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 Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Leaded Stained Glass Window French Door
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and exceptional reclaimed large two part leaded stained glass French Door / Window. Features a large rectangular frame with two 2-part hinged doors with separate operating win...
Stained Glass, Hardwood
French Interior Apartment Gates circa 1910
Located in CA, CA
A beautiful pair of highly decorative interior apartment gates circa 1910 Dimensions: Total width of doors with wall bracket 31.25 inches Width if individual doors 15.5.inches Heigh...
Wrought Iron
$41,322 / set
Art Nouveau Stained Glass Doors Set, France, 1900s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Complete set of six flawless panels, French stained glass in polychrome glass with shutters, locks, handle and original key. Beautiful stained glass from the Art Nouveau period with...
Brass
Art Nouveau Stained Glass Panel Doors, French, Brass & Wood, 1900-1916
Located in Lisbon, PT
A wonderful set of eight French stained glass windows in four doors with bronze handles. The set of eight panels is in stained glass in polychrome glass with shutters, locks, handle ...
Brass
Calvet Door Handle by Antoni Gaudí, Solid Brass, Jugendstil Design
By Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Calvet door handle by Antoni Gaudí. Solid cast brass with polished finish. An exact reproduction in both form and material original metalwork ...
Brass
Set of Art Nouveau Stained Glass Doors, Early 1900s, France
Located in Lisbon, PT
Two sets of 8 doors and 14 glass art nouveau panels - Complete set of six flawless panels, French stained glass in polychrome glass with shutters, locks, handle and original key. Be...
Metal, Brass
19th Century English Wrought Iron Garden Gate Grille Pair
Located in Winter Park, FL
A pair of 19th Century English wrought iron decorative panels with black painted patina. Good quality iron work. Some paint loss. These are salvaged grilles from an old hotel elevato...
Wrought Iron
Ok! Polished Solid Brass Door Knob Milà No.3 by Antoni Gaudi
By BD Barcelona Design, Antoni Gaudí, BD Art Editions
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Polished Solid Brass Door Knob Milà no.3 by Antoni Gaudi Materials: Brass Dimensions: D 5 cm x W 5 cm x H 5 cm. Solid cast brass with polished finish. About item: ...
Brass
Antique Double Doors with Art Nouveau Stained Glass and Brass Handles
Located in Lisbon, PT
A striking pair of antique double interior doors featuring decorative stained glass panels, cream-painted wooden frames, and elegant original brass hardware. Each door is fitted wit...
Metal, Brass
Custom-Crafted Art Nouveau Style Wrought Iron Gate with Stylized Flower
By Ron Moore
Located in San Francisco, CA
A custom-crafted Art Nouveau style wrought iron gate with stylized flower; of assymetrical form with a lively floral head emanating from one corner; with artist's initials 'RSM'.
Polished Solid Brass Batlló door handle by Antoni Gaudi, 20th century design
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid cast brass with polished finish. A company that has always attributed such great importance to the author of the designs could never forget the great figures in history. That is why the BD catalogue of contemporary creations has always included those by admired classical masters. Antoni Gaudí (1852/1926) is, without doubt, the most internationally well-known Spanish architect. But is not only his buildings and brilliant architectural solutions that have travelled the globe. His integrated conception of architecture led him to pay attention, not only to structural calculations, but also to all the decorative elements, including furniture, that would form part of the building. The admiration felt by modern designers for the furniture designed by Gaudí has not gone unnoticed by BD which was the first company to rescue them from history by embarking on their serial production using...
Brass
Big Gate Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty in iron, Made in France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Style: Art Nouveau Country: France We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Push...
Iron
Large Wrought Iron Portal with glazed Double Doors, probably France, late 19th C
Located in Greding, DE
Large portal door made of black lacquered cast iron with glazed doors and medallion with monogram B in the final arched window. Lush wrought iron decoration in the form of tendrils a...
Iron
$1,000Sale Price|54% Off
Antique Wrought Iron Decorative Transom
Located in Redding, CT
Antique wrought iron decorative Transom or window guard. Lovely half moon shape with detailed scroll work. Some restoration done to piece. See photos. Perfect ornamentation for above...
Iron
Tiffany-style Stained Glass Window Panel Shutter Doors
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vibrant pair of stained glass window panel shutter doors. Depicting a pastoral scene in a walnut frame with brass handles, these pieces evoke the timeless beauty of Tiffany design an...
Brass
KOENIG & LAFITTE - Art Nouveau stained glass window with bindweed
By Edward L. Koenig
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This stained glass window was created by Paul Koenig and Lafitte in the early years of the 20th century, during the flowering of Art Nouveau. This draughtsman and engraver, born in É...
