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.
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Haus Ast Pendant, Re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Haus Ast Pendant Hoffmann WW 1909 Pendant - Art Deco, Jugendstil, Secession Style, Wiener Werkstaette Style Most components according to...
Brass
Monumental Murano Chandelier 12 Arms Made in Italy, Hand Blown and Handcrafted
Located in Berlin, DE
An monumental Italian Murano glass tulip form chandelier. The lower pot or vase base having a stem flowing from the bottom ...
Murano Glass
Koloman Moser for the Wiener Werstaette Jugendstil Wall Light, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Koloman Moser
Located in Vienna, AT
For the fashion saloon of the Floege-sisters, early 20th century Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Crystal, Brass
$1,033Sale Price|20% Off
French Lustre Colored Glass & Wrought Iron Ceiling Pendant Chandelier late 19thC
Located in Labrit, Landes
Art Nouveau period chandelier or lustre, French Wrought iron, colored red and green glass, white glass is granite-glazed Made in the late 19th century. Good condition. This item is s...
Wrought Iron
Glass, Gold and Enamel Table Lamp, Italy, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Murano glass, gold and enamel table lamp, Italy, Early 20th century.
Gold, Enamel
Bronze and Artistic Glass Chandelier, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Bronze and artistic glass chandelier, Art Nouveau style, France, early 20th century. Schneider glass tulips. Three lights.
Bronze
Pair of Iron and Venetian Glass Table Lamps, Italy, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of iron and Venetian glass table lamps, Italy, circa 1900.
Iron
Art Nouveau Period Bronze and Colored Glass Chandelier
Located in London, GB
This marvellous three-light Art Nouveau patinated bronze and glass chandelier would make a charming addition to any room. The body of the chandelier is formed of a large patinated br...
Bronze
Pair of Original Jugendstil Table Lamps Early 20th Century
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Opulent decorated pair of table lamps in the form of a lyra Suitable for US
Crystal, Brass
Bronze and Artistic Glass Chandelier, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Bronze and artistic glass chandelier, Art Nouveau style, France, early 20th century. Schneider glass tulips. Three lights.
Bronze
Wiener Werkstätte Opaline Glass and Posamentery Chandelier Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Punched brass-sheet, hand blown opaline glass 35cm or 50 cm in diameter, hanging on passement Brass, optionally varnished or nickel-plated, all other finishes on request Most comp...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Landhaus Boehler Applique, Wall Lamp
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elegant re-edition wall-lamp with an elaborate curved wall-plate and textured hand blown opaline-glass. Literature: compare Wandlampe for Landhaus Boehler, Baden bei Wien, in: W...
Brass
Italian Gilt Wall Light or Sconce with Vine or Leaf Design
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome Italian wall light or sconce from the late 19th century. Art Nouveau period, in the form of entwined leaves with two branches to form two lights. U.S. wired and ready f...
Metal
Pair of Gilt Bronze and Glass Chandeliers, France, circa 1890
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of gilt bronze and glass chandeliers. Art Nouveau period, France, circa 1890. With 9 lights.
Bronze
Red Crystal Chandelier Antique Brass Ceiling Lamp Lustre Art Nouveau Beaded
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Restored Chandelier with Red Crystals – A Timeless Masterpiece This stunning chandelier has been completely restored by our team and now shines in perfect condition. Eve...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Pair of Iron and Venetian Glass Table Lamps, Italy, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of iron and Venetian glass table lamps, Italy, circa 1900.
Iron
Art Nouveau Floor Lamp of Brass with Table Top of Green Onyx Marble from France
Located in Austin, TX
A fine French standing floor lamp of brass and green onyx marble from the Art Nouveau period, featuring a brass column and ornate scrolling supports at the base and beneath the table...
Onyx, Marble, Brass, Metal
Variation of the Classical Brioni Chandelier by Adolf Loos, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A variation of the classical Brioni chandelier by Adolf Loos 1914, re edtion All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our f...
Brass
Pair of Art Deco Brass Wall Lights, French Work in the Style of Perzel, 1900's
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and unusual pair of Art Deco wall lights is made of brass with very nice gilded glass reflectors. This is a French work in the style of Maison Perzel. Circa 1930.
Brass
Otto Wagner&Koloman Moser Chandelier "Kirche Am Steinhof", 48 Flames, Re Edit
By Koloman Moser, Otto Wagner, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Magnificent chandelier for the "Steinhof Church" by Otto Wagner, different measures and settings are possible. Glass-balls etched and faceted. The color of the glasses on the canopy ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Table Lamp with Opaline Glass Shade, Re Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Table light with opaline glass shade, pictured in brass. Originally designed for the Spitzer House, designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1900 Most components according to the UL regulation...
Brass
Art Deco Ceiling Lamp Bakelite fitting E27 Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting Bakelite pendant ceiling light with screw fixing to hold a stylish Belgian Art Deco...
Art Glass, Bakelite
Original Jugendstil /Secessionist Viennese Ringstrassen Style Chandelier
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Around 1900 in Vienna the private houses were connected to the electricity grid. At that time the common gaslights were changed to the new technology. As well new chandelier were bui...
