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.
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom ...
Silk
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 55 Pendant Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
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
Josef Hoffmann & Josef Frank & Wiener Werkstaette Ball Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Josef Frank, Woka Lamps
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
Dagobert Peche Wiener Werkstaette Neue Galerie Ny Jugendstil Chandelier Reedited
By Woka Lamps, Dagobert Peche, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally owned by Woka, the lamp has been sold at the Viennese auction-house "im Kinsky" to Ronald Lauder for the Neue Galerie New York and is now reproduced by the skilled craftsm...
Brass
Adolf Loos Vienna Secessionist, Jugendstil Brass Table Lamp, Re edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Table light with opaline glass shade, designed for Villa Steiner Several finishes are available Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Hanging Lamp Chandelier, Pendant, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A hanging lamp with chased rosebuds on the rim, glass-hangings and fabric in the requested Color. Comp WW Archive, Museum of Applied Arts Vienna MAK, wall Vase, No. S 2243, Expertise...
Brass
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
Adolf Loos Knize Jugendstil Chandelier Pentagondodekaeder Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
A so called "Pentagondodekaeder" a ball made from 12 flat pentagons, made for the famous taylor-shop Knize in Vienna, Paris and Berlin", we do other dimensions as well, please look a...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Brass & Silk Desk Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann table lamp with a fabric-shade - different Colors are available Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstätte Atelier, now custom-made production at the Woka Lamp...
Brass
Petite Viennese Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Chandelier, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Contemporary production Petite Viennese chandelier, design from the early period of the early 20th century All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge ...
Brass
Adolf Loos Brass Opaline Glass, Table Lamp Jugendstil, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Table light with opaline glass shade, designed for Villa Steiner Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures. ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Silk & Brass Moldauer Pende, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
For the residence of the Banker Dr Dietrich Moldauer material: Patinated brass, silk, all other colors are possible. Literature: Sekler, Josef Hoffmann – Das architektonische Werk, S...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann/Wiener Werkstaette Moldauer Brass and Silk Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
This chandelier is an excellent example for Hoffmanns way from the geometrical reduction - started 1901 by him, to the neoclassical direction, which he started, circa 1909, on the wo...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann "Palme Kobe" Jugendstil Chandelier, Re Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Variation of the great Palme designed by Josef Hoffmann in circa 1918 Different Variations of the chandelier are available - see our pictures below Total drop custom made. All compo...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of French Art Deco Lamps in Wrought Iron with Glass Shades
Located in Verviers, BE
A wonderful pair of French lamps. The stands are handmade in wrought iron with black finish patina and hammered with floral pattern. The metalwork is of excellent quality. They are c...
Wrought Iron
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
French Art Deco Lustre Alabaster Ceiling Pendant Chandelier, circa 1930
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique alabaster chandelier or lustre, French made in the art nouveau period Good condition Shipping: D 35 / 35 / 10 cm 4 kg.
Alabaster
Art Nouveau Opaline Ceiling Lamp, Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Bel...
Opaline Glass
Austro-Hungarian Jugendstil Crystal Glass N Brass Parlor Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Viennese parlor chandelier. On the bottom we can mount a diffuser on request, to cover the visibility of the bulbs Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional...
Crystal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Hanging Lamp Chandelier, Pendant, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A hanging lamp with chased rosebuds on the rim, glass-hangings and fabric in the requested Color. Comp WW Archive, Museum of Applied Arts Vienna MAK, wall Vase, No. S 2243, Expertise...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Koloman Moser Wiener Werkstaette Pende, re Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Frequently used by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser in their early works for the Wiener Werkstätte Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will...
Brass
Art Deco Ceiling Lamp, Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with screw fixing to hold a stylish Belgian Art Deco lampshade...
Art Glass
Koloman Moser and Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A very nice version from the often used design by Koloman Moser as well as by Josef Hoffmann, the total drop will be custom made. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstaette A...