Glass, Art Glass, Wood
Antique Salvaged Double Oak Entryway Doors
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Salvaged Double Oak Entryway Doors Chicago Church Salvaged with Side Panels Included - 2 doors, 2 etched and frosted side glass windows and fr...
Art Glass
Antique French Panel Doors with Wrought Iron Insets
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These antique French panel doors feature original glass and wrought iron inserts, lending them a uniquely authentic character. Please confirm pickup location (Brooklyn or New Jersey...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Double Doors, Set of 3
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Rare set consisting of 3 identical French Art Nouveau double doors from around 1900. Unrestored condition. Solidly made of pine wood in frame construction with 3 panels each and p...
Pine
Victorian Internal Door with Stained Glass
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
You can imagine this Victorian internal door with stained glass situated in a period kitchen or in the entrance hall of a traditional Victorian townhouse. This mahogany door is over 140 years old, dating from the late 1800s. It is fitted with fully restored glass in an understated Art Nouveau design comprising of clear textured glass around pale green details. The wood has a stripped finish and warm colour while cuts of wood carefully chosen by the craftsman make a feature of the beautiful mahogany woodgrain. This Victorian stained glass door...
Lead
Antique Art Nouveau French Brass Door Knocker
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique early 20th-Century Art Nouveau French brass door knocker. This fine door knocker has an ornate design with floral decorations in a lovely aged brass patina. Renowned...
Brass
Antique English Art Nouveau Style Pedestrian Gate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An elegant antique English art nouveau style pedestrian wrought iron gate, dating to circa 1890. Dating from the late 19th century, this tall antique garden gate is in good conditio...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century Door Knob model "Milà no.3" by Antoni Gaudi Polished Solid Brass
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid cast brass with polished finish. A company that has always attributed such great importance to the author of the designs could never forget the great figures in history. That is why the BD catalogue of contemporary creations has always included those by admired classical masters. Antoni Gaudí (1852/1926) is, without doubt, the most internationally well-known Spanish architect. But is not only his buildings and brilliant architectural solutions that have travelled the globe. His integrated conception of architecture led him to pay attention, not only to structural calculations, but also to all the decorative elements, including furniture, that would form part of the building. The admiration felt by modern designers for the furniture designed by Gaudí has not gone unnoticed by BD which was the first company to rescue them from history by embarking on their serial production using...
Brass
Polished Solid Brass Calvet Door Handle by Antoni Gaudi
By BD Art Editions, BD Barcelona Design, Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Polished Solid Brass Calvet Door Handle by Antoni Gaudi Materials: Brass Dimensions: D 2 cm x W 23 cm x H 11 cm. Solid cast brass with polished finish. About item:...
Brass
Art Nouveau door, oak partition façade with stained glass, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Art Nouveau oak glass door with original stained glass. The wooden structure develops around a central double-leaf opening surmounted by a low arch. The sinuous lines and geometric-f...
Oak, Art Glass
Antoni Gaudi, Batlló Butterfly Knob with Turn, Polished Solid Brass, Spain, 20th
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid cast brass door handle with polished finish. An assortment of early 20th-century metalwork fixtures are cast from Gaudí's hand. Metalwork fixtures were created by Antoni Gaudí...
Brass
Antique Cast Iron Hand Painted 12" Cockatoo Parrot Figurine Doorstop Bookend
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Cast Iron Hand Painted 12" Cockatoo Parrot Figurine Doorstop Bookend. Item features Cast iron construction, very nice antique item, great style and form. Circa Early 20th Cen...
Iron
Antique English Art Nouveau Painted Cast Iron Side Gate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A late 19th century English Art Nouveau cast iron side gate with an old, worn white paint finish. Steeped in history, this antique gate will bring instant character to any garden wit...
Metal, Iron
Art Nouveau Stained Glass 10 Panel in Five Doors
Located in Lisbon, PT
Set of 10 stained glass windows in five doors with brass handles. Beautiful stained glass from the Art Nouveau period with rich polychrome decoration. Each door has two glass panels...
Metal, Brass
Set of Tall Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Gates
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A tall set of late 19th century Art Nouveau style wrought iron gates. These superb gates were originally a pair of panels and have been fitted with modern hinges and latch to create ...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau Double Door with Etched Glass and Chinoiserie Painting
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Art Nouveau double door with etched glass panes and chinoiserie painting. Belgium, around 1910. Four-piece set consisting of a double door fl...
Glass, Wood, Oak
$16,943Sale Price|28% Off
Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style.
