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.
Early 20th Century Mahogany Cozy Corner by Max Coini, Amsterdam
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Exceptional "Cozy Corner" made by Max Coini in Amsterdam. This piece of furniture was crafted in the French Art Deco style (around 1930). The entire piece is made of solid mahogany, ...
Fabric, Glass, Mahogany
20th Century Art Nouveau Fine Set "Fledermaus" by Josef Hoffmann. Vienna, 1905.
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956) Rare “Fledermaus” Seating Set Vienna, circa 1905 Designed for Cabaret Fledermaus, Vienna Secession A rare and historically significant Art Nouveau seating...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Art Nouveau Thonet Bentwood Seating/ Salon Suite by M. Kammerer, AT, ca. 1910
By Marcel Kammerer, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Exceptional Art Nouveau bentwood seating set/ salon suite by THONET, designed by none other than the renowed austrian architect and painter Marcel Kammerer in the beginning of the 20...
Fabric, Bentwood, Beech
20th Century Art Nouveau Dining/ Salon Suite with Round Table by Thonet, AT 1910
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute exceptional, early 20th century dining suite/ salon suite by Thonet from the Art Nouveau period in Austria around 1910. Attributed to the famous Austrian architect and desig...
Leather, Beech
Important Living Room Set by Ludwig Alter Darmstadt Jugendstil, 1908'
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional and rare living room set composed by a table with four chairs, and sofà, a Book cabinet and Pedestal by Ludwig Alter, Darmstadt, Germany, 1908 circa. Part of a living room ordered and executed in 1908 by Ludwig Alter for a noble family from Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. Original unrestored condition and step by step restoration detailed photo documentation available. Macassar, solid and veneered. Amboyna, Macassar, abalone and white mother of pearl inlay, surface professionally repolished, solid Macassar support pillars mounted on Macassar veneered table base, twin Macassar spheres as legs, central pillar executed to the artistic level, highest quality cabinet making from Ludwig Alter, supplier to the Court of Ernst Ludwig IV the Grand Duke Hessen-Darmstadt and the famous Art Colony, Mathilenhöhe.” Furniture is in excellent condition. Ludwig Alter, between others was also commissioned by: Count Erbach-Schönberg in Schönberg, Count Solms-Laubach in Laubach, Count Isenburg zu Meerholz in Meerholz, Castle Gettenbach, Baron von Riedesel in Stockhausen, Baron von Riedesel zu Eisenbach in Eisenbach. In the beginning of the 20th century, Darmstadt was an important centre for the art movement of Jugendstil, the German variant of Art Nouveaux. Annual architectural competitions led to the building of many architectural treasures of this period. Provenance: private ownership, Darmstadt, Germany. Sizes: Table 70 x 70 and 77 cm high 2 Armchairs 57 x 49 cm and 102 cm high. Seat height 47 cm. 2 chairs 44 x 44 cm and 94 cm high. Seat height 47 cm. Book Cabinet/ Bookcase/Vitrine : 106 wide, 46 deep and 200 cm high. Sofa : 155 wide, 70 deep and 47 cm seat hight. Pedestal : 43 x 27 and 130 high. The Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig founded the “Mathildenhöhe Artist’s Colony” in 1900 and called the most important people of the time to Darmstadt and result was the collaboration between artist and artisan, between creative will and the technical ability of the workshops, an extremely fruitful work. The exhibitions of the artists' colony in 1901, 1904 - which were followed by more exhibitions in 1908 and 1914 - made a decisive breakthrough into something completely new and paved the way for a new furnishing art and for the first time directed the attention of the whole world to the growth of the young German art. The joyful willingness to make sacrifices of the companies and workshops that took part in this ideal task, the breakthrough in German Interior art towards independence, is reflected in the story and will always be remembered. And the chronicler will not forget the high share of the Ludwig Alter family in this service. Together with the artists: Patriz Huber...
Wood
Salon Set by Josef Hoffmann, 1910s, Excellent Condition
Located in Praha, CZ
Art nouveau sofa set Thonet, J/J Kohn, upholstered in genuine leather, designed by architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus cabaret in Vienna, Austria, completely restored, newly ...
