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.
Rare Art Nouveau Armchair by H.P. Mutters & Zoon, Walnut Frame, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Nouveau armchair. Design by H.P. Mutters & Zoon Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid American walnut frame with hand-carved decora...
Wicker, Walnut
Jugendstil Armchair Attributed to Thorvald Bindesbøll, Denmark, ca. 1900
Located in Valby, 84
Armchair in solid oak, the continuously curved and gently arched crest rail terminating in carved square corner blocks with applied foliate ornament, supported by vertical back splat...
Leather, Oak
Antoni Gaudí Calvet Armchair, Solid Varnished Oak, Jugendstil, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Antoni Gaudí
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
pair of secessionist armchairs Joseph Maria Olbrich Friedrich Otto Schmidt 1898
By Joseph Maria Olbrich, Friedrich Otto Schmidt
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
pair of secessionist armchairs, Joseph Maria Olbrich (design), Friedrich Otto Schmidt (execution), 1898 technique: solid oak, brass, fabric (Backhausen, model “Abimelech”, designed ...
Brass
20th Century Thonet Art Nouveau Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann, AT ca. 1905
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Outstanding pair of white lacquered Art Nouveau Thonet armchairs from the period around 1905 in Austria. The timeless design of this iconic Vienesse secession armchairs comes from th...
Fabric, Bentwood
Danish Folk Art Armchair in Oak & Lambswool Seat, Early 20th Century, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully crafted Danish armchair in solid oak, produced during the late 19th to early 20th century. The chair is executed in a refined blend of historicism and neoclassicism, fe...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Art Nouveau Armchair by Johan Rohde (1856-1935), Denmark, C.1915.
By Johan Rohde
Located in Valby, 84
Armchair by Johan Rohde (1856–1935), Mahogany and Horsehair, Denmark, ca. 1915. Armchair made of mahogany, the curved barrel back above a richly carved splat centred by an oval meda...
Other
1900s Italy Pair of Bedroom Armchairs Art Nouveau with Stool Hand-Carved Walnut
By Carlo Zen
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1900s Italy budoir, pair of bedroom armchairs Art Nouveau with stool in hand-carved walnut, restored and polished to wax. Made new upholstery...
Fabric, Walnut
20th Century Art Nouveau Black Armchair, School Of Josef Hoffmann, AT ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute stunning black early 20th century armchair from the famous "Vienna secession" period around 1910 in Austria. This rare, architectural Art Nouveau armchair - attributed to th...
Brass
Pair Antique French Art Noveau Carved wood Cane Back Armchairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant pair of French Art Nouveau walnut armchairs beautifully captures the organic grace and artistic innovation that defined one of the most celebrated design movements of t...
Cane, Wood
Pair of Bentwood Rocking Chairs with Cane Seat and Back
By Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
This model is inspired by the Thonet no. 10 rocker from circa 1880. It´s made in Spain, circa 1940-1950. It was restored and it´s in perfect shape.
Cane, Bentwood
England Ant Nouveau armchairs with armrest in brown leather, 1920s
Located in MIlano, IT
England Ant Nouveau armchairs with armrest in brown leather, 1920s Pair of brown leather armchairs. The squared backrest features decorative buttons and leather straps, while the sea...
Leather, Wood
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Armchair by Fischel
Located in Praha, CZ
- wooden parts made of beechwood has been refurbished and finished by shellac - original springs - needs to be reupholstered - made in Czechoslovakia - labeled by producer
Fabric, Beech
Set of Original Josef Hoffmann / Otto Prutscher Attr. Chairs
By Woka Lamps, Otto Prutscher, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elegant and comfortable chairs attributed to Josef Hoffmann or Otto Prutscher. Has been rennovated over a while, the fabric is partly stained. Can be sold separately.
Wood
Mid-19th Century Scandinavian Armchair in Stained Oak, reupholstered in Bouclé.
Located in København K, 84
Elegant 19th century Scandinavian Art Nouveau armchair in solid stained oak upholstered in premium boucle fabric. Despite its age, this armchair is in remarkable condition, a testa...