Brass
Brass Art Nouveau Style Table Lamp 1970s Vintage art deco Gold Hollywood Regency
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau-inspired table lamp from the 1970s, composed entirely of brass. The organic, torchesque lamp gently curves inwards from the bottom, in an embossed leaf-like manner, be...
Brass
Art Nouveau Lemiere Pair Wall Mount Lamps Wrought Iron with Glass paste Shades
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Lemiere Pair Wall Mount Lamps Wrought Iron with Glass paste Shades A wonderful Belgium Art Nouveau Wall Mount lamps The stands are handmade in wrought iron with black fi...
Wrought Iron
Jugendstil Re-Edition Brass Wall Light with Glass Tubes
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Different finishes are available.
Brass
Art Nouveau Lamp in Wrought Iron with Glass Shade Scailmont Belgium 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
The 1930s, Brlgium A wonderful Belgium Art Nouveau lamp. The stands are handmade in wrought iron with black finish patina and hammered with a floral pattern. The metalwork is of ex...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Early 20th Century Table Top Four Light Candelabras, c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of early 20th century table top four light candelabras, c.1910. Gorgeous pressed and hand blown glass table top candelabras The frames are made from cast bronze Each candela...
Bronze
Rare Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Bronze Table or Desk Lamp with a Marble Base
Located in Lisse, NL
Incredibly stylish and great quality table lamp. This antique bronze table lamp is probably gilt, but we are not a hundred percent sure. Wha...
Marble, Bronze
French Art Nouveau Lamp in Wrought Iron with Glass Shade, 1920s
Located in Verviers, BE
The 1920s, France A wonderful French Art Nouveau lamp. The stands are handmade in wrought iron with black finish patina and hammered with a f...
Wrought Iron
Pair of Curved Mahogany & Brass Lamps with Four White Glass Teardrop Shades
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Art Nouveau inspired Mid Century Brass mounted Mahogany Lamps with Frosted Glass Shades, 1960's. Featuring a botanical, curving vine like Brass stem designs, four bud like White Fros...
Wood
Fine Pair of Art Glass Lamps with Leaf Motifs After Lalique
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of large and sensational molded and frosted glass lamps. Baluster shapes with high relief acanthus leaves around the top sphere on a scrolled support. On a leafy base mounted on a silver gilt wood base. With white pleated silk...
Glass
Art Deco Spider Ceiling Lamp with Eight Cut-Glass Balls
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco ceiling lamp with eight cut-glass balls.
Nickel
Antique Handforged Iron Chandelier, Germany ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Handforged Iron Chandelier, Germany ca. 1900 A very large Art Nouveau chandelier from a castle in southern Germany. Made from hand-forged iron around 1900, the rich decorati...
Iron
Colorful Art Nouveau Table Lamp in Terracotta by L. Hjorth, Bornholm, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
A finely hand-decorated terracotta table lamp from the esteemed L. Hjorth ceramic studio on the island of Bornholm, Denmark. Dating from the early 20th century, this piece exemplifie...
Ceramic, Terracotta
Austrian Art Nouveau Bronze Lamp
Located in Houston, TX
Lovely period Austrian Art Nouveau bronze table lamp. This beautifully detailed, high quality Austrian bronze lamp has been newly wired and would w...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Chandelier by Luneville France, 1900s
Located in Verviers, BE
Chandelier by Luneville, 1900s Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. In excellent condition and in full wo...
Metal
$1,040
Art Glass Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful white art glass dazzles and shines as the glossy finish reflects light into any space. The graceful lines and elegant garlands is reminiscent of the romantic periods of Sca...
Art Glass
Adolf Loos, Opaline Glass and Brass Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp, Re-Edition 35cm/DM
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Adolf Loos ceiling light from 1910 All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures. Lampshade optionally also availa...
Brass
Signed Art Nouveau Patinated Spelter Lighted Sculpture of Loie Fuller or Lamp
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial well executed lighted sculpture is signed by an unknown artist, and copyrighted by Napoleon Alliot of France and dates to ap...
Spelter
$2,160Sale Price / set|26% Off
Murano Art Nouveau Square Art Glass and Brass Wall Light and Sconce, 1910
By Murano 5
Located in Roma, Lazio
Epic pair of Murano glass wall lights sconces, characterized by a beautiful sandblasted glass with a classic design of the period. The pair of applique has a brass structure, in the shape of a parallelepiped, only one of the sides has been inserted a sandblasted glass with a design of a vase, classic of the time. Internally it has a light bulb. Pair of niche...
Brass
Pair of Cast Bronze and Glass Sconces, England, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of cast bronze and glass sconces, England, late 19th century. Works with candles but can be electrified.
Bronze
Glass, Gold and Enamel Table Lamp, Italy, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Murano glass, gold and enamel table lamp, Italy, early 20th century.
Enamel, Gold
Pair of Hammered Gilt Bronze and Glass Chandeliers, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of hammered gilt bronze and glass chandeliers. France, early 20th century.
Bronze