Brass
Old Bronze Art Nouveau Guimard's Lamp and Pâte de Verre
Located in Rebais, FR
Old bronze Art Nouveau Guimard's lamp and Pâte de Verre.
Bronze
Big Art Nouveau Bronze Guimard Chandelier ( UNIQUE PIECE )
By Sofar
Located in Rebais, FR
Big size French bronze Guimard's chandelier with nickel finish and blue pâte de verre.
Bronze
Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Ceiling Lamp, Re-Edition
By Koloman Moser, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Ceiling light with seven opaline glass bulbs, total drop custom made. Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser were using these designs! Glasses with colored spots with an additional charge ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Wall Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A design for the Purkersdorf Sanatorium near Vienna. Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstaette, now manufactured at the WOKA workshop in Vienna. All components according to ...
Brass
Austro-Hungarian Floral Jugendstil Brass & Opal Glass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
An excellent example of floral Jugendstil. Hand formed sand casted brass-parts, hand blown opaline-glass. Can be fixed on a table as well Most components according to the UL regulat...
Brass
Original Early 20th Danish Table Lamp in Bronze in the Style of Johan Rohde
By Johan Rohde
Located in København K, 84
Original Scandinavian 'skønvirke' table lamp cast in bronze with exceptionally fine ornamentation in the style of Johan Rohde (1856-1935 Denmark), having pedestal form with base of f...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Bronze Three-Light Chandelier with Signed Daum Nancy Glass Shades
By Daum
Located in Lisse, NL
An elegant and highly refined French Art Nouveau chandelier, executed in patinated bronze and fitted with three original glass shades signed Daum Nancy. A sculptural and harmonious l...
Brass, Bronze
Brass Crystal Jugendstil Glass and Brass Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass crystal glass chandelier early 20th century Edition by Woka Vienna. Total drop custom-made. Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will...
Crystal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann / Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil/ Art Nouveau Table Lamp Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A very early design by Josef Hoffmann for the Sanatorium Purkersdorf Veranda, later used at the Cabaret Fledermaus. Published in Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration 1906. Hoffmann was comm...
Brass
$6,106 / item
Josef Hoffmann WW Sconces Wall Lamp Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Very Elaborate Hand chased sconces, designed by Josef Hoffmann and originally manufactured at the historical Wiener Werkstaette. A longer Version was made for the Cafe Sabarsky at th...
Brass
Hand-Carved Alabaster Pendant Light, Jugendstil Style, Circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Dramatically different, this deep, curved fixture has been recently rewired and is suspended from its brass canopy, on brass rods. As custom wiring is always included with our fixtur...
Alabaster
Hector Guimard Art Nouveau Chandelier, Bronze and Glass, France, New
Located in Rebais, FR
Big size Guimard's chandelier with nickel finish.
Bronze
$15,881Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Crystal Chandelier Antique Ceiling Lamp Lustre Art Nouveau Lamp
Located in Berlin, DE
Restored Antique Chandelier: A Labor of Love from Berlin Step into the world of timeless elegance with this meticulously restored antique...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Pendant, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Material: brass laquered or nickel plated. Silk-shade comes in any colour. White inside. handmade. The bottom is covered with a hardened opaline-glass in a brass-frame different size...
Brass
Art Nouveau Opaline Ceiling Lamp, Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Bel...
Opaline Glass
Adolf Loos American Bar Wall Lamp for the Famous Loosbar in Vienna, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Adolf Loos has used such lamps in several houses such as Villa Steiner 1910, Wohnung Vogl Pilsen 1929, Wohnung Brummel pilsen 1929. The lamps from the American Bar in Vienna are diff...
Brass
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Art Nouveau Hand Blown Stained Glass Brass Table Lamp Germany
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Beautiful Art Nouveau stained glass lamp in working condition. Adjustable, curving brass stem. Throws a warm light while projecting aest...
