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.
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Silk and Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass lamp with the requested finish - the fabric can be delivered with a plugged - or with a leadband – border. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstätte, now manufactured at...
Brass
Muller Frères Luneville Art Nouveau Lamp
Located in NANTES, FR
Sublime Art Nouveau lamp circa 1905. Bronze base, acid-etched glass paste tulip decorated with anemone flowers. Electricized in the US and in perfect condition. Signed Muller Frères ...
Bronze
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with 16 Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing 16 third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a r...
Metal, Brass
French Art Nouveau Faux Bamboo Mirror, 65cm/ 25.8", Hand-Crafted Wood, C. 1900
Located in Valencia, VC
French Faux Bamboo Wall Mirror, Circa 1900s A refined mirror in the Chinoiserie style, with a hardwood frame shaped to emulate bamboo. French, early 20th century. Mirrors like thi...
Mirror, Wood
$20,635Sale Price|30% Off
Huge Candelabrum Crystal Antique Chandelier Ceiling Lustre Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Elegant Antique Crystal Candelabrum Chandelier - A Marvel of Art Nouveau Craftsmanship Introducing a truly exceptional candelabrum chandelier that captures the essence of the Art No...
Crystal, Wire, Brass
$976Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Longwy Turquoise Enameled Ceramic Platter
By Faïenceries et Emaux de Longwy
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite 19th-century, ceramic plate is a stunning creation from the renowned Longwy manufactory, celebrated for its mastery of decorative ceramics. The plate features a capti...
Enamel
$3,627Sale Price|29% Off
Art Nouveau Italian Brass Double Bed, Early 1900s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Large Italian double bed from the early 20th century. Fabulous quality object and gilded brass decoration. Bed decorated with plaques depicting female characters and neoclassical che...
Brass
$21,224Sale Price|25% Off
Huge Candelabrum Crystal Antique Chandelier Classic traditional Massive Wide
Located in Berlin, DE
Huge candelabrum crystal antique chandelier ceiling lustre Art Nouveau Measures: Total height 140 cm, height without chain 110 cm, diameter 110 cm. Weight (approximately): 35 kg. Number of lights: 30-light bulb sockets: E14 material: Brass, cut glass, crystal, New electricity! New cable! Restored and rewired. tested. Ready to hang. Total length variable. Old chandelier with love and professionally restored in Berlin. electrical wiring works in the US. Re-wired and ready to hang not one missing Cabling completely renewed. Crystal, hand-knotted The chandelier is sent in a specially made wooden box so that safe transport is guaranteed. So worldwide shipping is no problem. they will for everyone the chandelier is wired in such a way that it works worldwide without any modification. in USA the chandelier works. ready to connect. before shipping the chandelier will be cleaned. missing crystals added. just cleaned and complete. will be sent. You are buying from a specialty chandelier store. with years of experience and heart for chandeliers Huge Candelabrum Crystal Antique Chandelier Classic...
Crystal, Wire, Brass
19th Century Art Nouveau Loetz Glass Vase - Decor Candia Papillon, CZ ca. 1898
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolutely stunning, late 19th century golden Loetz Witwe glass vase, adorned by the so-called "Candia Papillon" decoration out of Bohemia around 1898. This very rare version of the ...
Blown Glass
Antique Set of 8 Orchies France Majolica Barbotine Dessert Plates
By Orchies
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A charming antique set of eight French Majolica Barbotine dessert plates by Orchies, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century. Each plate is individually hand-finished and decor...
Ceramic
$4,339Sale Price / set|20% Off
Colli Torino 'Est. 1850 ' Italian Art Nouveau Bed & Nightstand Solid Oak carved
By Colli Torino
Located in Landshut, BY
This bed and night stand was produced by Colli Torino established in 1850. - solid oak with hand-carved elements - mattress size is 120cm x 190cm - The company is well known becau...
Oak
Art Nouveau Sculptural Swan Bowl in Crackle Glazed Porcelain and Gilt Metal
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Elegant Art Nouveau inspired swan bowl in crackle-glazed white porcelain with sculptural gilt metal, evoking Hollywood Regency glamour; decorative centerpiece with substantial weight...
Bronze
Fine Oak Lounge Chair, Bernhard Pankok, Jugendstil Design, c. 1898
By Bernhard Pankok
Located in Valby, 84
Lounge Chair by Bernhard Pankok, Germany, ca. 1898 Of tub form in stained oak, the continuously carved and pierced back rail with three organic ovoid apertures flanking a central ...
Leather, Oak
Famous Adolf Loos "Turnowsky" Table Lamp Brass Silk Design from 1900, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A great design from 1900, Adolf Loos has used this lamp in several Interiors: Turnovsky, Paul Khuner, Lit.: E. Ottillinger, Adolf Loos, Wohnkonzepte und Möbelentwürfe, Salzburg 1994,...
Brass
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Serving Tray with Calla Lilies
Located in Barntrup, DE
Early 20th-century Art Nouveau bronze serving tray with calla lilies. A beautiful Art Nouveau period square tray made of bronze and brass and decorated with adorable slightly red-co...
