In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
By C.J. Plunkett & Co, Edward William Godwin
Located in London, GB
After a design by E W Godwin. Jacobean or Old English armchairs. Two Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized armchairs both professionally reupholstered in a quality green and tan leather...
Leather, Walnut
Collinson and Lock, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair
Located in London, GB
Collinson and Lock, attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair with double shaped back and arm rail. The seat sits slightly proud of the tapering legs to allow for the decorat...
Walnut
$896Sale Price|20% Off
Bernhardt Round Ottoman Pouf in Silk Jaccard Textile, Aesthetic Style
By Bernhardt
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bernhardt designed mid 20 th c round pouf with silk jaccard textile cover with tassels.
Silk
An Aesthetic Movement A frame ebonized chair in the style of Dr C Dresser
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement A frame ebonized chair in the style of Dr C Dresser with octagonal shaped backrest supports, on turned legs with gilded highlights, professionally reupholstered...
Wood, Leather
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & gilded foot stool with striped upholstery.
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized footstool with concave-shaped sides and incised parcel gilt decoration on little flat feet with striped braided upholstery.
Beech
J P Seddon attri. An Aesthetic Movement oak side chair with ebonized circles
Located in London, GB
J P Seddon attributed. An Aesthetic Movement oak side chair with ebonized circles to the backrests and carved decoration with through exsposed tenonsn joints. Seat Height: 45 cm
Oak
Henry William Batley attri, Jas. Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair.
By Jas Shoolbred & Co., Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley (attributed) Jas. Shoolbred., an oak armchair, re-upholstered in red leather, with stylised floral carved details to the back supports the curved arms with elbow...
Leather, Oak
Liberty & Co armchair with a shaped back & mashrabiya turnings to the head rest.
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co An Aesthetic Movement ebonized Moorish low armchair with a shaped back with mashrabiya turnings to the head rest and tapestry seat
Walnut
George Bell & George Freeth Roper Aesthetic Movement Walnut rush seat armchair.
By George Bell, Kendall & Co.
Located in London, GB
George Bell & George Freeth Roper. Probably made by Kendal Milne & Co for Herman Schill. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut armchair with a row of fine barley t...
Walnut
19th Century Elm High Bar Stool
Located in Brussels, Brussels
superb and rare 19th century elm bar stool. Superb stool that features a superb patina and a beautiful turned base. This stool is a timeless addition to any interior, whether placed ...
Elm
Pair Of Aesthetic Design Victorian Mahogany Hall Chairs
By Henry Ogden
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality And Attractive Pair Of 19th Century Mahogany Hall Chairs, By H.Ogden Of Manchester, In The Aesthetic Movement Taste, Having Carved And Moulded Decoration To Pierc...
Mahogany
George Faulkner Armitage (attributed). An Aesthetic Movement mahogany armchair
Located in London, GB
George Faulkner Armitage (attributed). An Aesthetic Movement mahogany armchair with rib detailing to the head rest flanked by scroll carved finials. With tramline decoration througho...
Mahogany
Bruce Talbert Style, Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chair with Elongated Turnings
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert in the style of. Probably made by Gillows of Lancaster. A good quality Aesthetic Movement dining or side chair with elongated turnings to the back.
Oak
Lambs of Manchester A Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Oak & Leather Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Lambs of Manchester A Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs with carved and part ebonised details, professionally reupholstered in a quality matt black leather.
Oak
E W Godwin for William Watt An Aesthetic Movement tall back ebonized armchair.
By William Watt, Edward William Godwin
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin attributed, probably made by William Watt. An Aesthetic Movement tall back ebonized armchair. The turnings are in keeping with other Godwin designs, and the arms are iden...
Walnut
T E Collcutt for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement walnut high back chair.
By Thomas Edwards, Collinson & Lock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Edward Collcutt for Collinson & Lock. A fine quality Aesthetic Movement Walnut high back chair with later blue upholstery. Illustrated in the Collinson and Lock catalogue.
