Anglo-Japanese taste, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1870–1890. This elegant example features a shaped, octagonal top fra...
Mahogany, Giltwood
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
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
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
Glass Coffee Table, Italy, Romeo Rega, Design, 1960s
Located in Nice, FR
Glass coffee table, Italy, designer Romeo Rega, 1970, Structure in brass and black iron, smoked glass. Very refined.
Brass
A carved walnut adjustable pedestal table, 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A carved walnut adjustable pedestal table, 19th C. The octagonal top with inset marble above a center shaft with a knob that you can pull on ...
Marble
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
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
Lamb of Manchester. C E Horton. Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Walnut Center Table
Located in London, GB
Lamb of Manchester by Charles Horton attributed. A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized walnut octagonal eight-leg centre table with a veneered macassar ebony top and a molded edge and s...
Walnut, Macassar
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
Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Table Designed as Two Fitted Together
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A pair of good quality Aesthetic movement come Arts & Crafts solid oak dining tables with wonderful quarter sawn tiger grain throughout the oak on square legs with chamfered edges. T...
Oak
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 Charles Bevan, Marsh, Jones & Cribb
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
$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
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
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
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
Early 20th Century Italian Pietra Dura Black Marble Topped Table
Located in Faversham, GB
A beautiful Pietra Dura centre table with a molded cast iron base. The top of the table is made from a section of octagonal black marble that has been inlaid with semi-precious ston...
Multi-gemstone, Marble, Iron
American Aesthetic Movement Tiered Square Table, Possibly A. & H. Lejambre
Located in Sharon, CT
The top is mahogany bordered with ebony and brass trim, and is inlaid with an Egyptian scarab and a bee in exotic woods. Constructed of square section ebonized wood throughout. Brass...
Wood