Brass, Bronze
Franz Hofstötter Vase by Loetz Glass, Art Nouveau, Signed, 1900
By Franz Hofstotter, Loetz Glass
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
The decoration of this vase was designed by Franz Hofstoetter (German: Hofstötter) for the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900. The so called PG 358 decoration was a immediate hit with...
Blown Glass
$2,017Sale Price / item|25% Off
Brass Basket Classical Chandelier Crystal Lustre Lamp Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
The crystals are expertly hand-knotted, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to this timeless piece. This is a new reproduction, and several are available, ensuring you can ...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Original 1899 Adolf Loos Cafe Museum Jugendstil Marble and Bentwood Table
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare Thonet side-table from the famous Viennese Cafe Museum, designed by Adolf Loos in 1899, already featured in the Thonet Catalogue from 1888 on page 17 as Nr 8 and Nr 9 - s...
Marble
French Sconces Wall Lamps Satin Glass & Brass Flower
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French wall lamp White satin glass. Brass wall piece and arm diameter brass wall mount: 10 cm / 3.94, 3 holes to secure Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Multiple flower design glasses in ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Frosted Glass Pendant Lights 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with mat glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.50 kg / 1.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have bee...
Brass
Adolf Loos Cafe Museum Jugendstil Chandelier, Re Edtion
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Chandelier first used in 1899 at the Cafe Museum, later for the apartment of Leopold Goldman, the builder of the famous "Looshaus, Goldman & Salatsch" "in Vienna. This chandelier has...
Brass
$801Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Beech Bentwood Hat and Coat Stand, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau hat and coat stand. Design in the style of Thonet and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Striking French design from the 1900s. Stained beech and bentwood frame w...
Beech
Art Nouveau wall lamp, Adolf Loos style
By Adolf Loos
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Adolf Loos used this wall lamp, designed with a clear, minimalist aesthetic, in various versions: Dr. Gustav and Helene Scheu's house in Vienna's 13th district, Laroch Gasse. Solid ...
Brass
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Bronze Floral Table Lamp
Located in Søborg, DK
An Antique floral bronze table lamp. Richly decorate with a floral design. With its original brass and porcelain bulb holder with an on/off switch and brass lampshade holder. R...
Bronze
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
Gallé Style Table Lamp Art Nouveau Purple Glass, France
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau lamp the style of Gallé table lamp is a real eye catcher. Made in the 60es our 70es. The table lamp is made of purple colored glass with eagles on it. Nic...
Glass
$705Sale Price|45% Off
Art Nouveau Table Lamp with Original Cut-Glass, circa 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Art Nouveau table lamp with original cut-glass, circa 1908 polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Silver Lady Woman Ex Voto religious Folk Art, Antique European, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A cute petite religious Ex Voto. I do not know what it is made of, thin and light filigree silver or silver plated metal. It is handmade, embossed an...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Cristallerie d'árt Jar, Cobalt Blue Crystal, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glorifying the effects of refracted light for 170 years, from Cristallerie d'árt France, in the style of Baccarat. A crystal cobalt blue colored masterpiece, the bowl crystallizes ...
Crystal
Art Noveau Bronze vase by A. Granberg for Hugo Elmqvist, Sweden, ca 1900
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely Art Noveau vase by A. Granberg, made from black patinated bronze in a stately form. Elegant decor of dragonflies in relief around the opening.
Bronze
Art Nouveau Klismos Chair by Sophy A. Christensen, Denmark, C. 1905
Located in Valby, 84
Chair of klismos form in figured birch, the broad rectangular back panel painted with a scene depicting a musician playing the aulos accompanied by a dancing female figure amid styli...
Birch, Paint
$1,782Sale Price|20% Off
1920s Porcelain Bowl by Daisy Makeig-Jones, Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding and very refined and exquisite porcelain bowl from the celebrated Fairyland Lustre series, designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones, one of the most visionary designers of 20th-ce...
Porcelain
Big Jugendstil nickel wall lamp with opaline glass shade vienna around 1910
Located in Wien, Au
Big Jugendstil nickel wall lamp with opaline glass shade vienna around 1910 Very beautiful opaline glass shade Rare model
Nickel
Loetz Art Nouveau vase whit Colered Details of Irradiated glass 1900s
By Loetz Glass
Located in Verviers, BE
Loetz Art Nouveau vase whit Colered Details of Irradiated glass 1900s Beautifully decorated whit Irradiated glass Rare to find with original condition The piece is in good conditio...
Art Glass
Art Nouveau Vase By Karl Ens Volkstedt, Jugendstil, Circa 1896
By Karl Ens
Located in Lisbon, PT
An amazing Jugendstil Style amphora from Rudolstadt, Thuringia hailing from the Triebner Ens Manufacture and the artist Karl Ens Volkstedt. A vase decorated with a iris flower form...
