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.
19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement ( Lorraine ) Model created for the universal exhibition of 1878.
Ceramic, Majolica, Faience
Cast Bronze Sconce, Brasa Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze with sculpted, flowing curves that echo the flower’s fo...
Bronze
Small German Majolica Tulip Plate Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small German Majolica Tulip Plate Circa 1900. Diameter / 6 inches.
Ceramic
Lounge Chair by Unknown Designer in Oak and Leather, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare lounge chair by an unknown designer and maker, produced in Sweden during the 1920s. Crafted in dark brown, almost black leather with a solid oak frame. Richly carved details re...
Leather, Oak
Early 20th C. Art Nouveau Hand-Carved Style Resin Female Bust Sculpture
Located in Honolulu, HI
An enchanting early 20th-century Art Nouveau style miniature female bust sculpture, originally acquired in California, USA. Meticulously sculpted, the piece captures a classical mai...
Polyester
'Balancing Act' Table Lamp By Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots Design
Located in London, GB
A welded Steel Table Lamp. Balancing Act is a collection of two lamps and a candle holder. Inspired by Calder’s Circus, it captures a sense of naive joy and playful freedom, inviting...
Steel
Josef Hoffmann&Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstaette Vienna Secession Pendant Edit
By Koloman Moser, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A single pendant from the chandelier for the entrance of the Wiener Werkstaette-Showrooms in Neustiftgasse 32/34 in Vienna Hammered or plain - another image shows the complete chande...
Crystal, Brass
Beige Wooden Table Mirror, France, 1920s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Carved beige wood table mirror, France, 1920s. An elegant table mirror in finely carved light wood, characteristic of early 20th-century French decorative taste. Its frame features delicate openwork motifs and sinuous curves inspired by late Art Nouveau and the transitional styles leading to Art Deco. The central mirror with its curved contours is enhanced by a wooden structure with refined and symmetrical lines. The patinated beige hue of the wood highlights the craftsmanship and lends the piece a soft and warm presence. Originally intended for a dressing table or an elegant bedroom, this mirror is now a beautiful decorative object capable of adding a touch of antique charm to a classic, romantic, or eclectic interior. Style : Late Art Nouveau Transition to Art Deco French Style Antique Decorative 1920s Bourgeois Elegance Main Features : Carved wooden table mirror Openwork frame with decorative motifs Curved glass Patinated beige finish Handcrafted France, 1920s Finely crafted woodwork Decorative and functional object Beautiful period patina Keywords : wooden table mirror, antique vanity mirror, French mirror 1920s, Art Nouveau mirror, vintage dressing mirror, carved wood mirror, antique bedroom decor, French decorative arts, tabletop mirror, early twentieth century mirror, antique table mirror, carved wood mirror, dressing table mirror, Art Nouveau mirror, vintage French mirror, 1920s decor, antique bedroom mirror...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
French Art Nouveau Alabaster Bust of Young Lady, Marble Base, ca. 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Alabaster and Marble Bust of a Young Lady, France, ca. 1900 A beautiful French Art Nouveau sculpture dating from circa 1900, this elegant bust of a young lady is ...
Alabaster, Marble
French Art Nouveau Lilac and White Glass Pendant Light by Muller Strasbourg
Located in Barntrup, DE
Refined French Art Nouveau pendant light featuring handcrafted pâte de verre glass with softly opaline diffusion by Muller Strasbourg, suspended on an ornate brass chain, circa 1920....
Brass
British Frosted Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
British clear glass flush mount. Metal bulb holder with brass glass holder. Frosted glass with many lines and irregularities Brass ceiling plate / wall plate : diameter 10 cm / 3.94...
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
Josef Hoffmann "Palme" Art Nouveau, Jugendstil Chandelier, Re Edtion
Located in Vienna, AT
A smaller version of the famous and magnificent "Palme" chandelier designed by Josef Hoffmann Material Hand formed sand casted brass, crystal glass. Different variations are availabl...
Crystal, Brass
Fairytale Chair After Gerhard Munthe, Executed by Henrik August Vikene C.1915
By Gerhard Munthe
Located in Valby, 84
What an extraordinary and visually arresting piece — the painted heron against the radiating fan motif on the back, continuing into a second fan panel on the stretcher below, is imme...
Pine, Paint
'Balancing Act' Lamp By Joseph Ellwood for Six Dots Design
Located in London, GB
A welded Steel Floor Lamp. Balancing Act is a collection of two lamps and a candle holder. Inspired by Calder’s Circus, it captures a sense of naive joy and playful freedom, inviting...
Steel
Vintage Faberge Style Russia Glass Egg with Etched Russian Ornaments Flowers
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Faberge style Russia glass egg with etched Russian ornaments and flowers. Reminiscent of eggs from St. Petersburg. Marked with Label like see...
Cut Glass
Fabric Department Wiener Werkstaette Silk Wall Light Wall Lamp
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant wall lamp suitable to the fabric department pendants of the Wiener Werkstaette Material Metal frame work covered with silk Most components according to the UL regulations, wi...