Leather, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Beech Wood Seating Group, Jugendstil Design, Circa 1903
Located in New York, NY
This Austrian seating group was designed by Josef Hoffmann, the leading architect of the Viennese Secession movement of the early 20th century, and executed by the firm of Josef and Jacob Kohn, craftsmen of the Wiener Werkstaette collaborative group. The original good finish as been carefully restored and the three piece suite has been recently reupholstered in a reissued Josef Hoffmann fabric...
Beech
20th Century Art Nouveau Salon Suite With Brass Elements, Austria ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable Art Nouveau salon suite/ seating set with table from the period in Austria around 1910. This important seating set consists of two chairs, a bench and the matching table. ...
Brass
Set of Sofa and two armchairs Thonet, Nr.13 (Nr.6513 and Nr.6213) by Otto Wagner
Located in Praha, CZ
- intended for covering with surface fabric or leather. - If interested, we can cover the set with fabric with a woven pattern from the company Kolovrat a.s. - Seating set is in perf...
Wood, Bentwood
20th Century Fine Set of Thonet Art Nouveau by Marcel Kammerer. Vienna, C. 1910.
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional Viennese Art Nouveau Seating Set Designed by Marcel Kammerer – Manufactured by Thonet, Vienna, circa 1910 We are pleased to offer an exceptionally rare and elegant Art ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Art Nouveau Set, 1 Sofa, 2 Armchairs, 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau Game. The price includes the 3 armchairs 1 Sofa 2 Armchairs Material: Wood, reupholstered with springs and elastic band (as it was in the old days) If you hav...
Wood
Very rare secession seating group by Gyula Radó es Fiai Budapest
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Very rare secession seating group by Gyula Radó es Fiai Budapest in original vintage condition with signs of use.
Brass
Set of Sofa and Two Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann, 1900s
Located in Praha, CZ
Art Nouveau Thonet sofa and two armchairs, J/J Kohn, upholstered in genuine leather, designed in 1905 by architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus cabar...
Leather, Bentwood
$5,648Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Mahogany Living Room Set, 1910, Set of 3
Located in Opole, PL
Art Nouveau Mahogany Living Room Set, 1910, Set of 3 This parlor set, crafted in Italy, beautifully embodies the graceful aesthetic of Art Nouveau. At the...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Important Louis Philippe walnut living room, 15 pieces, circa 1830
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Important Louis Philippe walnut living room, 15 pieces, circa 1830 1 sofa 2 armchairs 12 chairs
Walnut
$8,825 / set
Pretty Art Nouveau Living Room circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
pretty art nouveau living room circa 1900 including 1 bench, 2 armchairs and two chairs. everything is in good condition, some marks on the velvet, but it can be used immediately nic...
Velvet, Wood
Unusual Art Nouveau Set, 1 Sofa, 2 Armchairs, 4 Chairs, Country, France, 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau Game. 1 Sofa 2 Armchairs 4 chairs Material: Wood, reupholstered with springs and elastic band (as it was in the old days) Country: France If you are looking f...
Wood
Art Nouveau Set, 1 Sofa, 2 Armchairs, 1900, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau Game. The price includes the 3 armchairs 1 Sofa 2 Armchairs Material: Wood, reupholstered with springs and elastic band (as it was in the old days) We have specialized in the sale...
Wood
Cabinet Sofa & Cabinet Chairs Josef Hoffman By Wittmann, Austria
Located in Kangasala, FI
A set of original "Cabinet sofa & chair set" by Josef Hoffman handmade in the 1980 by Wittman in Austria. Designed in 1903 for the Vienna home of Dr. Salzer. This fantastic cubisti...
Fabric, Oak
Restored Art Nouveau Seating Set, By J.F.M. Hoffmann, Beech, Austria, 1910s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Armchair dimensions: Height: 75 cm (29.5 in) Width: 55 cm (21.6 in) Depth: 47 cm (18.5 in) Seat: 45 cm (17.7 in) Sofa dimensions: Height: 75 cm (29.5 in) Width: 123 cm (48.4 in) Dep...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Fabric, Beech
Art Nouveau Set, 1 Sofa, 2 Armchairs, 4 Chairs
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau Game. 1 Sofa 2 Armchairs 4 chairs Material: Wood, reupholstered with springs and elastic band (as it was in the old days) Country: England If you have any que...
Fabric, Mahogany
Restored Art Nouveau Seating Set, by H.G.Reinstein, Beech, Austria, 1910s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Sofa dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 117 cm (46 in) Depth: 50 cm (19.7 in) Seat height: 48 cm (18.9 in) Armchair dimensions: Height: 78 cm (30.7 in) Width: 54 cm (21.3 in...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer, Beech, Spruce
French Art Nouveau Walnut Living Room Set, 5-Piece with Floral Carving
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 5 French Art Nouveau walnut living room / salon set with floral carving on back & purple moire upholstery (settee, 2 armchairs, 2 side chairs)
Upholstery, Walnut
French Art Nouveau Walnut 5-Piece Living Room Set with Floral Filigree
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 5 French Art Nouveau walnut living room / salon set with floral filigree back & gold upholstery (Settee: 49"w 24"d 40"h, 2 arm chairs: 26"w 24"d 39"h, 2 side chairs:18.5"w x 1...
Upholstery, Walnut
$6,619Sale Price / set|25% Off
Art Nouveau salon set of 3, 2 armchairs and 1 chair, France, Circa 1900
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Attributed to Eugène Gaillard Eugène Gaillard, born January 31, 1862 in Paris, where he died January 27, 1931, is an architect and furniture designer. He was one of the most renowne...
Fabric, Wood
$5,648Sale Price / set|20% Off
Original Art Nouveau Salon, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Original Art Nouveau salon, circa 1900 in beech. Composed of a bench, 2 armchairs and 3 chairs. Old repairs, reflowings, some gaps worn fabric. Good ...
Velvet, Beech
French Art Nouveau Walnut 7-Piece Living Room Set with Floral Carvings
Located in Queens, NY
7 Piece French Art Nouveau walnut salon set with carved floral corners comprised of 2 side chairs, 2 large bergeres, 2 small bergeres, and a loveseat.
Walnut, Upholstery
Antique French Art Nouveau Maurice Dufrene Barrel Back Chair And Boudoir Sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Art Nouveau Maurice Dufrene Footed Barrel Back Lounge Chair and Tufted Back Boudoir Sofa in a Deep Red Velvet Chenille This Antique French Art Nouveau lounge chair ...
Chenille
Adolf Loos Attr. & Thonet Original of the Time Jugendstil Seating Ensemble, 1920
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Four-legged structure made of solid beechwood, brown-stained; stool with applied textile added at a later date; professionally restored; signs of age and use; on the underside compan...
Beech
20th Century Fine Art Nouveau Set of Two Armchairs and Settee. Vienna c. 1900-10
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite Viennese Art Nouveau Seating Set – Circa 1900–1910 We are pleased to present an exceptional and rare Viennese Art Nouveau seating set, crafted in Vienna around 1900–1910. ...
Brass
$9,413Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Italian Art Nouveau Antique Living Room Set or Salon Suite
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare complete Italian Art Nouveau 1900s living room set includes: 1 sofa 2 armchairs 2 chairs Refined living room set in carved beech wood. The wood has an elegant carved decoration...
Beech
Vienna Secession Armchairs & Settee by Jakob & Josef Kohn Design Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A refined and historically significant Vienna Secession seating ensemble, comprising a pair of armchairs and a matching settee, produced by Jakob & Josef Kohn and attributed to a d...
Leather, Walnut
French Art Nouveau Living Room / Salon Five Piece Set
Located in Long Island City, NY
On Sale limited time...! French Art Nouveau Living Room Set comprises 5 pieces: 1 Loveseat (sofa, canape) 2 armchairs and 2 chairs. Set needs to be refinished and reupholstered. Ph...
Fabric, Wood
Jugendstil Mahogany Salon Chairs with Ebony, Birch and Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Solid mahogany chairs with ebony, birch and mother-of-pearl inlay, these are part of a suite which includes a matching loveseat and a set of six matching side chairs, available separ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Upholstery, Birch, Ebony, Mahogany
Restored Art Deco Seating Set, by J. Kotěra, Josef Motka - Litovel, Czech, 1900s
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Architect: Jan Kotěra Maker: Josef Motka - Litovel Sofa dimensions: Height: 79 cm (31.1 in) Width: 110 cm (43.3 in) Depth: 52 cm (20.5 in) Seat height: 52 cm (20.5 in) Armchair dim...
Wood, Lacquer, Fabric, Upholstery, Mahogany