In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.
ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.
The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking, and Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau.
The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own variants.
In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers.
The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.
Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass.
Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).
Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.
There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.
Monumental Art Deco Style Leaded Glass Architectural Window
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Impressive large-scale leaded glass architectural window featuring an elaborate geometric and floral design, housed within a custom blackened steel frame. Measuring an impressive 83...
Metal
Original Rare Otto Wagner Chair by Thonet Vienna 1901 Jugendstil
By Otto Wagner, Woka Lamps, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Stained beachwood, seat and back with leather, seat height 46cm (18,11") Lit.: "Gebogenes Holz", Asenbaum /Hummel 1979, p:29.
Leather, Beech
Antique Austrian Art Nouveau Diminutive Hanging Wall Cabinet Jugendstil C.1910
Located in London, GB
Antique Austrian Art Nouveau Diminutive Hanging Cabinet Jugendstil design C.1910 A diminutive wall-mounted cabinet in the Austrian Art Nouveau taste . With an arched, shield-form cr...
Fruitwood
Carlsbad Austrian Art Nouveau Porcelain Iridesecent Vase, Late 19th Century
By Loetz Glass, Carlsbad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period iridescent porcelain vase In the manner of Loetz By Carlsbad Porcelain Austria, Late 19th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 8.5"H. Very good origin...
Porcelain
Music Box small octagonal with Swiss Mechanism by Maison Reuge Salimbeni
By Renato Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small octagonal music box in 925/1000 sterling silver, gold-plated, featuring translucent kiln-fired enamel over a guilloché pattern—applied to the sides as well—with a line on the l...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$2,040Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French Style Folding Wrought Iron Garden Table with Grapevine Motif
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French Style Folding Wrought Iron Garden Table with Grapevine Motif, Oval Pierced Top, Circa 1900 A highly decorative antique folding wrought iron table, executed in the Fre...
Metal, Wrought Iron
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble Top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900
Located in Chappaqua, NY
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900. Ornate molded cast iron base with rectangular marble top. Weathered red paint on base. Makers mark st...
Marble, Iron
Antique Copper Helmet-Shaped Coal Scuttle with Lion Heads and Delft Ceramic Deta
Located in Poperinge, BE
A charming, vintage helmet-shaped coal scuttle made of red copper and brass, featuring blue-and-white Delftware handles; dating from the first half of ...
Brass, Copper
1920's English Art Nouveau Solid Oak Writing Table Bureaux
Located in Leicester, GB
Stunning English Art Nouveau oak cabinet with bureaux. Beautiful design with shapely leg details and beautiful cut work. Beautiful brass plate handles with a classic Art Nouveau patt...
Oak
Early 20th Century Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Pair of French Art Nouveau Brass and Floral Shaped Glass Table Lamps
Located in Barntrup, DE
Set of two elegant Art Nouveau-style table lamps. Made from brass with a flower-shaped glass shade. Adjustable height, each with one socket for E27 (E26) size light bulb. France, 193...
Brass
Original Josef Hoffmann & Jacob & Josef Kohn "24-Ball" Table #1263
By Woka Lamps, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Six balls connect each of the four columns, bent beech and plywood, dyed to rosewood and polished, surface slightly refreshed, top with glass, base covered with very fine hammered br...
Beech, Plywood
19th Century Italian Silvered Wall Mirror, Embossed Copper, Venice ca. 1880
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
One of a kind, late 19th century silvered Italian wall mirror from the island of Venetia around 1880. This elaborately crafted Venetian mirror impresses with an absolute artfully sha...
Silver, Copper
Tiffany Studios Art Nouveau Bronze and Glass Paste Jewelry Box 1910
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Exceptional antique jewelry box attributed to Tiffany Studios, crafted in bronze and decorated with elegant glass paste in soft white and ochre tones. Made in New York, USA, around 1...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Bentwood Rocking Chair by Jacob & Josef Kohn, Wien. Austria 1911
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A graceful and historically significant bentwood rocking chair by renowned Viennese furniture makers Jacob & Josef Kohn, dating to circa 1900. Crafted in Austria, this sculptural pie...
