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.
Victorian English Tiger Bamboo Chinoiserie Book Table with Folding Shelves
Located in Troy, MI
An octagonal bamboo table in a mottled tiger bamboo finish, the top lacquered in chinoiserie style with gilt birds and peonies on a dark ground. Four folding shelves, painted en suit...
Bamboo, Giltwood
Heals attributed. An Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement three tier ebonized stand
By Heal's
Located in London, GB
Heals attributed. An Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement three tier ebonized stand with fretwork decoration to the top and a raised and turned gallery to each of the lower tiers, with ...
Wood
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
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
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
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
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 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 Merklen Brothers Carved Walnut Library Table Desk NY 1890
Located in Portland, OR
A fabulous antique American Aesthetic Movement carved walnut library table or desk, by Merklen Brothers, New York, circa 1890. Merklen Brothers of New York Gilded Age furniture...
Brass
Maitland Smith Game Table Walnut with Marquetry and Inlay - Fluted Legs C1980
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular Chess/Checkers game table by Maitland Smith in Walnut and Burlwood primarly. Large surface with two drawers for storage. Wooden checkers are in one of them. Decorative in...
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
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
Original Michel Mangematin coffee table
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Michel MANGEMATIN (Né en 1928) Table basse circulaire, circa 1962, piétement tripode en bronze doré formé de trois lames souples s'entrecroisant, chacune des lames, s'amincissant à l...
Bronze
$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
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
$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
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Black Ebonized 34" Plant Stand Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Black Ebonized 34" Plant Stand 6 Legged Side Tab...
Wood
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
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
Sculpted Bronze Sea Creatures Coffee Table with a Chiseled Glass Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful bronze and glass coffee table depicting a sea creatures playing around a piece of coral and sea weed leaves, there you can see a couple of fish, snails, clams and a sea star. The bronze has beautiful patina and a glossy finish to mimic the wet underwater environment. The glass top has a beautiful chiseled edge that supposed to represent the water and waves...
Bronze
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
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
$2,250
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 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
Madelaine Castaing coffee table
By Madeleine Castaing
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Table basse en acajou par Madeleine Castaing. Madeleine Castaing, de son nom de naissance Marie Madeleine Marcelle Magistry, est une antiquaire et décoratrice française qui a rév...
Mahogany
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
$3,432Sale 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
Solid Oak 19th Century Pub Table
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional solid oak pub style dining table, in very good, clean and ready to use condition. This example exhibits late Victorian, Arts and Crafts, and Aesthetic Movement elements, ...
Oak
$1,475Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$2,621Sale Price|25% Off
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
Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Tea Table
Located in Haywards Heath England, GB
Aesthetic Movement mahogany tea table with Japanese inspired detailing Side hand rails an stylised fretwork Circa 1875 Width 65cm. Depth 33.5cm. Height 73cm
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
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
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
Antique English 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Faux-Bamboo Table C.1880
Located in London, GB
Antique English 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Faux-Bamboo Table C.1880 Warm honey-toned pine. In excellent condition commensurate of age. Please message for a shipping quote.
Pine
$1,421Sale Price|25% Off
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
$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
William Lethaby Oak Refectory Dining Table, English Aesthetic Movement
Located in Queens, NY
English Aesthetic Movement oak refectory dining table with plank top on 8 octagonal columnar legs joined by a stretcher (attributed to WILLI...
Oak
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
$2,792Sale Price|20% Off
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
$971Sale Price|25% Off
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 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
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
English Aesthetic Movement Macassar Ebony Petite Low Table or Stand, circa 1875
By Edward William Godwin, Collinson & Lock
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
$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 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
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 Bamboo Jardiniere Plant Stand, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE PEDESTAL PLANT STAND A striking silhouette of crisscrossed tiger bamboo creates triangular shapes which terminate in a tripod ba...
Bamboo, Wood
Tall English Table or Plant Stand of Brass from the Aesthetic Movement
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome tall English round-top table or plant stand of brass from the Aesthetic Movement period, circa 1890, featuring an ornately designed openwork circular surface atop a slende...
Brass, Metal
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
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
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
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
A Pair of Vienna Secession Oval Two-tier Side Tables by Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Vienna Secession oval two-tier side tables from the "Fledermaus" series designed by Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956). Featuring the original Thonet label. Stained beechwood. Vien...
Beech