Bouclé, Oak
Pair of Shellac Restored Art Nouveau Armchairs in Mucha Fabric
Located in SEDLEC-PRČICE, CZ
A pristine pair of fully restored French Art Nouveau armchairs, traditionally finished in shellac and upholstered in an exclusive, licensed Alphonse Mucha fabric. This pair of French...
Fabric, Beech
Jugend Chairs a Pair. Swedish in Painted Pine with Original Cushions
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Swedish Jugend chairs, crafted from painted pine in a soft grey-white hue with contrasting black feet. The design is clean and understated, fe...
Pine
2 armchairs Mod. 1227, designed by Wilhelm Schmidt for Prag Rudniker
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A very rare ensemble designed by the architect Wilhelm Schmidt; manufactured by Rudniker in Prague. Only a very few examples of this model were produced with the elaborately designe...
Leather, Oak
Antique Italian Art Nouveau leather armchair with floral decorations
Located in Milano, IT
Italian Art Nouveau Embossed Leather Armchair from the Private Collection of Architect Gianantonio Malacrida An elegant Italian Art Nouveau armchair of exceptional decorative charac...
Leather, Wood
Charles Rennie Mackintosh 312 Willow Throne Original Armchair, Cassina (Signed)
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Cassina
Located in Argelato, BO
Trone-armchair designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1904. Relaunched in 1973. Authenticated and stamped model. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. This throne-like armchair is a ...
Fabric, Wood
$18,000 / set
Early 20th c, Art Nouveau Armchairs by Anton Rosen
By Anton Rosen, Georg Jensen
Located in Allerum, SE
Early 20th c, Danish Art Nouveau armchairs in birch and pewter inlays by Anton Rosen (1859 - 1928) The chairs was designed for the "Grill Room" at the Palace hotel in Copenhagen in 1...
Pewter
Jugendstil Secession Black Beech Four Armchairs Josef Hoffmann circa 1899 Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Secessionist Jugendstil Four ( 4 ) Armchairs or Corner Chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann circa 1899, Vienna. A wonderful and very rare set of four ( 4 ) outstanding armchairs or corn...
Beech
Jugendstil Vintage Armchairs Office Chair No 714 Jacob & Josef Kohn circa 1902
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugendstil armchairs model no 714 designed in Style Otto Wagner, and produced by Jacob & Josef Kohn, 1902. Documented in the company´s catalogue Kohn from 1903. The chairs were made out of mahogany stained beechwood and shellac hand polished. While the frame was made out of beechwood, the back and seat were made of perforated plywood...
Plywood, Beech
Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstätte Haus Brauner chair 1903
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
This rare chair comes from the estate of a Viennese antiques dealer. He acquired it in the 1970s with the provenance statement that it came from the Villa Brauner (Geweygasse 11, Hoh...
Maple
$417Sale Price|52% Off
Thonet Children's Armchair, Beech Wood, Art Nouveau, Circa 1905
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Den Haag, NL
Adorable child-sized version of the iconic Thonet armchair. Signed with sticker on bottom. Vienna, early 20th century. Small (old) fracture in the frame, see photos.
Beech
Louis Majorelle. Art Nouveau carved walnut armchair with original period fabric
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau armchair in carved walnut retaining the original period fabric that has an extra back pad stitched to the top of the back rest. A slight variation to this armchair can...
Walnut
$1,522Sale Price / set|20% Off
Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Budapest, HU
Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet (1900s) This exquisite armchair, Model No. A 811/F, designed by the renowned architect and designer Josef Hoffmann for Thonet ...
Reed, Beech
Pair of Armchairs No. 752 by Josef Frank for Thonet, 1930s
By Thonet, Josef Frank
Located in Praha, CZ
A pair of legendary bentwood armchairs Model No. 752, designed by Josef Frank in 1933 for Thonet, Very good condition relative to age. Carefully cleaned and gently restored while pre...
Bentwood
$3,156Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Armchair Thonet Nr. 22, circa 1887-1910
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Praha, CZ
A very rare model, produced only in limited quantities. Collector's piece. Manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet Company. In the production program was included, circa 1873....
Beech, Bentwood
$1,253Sale Price|20% Off
Armchair Thonet Nr.6142, Otto Wagner in 1905
By Otto Wagner
Located in Praha, CZ
Seat Height 54cm - Designed by Otto Wagner in year 1905. - Very rare original fabric in good condition - made in Austria. - Cleaned.