Bentwood
$7,560Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Art Nouveau Large Bronze Sculptural Floor/ Table Lamp by Gustave Gurshner
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Monumental 19thc Austrian Art Nouveau Bronze Figural Floor/ Table Lamp. Featuring original Tiffany style tiled Art Glass Shade. Signed by Artist Gustave Gurschner. Large and heavy Sc...
Bronze
$1,707 / set
Pair Of Art Nouveau Lamps Muller Frères
Located in NANTES, FR
Pair of lamps around 1900 in bronze and gilded brass. Multi colored Muller Frères tulips. Electrified in Perfect condition. These lamps come from a Parisian brasserie from the beginn...
Brass, Bronze
$1,047Sale Price|20% Off
Oak Art Nouveau Pedestal Table or Plant Stand, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Nouveau pedestal table or plant stand. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with original hand-carved elements. This wonderful Art Nouveau pedesta...
Oak
21st Century, Hand-Carved Clear Crystal and Golden Bronze Tray in Classic Style
Located in Calenzano, FI
21-st century hand carved clear crystal tray with frame in lost wax silver bronze lace. This tray is a limited edition, we have only a piece. It's particular hand -carved and the fr...
Crystal, Bronze
Art Nouveau Table Lamp La Rochere Handblown Orange Brown Glass, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
A La Rochère cameo glass lamp featuring a domed shade intricately carved with a bird perched among maple leaves and branches. The shade displays fine detailing and delicate color tra...
Opaline Glass
$591Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Table Lamp in the Shape of a Mushroom with Holly Plant
Located in Hannover, DE
This small table lamp is a small work of art. The beautiful Jugendstil lamp base is designed in the classic style of the heyday of this style era. The lampshade is a brass lamp dome ...
Brass, Bronze
Nippon Sharkskin Decorated Royal Kinjo Japan Hand Painted Porcelain Handled Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Nouveau Nippon "Sharkskin" Decorated Royal Kinjo Japan Hand Painted Floral Porcelain Double Handled Tall Urn Vase. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 10.25" H x 5" W...
Porcelain
Small 19th Century Majolica Wild Rose Vase Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Small 19th Century Majolica Wild Rose Vase Delphin Massier Table vase decoration , very rare form and size. 4 inches height , Width 2.5 inches. The Massier family are known for the q...
Ceramic, Majolica
Rare Majolica Butterfly Wall Pocket Clement Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica butterfly wall pocket signed Clement Massier, Golfe Juan Circa 1900. H / 7 inches. W / 9 inches.
Ceramic, Faience
Art Nouveau Louis Chalon Maiden with Pansies Sculpture
By Louis Chalon
Located in New York, NY
This gilt bronze sculpture by Louis Chalon depicts a woman with outstretched arms and an upturned face, her windswept hair swirling around her body as she emerges through a heart-sha...
Marble, Bronze
1 of the 140 Art Deco Tiles by Boch Freres, la Louvière, 1920's
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 140 glazed ceramic tiles tiles by Boch Freres, la Louvière, circa 1920's . Beautiful original antique blue and off-white tiles with a wonderful rich pattern. The dimensions...
Ceramic
Antique Art Nouveau Slag Glass Table Lamp in the Manner of Handel, Circa 1920s
By Handel Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Art Nouveau period table lamp with gorgeous eight-panel curved caramel slag glass shade In the manner of Handel USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 19"W x 19"D x 24....
Metal
Loetz Silberiris Candia Iridescent Twin Handled Glass Vase
By Loetz Glass
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Stylish Bohemian Silberiris Candia iridescent glass vase with brown handles by Johann Loetz Witwe and dating from around 1900. The simply shaped vase ref PN 85/5151 in the Loetz cata...
Blown Glass
1 of the 30 Authentic Glazed Art Nouveau Relief Tiles Rose, Belga, circa 1930s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique Art Nouveau handmade tiles with an image of yellow rose in relief on a soft yellow background. These tiles would be charming displayed on easels, fr...