Brass
Documented Jugendstil Adolf Loos Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Adolf Loos has designed this lamp for the Valentin Rosenfeld Apartment in 1912 and for the Taylor-store Erich Mandl 1916 Lit: Rukschcio/Schachel, Adolf Loos, Leben und Werk, p 497,57...
Brass
$2,801Sale Price|40% Off
Art Nouveau Brass Chandelier Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisite antique chandelier, lovingly restored in Berlin with meticulous attention to detail. This elegant piece has been re-wired to work seamlessly with US electri...
Brass, Wire
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp from the Looshaus in Vienna, Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Chandelier from the big entrance-hall at the Looshaus, one of the most controversial buildings at that time as it opposites the imperial Palace in the heart of Vienna. Total drop is...
Brass
Rare, Terra Cotta Toned Alabaster Pendant, Sweden, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Carved from a seldom seen type of alabaster, the large, predominately brown and white fixture is earthy and organic in appearance. A series of convex and concave curves adorning the ...
Alabaster
Art Nouveau Chandelier by Hector Guimard, Handcrafted Bronze & Glass
Located in Rebais, FR
Art Nouveau chandelier from Hector Guimard. Old bronze with finish and amber glasses.
Bronze
Art Nouveau Bronze Hector Guimard Chandelier with Nickel Finish
Located in Rebais, FR
Art Nouveau chandelier from Hector Guimard. Bronze with patinated nickel finish and purple glasses (lie de vin).
Bronze
Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Light, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Flush - 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: WWMB...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Hanging Lamp Chandelier, Pendant, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann&Wiener Werkstaette hanging lamp chandelier, pendant. Re-edition Single pendant! Lenght custom made Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additio...
Crystal, Brass
$8,809Sale Price|41% Off
Beaded Brass Crystal Chandelier Antique Ceiling Lamp Lustre Art Nouveau Lamp
Located in Berlin, DE
**Exquisite Chandelier - Lovingly Restored and Professionally Enhanced in Berlin** Presenting a captivating chandelier that seamlessly combines timeless elegance with modern functio...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
Table Lamp in Terracotta, Art Nouveau, L. Hjorth, Bornholm, Denmark, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
A finely hand-decorated terracotta table lamp from the esteemed L. Hjorth ceramic studio on the island of Bornholm, Denmark. Dating from the early 20th century, this piece exemplifie...
Ceramic, Terracotta
Art Nouveau Opaline Ceiling Lamp hand Painted, Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Originel Fitting E27 messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Belgian Art Nouveau lampshade...
Opaline Glass
Art Nouveau Opaline Ceiling Lamp, Massive Belgium Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Bel...
Opaline Glass
Art Nouveau Ceiling Lamp, Val Saint Lambert Belgium Crystal Shade, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Crystal ceiling lamp Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with screw fixing to hold...
Crystal
$504Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of French Art Deco Lamps in Wrought Iron with Colored Glass Shades Signed
Located in Verviers, BE
A wonderful pair of French lamps. The stands are handmade in wrought iron with black finish patina and hammered with floral pattern. The metalwork is of excellent quality. They are ...
Wrought Iron
Josef Hoffmann Pendant/ Chandelier Re-Edition for the Apptm. Gustav Pollak
Located in Vienna, AT
For the appartment Gustav Pollak, in Vienna 1040 Total drop is custom made
Brass
French Lustre Frozen Glass & Brass Ceiling Pendant Classical St, 20th Mid-C
Located in Labrit, Landes
20 th mid-century chandelier or lustre, French Frozen glass and brass, in the classical style This can be rewired to USA or EU and UK standards. Shipping 29 / 29 / 32 cm 4 kg
Brass
"Triflower" Josef Hoffmann&Wiener Werkstaette Silk&Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A very charming table lamp with fabric-shades in any colour. Base diameter 20cm (7.9"). Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werksta¨tte Atelier, now custom-made production at the W...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann&Wiener Werkstätte Wittgenstein Silk&Brass Table Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
ppartement Jerome und Margaret Stonborough-Wittgenstein, Berlin. Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass