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.
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Occasional Table with Floral Marquetry
By Émile Gallé
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau occasional table with a circular top with shaped edge and floral marquetry inlay that rotates on a central axis, resting on four tapered sabre legs joined by a squ...
Wood
Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Set Of Four Nesting Side Tables, Black Stained, C 1900
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant Art Nouveau side table set comprising four individual tables of varying sizes that can be nested inside one another. High-quality, handcrafted furniture featuring decorati...
Beech
1910s Oval Viennese Occasional Table by Wiener Werkstätte, Solid Walnut Restored
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century oval Viennese occasional table from Wiener Werkstätte, solid walnut restored, attributed to architect Josef Hoffmann designer Measures cm: H 76, W 70, D 52 "...
Walnut
Jugendstil Burled Birch Nightstand with Marble Top, Sweden, 1900
Located in New York, NY
Adorned with elegant burlwood veneers on all visible sides, both nightstands showcase a sophisticated aesthetic. The interior storage is generous, and the construction is impressivel...
Birch
Art Nouveau Washstand Nightstand Cabinet Reminiscent of Louis Majorelle
By Antoni Gaudí, Louis Majorelle
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderfully understated with some type of Agate or Quartzite Top, which we believe is original to the piece. This piece is signed under the drawer, Blaiff or Cliff Lager. Overall W...
Stone
Pair of Spanish Iron Drinks Tables with Arched Tripod Bases
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely pair of Spanish iron end or drinks tables was recently hand crafted by skilled European artisans using traditional iron working techniques. They feature tapered square ce...
Iron
Antique Thonet Bentwood Side Table, Leather & Beech, Austria, 1910s
Located in Ljubljana, SI
This antique Thonet-style side table is a rare and highly collectible example of the transition from late Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) to early modern functionalism. It showcases the rev...
Leather, Beech, Bentwood
20th Century Italian Chevet Table Circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century Italian chevet table, circa 1900, is a charming example of functional elegance. Crafted from walnut, the table features a rich, warm tone and a smooth, polish...
Walnut
Antique Set of French Japonisme Art Nouveau Nesting Tables 1890 table side table
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & Rare! This set of French Art Nouveau nesting tables in Japonisme minimalist style 1890 with gorgeous inlaid wood displaying birds , butterflies & floral motives. The set...
Wood
Jugendstil smoking side table
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil smoking side table. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Side Table by Louis Majorelle, Nancy, Art Nouveau Period, Circa 1900.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Side table by Louis Majorelle, Nancy, Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. Two level side table, marquetry work with floral motifs by Louis Majorelle,...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Monumental Carved Art Nouveau Table
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
monumental in detail, exceptional skill demonstrated in the very high-relief carving. Likely produced circa 1880-1910. Large in size, commanding quite a presence. A covetable objec...
Rosewood
Viennese circa 1900 Side Coffee Table by Thonet in Ebonized Walnut Wax-Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Original secessionist bentwood side table in the manner of Joseph Hoffman. In good original condition. Measures cm: H 61, W 42, D 42 (internal shelves H 40cm).
Walnut
Jugendstil side table no.31 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil side table no.31 by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished with shellac.
Beech, Bentwood
Early 20th Century Italian Burr Wood Occasional Table
Located in London, London
An elegant Italian burr wood occasional table, dating to the early 20th century, notable for its fluid lines and refined decorative detail. The circular top sits above a frieze cent...
Burl
Spanish Gilt Iron Drinks Table on an Elevated Tripod Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
An elegant small scale side table, recently crafted by European artisans using traditional skills. Featuring a hand-applied gold finish with subtle dark undertones, it rests upon a f...
Iron
Jugendstil side table with brass top by Joseph Maria Olbrich
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil side table with brass top by Joseph Maria Olbrich in very good original condition.
Brass
$1,059
Jugendstil Plant Stand
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil plant stand professionaly stained and repolished with french polish.
Brass
Edwardian Mahogany Art Nouveau Inlaid Occasional Table
Located in Altrincham, GB
Edwardian Mahogany Art Nouveau Inlaid Occasional Table, with Marquetry and Pewter Inlay - 21"w x 20"d x 28"h
Pewter
Pair of Late 19th Century Tortoise Bamboo Side Tables from France
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century tortoise bamboo side tables from France. The tables have a basketweave pattern on the top, supported on brackets, which are connected to the legs. The top is...
Bamboo
Antique Art Nouveau Solid Wood Table with Brass Details, 1920
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Antique Italian side table. 19.5" in diameter abd 28.5" high. Solid wood decorated with brass, ornamental paint and veneer. The table has ...
Brass
Italy antique Sorrentine Coffee Table Solid carved Walnut richly Inlaid the Top
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th Century Sorrentine coffee table centre table with the top inlaid of floral elements with elm burl ; tripod central leg in solid hand-carved walnut. Wax-polished Measure co...
Elm, Walnut, Burl
Set Of Four Art Nouveau Nesting Side Tables, Glass & Brass Inserts, Vienna, 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Art Nouveau side table set comprising four individual tables of varying sizes that slide into one another; each table features a faceted glass top set within a surrounding br...