Walnut
E W Godwin. An Aesthetic Movement Shakespeare armchair with marquetry decoration
By William Watt, Edward William Godwin
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin attributed, probably made by William Watt. An Aesthetic Movement Shakespeare armchair with marquetry and carved decoration. The overall form of this Shakespeare armchair...
Oak
A rare Rosewood side chair with finely carved and turned details
Located in London, GB
Collinson and Lock. A rare Aesthetic Movement Rosewood side chair with finely carved and turned details to the back supports with exagerated disc turned front legs and conforming sid...
Rosewood
R. W. Edis, probably made by Jackson & Graham A fine pair of Walnut side chairs
By Robert William Edis, Jackson & Graham
Located in London, GB
R. W. Edis, probably made by Jackson and Graham. A fine pair of Aesthetic Movement Walnut side chairs with fine ring turned and incised tramline details, and sweeping side supports. ...
Walnut
Henry W Batley attr. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with sinuous touches.
Located in London, GB
Henry Batley Attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with sinuous touches, curled finials, and a spray of elongated turned details to the back. The shaped arms have curvace...
Mahogany
$4,433 / set
Pair Of Camel-colored Leather Club Chairs
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb pair of English-made camel-colored leather one-seater club armchairs handmade club armchair by an English craftsman with whom we have worked for 40 years. The armchairs are 20...
Leather
Jas Shoolbred & Co. A pair of Aesthetic Movement dining or side chairs
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred and Co. A pair of Aesthetic Movement dining/side chairs with drop in rush seats.
Rush
An Aesthetic Movement walnut armchair with a curvaceous back leather upholstery.
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut Library armchair with a curvaceous back and nicely worn button back leather upholstery. The arms with double curves to the end of the armrests and floret...
Walnut
H W Batley attr. Jas Shoolbred Pair of Aesthetic Movement cane seat beech chairs
By Henry William Batley, Jas Shoolbred & Co.
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley attributed for Jas Shoolbred & Co. A pair of Aesthetic Movement cane seat beech side chairs. Stamped under the seat Jas Shoolbred and the production number 820
Beech
A set of four Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs with carved decoration
Located in London, GB
Set of Four Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs with carved floral decoration and soft chamfered edges to the frame and legs. Professionally upholstered in a blue fabric. Across top...
Oak
Thomas Edward Collcutt for Collinson & Lock. Aesthetic Movement high back chair.
By Thomas Edwards, Collinson & Lock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Edward Collcutt for Collinson & Lock. A fine Aesthetic Movement Walnut high back chair with later maroon upholstery. Illustrated in the Collinson and Lock catalog.
Walnut
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. An Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair with ebonized dot details and chip carved details to the fra...
Oak
H W Batley attri, Jas Shoolbred An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Armchair
By Jas Shoolbred & Co., Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley (attributed) Jas. Shoolbred., a mahogany armchair, with stylised floral carved details to the back supports, the curved arms with elbow pads on fluted supports, ...
Mahogany
Charles Bevan, Gillows Attr. a Set of Six Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
By Charles Bevan, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan attributed, for Gillows. A good quality set of six English Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs, with central upright to the back united by lower angular uprights wit...
Oak
Richard Charles Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Elbow Chair with X Frame stretcher
By Richard Charles
Located in London, GB
Richard Charles (1823-93), an Aesthetic Movement ebonized elbow chair, circa 1866, with ball finials, a ladder back, later leather seat, gilt highlights and X-frame base with X-frame...
Wood
E W Godwin attributed, A set of four Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs
Located in London, GB
Edward William Godwin attributed. A set of four Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs with carved florets to the headrests and a turned gallery below the backrest with finely turned ...
Oak
Thomas Edward Collcutt for Collinson & Lock. Aesthetic Movement high back chair.
By Thomas Edwards, Collinson & Lock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Edward Collcutt for Collinson & Lock. A fine quality Aesthetic Movement rosewood high back chair with later blue upholstery.