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th Century wrought iron double front door in Art Nouveau Style. A large double door that belonged to the entrance of a noble house in Barcelona. ...
Wrought Iron
Antoni Gaudi, Calvet Door Handle, Polished Solid Brass, Spain, Modernism
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Before reissuing Gaudí’s furniture, BD, together with the architect David Ferrer, faithfully reproduced some of the metalwork pieces designed by Gaudí between 1902 and 1910 for Casa ...
Brass
$5,647Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Wooden Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th century wooden double front door with patina in Art Nouveau style. Carved wood and cast iron typical from this period. The original patina of t...
Iron
$5,647Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Wooden Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style, Spain
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th century double front door with patina in Art Nouveau style from Catalonien, Spain. Carved wood and cast iron typical from this period. The door is framed and working but need...
Iron
Early 20th Century Double Door made of Pine
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Pine wood double door from Switzerland. Early 20th century. Unrestored. Consisting of two originally half-glazed doors in frame and panel constructio...
Pine
Early 20th Century Large German Doors Made of Pine, Set of 2
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
A pair of large early 20th century German doors made of pine. Each door has the original bracket or rollers mounted on top with which they could originally be used as sliding doors....
Glass, Pine
19th Century Wooden Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th century double front door with patina in Art Nouveau style from Catalonien, Spain. Carved wood and cast iron typical from this period. The door is framed and working but needs...
Iron
Antique Decorative Doorstop, French, Art Nouveau, Door Keeper, Victorian, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique decorative doorstop. A French, cast iron Art Nouveau door keeper, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1900. Attractive and pleasingly substantial door stopper ...
Iron
Reclaimed Oak Exterior Door
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A reclaimed 1930s oak door, suitable for use as an exterior or front door. With its three narrow panels, this oak door encompasses a range of styles, ma...
Oak
$4,821 / item
C1880 Four French iron railings from a Chateau fence
Located in London, GB
Four handsome French iron c1880/1900s grilles/railings with spear detail at the top. Currently in exterior use but could be used in an internal interior as a room divider. Some wear...
Iron
$5,647Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Wooden Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style, Spain
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th century double front door with patina in Art Nouveau style from Catalonien, Spain. Carved wood typical from this period. The door is framed and working but needs some restorat...
Wood
19th Century Cast Iron Intertwined Dolphins Door Stop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning French iron doorstop featuring beautifully intertwined Art Nouveau dolphins. Both decorative and practical, this substantial piece has an impressive weight that keeps door...
Cast Iron
$1,882Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Pair of Lacquered and Painted Doors, Art Nouveau, Liberty, Early 1900s
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Vintage pair of lacquered and painted doors, painted with floral motifs typical of the art noveau - liberty style, from the early 1900s, handmade in Italy. They have pull hinges, so...
Wood
Early 20th Century Double Door made of Pine
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Pine wood double door from Switzerland. Early 20th century. Unrestored. Double door consisting of two originally half-glazed doors in frame and panel...
Glass, Pine
Set of 9 Art Nouveau Hand Beaten Bronze Door Handles with Plates
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous and unique set of 9 Art Nouveau hand beaten bronze door handles with plates. Amazingly complete set! Probably made in the US circa 1910 and most definitely influenced by the English New Lyn School of Arts and Crafts Era hand-beaten copper pieces. These are without doubt Art Nouveau in style and from the period. They were salvaged from a Mansion in Dallas that was built in 1929. We are of the opinion that these were ‘custom made’ pieces. They are unmarked and unsigned and they appear to be made of bronze with a brass and copper mix. The Set consists of: 6 double sided classic door handles/knobs with central lock pin – suitable for door of a minimum of 1.5 inches thick but can accommodate thicker door. Each of these 6 also come with their original back plates (x12) and keyhole covers (x12) for either side of the door. 2 handles/knobs with central lock pin but with small knob on backside- suitable for door of a minimum of 1.5 inches thick but can accommodate thicker door. This pair also has their original (front) back plates and a Yale back plate on the rear. 1 double sided turning door handles/knobs with turning central lock pin – suitable for door of a minimum of 1.5 inches thick but can accommodate thicker door. This also comes with it’s original back plates (x2). 1 Spare Keyhole cover, 2 spare back plates, 1 Spare plain Bronze Turning Knob with pin and 2 spare Hand-beaten Bronze Turning Knobs with pins. TOTAL OF 63 PIECES! These were originally used in the Mansion we rescued them from, with Yale Mortice Locks (a number of which we have listed separately in this category). The fact that they are hand beaten bronze, is highly unusual in itself as most of these types of pieces were copper. Also, we rescued these from the now demolished Mansion along with the UNIQUE hand beaten Bronze Door Straps...