Beech, Bentwood
Wilhelm Schmidt for Prague Rudniker: Seating group mod. 1227
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A very rare ensemble consisting of a bench and 2 armchairs, designed by the architect Wilhelm Schmidt; made by Prague Rudniker Vienna. Only very few examples of this model were made...
Leather, Oak
Louis Majorelle "Les Pins" Carved Mahogany Armchair
Located in New York, NY
This hand-carved wooden armchair, named "Le Pins," embodies the Art Nouveau style of Louis Majorelle, featuring intricate carvings of pine needles and pinecones. Reflecting Majorelle...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Adolf Loos Corner Chair, F.O. Schmidt, Oak Wood Leather, Jugendstil, 1898-1900
By Friedrich Otto Schmidt, Adolf Loos
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A corner armchair designed by Adolf Loos (1870-1933) and manufactured by Friedrich Otto Schmidt, Vienna, Austria, circa 1900. The condition of the wood is very good. The leather seat...
Leather, Wood
20th Century Thonet Armchair - White Leather, Design by M.Kammerer, AT ca. 1980
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exclusive 20th century re-edition of the famous Thonet armchair originally designed by Marcel Kammerer in the famous Vienesse secession era at the beginning of the 20th century aorun...
Leather, Beech
Art Nouveau Armchair, Thorvald Bindesbøll, Denmark, C. 1900
Located in Valby, 84
Armchair in solid oak, the tall rectangular back with upholstered panel above open arms with scrolled terminals on turned supports, the upholstered seat with brass nailhead border ab...
Brass
$2,738Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Armchairs by H.F. Jansen & Zonen Amsterdam
By H.F. Jansen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare pair of Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts armchairs. Design by Royal H.F. Jansen & Zonen Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak frames with ori...
Velvet, Oak
Rare Pair of 1930s "Zeppelin" Lloyd Loom Armchairs by W. Lusty & Sons
By Lloyd Loom
Located in Lincoln, GB
Rare Pair of 1930s "Zeppelin" Lloyd Loom Armchairs by W. Lusty & Sons A rare and historically significant "His and Hers" pair of "Zeppelin" Lloyd Loom armchairs, manufactured by the ...
Hardwood, Paper
$5,200 / item
Cabinet Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann, Austria, 1903
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed in 1903 by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte, the Cabinet Chair (Kabinettsessel) stands among the most emblematic expressions of early Viennese Modernism. Its rigorou...
Fabric, Wood
$835Sale Price|20% Off
Decorative Art Nouveau Oak Armchair From the 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Decorative Art Nouveau Oak Armchair From the 20th Century An Art Nouveau-style armchair with characteristic decorations on the upper part of...
Upholstery, Wood, Oak
Art Nouveau Armchair by Jens Møller Jensen, Denmark, C. 1910.
Located in Valby, 84
Art Nouveau Armchair by Jens Møller Jensen, Denmark, ca. 1910 Open armchair form in solid elm, the rectangular crest rail above a pierced back splat with ebonised and parcel-gilt sc...
Brass
Otto Wagner Armchair 1900s For THONET No 6511
By Otto Wagner
Located in Čelinac, BA
Otto Wagner Chair For THONET 1900s
Wood
Josef Hoffmann Office Chair With Porcelain Caster Wheels For FISCHEL 1910s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Office Chair With Porcelain Caster Wheels for Fischel 19010s
Bentwood
Pair of red Italian Art Nouveau armchairs in the style of Georges De Feure
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Italian Art Nouveau Armchairs in Original Red Velvet, Hand-Carved Wood, Georges de Feure Style, circa 1900-1910 This elegant pair of Italian Art Nouveau armchairs represents...
Velvet, Wood
Eugenio Quarti, Pair of liberty elegant stylish armchair
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2268 Eugenio Quarti (1867 - 1926) Pair of rare elegant stylish armchairs in wood and fabric upholstery. Manufactured by Eugenio Quarti Milan Liberty era, 1920's. 59x72xh86 cm
Walnut
Original John Sollie Henry, armchair, London 1895
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
solid mahogany with polished finish, original brown leather; decorative knobs; strikingly high backrest with stylised decoration in bas-relief; rear legs curved, forelegs tapering do...
