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.
WMF set of Centerpiece WMF, German, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplaces, WMF, German The two small centers: 40 cm (15.74 inch) high x 30 cm (11.81 inch) diameter Page 70 WMF book (Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from Wurttembergische Metallwa...
Crystal, Silver Plate
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
Original John Sollie Henry, armchair, London 1895
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
solid mahogany with polished finish, original brown leather; decorative knobs; strikingly high backrest with stylised decoration in bas-relief; rear legs curved, forelegs tapering do...
Mahogany
Asparagus Serving Dish Plate Majolica Art Nouveau Glazed Pottery Ceramic
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Antique Art Nouveau barbotine aspargus serving plate.
Ceramic
Original Antique Poster Le Bistro De Paris Jugendstil Art Nouveau Coffee Cafe
Located in London, GB
Original antique poster - Le Bistrot De Paris - featuring a man with a moustache wearing a monocle, suit, hat, bow tie, striped socks and a flower in the pocket of his brown coat, si...
Paper
Set of 6 Art Nouveau/Jugendstil dining chairs with suede upholstery
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This unique set of six dining chairs is upholstered in a mint green suede/fabric and originates from the Art Nouveau / Jugendstil series by Dutch designer Schuitema. The chairs offer...
Suede, Wood
Antique German Art Nouveau Jewelry Heart Pin Brooch Ormolu with Stone, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This lovely stylish sentimental brooch was made for a loved one. Made in Germany, circa 1900. The brooch has a red stone and a white stone (probably moonstone) in it. A very pretty ...
Ormolu
René Lalique "Charmes" Frosted Glass Pendant Light, Model 2458, France, 1924
By René Lalique
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
An exceptional pendant light designed by René Lalique, model "Charmes" (No. 2458), introduced in 1924. The large frosted and molded glass bowl is richly decorated with an elegant com...
Glass
Jewelry Box by Cathrine Horsbøll, Denmark, ca. 1900
Located in Valby, 84
Jewelry box of irregular oval form in solid mahogany, the gently wavy lid centred with a marquetry inlay of lighter woods and mother of pearl forming an abstract motif suggestive of ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany
Circa 1910 American Set of 4 Quezal Iridescent Glass Finger Bowls & Undertrays
By Quezal
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Matched set of four Quezel iridescent gold art glass finger bowls & underplates, circa 1910. Queens, NY. Art Nouveau. Called gold, they show radiant hues of purple, blue & pink. Bowls: K833, K896, J210 & K849. Plates: J291, K927, K936 & K949. Provenance: Collection of Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Summer...
Art Glass
Italian Art Nouveau Ash Armoire Wardrobe, c. 1900
Located in Southampton, NY
Italian Art Nouveau Ash Armoire Wardrobe, c. 1900 The Art Nouveau cabinet from circa 1900 thought to be made in Italy. The details show a refined restrained elegance reflecting the ...
Brass
Iron and marble console table by Pier Luigi Colli, Italy, Art Deco
Located in Nice, FR
Exceptionnelle console attribuée à Pier Luigi Colli — Italie, milieu du XXe siècle Rare et élégante console demi-lune attribuée au célèbre designer italien Pier Luigi Colli, remarqu...
Marble, Metal
Stunning French Art Nouveau Brass Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Stunning French Art Nouveau Brass Candelabra, 1940s Elegant and sculptural French brass candelabrum from the 1940s, exquisitely handcrafted w...
Brass
Murano Glass Millefiori vase Multicoloured
Located in Milano, IT
Behold the exquisite grandeur of a decorative vase, a true masterpiece, born from the artistic glassblowing tradition of Murano. This magnificent creation is adorned with a handcraft...
Murano Glass
Figurale Jugendstil Tischlampe Wiener Bronze mit Löwen
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Tischlampe aus der Zeit um 1910. Wiener Bronze; farbig staffiert. 1 Fassung E14 Schirm ergänzt
Bronze
Large French Majolica Tulip Vase Jean Massier Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica Tulip Vase Jean Massier Circa 1900. H / 13 inches.
