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.
Antique Crystal Bohemian Emerald Green Enamel Pair Overlaid Lusters Candlesticks
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A stylish example of a fine pair of bohemian emerald green ground gilt heightened white enamel hand cut full lead crystal lustres of outstanding quali...
Crystal, Enamel
Brass silvered jugendstil candle holder for 3 candles vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Brass silvered jugendstil candle holder for 3 candles vienna around 1908 Original condition
Brass
Early 20th C Pair Of Three Armed Sterling Silver Candlabras Circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
Pair of early 20th century Art Nouveau sterling silver three armed candlabras in excellent and completely all original condition with all parts and elements intact, including drip tr...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Three‑Arm Candelabrum by WMF, Early 20th Century
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A refined example of Jugendstil metalwork, this three‑arm candelabrum by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) captures the lyrical elegance of early Art Nouveau design. Crafted i...
Britannia Standard Silver
Pair Tiffany Studios No. 1312 Patinated Bronze & Blue Favrile Glass Candelabra
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Tiffany Studios No. 1312 Patinated Bronze & Blue Favrile Glass Candelabra Estate of John Loring (1939–2026), the renowned Design Director of Tiffany & Co An exceptional and...
Bronze
Art Nouveau tin candle holder by Achille Gamba, Italy ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A striking Art Nouveau candle holder attributed to Italian maker Achille Gamba, crafted around 1900 and distinguished by its sculptural presence and richly detailed metalwork. The de...
Tin
Antique Art Nouveau Pairpoint Large Silver Plated Candelabra. 1880s-1900s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique Art Nouveau large candelabra features ornate, highly detailed, sculptural form with 4 curved arms radiating from the central candle holder. The silver plated, heavy metal can...
Silver Plate, Bronze
$5,199Sale Price / set|35% Off
Pair of Silvered Pewter Art Nouveau Candelabra by Achille Gamba
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Nouveau silvered Pewter Candelabra a pair Pair of Art Nouveau silvered pewter candelabra / candleholder with female figure surrounded by 6 arms for six candles (probably WMF) Ea...
Pewter
Pair of art nouveau candlesticks Austrian urania imperial zinn candelabra
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of art nouveau candlesticks from the 1920s from the Austrian manufacturer Urania Imperial Zinn. The two candelabra are in solid patinated bronze representing a woman with six br...
Bronze
Antique 5-Arm Sculptural Art Nouveau Candelabra in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Magnificent candleholder in brass. Distinct early 20th century art nouveau - jugend styling. Female seductress with long hair/head scarf that transcends with her arms raising the tie...
Brass
Art Nouveau Candelabra, Brass, 20th Century Design, 9x10 Inches, 1920
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This elegant brass candelabrum is a refined example of Art Nouveau design from the early 20th century, distinguished by its flowing lines and sculptural form. Crafted entirely of br...
Brass
Pair of Candelabras with Deer, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Sign, Christofle 2440657
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
Antique Art Nouveau Austrian Bronze Woman Figural Sculpture Candlestick Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Nouveau Austrian Bronze Woman Figural Sculpture Candlestick Holder, Maker Unconfirmed. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 8" H x 10" W x 6" D.
Bronze
Stunning French Art Nouveau Brass Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Stunning French Art Nouveau Brass Candelabra, 1940s Elegant and sculptural French brass candelabrum from the 1940s, exquisitely handcrafted w...
Brass
Pair of German Late 19th Century Jugendstil Silver Plated WMF Cherub Candelabras
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of German Jugendstil late 19th century silver plated candelabras from the Wurtemberg Metalware Factory, with cherubs holding the bobèches. Born in Germany in the Württembergis...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Candelabras by Svenskt Tenn, Hand-Crafted in 1932
By Svenskt Tenn, Georg Jensen, Josef Frank
Located in Copenhagen, DK
An antique pair of sophisticated hand-crafted Swedish Grace Art Nouveau silver looking tin candelabras designed and handmade with beautiful details in the small town of Eskilstuna in...
Tin, Pewter, Metal
Antique French Art Nouveau Marble and Brass Two-Arm Candelabras, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of antique French Art Nouveau brass and marble two-light candelabras France, Circa 1900 Each measures: 7.5"W x 3.25"D x 11.13"H. Good original vintage condition. ...
Marble, Brass
Finnish Candle Holder, Early 20th Century
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Finnish candle holder, Early 20th Century. Copper. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Copper
Georg Jensen Pair of Sterling Silver Five-Light Candelabra #481b by Johan Rohde
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A rare and important pair of early Decorative Georg Jensen Five-Light Candelabra, Model #481b, designed in 1920 by Johan Rohde. This exceptional and generously scaled pair embodies ...
Sterling Silver
19th Century Tiffany Studios Gilt Bronze Branch Form Candelabra
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This matched pair of Art Nouveau gilt bronze candelabra were made by Tiffany Studios of New York. The candelabra have an naturalistic form modeled after tree branches and feature six...
Bronze
Big Pair of Candelabras, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Sign, Christofle 2825098
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
Tiffany Studios New York Pair of "Pineapple" Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Tiffany Studios’ Twelve-light candelabrum features twelve green Favrile blown-glass bobechés that mimic the silhouette of a closed flower in bloom. Tiffany’s blown glass...
Bronze
Gorgeous Pair of Antique Candelabra - Art Nouveau / Liberty Style
Located in Manzano, IT
elegant pair of vintage Art Nouveau (Liberty) style candelabra, dating from the period between the late 19th and early 20th centuries (ca. 1890-1915). Featuring a refined design remi...
Bronze
Pair Of Art Nouveau Style Silvered Bronze Four Light Iris Candelabra
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Finely crafted heavy silvered bronze candelabra with traces of vermeil overall. With four leafy scrolled arms for the candle sockets in the form of iris flowers, each with unfurled r...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of Candlesticks light Green Enamel and hand painted ivy on Sterling Silver
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Pair of Candlesticks light Green Enamel and hand painted ivy on Sterling Silver Salimbeni Pair of gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver candlesticks with translucent fired enamels on ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Art Nouveau Auguste Moreau Spelter Lamps “Nuit De Printemps”
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Art Nouveau Auguste Moreau Figural Spelter Lamp "Nuit De Printemps" Or "Spring Night"- Set of 2 Featuring a set of 2 Antique French Art ...
Metal
Pair of Candlestick in Silver Plated, 1900, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Iron, Metal
Antique 19th Century French Bronze Malachite And Black Marble Candelabra
Located in England, GB
This exquisite early 19th century French candelabra is a masterful work of artistry. The piece is cast in black marble and gilt bronze with the exceptional silver plated design decor...
Malachite, Marble, Bronze
$21,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Two Pairs of German Art Nouveau Rococo Silver 2-Light Candelabra
By M.H. Wilkens & Söhne , Antal Bachruch
Located in New York, NY
Two pairs of German 800 silver 2-light candelabra. Made by M. H. Wilkens & Söhne in Germany, ca 1890. Each: tapering pillar on raised foot with spread c-scroll supports. Garland-entwined figure mounted to pillar top...
Silver
Vintage Art Nouveau Three Arm Candelabras - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite pair of vintage Art Nouveau-style candelabras is a masterclass in organic, flowing design. Crafted from heavy metal with a rich, darkened finish, each piece features t...
Metal
Antique Swedish Art Nouveau Brass and Copper Two-Arm Candelabras, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of antique Swedish Art Nouveau brass and copper three-light candelabras Sweden, Circa Early 20th Century Each measures: 10.5"W x 6.25"D x 15.38"H. Good original vi...
Brass, Copper
Big Pair of Candelabras, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, 1900, Sign, Christofle
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
Two Art Nouveau Spiral Candlesticks, Germany 1920s
Located in Roma, IT
Two spiral candlesticks is an original decorative pair of objects realized in the 1920s. Original silver plated metal. The pair includes: one si...
Metal, Silver Plate
Pair of Silver Plated Three Light Candelabra by Victor Saglier
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A pair of antique French three-light candelabra in silver plate, by the acclaimed silversmith Victor Saglier (1809-1894) who was known for creating beautiful pieces in ceramic, gold ...
Silver Plate
$465Sale Price|25% Off
Alabaster and Brass Candelabra - Italy - Early 20th Century
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Alabaster and Brass Candelabra - Italy - Early 20th Century Elegant double-arm candelabra from the 1920s. Entirely made of brass and alabaster (in shades of cream and soft pink). ...
Alabaster, Brass
John Norelius Dirigold Art Nouveau Candelabra for AB Alco, Sweden 1920s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The artists of Nordic Art Nouveau took inspiration from organic and natural forms, resulting in elegant designs with sinuous curves and lines. As this clever candelabra clearly demon...
Aluminum, Copper
$10,000 / set
Pair of Candelabras, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
$26,500 / set
Pair of 19th Century Doré Bronze Candelabra
By Susse Freres, Eugene Lelievre
Located in New Orleans, LA
An exceptional pair of hand-chased doré bronze candelabra by the distinguished French sculptor Eugène Lelièvre, and foundered by Susse Freres of...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Candelabra Ladies with Flowers Henri Plé France 1900
Located in Antwerp, BE
An exceptional pair of Art Nouveau candelabra depicting elegant female figures adorned with flowers, created by the French sculptor Henri Plé, circa 1900. These refined sculptures em...
Metal
Elegant Pair of Art Nouveau Candleholders on Green Onyx Bases, circa 1930-1950
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and very decorative pair of antique Art Nouveau candelabras, dating from approximately 1930–1950. These candleholders are hand crafted and feature a refined floral scrolling...
Onyx, Brass, Metal
WMF An Art Nouveau candelabra with an owl & 6 sconces to the main circular ring.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF attributed. An Art Nouveau candelabra with six sconces to the main circular ring and sineous supports that meet the arms which rise from the sides of the wise old owl in the cent...
Brass
Old Italian Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Church 'Key' Candelabra w. 5 arms
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An unusual hand-forged church or cathedral candelabra made from an old partially modified large church key that functions as its base. The leaf-work and twists to the wrought iron re...
Wrought Iron
$1,385 / set
19th Century Danish Jugend Copper Candelabras
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Exquisite period detailing on this pair of copper twin - candleholders. Typical elongated organic shapes with smooth curves and age consistent patina. The style is reminiscent to Tho...
Copper
Wonderful Pair of Tiffany Studios Dore Bronze Art Nouveau Two Arm Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of Tiffany Studios Poppy flower bud centers candelabrum, in the Art Nouveau Design finished in doré bronze gold finish Stamped: Ti...
Bronze
Bronze candelabra by Christophe Fratin
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of powder-coated bronze candelabras with a design of goat heads at the top and 3 pumas at the base forming the legs. Made by Christophe Fratin (1801 - 1864). Signed FRATIN. Fra...
Bronze
Jugend Candle Holder, Early 20th Century
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Jugend candle holder, Early 20th Century. Forged iron. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Iron
Art Nouveau Style Figural Bronze Candelabra with Male Figure
Located in BŘECLAV, CZ
Striking figural bronze candelabra designed in the Art Nouveau style, featuring a sculptural male figure holding an elaborate multi-arm candle holder above his head. The figure is re...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Style Figural Bronze Candelabra with Female Figure
Located in BŘECLAV, CZ
Elegant figural bronze candelabra executed in the Art Nouveau style, featuring a sculptural female figure supporting a four-arm candle holder above her head. The gracefully modeled f...
Bronze
Pair of Early 20th Century Plated 3-Arms Candelabras from France by Christofle
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of early 20th century plated 3-arms candelabras from France by the company Christofle By: Christofle Material: silver, silver plate, metal Technique: silvered, plated, metalwor...
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate
Pair Art Nouveau Silver Candlesticks With Floral Engraving, Vienna, Circa 1890
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of baluster-shaped candlesticks on a round, slightly stepped base, featuring an engraved band of waves running all the way round and a floral scroll and leaf motif with a smal...
Silver
Beautiful Pair of French-style five-flame gilt bronze candelabra
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Beautiful Pair of French-style five-flame gilt bronze candelabra - Private Collection Domenico Rugiano
Marble, Bronze
Georges de Feure Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
This pair of French Art Nouveau three-light gilt bronze candlesticks, by Georges de Feure, with three arms of each candelabrum growing out of a flower bud on an upright vine. Working...
Bronze
Pair of Candelabras in Iron, German, 1890, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Iron
$8,000 / set
2 Candlesticks, France, 1915
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
Candelabra in Iron, German, 1890, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty.
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Iron
Pair French Neoclassical Gilded Bronze Putti Cherub Candelabras
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of French neoclassic gilt bronze Putti cherub candelabras circa 1910. Acanthus leaf details with rose swags, scrolls and ruffled candleholders. Cherub Putti central figures hold baskets of flowers on the their heads playing double flute instruments...
Bronze
Pair Of 6-Flame Art Nouveau Silver Candelabra, by J.C. Klinkosch Vienna, Ca 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Simple elegance with that certain something: Two six-flame candleholders on a round, smooth base with fluted stepped rim, trumpet-shaped raised shaft, chalice forming after constrict...
Silver
Candlestick in Iron, France, 1900, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Iron
Pair of Candelabras, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, France, Sign, A. Marionnet
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Metal
Three-Part Table Set Centerpiece Pair of Candelabras Silver Plated, Germany 1915
Located in Vienna, AT
Silver plated pair of candelabras and centerpiece (centrepiece) made by German manufactory, made circa 1915-1920 Specifications: Each of the candelabras consists of colourless g...
Metal, Silver Plate