Rosewood
Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement adjustable height piano stool
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement adjustable height piano stool with carved florettes and line scribed decoration to the seat and to the shaped legs, united by a double stretcher. This has a BSA motor bike company mechanical height adjusting mechanism with gear cogs...
Walnut
Bruce Talbert Gillows, Aesthetic Movement rosewood armchair with pink upholstery
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood armchair with a pink button back upholstered back and seat.
Rosewood
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & upholstered armchair with sweeping side rails.
Located in London, GB
A stylish Aesthetic Movement ebonized armchair with sweeping side rail incorporating the upholstered armrests which are set back to accommodate those wonderful hoop dresses of the Vi...
Walnut
$1,750 / set
Pair Of English Windsor Armchairs
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine pair of English Windsor armchairs in oak. Superb and rare model from the beginning of the 20 century Beautiful, good -quality armchairs with elegant curved legs and a very dec...
Oak
$2,968Sale Price|36% Off
Italian Adjustable Wooden Lounge Chair, Italy 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian adjustable wooden lounge chair with wave formed armrest in black tinted wood. Italy 1940s.
Upholstery, Oak
Tortoiseshell Finish Faux Bamboo Caned Tub Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Tortoiseshell Finish Faux Bamboo Cane Paneled Tub Chair, with faux ostrich skin upholstered cushion. 33" H x 23" W x 22.5" D; seat wish cushion: 20" H. Provenance: From a Forest Hi...
Faux Bamboo, Wood
Thomas Jeckyll Style a Pair Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs with Sunflowers
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll in the style of. A good quality pair of aesthetic movement dining chairs with sunflower carved details to the backs, subtle details below the seats with ring-turned le...
Oak
Early 20th Century Pair of Chiavarine Eclectic Chairs , Carlo Molino designer
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century unique and rare pair of Chiavarine Chairs, by Carlo Mollino in ebonized mahogany and with new red velvet upholstery. Feet in gilt brass Measure cm: H 125\50 W 43 ...
Velvet, Walnut
Suite of 12 folding chairs – Period 1960 – Chromed tubular metal
Located in NAVILLY, FR
Set of 12 folding reception chairs, 1960s period, in chromed tubular metal with X-shaped folding mechanism characteristic of the period. The chrome tubular structure has an overal...
Steel
Aesthetic Movement Low Spindle-Back Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
A marvelous low, decorative chair is remarkable for its maker's attention to detail. Four beautifully detailed bronze hemispheres cap the front legs and either side of the chair's ba...
Bronze
Decorative Small Floral Painted Ebonised Victorian Stool
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A delightful small Victorian hand painted stool. Beautiful hand painted floral decoration, a great decorative piece. In good sound condition.
Wood, Paint
Chesterfield 3 Seater In Light Green Olive Leather
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb three-seater leather Chesterfield sofa from the first part of the 20th century from England with three large removable cushions and straight legs. Chesterfield sofa of very g...
Leather
A Pair Of Brown Leather Wingback Chesterfield Armchairs
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A superb pair of brown leather wingback Chesterfield armchairs A very beautiful and elegant design with a stunning mahogany base The leather is in superb condition and has a magnific...
Leather
$3,275 / set
Pair Of Antique Aesthetic Lift Top Bench Stools
Located in Norwood, NJ
Pair of English Aesthetic walnut benches with upholstered over-seats opening to storage compartments above incised aprons, all raised on scrolled "X" supports with ebonized details, ...
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Marquetry Inlaid Bench in Aesthetic Movement Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An exceptionally well made 19th C. Aesthetic Movement period bench, likely European, the cresting rail with intricate marquetry with winged figures, trailing vines and acanthus leaf ...
Bronze
19th Century Windsor Oak Armchair
Located in Brussels, Brussels
a fine 19th-century English Windsor armchair in oak. This beautiful armchair has a superb wood turning featuring elegant legs and decorative details on the backrest. It has a lovely ...