Ceramic
$1,953Sale Price / item|25% Off
Brass Basket Classical Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
The crystals are expertly hand-knotted, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to this timeless piece. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can ...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
French Art Nouveau Orange, White and Blue Glass Pendant Light by Noverdy, 1920
By Jean Noverdy
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau orange, white, and blue Pâte de Verre glass pendant light fixture, signed ”Noverdy France” by Jean Noverdy. This delightful French Art Nouveau period pendant light...
Metal, Brass
$751 / item
Table Lamp in the Style of Jugendstil
Located in Wien, Au
Table lamp in the style of Jugendstil This is a reproduction. Opal glass. Depending on the order quantity it can take up to 2 weeks to f...
Opal, Brass
$2,221Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Ceiling Lamp by Josef Hoffmann
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. The design is attributed to Josef Hoffmann. This lamp is an original (and not a reissue). The cable and sockets (4 x E27) have been replaced.
Brass
Early 20C Hand Painted Medium Sized Ceiling or Wall Panels by Nena Claiborne
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a unique set of early 20c hand painted medium sized ceiling or wall panels by Nena Claiborne. Art Nouveau/Deco Era hand-painted ceiling or w...
Boxwood
Table Lamp in the Style of Jugendstil 'nickel'
Located in Wien, Au
Table lamp in the style of Jugendstil This is a reproduction. We have also the same in brass Opal glass. Depending on the order quantit...
Opal, Nickel
Art Nouveau Black Lacquer Fire Screen with Hand‑Painted Floral Motif, France
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An elegant Art Nouveau fire screen from France, dating to around 1910, featuring a black lacquered panel with a hand‑painted floral motif in soft pink and green tones. The design cap...
Cast Iron
Art Nouveau Brass & Iron, Clear Cut Glass Flush Mount
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast gas pendants / ceiling lamp ca. 1900 Cast Iron top with clear cut glass shade Diameter ceiling plate 19 cm / 7.48 inches Weight: 2.60 kg / 5.7 lb Priced per individual item. ...
Brass, Iron
Otto Wagner Ceiling Light for the Vienna Metropolitan Railways Around 1900
By Otto Wagner
Located in Wien, Au
As the most important Austrian urban planner of the time, Otto Wagner was commissioned with the planning and construction of the Vienna metropolitan railway system, which he implemen...
Brass
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Sterling Figural 8 Piece Belt by William B. Kerr Silver Company
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Nouveau Sterling Figural 8 Piece Belt by William B. Kerr Silver Company USA, circa 1890s This Art Nouveau sterling silver belt by the esteemed William B. Kerr Silver Company st...
Sterling Silver
Original Otto Wagner for Thonet 1905 Writing Desk Postal Saving Bank Vienna 1905
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Otto Wagner, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Otto Wagner writing desk from the Postal Saving Bank in Vienna. Made by Thonet, Vienna. Otto Wagner Writing Desk, Postal Saving Bank, Vienna - Lit.: Asenbaum/Haiko, Otto Wagner, Möbe...
Wood
Antoni Gaudí Door Knob N.3, Solid Brass, Jugendstil Design, Spain
By BD Art Editions, BD Barcelona Design, Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Solid cast brass with polished finish. An exact reproduction in both form and material original metalwork fittings designed by Antoni Gaudí for various of his works of architecture....
Brass
Maxim’s de Paris Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 2 Art Nouveau Style
By Limoges
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Maxim’s de Paris Porcelain Espresso Cups and Saucers, Set of 2, Art Nouveau Style A charming set of espresso cups and saucers from Maxim's de Paris, the legendary Parisian restaurant...
Porcelain
$1,821 / set
Set of 3 Thonet Style Bar Stools, Italy 60s
By Thonet
Located in Lucija, SI
Set of three mid century bar stools in Thonet style. Handmade seats Made in Italy in the 60s
Cane, Bentwood
Pair of silvered pewter candlesticks, Art Nouveau - Achille Gamba
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of silver-plated pewter candlesticks in Art Nouveau style, designed by Achille Gamba. Germany early 20th century. Each candelabra depicts a stylized female figure with ...