Bronze
$5,647Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Wooden Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th century wooden double front door with patina in art nouveau style. Carved wood and cast iron typical from this period. The original pati...
Iron
$5,647Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style, Spain
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th century double front door in Art Nouveau style. The door is framed and working but needs some restoration as some parts are damaged. The original pat...
Wood
Pair of Art Nouveau Hand Beaten Bronze Door Push Plates
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous and unique pair of art nouveau hand beaten bronze door push plates. Each being 13.5 inches long. Probably made in the US c...
Bronze
$5,647Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Wooden Double Front Door in Art Nouveau Style
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
19th century double front door with patina in Art Nouveau style from Catalonien, Spain. Carved wood from this period. The door is framed and work...
Wood
Door Handle Solid Brass Calvet Peep - Hole by Antoni Gaudi Spanish Design
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mirilla / Peep hole "Calvet" 170x170 mm 2,2 kg Polished Brass Before reissuing Gaudí’s furniture, BD, together with the architect David Ferrer, faithfully reproduced some of the ...
Brass
Door knob solid brass model "Milà no.1" Antoni Gaudi Spanish modernism design
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid cast brass with polished finish. A company that has always attributed such great importance to the author of the designs could never forget the great figures in history. That is why the BD catalogue of contemporary creations has always included those by admired classical masters. Antoni Gaudí (1852/1926) is, without doubt, the most internationally well-known Spanish architect. But is not only his buildings and brilliant architectural solutions that have travelled the globe. His integrated conception of architecture led him to pay attention, not only to structural calculations, but also to all the decorative elements, including furniture, that would form part of the building. The admiration felt by modern designers for the furniture designed by Gaudí has not gone unnoticed by BD which was the first company to rescue them from history by embarking on their serial production using...
Brass
OK! Polished Solid Brass Door knob Milà no.4 by Antoni Gaudi
By BD Art Editions, Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Polished Solid Brass Door Knob Milà no.3 by Antoni Gaudi Materials: Brass Dimensions: D 4 cm x W 4 cm x H 4 cm. Solid cast brass ...
Brass
Polished Solid Brass Calvet Door Handle by Antoni Gaudi
By BD Art Editions, Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Polished Solid Brass Calvet Door Handle by Antoni Gaudi Materials: Brass Dimensions: D 2 cm x W 23 cm x H 11 cm. Solid cast brass with polished finish. About item:...
Brass
Polished Solid Brass Calvet Peep, Hole by Antoni Gaudi
By Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design, BD Art Editions
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Polished Solid Brass Calvet Peep - Hole by Antoni Gaudi Materials: Brass Dimensions: D 2 cm x W 17 cm x H 17 cm. Solid cast brass with polished finish. About item:...
Brass
Antoni Gaudí, Jugendstil, Brass Door Knob N.1 Mila for BD
By Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
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
Antoni Gaudi Milà no.3 Century Door Knob, Spain, Polished Solid Brass, Modernism
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid cast brass with polished finish. An assortment of early 20th-century metalwork fixtures are cast from Gaudí's hand. Metalwork fixtures were created by Antoni Gaudí for his div...
Brass
Polished Solid Brass Batlló Door Handle by Antoni Gaudi - Set of 2
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid cast brass with polished finish. A company that has always attributed such great importance to the author of the designs could never forget the great figures in history. That is why the BD catalogue of contemporary creations has always included those by admired classical masters. Antoni Gaudí (1852/1926) is, without doubt, the most internationally well-known Spanish architect. But is not only his buildings and brilliant architectural solutions that have travelled the globe. His integrated conception of architecture led him to pay attention, not only to structural calculations, but also to all the decorative elements, including furniture, that would form part of the building. The admiration felt by modern designers for the furniture designed by Gaudí has not gone unnoticed by BD which was the first company to rescue them from history by embarking on their serial production using...
Brass
Antoni Gaudi Milà no.4 Door Knob, Polished Brass, Spain, Modernism
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid cast brass with polished finish. An assortment of early 20th-century metalwork fixtures are cast from Gaudí's hand. Antoni Gaudí (1852 - 1926) is among the most internationall...
Brass
Polished Solid Brass Batlló Butterfly Rotary by Antoni Gaudi
By BD Art Editions, Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Polished Solid Brass Batlló butterfly Rotary by Antoni Gaudi Materials: Brass Dimensions: D 4 cm x W 3 cm x H 5 cm. Solid cast brass with polished finish. About it...
Brass