Oak
Charles Mills & Sons. Three Aesthetic Movement side chairs w. ebonized turnings
Located in London, GB
Charles Mills and Sons Bradford. A set of three Aesthetic Movement side chairs with ebonized turnings to the backrest and all over turned detailing with through pegged joints to the double stretchers. Charles Mills and Sons Bradford was the maker of the furniture for the New Liberal Club House, Bradford, in 1877 and walnut fittings and furniture for the new restaurant and reading room at the Boar’s Head, Bradford, in 1885 (The Furniture Gazette, 7 July 1877 & 1 January 1886 respectively). The firm exhibited two oak sideboards, a rosewood mantel with overmantel and other furniture at the Yorkshire Fine Arts Society Show, Leeds, 1881 [The Furniture Gazette, 5 March 1881]. Its display at the Industrial & Fine Art Exhibition, Bradford Technical School, 1882, included a bedroom suite of wainscot oak, with purple wood mouldings, the panels of figured ebony and carvings of cedar, design modern Queen Anne. Also a Tudor bedstead, drawing room and Jacobean oak dining...
Walnut
English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester
Located in London, GB
An aesthetic movement chair By Lamb of Manchester designed by W.J. Estall Of unique elegance and design, the black ebonised chair fashioned in the...
Upholstery, Wood
R Boyd. in the style of Dr C Dresser. A pair of oak side chairs
Located in London, GB
R Boyd. in the style of Dr C Dresser. A pair of Aesthetic Movement oak side chairs with 1/4 moon details and double hoop stretchers. Furniture by R Boyd was illustrated in the Furnit...
Oak
E W Godwin Attr, . Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair With Serpentine Shaped Back
Located in London, GB
Attributed to E W Godwin; An Aesthetic Movement oak armchair made by James Peddle. With shaped arms, turned front legs and saber back legs united by high stretchers. A comfortable ...
Oak
Austrian Children's Chair in Polychrome Wood, circa 1800
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely Austrian child's chair decorated with flowers and birds from the end of the 18th century beginning of the 19th century circa 1800. Very beautiful original polychromy. The ...
Wood
Walnut Period Aesthetics Movement Foot Stool
Located in Hudson, NY
This walnut carved and turned footstool was made circa 1875 in the Aesthetic Movement style. Most likely made in America the stool is of a chunky robust proportion with large turned ...
Walnut
Pair of Aesthetic Movement oak hall seat benches by J A S Shoolbred
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Good pair of Aesthetic Movement oak brass mounted hall seats by J A S Shoolbred of Tottenham Court Rd London.
Oak
Antique Bamboo Rocker in the George Hunzinger Style
Located in Bellport, NY
A charming little rocker with all the bells and whistles of the George Hunzinger style. Handcrafted and upholstered in a modern woven beige and green top grade fabric. Excellent cond...
Bamboo
19th Century Aesthetic Victorian Parlor Set Settee & 4 Chairs By John Moyr Smith
Located in Long Branch, NJ
This parlor set was designed by John Moyr Smith in the 19th century UK. The panels are made by Minton designed by John Moyr Smith. The panels are excellently made and the chairs are ...
Porcelain, Oak
Aesthetic Movement Ebonized and Gilt Wood Side Chairs with Cane Seats C. 1880
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning set of four Aesthetic Movement side chairs, dating to circa 1880 and attributed to D.G. Fischel & Söhne. These elegant chairs exemplify the refined craftsmanship and artis...
Cane, Bentwood, Giltwood
ANTiQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE LEATHER ARMCHAIR FOR RESTORATION
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this original Aesthetic Movement style Victorian circa 1860 armchair for restoration with original brown lea...
Leather, Hardwood
EXQUISITE ANTIQUE BURR WALNUT AESTHETiC MOVEMENT SALON SOFA GRAND TOUR PLAQUE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale very rare, highly collectable Burr Walnut & Ebony framed Victorian Aesthetic Movement Salon sofa with a inse...
Ebony, Walnut