Silver, Pewter
Small 19th Century Majolica Pansy Vase Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
Small 19th Century Majolica Pansy Vase Delphin Massier Table vase decoration , very rare form and size. 4 inches height , Width 2.5 inches. The Massier family are known for the quali...
Ceramic, Majolica
$294Sale Price|30% Off
Antique English Victorian Art Nouveau Stained Glass Floral Transom Window Panel
Located in Dayton, OH
Beautiful antique leaded stained glass Art Nouveau transom window. Features a floral design at the center in a ruby tone with green leaves flanked by amber colored diamonds and a peb...
Metal
Tiffany Studios New York "Spider" Leaded Glass Table Lamp
By Tiffany Studios, Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This Tiffany Studios geometric leaded glass and bronze table lamp features the iconic Spider shade and its original complementary Mushroom bronze base. The unique form of the spider ...
Bronze
$1,320Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Beech Art Nouveau High Back Chairs Model 17 by Michael Thonet, 1890s
By Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare pair of Art Nouveau Model 17 side chairs. Design by Michael Thonet for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. Striking Austrian design from the 1890s. Original beech and ...
Beech, Bentwood
St. Clement French Barbotine Art Nouveau Earthenware Raspberry Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Saint-Clément faïencerie, a vintage French barbotine majolica glazed raspberry pitcher, circa 1960s, in the Art Nouveau style. Still bearing the original French gold foil label: “St Clément France...
Earthenware
$3,800 / item
Early 20th Century Swedish Chaise Lounge
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Early 20th Century Swedish Chaise Lounge. Turned Beech wood legs.
Velvet, Beech
Dagobert Peche Art Deco Chandelier for Wiener Werkstaette, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Dagobert Peche, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Unusual chandelier made in solid brass, hand-hammered ornaments, can be made in any surface, on the image in a dark patina. The total drop with the length of the stem can be adjusted...
Brass
Contemporary Art Nouveau Style Cast Aluminum Garden Patio Garden Bench Loveseat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Contemporary Art Nouveau Style Cast Aluminum Garden Patio Garden Bench Loveseat. Circ...
Aluminum
Antoni Gaudí Calvet Armchair, Solid Varnished Oak, Jugendstil, Spain
By Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Calvet armchair designed by Antoni Gaudi manufactured by BD design, Solid varnished oak. Measures: 52 x 65 x 95 H cm. A company that has alwa...
Oak
Early 20thC Art Nouveau Brass Standard Lamp
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Art Nouveau Brass Standard Lamp - with 3 arms, art glass shades and stylistic fittings leading to tripod base with hairy paw feet - 18" diam x 66"h- all lights and lamps ...
Brass
$2,959Sale Price|60% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Tabletop Vanity Mirror with Maiden Silverplated Pewter WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique Art Nouveau vanity mirror, possibly by WMF, is a unique piece. The faceted mirror is in very good condition, with only minor sig...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Oval Bistro Table in Iron with Carrara Marble Top, 20th Century
Located in NAVILLY, FR
Oval bistro table in iron with a Carrara marble top. Excellent condition. Additional information: Period: 20th century Style: Art Nouveau Condition...
Carrara Marble, Iron
Josef Hoffmann Table For Jacob & Josef Kohn No. 906
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Table N0.906 For Jacob & Josef Kohn
Wood
Jugendstil Baccarat Antique Art Glass Dandelion Vase, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass dandelion vase for Baccarat, France. The vase - made out of art glass - is made from a clear glass, with yellow dandelions and green leafs on it...
Art Glass
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werksaette Silk/Brass Chandelier
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. Comes in all sizes Total drop custom made - 55 cm DM Most components according to the UL re...
Crystal, Brass
1922 Sgraffito Lamp by Josef Ekberg
By Josef Ekberg
Located in New York, NY
Sgraffito Lamp from 1922 by Josef Ekberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Flower motif in Swedish Jugend (or Art Nouveau) style decorates the vase in blue shades. Probably originally a vase ...
Ceramic