Faience
$1,415Sale Price|20% Off
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 JONES
Located in Palermo, Sicily
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 JONES
Metal
$846 / item
Art Nouveau Chairs
Located in London, England
Sculptural statement chairs hailing from Brussels. Very much in keeping with works by Horta et al, displaying exquisite details and line work throughout. Belgium 1910s. H 125cm x ...
Iron
$589Sale Price|35% Off
Jugendstil Pendant, circa 1910
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil pendant, circa 1910 Polished and stove enamelled Glass sticks replaced (new).
Brass
Josef Hoffmann attr. Pair of Extraordinary Chairs 1905-10 Jugendstil Art Nouveau
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of extraordinary chairs in the style of the early Josef Hoffmann furniture. The significant skids were used by Hoffmann in the early years of the Wiener Werkstätte from 1903 o...
Fabric, Wood
French Green Opaline Glass Nickel Pendant Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French green opaline glass industrial pendant. Weight 0.40 kg / 0.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for incandescent lig...
Nickel
Vittorio Zecchin Venini MVM Art Nouveau Amethyst Murano Glass Wrought Iron Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
Vittorio Zecchin Murano, Early 1900 Amethyst Ribbed Blown Glass Vase Wrought Iron Grapevine Frame Excellent condiction (small difect at one leaf)
Glass, Murano Glass
Vintage French 1920s Art Nouveau Brass Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French art nouveau brass desk light / table lamp Black cotton wire and plug. Also, available with US/UK plug Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by intern...
Brass
Italian Art Nouveau chairs with armrest in rattan light blue rattan, early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Art Nouveau chairs with armrest in rattan and light blue rattan, early 1900s Pair of chairs with armrest in finely woven rattan. The rounded backrest and armrests feature lig...
Rattan
Antique Vase in Pressed Ruby Red Glass by Fyens Glasværk, 1920s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A 1920s flower vase in pressed ryby/deep red glass. Made at Fyens Glasværk (later Holmegaard) in the early 1920s. It's a substantial and tall piece measuring 28 cm in height. Suitabl...
Glass
French Art Nouveau Brass Vide - Poche or Pin Tray with Dragonfly and Flowers
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau brass card or pin tray, vide-poche, 1920s. This delightful card tray or pin tray, vide-poche, is made of brass and showcases a relief design of a dragonfly, adorn...
Brass
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Naturalistic Scandinavian Wine Leaf Dish in Patinated Brass, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Based upon a naturalistic French pattern from the early 20th century this ornate sculptural dish or tray was made in Scandinavia during the 1930s or 40s. Utilize it for jewelry, soap...
Brass
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908 Brass Polished and stove enameled Glass in front of the picture Picture size: Hight: 16cm Wide: 10,5cm The picture is not incl...
Brass
Art Nouveau French Brass and Pink Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, pink pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international s...
Brass
$495Sale Price|20% Off
Wrought Iron French Art Nouveau Children's Armchair, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau children's armchair. Striking French design from the 1900s. Blue lacquered wrought iron. This wonderful Art Nouveau children's armchair is in good co...
Wrought Iron
Antique Blue Art Nouveau Vase Rococo Style 38cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Ceramic vase made of majolica earthenware, elaborately decorated with a typical Art Nouveau design, featuring leaves, stems, and curves inspired by the rocaille or rococo style, circ...
Majolica
Owl misteltoe figurine porcelain Hutschenreuther art dep Prof. Klee 1918 Germany
By Lorenz Hutschenreuther, Professor Fritz Klee
Located in Wien, AT
Wonderful perfectly preserved owl sculpture on a pedestal, made of white porcelain, partly gilded, handmade in the world famous German porcelain manufactory Hutschenreuther. The pol...
Porcelain
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Four nesting tables Josef Hoffmann J. & J. Kohn ca. 1910
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
four nesting tables, Josef Hoffmann, J. & J. Kohn, mod. Nr. 986, ca. 1910, marked Around 1905, Josef Hoffmann designed the four nesting tables. With their clean, minimalist lines an...
Beech
$1,584Sale Price|43% Off
Swedish Art Nouveau Counterweight Pendant in the Style of Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
This lovely Swedish counterweight lamp is a real gem! It's in such great condition for its age. The design and especially the floral fabric are strongly reminiscent of the Austrian d...
Crystal
Art Nouveau Cabinet attributed to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Belgium, circa 1900
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
An exeptional Art Nouveau cabinet attributed to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, produced in Belgium around 1900. Executed in oak, the piece combines leaded stained glass, green and yellow fa...
Brass
Beautiful Lavanite Vase Decorated with Elephants, Art Nouveau, circa 1910
Located in Knivsta, SE
A rare and beautiful Lavanite vase decorated with Elephants. Art Nouveau circa 1910. Probably made by W. Henker & Co in Berlin during the 1910s. Marked Lavanit Patent under the vase....
Cast Stone
$9,669 / item
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Floor Lamp, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed for the head office of the then very famous tile manufacturer "Gebruder Schwadron", who also did the "Dianabad" in Vienna with sculptures of Michael Powolny and Otto Prutsch...
Brass
20th Century Cat Musician Vocalist Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...
Bronze