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Chandelier by Hector Guimard, Bronze & Amber Glass, France
Located in Rebais, FR
Art Nouveau Bronze Hector Guimard Chandelier with old bronze finish and amber pate de verre.
Bronze
Antique French Majolica Vase Centerpiece Onnaing Art Nouveau Iris Tulip c1900
By Frie Onnaing
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique French Majolica Vase Centerpiece Onnaing Art Nouveau Iris Tulip c1900. Direct from France, a rare antique majolica vase and cent...
Majolica
Diskometal Bear Cup by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Little Diskometal Bust of Bear Cup made by Just Andersen in the late 1930s. * Bear Cup Bust in diskometal * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D2060 * Year: 1938 * Condition: Good v...
Metal
Antique Figural Boy Tailor Metal Wine Decanter Bottle Stopper and Cork, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful metal and cork bottle stopper. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal and cork. A beautiful nice Barware item or just a display item in your collections of...
Metal
1 of the 25 Grey Blue Taupe Colored Glazed Tiles, Gilliot Freres Hemiksem
Located in Rijssen, NL
Handmade tiles in taupe, grey and blue glazed color. With an Art Nouveau illustration in the middle with yellow accents. Manufacturer Gilliot Freres Hemiksem. These tiles would be c...
Ceramic
Majolica Parakeets Plate Salins, circa 1890
By Salins
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica plate two parakeets on a blue background with oranges Salins, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Majolica
Rare set of two monumental dragon vases, Art Nouveau, style Massier, 1900 France
By Massier Art Pottery
Located in Wien, AT
Exceptional high-quality set of two vases with a dragon motif, presumably by Massier, made in France around 1900. These vases are a real eye-catcher. The base is round, a typical c...
Ceramic
Antique French Art Nouveau Period Glass Lamp by Daum Studio
By Daum
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Art Nouveau lamp is by the celebrated French glasswork studio Daum which was founded in 1878 in Nancy, France. The lamp is inscribed ‘DAUM, NANCY’. The lamp is of ...
Glass
Old Advertising Sign for Blood Oranges Displaying a Horse, Pottery, Italy, 1920s
Located in Vienna, AT
A decorative advertising sign, made of ceramic, dated around 1920s, made in Italy. An advertising sign for selling Italian blood oranges, displaying a white horse. Good condition wit...
Pottery
20th Century Art Nouveau Two Seat Sofa, School Of J. Hoffmann, AT ca. 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute stunning black early 20th century two seat sofa/ club chair from the famous "Vienna secession" period around 1910 in Austria. This rare, architectural Art Nouveau two seat s...
Brass
Early 20th Century Nephrite, Diamond and Enamel Frog-Shaped Cane
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century nephrite, diamond and enamel frog-shaped cane Continental, c. 1900 Height 81cm, width 7cm, depth 2.5cm Crafted around 1900, this delicate walking stick is filled ...
Stone, Metal
jarrón de vidrio cameo Daum Nancy (Francia) de estilo Art Nouveau
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
jarrón estilo Art Nouveau de vidrio camafeo (cameo glass) con un diseño de moras (mûres sauvages o blackberry), fabricado por la reconocida casa francesa Daum Nancy alrededor de 190...
Art Glass
Brass Jugendstil Glass Tubes Pendant Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Early 20th century brass Pende edition by Woka Lamps with handmade glass-tubes Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label ou...
Brass
Pair of Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Candlesticks, Design No. 286, Johan Rohde
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A pair of Georg Jensen sterling silver candlesticks, design no. 286 by Johan Rohde. Each stands on a stepped ten-sided base and rises through a hammered column to a flared candle cup...
Sterling Silver
Two-part Sideboard In "tramp Art " Style
Located in Charmes, FR
Rare two-piece sideboard, Art Nouveau period in the "tramp art" style , carved and cut wood , with a few minor, scattered imperfections worth noting
Wood
Erotic Nude Statue, Art Nouveau style Bronze Sculpture
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This erotic nude statue in the style of Art Nouveau sculpture depicts a kneeling nude woman adjusting a delicate necklace, combining sensuality and introspective grace in fluid, natu...