Brass
Art Nouveau Pulled Feather Iridescent Glass Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful Art Nouveau Iridescent Glass Vase in Blue, Green and Amethyst with Gilt decorated Pulled Feather decoration. The vase is of a lovely form, the perfect height for a decora...
Glass
Josef Hoffmann and Wiener Werkstaette, Silk Shade Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A very charming table-lamp by Hoffmann, with a silk shade. Custom-made adjustments of color and finish are possible. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstaette Atelier, now c...
Brass
Elegant round Art Nouveau table, Thonet Vienna
By Thonet
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Elegant round Art Nouveau table from the renowned Thonet company, painted black. The table can be easily extended and expanded into an oval table with two additional panels. Conditi...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Pendant Jugendstil Silk Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. Comes as well in other sizes and colors. The other images shows the lamp in a showroom of th...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Silk & Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Desk lamp, originally manufactured at the historical Wiener Werkstätte and archived at the WW-pattern-books with the # S 142 - all in all, just eight lamps were manufactured at the W...
Brass
Art Nouveau Small Breakfast Utensils Meat Fork, Butter Knife, Spoon German 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and elegant dining addition, this delightful set of Bakelite and metal serving pieces brings vintage warmth and style to any table. The collection includes two small meat...
Stainless Steel
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Brass & Silk Chandelier "Dinner" with a Pulley, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Chandelier in several variation used by Adolf Loos, the height of the chandelier is to extend with a pulley Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charg...
Brass
Art Nouveau Cast Iron Plant Stand with Chestnut Leaves, c. 1880-1890
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptionally decorative and finely cast Art Nouveau plant stand dating from approximately 1880–1890. This remarkable piece displays an extraordinary level of casting quality, fe...
Lacquer, Cast Iron
Highly Ornamental Carlo Bugatti Desk & Chair Set, c.1910
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
This rare writing desk and matching chair showcase Carlo Bugatti’s imaginative, eccentric brilliance - a strikingly unconventional choice for bold interior curators and collectors with a taste for the extraordinary. Created circa 1910, the set features Bugatti’s iconic fusion of exotic materials and architectural fantasy: walnut, vellum, pewter and bone intarsia, punched copper, and long silk tassels, all composed into forms that feel both ancient and avant-garde. The desk showcases six small drawers bearing enigmatic, glyph-like script, while lacquered oak acorn...
Copper, Pewter
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Flush Pende, Re Edit
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWM...
Crystal, Brass
Original Josef Hoffmann & Kohn Jacob Chair from 1914
By Woka Lamps, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare undocumented chair by Josef Hoffmann and J&J Kohn. An identical chair with leather upholstery is available as well.
Bentwood
Early 20th Century Austrian "Blue Papillon Silvered Vase II" by Loetz Witwe
By Loetz Glass
Located in London, GB
A very beautiful early 20th Century Austrian blue papillon glass vase of overlaid with applied silver Art Nouveau floral decoration and everted neck with slivered rim and with serial...
Silver
Josef Hoffmann&Wiener Werkstatte Ceiling Lamp Villa Gallia Primavesi, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elaborate wall or ceiling lamp, designed for the Villa Gallia - Skywa - Primavesi, one of the last big houses, which is to consider the peak of Austrians architecture and cultiv...
Brass
Antique Paintings Featuring Lake Landscapes, Oil on Canvas, Early 20th Century
Located in Breganze, VI
The "Antique Landscape Paintings" category features an early 20th-century oil painting on canvas depicting a lakeside landscape steeped in a poetic and tranquil atmosphere. The com...
Canvas
Cast Bronze Pendant, Verdigris Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze with sculpted, flowing curves that echo the flower’s fo...
Bronze
French “Clichy” White Glass Pendant Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French “Clichy” white glass pendant lamp Brass glass holder Weight : 0.85 kg / 1.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made s...
Brass
Émile Gallé long neck Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, 1904-1906
By Émile Gallé
Located in Delft, NL
Émile Gallé long neck Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, 1904-1906 Émile Gallé (Nancy, 1846 –1904) was a French glassmaker and furniture designer Émile Gallé 30 cm high long neck Cameo vase m...
Glass
French Art Nouveau Heavy Brass Etched Glass Lantern Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Classic French gilded brass Art Nouveau hall lantern. Brass frame and gallery with balloon-shaped etched glass. Around 1900-1930 Height including chain and canopy: 75 cm / 29.53 in...
Brass, Gold Plate
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Pende Wrought Brass, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWM...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Coat Hook for the Wiener Werkstaette, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Sensational design from the very puristic period of Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette. Literature: Waltraud Neuwirth, Wiener Werkstaette - Avantgarde Art Deco, Industrial Des...