Beech
Table Maison L´art Nouveau, Bing Atelier Magasins, Siegfried Bing, Art Nouveau
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau table. With the original label, from Siegfried Bing's or Samuel Bing shop. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale. L'art Nouveau Bing, Atelier Magasins sold many pieces to the Louvre museum. It was the most revolutionary store of the time. It was located at 22 rue de Provence, Paris. If you want a unique Art Nouveau piece, this should be your choice. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale. the Maison de l'Art Nouveau ("House of New Art"), abbreviated often as L'Art Nouveau, and known also as Maison Bing for the owner, was a gallery opened on 26 December 1895, by Siegfried Bing at 22 rue de Provence, Paris. The building was designed by the architect Louis Bonnier (1856–1946).[2] Unlike his earlier stores at the same location and nearby at 19 rue Chauchat that specialized in Japanese and Asian art objects, the gallery specialized in modern art.[1][3] The original exhibition featured windows designed by Nabi artists, including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and made by Louis Comfort Tiffany...
Wood
Victorian Majolica Ceramic Table / Stool With Numidian Cranes by Thomas Forester
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Rare & Exquisite Victorian Art Nouveau Majolica Ceramic Colbalt Blue Garden Table, Stool Circa 1881-1900 by famous pottery makers Thomas Forester & Sons Features a decorative Num...
Ceramic
Pair of Art Nouveau Thonet Side Tables - Vienna, 1904
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Girona, Girona
Pair of tripod and triangular side tables in stained and varnished solid beech, thick glass tops with fleur-de-lys motif. Production: Thonet, Vienna, model 9104 from 1904.
Glass, Beech
Art Nouveau Side Table by Emille Gallé
By Émile Gallé
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau side table by Emille Gallé with water lily and dragonfly inlay. Professionally stained and repolished.
Wood
$1,129
Art Nouveau Side Table
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau side table. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
SMALL ENGLISH OAK LIBERTY LONDON STYLE ART NOUVEAU SIDE END LAMP WiNE TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely and simple English oak circa 1920-1940's side end lamp wine table in the Liberty London taste P...
Oak
$2,155Sale Price|20% Off
Side Table Red Marble Top White Wooden Base Handmade in Italy by Cupioli
Located in Rimini, IT
This decorative coffee table is handcrafted using a Tuscany marble, known as Paonazzo. This selected marble has suggestive naturale veines in a red amaranto color. The top stands on...
Marble
$2,062
Secessionist Side Table
Located in London, GB
Secessionist Side table or Plant Stand with fine detailing matching the era and origin.
Brass
Fine French Art Nouveau - Art Deco Walnut Gueridon by Tony Selmersheim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Joseph Paul Anthony Selmersheim known as Tony Selmersheim (1871 - 1971) - A fine French Art Nouveau four legs pedestal on a cylinder base Walnut Gu...
Walnut
Jugendstil side table with blue tiles top by Adolf Loos
By Adolf Loos
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil side table with blue tiles top and brass leg endings designed by Adolf Loos in very good original condition.
Brass
Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table on a Tripod Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
This lovely small scale Spanish iron side table was recently hand crafted by skilled artisans using traditional iron-working techniques. It features a distinctive design with a twist...
Iron
French Art Nouveau Wood and Brass Gueridon
Located in Long Island City, NY
In a Secession style, with a stained oak base and a hammered brass tin top.
Brass
Small Spanish Iron Drinks Table with Scrolled Legs
Located in Buchanan, NY
Elevate your space with this elegant, hand-crafted Spanish-style side table. Recently hand crafted by skilled European artisans using traditional iron working techniques, this charmi...
Iron
Gilt Iron Drinks Table on an Elevated and Scrolled Tripod Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
This charming Spanish drinks table has been expertly handcrafted by skilled European artisans employing traditional iron-working techniques. It features an elegantly twisted central ...
Iron
Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Bentwood Table, Attributed to J&J Kohn, circa 1905
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
An exceptional “Fledermaus” bentwood table designed by Josef Hoffmann circa 1905–1906, attributed to the renowned Viennese manufacturer Jacob & Josef Kohn. Known as model 728/T, the ...
Wood, Beech, Plywood
French Art Nouveau Table by Louis Majorelle
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau mahogany salon table with fruitwood marquetry by Louis Majorelle. The table top is decorated with leaves and vines. The legs have carved flowers, circa 1900. ...
Fruitwood
Edouard Colonna French Art Nouveau Side Table
Located in New York, NY
A French Art Nouveau mahogany side table with carved decoration in an abstract curvilinear vegetal motif by Edouard Colonna (1862-1948). Circa 1900. Along with Louis Comfort Tiffany, Edouard Colonna was one of the main designers who worked for Siegfried Bing and who, under Bing's guidance, was responsible for the creation of what is known today as the Modern Style, or Art Nouveau. Colonna is remembered for his tasteful elegance and his use of abstract forms to create a graceful linear rhythm and dynamic intertwining lines. While he occasionally started with a floral motif, Colonna abstracted nature to create the impression of a flower bud or bloom held within a carefully constructed geometric scheme. This design scheme is evident in the delicate carvings ornamenting each leg of the table and in the overall rhythm of the piece. Colonna furniture, jewelry and designs for small objects like scarf and money holders...
Mahogany
$2,640Sale Price|32% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Two-Tier Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
A beautiful antique Art Nouveau two-tier table entry or side table with cabriole legs. Mahogany, featuring a gargoyle applique and with gold reveal details highlighting the curved li...
Mahogany
Vintage-Inspired Spanish Iron Drinks Table on a Tripod Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
Vintage-Inspired Spanish Iron Drinks Table on a Tripod Base This charming drinks table was recently hand-crafted by skilled European artisans using traditional iron working techni...
Iron
Secession Plant Stand in Style of Wiener Werkstatte
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession plant stand in style of Wiener Werkstatte atr. to Josef Hoffmann. Original vintage condition.
Metal, Copper
19th Century Round Bamboo Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century round bamboo side table from France. The top has a lovely bamboo molding surrounding a basketweave pattern top, following down to thicker bamboo legs, which are splayed...
Bamboo
Round secession side table
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Round secession side table. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Secession bedside table by J&J Kohn
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession bedside table by J&J Kohn. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Antique Wrought Tiered Iron Parlor Organ Floor Lamp Table Telephone Stand 46"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Art Nouveau style parlor floor lamp / telephone / plant stand / side table featuring a two tier design with barley twisted columns supporting a Tiffany style lamp...
Iron
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Side Table, Marquetry Wood, France, Circa 1910
By Émile Gallé
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Art Nouveau table, made in marquetry, by Émile Gallé (1846-1904). Signed Galle France, CIRCA 1910.
Wood
Set of Four Hand-Carved French Art Nouveau Nesting Tables, Circa 1900
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set off four French Art Nouveau nesting tables,late 19th or early 20th century. Dimensions; 56 x 39 x 74 cm. 49 x 36 x 72 cm. 42 x 32 x 70 cm. 36 x 29 x 68 cm.
Wood
Spanish Gilt Iron Side Table on an Elevated Tripod Base
Located in Buchanan, NY
A unique small scaled side table, recently made by European artisans, has a hand applied gold finish and is mounted on a fanciful elevated tripod base ending in upwardly scrolled fe...
Iron
Mahogany Two Tier Circular Side Table by Louis Majorelle
Located in Montreal, QC
Mahogany two tier circular side table by Louis Majorelle with marquetry inlaid decoration and mother-of-pearl. branded mark "Majorelle Nancy," France:circa 1920
Mahogany
Secession side table with double top
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession side table with double top in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Brass
19th Century French Tortoise Bamboo Side Table with Chinoiserie Decoration
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table with chinoiserie decoration from France. This table is fabulous! It has a bamboo molded edge around the top, surrounding the hand painted ch...
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
Art Nouveau Style Mahogany Circular Side/Drinks Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
featuring a round dish-top above a shapely tripod base with scalloped apron and adorned with foliate scrolls all raised on cabriole supports
Mahogany
J & J Kohn Set Of 4 Nesting Art Nouveau Side Tables, Josef Hoffmann, Circa 1906
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Art Nouveau side table set consisting of four individual tables of different sizes that can be nested inside each other, first appearing in the Kohn catalogue of 1906. The at...
Beech
Pair of Italian Art Nouveau Bronze Pedestal Side Tables with Dancers, c. 1920
Located in ALHAURÍN EL GRANDE, Malaga
An elegant and highly decorative pair of Art Nouveau bronze side tables, likely made in Italy around 1920. Richly ornamented in the flowing organic style of the Jugendstil period, ea...
Bronze
$8,472Sale Price|20% Off
Olga Pedestal Table by Louis Majorelle, France, circa 1900
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb pedestal / side table in mahogany with double trays. Each foot is decorated with a bronze shoe / hoof with a floral motif (clematis or orchids). Art Nouveau, France, circa ...
Bronze
France Art Nouveau Side Tables Japonisme Style, 1925
Located in Den Haag, NL
Two very nice Art Nouveau side table. Hand painted Flowers on the tops. These tables are in a distressed condition. In a Japonisme style love this. Structural sound.
Wood
Thonet Vienna Art Nouveau Set of Four Nesting Side Tables, Mahogany Stained
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
High-quality handcrafted placemat, beech bentwood, stained mahogany, shellac hand-polished: Four nesting side tables in different sizes with an elegant design, the largest of the tables with a smoked glass inlay on top. Manufactured by Thonet brothers, Vienna, around 1900 Model number 9110 Measures of largest: Height: 69.5 cm / 27.36 inches Width: 60.0 cm / 23.62 inches Depth: 40.0 cm / 15.74 inches Bibliography: Illustrated Catalogue of Michael Thonet, Vienna 1904, page 68, number (91)10 Original vintage furniture...
Smoked Glass, Beech
Vintage French Art Nouveau Brass Side Table w/ Scrollwork Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Patinated Brass, Painted Oak Wood Style: French Art Nouveau This vintage French Art Nouveau-style side table features a beautifully...
Brass