Bronze
Antique Art Nouveau Letter Organizer, Early 20th Century, Belgium
Located in High Point, NC
This early 20th century Art Nouveau scientific instrument from Belgium is worked in warm brown wood. Its design carries the Art Nouveau idiom through in its proportions and detailing...
Wood
Antique French Art Nouveau Louis Majorelle Mahogany Buffet / Server Cabinet
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This early 20th to late 19th century French Art Nouveau buffet is a masterwork by Louis Majorelle, one of the most celebrated designers of the period. Crafted in rich, finely grained mahogany, the buffet features Majorelle’s signature ‘Algues’ or seaweed pattern carved in fluid, organic lines across the front and sides, exemplifying the sinuous forms and natural inspiration central to Art Nouveau design. The intricate carving reflects a remarkable attention to detail and a sophisticated understanding of form, turning the piece into both a functional object and a work of art. The buffet is surmounted by a polished marble top, providing a luxurious surface while complementing the warm tones of the mahogany. Beneath, two finely proportioned drawers offer convenient storage, and a single cupboard door opens to reveal fitted sliding shelves, making the piece highly practical in addition to its decorative appeal. The balance of elegance, utility, and sculptural presence is characteristic of Majorelle’s furniture, which is celebrated for merging artistic expression with exceptional craftsmanship. Measuring 54 3/4 inches in height, 51 inches in width, and 18 inches in depth, this buffet commands attention without overwhelming a room, making it suitable for both dining and living spaces. In good condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, it represents a distinguished example of early 20th to late 19th century French Art Nouveau furniture...
Brass
Art Nouveau "Ibis" Cigarette Box by Gabriel Argy-Rousseau
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite cigarette box portrays an Egyptian ibis delicately lifting a bouquet of forget-me-nots. The box’s top and sides are covers in friezes of swags of the flowers. The moti...
Glass, Fiberglass
Iridescent Art Nouveau Forest Bats Vase by Delphin Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Earthenware
Unique dark brown Antique Wrought Iron French Art Nouveau lamp or chandelier
Located in Casteren, NL
This wrought iron lamp is a stunning example of craftsmanship and artisanal metalwork. The lamp features a round, openwork dome with intricate scrolls and floral motifs. The structur...
Wrought Iron
Peacock or Pheasant Bird Desk Letter Mail Holder
Located in New York, NY
A desk letter or mail holder with a peacock or pheasant bird design, in the Art Nouveau design style, circa early to mid-20th century. A desk letter mail holder with beautiful bird d...
Ceramic
French Art Nouveau Blue & Orange Mottled Glass Pendant Light by G.V. Croismare
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau pendant light featuring a richly mottled blue and orange glass bowl by G.V. Croismare, produced by Muller Frères, circa 1920s. This refined French Art Nouveau pen...
Brass
Pair of Vintage French Salt Cellar or Caviar Dishes, France 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A lot of two vintage decorative open salts or caviar pots. Made of silver plate metal and glass inserts. A nice original vintage item for displaying or just to use on your table. Eac...
Metal, Silver Plate
Art Nouveau "Spiders & Brambles Vase" by Gabriel Argy-Rosseau, French c. 1902
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Glass
Alvin American Art Nouveau Floral Silver Overlay Claret Jug
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau glass claret jug with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Cylindrical with small lip spout and silver c-scroll handle; spread base with star cut to underside. Overlay in fo...
Silver
Majolica Carnation Wall Pocket Delphin Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Carnation Wall Pocket Delphin Massier, circa 1880.
Ceramic
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
French Art Nouveau Pendant Light by G.V. de Croismare, Muller Frères, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau Pâte de Verre Three-Light Pendant Light by G.V. de Croismare, Muller Frères, 1920s. This impressive French Art Nouveau pendant light was made in the 1920s by G.V....
Bronze
Unusual Art Nouveau Style 3 Panel Decorative Wrought Iron Screen/Divider
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Art Nouveau style 3 panel iron screen / room divider, Highly decorated, wonderful patina and color pierced iron, lattice, tree motif, Superior qu...
Wrought Iron
Sacre Coure Cathedral Souvenir Building Architectural Model vintage France 1950
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative building sculpture as a souvenir. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is due to age. Made of metal. This item was purchased as a souvenir in Paris, France and was pro...