Mahogany
Pair of Restored Art Nouveau Armchairs, by J. Hoffmann, Mahogany, Austria 1910s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
This exclusive pair of armchairs is a masterpiece of world design from the early 20th century, crafted in Vienna. The designer is the renowned architect and designer Josef Franz Mari...
Brass
Art Nouveau Bentwood Armchair, Attributed to Thonet, circa 1900
By Thonet
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Art Nouveau bentwood armchair, circa 1900, attributed to Thonet. The chair displays the elegant curved backrest and flowing arm supports characteristic of Viennese Secession design. ...
Beech, Bentwood, Fabric
Fairytale Armchair After Gerhard Munthe, Executed by Henrik August Vikene C.1915
By Gerhard Munthe
Located in Valby, 84
Important Art Nouveau Armchair after Gerhard Munthe (1849–1929), Executed by Henrik August Vikene (1880–?), Norway, ca. 1915 The chair is in the green-...
Wool, Wood, Paint
Viennese Armchair Thonet Nr. 3, Early Form, circa 1860
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Praha, CZ
A rare very early model Nr. 3 manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet Company. Marked with paper label and stamp, which is used, circa 1860. Newly restored.
Beech, Bentwood
$3,713Sale Price / set|50% Off
Restored Art Nouveau Armchairs in Hand-Carved Walnut, Circa 1920
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fully restored large Art Nouveau armchairs in Otto Prutscher style. Hand carved walnut and new upholstery.
Upholstery, Walnut
Antoni Gaudí Calvet Armchair, Varnished Oak, Jugendstil Design, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Antoni Gaudí
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
1920s Richard Riemerschmid Armchair – Icon of German Jugendstil Design
Located in Almelo, NL
Exceptional 1920s Richard Riemerschmid Armchair – Icon of German Jugendstil Design A rare and historically important armchair by Richard Riemerschmid, one of the founding visionarie...
Hardwood
Danish Art Nouveau Armchair in Oak with Lambswool Upholstered Seat, Early 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant oak armchair dating from the early 1900s, crafted with the simplicity and integrity characteristic of early 20th-century design. The solid oak frame presents a clean, time...
Lambskin, Wool, Oak
‘Willow’ Armchair Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh by Cassina
By Cassina, Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Located in Athens, Attiki
The ‘Willow’ armchair designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for the ‘Willow Tea Room’, Glasgow 1904. This masterful modern armchair is an expert re-edition by Cassina. In its origi...
Wood
$6,869Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Three Hand Carved Art Nouveau Chairs, circa 1900
By Victor Horta
Located in Lucenec, SK
Set of three Art Nouveau early 20th century Art Nouveau armchairs. Beautifully carved chair frame made of fruitwood with upholstered seats and back...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
$758Sale Price|23% Off
Art Nouveau Bentwood Armchair, Beech Wood, Germany, Circa 1900
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The art nouveau armchair was made of bentwood. The seat has been reupholstered and covered with a very beautiful Art Nouveau fabric. The chair is reminiscent of Thonet chairs, but n...
Beech, Bentwood
Throne Shaped hand-carved Armchair in ebonized oak by Ettore Zaccari
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find exceptionally rare sculptural armchair designer by Ettore Zaccari. It features throne-like form with acorns at the end of their armrests. The armchair i...
Fabric, Oak
$1,695Sale Price|21% Off
Art Nouveau Bentwood Armchair, Beech Wood, Germany, Circa 1910
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful armchair from the time of Art Nouveau. Made of bentwood, according to the principle as Thonet or Kohn, but not signed / stamped. Seat and back surface covered with relief o...
Beech, Bentwood
$5,569 / set
Rare bentwood armchairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Rare bentwood armchairs by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Antoni Gaudi Calvet Armchair: a Timeless Piece of Art and Craftsmanship
By Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Introducing the Antoni Gaudi Calvet Armchair, a timeless piece of art and craftsmanship that is a must-have for design enthusiasts and collectors. Designed by the renowned architect ...
Oak