Brass
Charles Rennie Mackintosh MCM Ingram Dining Chairs for Cassina, Set of 12
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Cassina
Located in Plainview, NY
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Ingram Art Nouveau Dining Chair for Cassina, Set of 12 This rare, collector-grade set of 12 Charles Rennie Mackintosh "Ingram" dining chairs, produced by ...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Iron Savonarola Style Italian Leather Sling Chair Set
By Curule
Located in Bensalem, PA
Please look at pictures and video for overall detail and condition. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Metal, Wrought Iron
French Interior Apartment Gates circa 1910
Located in CA, CA
A beautiful pair of highly decorative interior apartment gates circa 1910 Dimensions: Total width of doors with wall bracket 31.25 inches Width if individual doors 15.5.inches Heigh...
Wrought Iron
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkastätte Table/Desk Lamp, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Pictured is an original fixture which was sold for 250.000 US$ at Jacques Grange Collectionneur in Paris in November 2017. We manufacture this lamp true to the original - Please cho...
Brass
20th Century Cat Musician playing Cymbal 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
Adolf Loos Vienna Modernism Wall Clock by Junghans, Germany, 1920s
By Junghans Uhren GmbH, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful minimalist wall clock, dating back to around 1920, designed by Adolf Loos (1870–1933), manufactured by Junghans Germany. This clock stands out with its unmistakable octag...
Metal, Brass, Enamel, Sheet Metal
Vintage Faberge Russia Style Glass Egg with Etched Russian Coat of Arms
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage Faberge Russia style glass egg with etched Russian coat of arms. Reminiscent of eggs from St. Petersburg. Nice addition to your collection or just as decorative piece. Found ...
Cut Glass
$1,661Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Austrian Art Nouveau bronze wall sconce: torso of a woman
By Vienna Bronze
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A pair of wall lamps from around 1910. Perfect, solid craftsmanship. Brass, bronzed white metal. Each with an E27 socket. Renewed electrification.
Metal, Bronze, Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette brass and Silk Floorlamp floor lamp Jugendstil
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
The Villa Ast, is one of the most important private houses from the 20th century in Carinthia USA and CAN: Most electrical components according to the UL reg...
Brass
19th Century French Bamboo Octagonal Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century French bamboo side table with octagonal top. The top is lovely and is banded in bamboo molding, following down to bamboo angled supports and splayed legs. The legs are...
Bamboo
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Single Light Pendant for Wiener Werkstätte, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstätte used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB...
Crystal, Brass
Koloman Moser for Otto Wagner "Steinhof Church" Chandelier 36 Flames Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Otto Wagner, Koloman Moser
Located in Vienna, AT
Magnificent chandelier for the "Steinhof Church" by Otto Wagner, different measures and settings are possible; As Kolo Moser did several of such designs and was involved in the plann...
Brass
$114 / item
Large Quantity Glazed Antique Tiles, 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of antique handmade border tiles. It shows a beautiful handdrawn illustration in a green and red-brown color on a light background. These tiles would be charm...
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture sh...
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Frank, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
1920 designed Josef Hoffmann chased brass lamp base, different finishes available. Hand sewn Lamp Shade with a Josef Frank fabric, different patterns available. Sample book of the Wi...
Brass
Pair of Danish Carved Lounge Chairs in Green Velvet, 1920s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Pair of Danish Carved Lounge Chairs in Green Velvet, 1920s. A rare set of gorgeous antique armchairs in a rich dark green velour. Jacquard woven seat with floral motifs. Wide scallo...
Velvet, Oak
Brass silvered jugendstil candle holder for 3 candles vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Brass silvered jugendstil candle holder for 3 candles vienna around 1908 Original condition
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Italian Liberty Night Stands Bedside Tables Walnut Glass Top
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant and refined Italian 1950s Mid-Century Modern design, pair of bedside tables with double front door, black glass top and beautiful wood veneer burl decors on the sides an...
Brass
Large Art Nouveau style oak table attributed to Eugène Gaillard
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Large Art Nouveau style oak table dating from the 1920s, attributed to Eugène Gaillard. The woodwork on the base is exquisitely crafted, featuring elegant curved legs. The table come...
Oak
Art Nouveau Etched Champagne Coupes in the Style of Peter Behrens - Set of 5
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 5 art nouveau coupe champagne glasses in the style of Peter Behrens. Each has a muted olive stem that varies in thickness. Clear glass bowls with an etched grape leaf design.
Glass
Vintage Antique MaruMan T2 Heavy Crystal Table Lighter Electric And Gas
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage antique crystal tabletop gas and electric lighter. In great condition. This exquisite Lighter is a testament to the opulence and craftsmanship of the mid 20th century. The b...
Crystal, Metal
Viennese Secession Settee Josef Maria Olbrich 1900
Located in Budapest, HU
An elegant Austrian Jugendstil settee from the early 20th century, executed in the refined and restrained aesthetic associated with the Vienna Secession movement. Crafted in beautifu...
Bentwood
Monumental Art Nouveau table lamp by Paul Aichele, goddess Athena, Germany 1910s
Located in Forserum, SE
A large and highly impressive Art Nouveau table or floor lamp by the German sculptor Paul Aichele (1859–1920), produced in the 1910s. Crafted in finely cast bronze, the piece is cent...
Bronze