Metal
Vintage Set of 12 Art Nouveau Style Tube Lined Tiles Fruit Basket NOS
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A vintage set of 12 ceramic majolica wall tile depicting a still life of a fruit basket made in tube line technique dating to the 1950s by unknown manufacturer. The full set is in ne...
Ceramic, Majolica
Degue Art Nouveau Style Hand Painted Lamp
By Degué
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a hand painted half moon shaped glass paste shade lamp mounted in a wrought iron stem branches of roses and leaves. The half moon shade depicts an orange and royal blue color...
Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau Tray, Etched Metal with Oriental Scene, 1900s
Located in Lisbon, PT
This early 20th-century Art Nouveau tray is crafted in etched and painted metal, featuring a finely detailed Oriental-inspired landscape. The central oval panel depicts lush tropic...
Metal
W&G silver-plated alpaca bowl attributed to Kolo Moser or Adolf Loos
Located in Lugo, IT
Alpaca silver bowl by W&G attributed to Kolo Moser or Adolf Loos Good condition. Thank you
Alpaca
Poster Rare Original French Art Nouveau – Journée du Poilu, 1915
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare Original French Art Nouveau Poster – Journée du Poilu, 1915 €404 Add to Cart Description Rare original French Art Nouveau poster, desig...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Oak Varnished Gold brass Calvet wall mirror by Antoni Gaudí, Spanish Design
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid oak coated in fine golden brass sheets using a gold leaf technique. A company that has always attributed such great importance to the author of the designs could never forget the great figures in history. That is why the BD catalogue of contemporary creations has always included those by admired classical masters. Antoni Gaudí (1852/1926) is, without doubt, the most internationally well-known Spanish architect. But is not only his buildings and brilliant architectural solutions that have travelled the globe. His integrated conception of architecture led him to pay attention, not only to structural calculations, but also to all the decorative elements, including furniture, that would form part of the building. The admiration felt by modern designers for the furniture designed by Gaudí has not gone unnoticed by BD which was the first company to rescue them from history by embarking on their serial production using...
Oak
Art Nouveau Silver Wire Chandelier, Handcrafted Metal, Italy, 1970s
Located in Hannover, DE
While searching for something special, I found this stunning chandelier. I had never seen anything like it! The craftsmanship is so intricate and beautiful. The beautiful chandelier ...
Metal
Original of the time 1915 - historistic chandelier, casted brass-parts
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Elaborate historistic chandelier, casted brass-parts, chased ornaments, the hight is just the body with no chain Suitable for the US Total drop custom
Brass
Set of 7 Miniature Wedgwood Lustre Bowls by Daisy Makeig-Jones
By Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre, Wedgwood, Daisy Makeig-Jones
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A set of 7 miniature blue and orange lustre bowl designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones for Wedgwood ca. 1920 and decorated with the 'Hummingbirds' pattern. Daisy Makeig-Jones’s lustreware ...
Ceramic, Luster, Porcelain
Antique Tiffany Studios Tripod Candlestick with Favrile Glass Shade
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exceptional Tiffany Studios Tripod candlestick with Favrile glass shade was created in the United States by Tiffany Studios of New York during the early 20th century, circa 1910...
Bronze
Decorative Art Nouveau dish in tin, France ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Diane Goddess of the Hunt An Art Nouveau hammered pewter bowl with beautifully worked out scene in relief, with Diane, the goddess of the hunt. Crafted around 1910 in France. Typic...
Tin
Pair of Art Novo Figural wall Sconces Sailor & Peasant Woman around 1890 France
Located in Hannover, DE
This pair of French lamps is stunning. The first wall lamp is shaped like a beautiful peasant woman. The artistic design is unparalleled. Her face is delicately carved, and you will ...
Metal, Gold Leaf
Pair of Art Nouveau Seahorse Vases by RStK Amphora
By Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Model #2064 Riessner, Stellmacher and Kessel (RSt&K), consistently marked pieces with the tradename “Amphora” by the late 1890s and became known by that name. The Amphora pottery fa...
Earthenware