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.
Throne Shaped hand-carved Armchair in ebonized oak by Ettore Zaccari
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find exceptionally rare sculptural armchair designer by Ettore Zaccari. It features throne-like form with acorns at the end of their armrests. The armchair i...
Fabric, Oak
Jugendstil Vintage Rattan Armchair Lounge Chair Prag-Rudniker Korbwaren c 1910
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugendstil Vintage Armchair or Lounge Chair from woven rattan in honey brown color by Prag-Rudniker Korbwaren Fabrication circa 1910, Austria. An amazing solo arm chair or lounge cha...
Rattan
Antoni Gaudi Calvet Armchair: a Timeless Piece of Art and Craftsmanship
By Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Introducing the Antoni Gaudi Calvet Armchair, a timeless piece of art and craftsmanship that is a must-have for design enthusiasts and collectors. Designed by the renowned architect ...
Oak
Pair of Bentwood Rocking Chairs with Cane Seat and Back
By Thonet
Located in Miami, FL
This model is inspired by the Thonet no. 10 rocker from circa 1880. It´s made in Spain, circa 1940-1950. It was restored and it´s in perfect shape.
Cane, Bentwood
$6,966Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Three Hand Carved Art Nouveau Chairs, circa 1900
By Victor Horta
Located in Lucenec, SK
Set of three Art Nouveau early 20th century Art Nouveau armchairs. Beautifully carved chair frame made of fruitwood with upholstered seats and back...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
$16,800 / set
Pair of Riemerschmidt Armchairs Chairs
By Liberty & Co., Richard Riemerschmid
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Riemerschmidt armchairs for Liberty & Co., oak, upholstered seats.
Oak
Art Nouveau Set, 1 Sofa, 2 Armchairs, 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau Game. The price includes the 3 armchairs 1 Sofa 2 Armchairs Material: Wood, reupholstered with springs and elastic band (as it was in the old days) If you hav...
Wood
$769Sale Price|23% Off
Art Nouveau Bentwood Armchair, Beech Wood, Germany, Circa 1900
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The art nouveau armchair was made of bentwood. The seat has been reupholstered and covered with a very beautiful Art Nouveau fabric. The chair is reminiscent of Thonet chairs, but n...
Beech, Bentwood
1920s Richard Riemerschmid Armchair – Icon of German Jugendstil Design
Located in Almelo, NL
Exceptional 1920s Richard Riemerschmid Armchair – Icon of German Jugendstil Design A rare and historically important armchair by Richard Riemerschmid, one of the founding visionarie...
Hardwood
$1,719Sale Price|21% Off
Art Nouveau Bentwood Armchair, Beech Wood, Germany, Circa 1910
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful armchair from the time of Art Nouveau. Made of bentwood, according to the principle as Thonet or Kohn, but not signed / stamped. Seat and back surface covered with relief o...
Beech, Bentwood
$3,765Sale Price / set|50% Off
Restored Art Nouveau Armchairs in Hand-Carved Walnut, Circa 1920
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fully restored large Art Nouveau armchairs in Otto Prutscher style. Hand carved walnut and new upholstery.
Upholstery, Walnut
Late 19th Century Pair of Bentwood B-9 Armchairs by Jacob and Josef Kohn
Located in Vigonza, Padua
An Austrian (Vienna) pair of bentwood B-9 armchairs by Jacob and Josef Kohn circa 1870. An original iconic chair. This is the favourite chair of architects especially from "Le Corbus...
Bentwood
Art Nouveau wingback armchair, France circa 1900
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
French Art Nouveau Armchair, circa 1900 A refined French Art Nouveau armchair dating from around 1900, characterized by its generous proportions and softly flowing lines. The high, ...
Upholstery, Oak
Armchair J&J Kohn Nr.327 designed by Koloman Moser, since 1902
By Koloman Moser, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Praha, CZ
Vienna Secession, design attributed to Kolo Moser. In Kohn catalogues since 1902. In nice original condition, solid and compact. Minor repairs made. Perfectly cleaned and polished wi...
Beech, Bentwood
$5,648 / set
Rare bentwood armchairs by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Rare bentwood armchairs by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
$2,635Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau 1910 Armchair Light Brown Bamboo Emilio Paoli Firenze
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Art Nouveau 1910 liberty armchair light brown bamboo in original patina for an original. Elegant, unique of its kind and very rare, the supporting stru...
Bamboo
Antique Art Nouveau Armchair in Solid Oak and Floral Upholstery, Belgium ca 1900
Located in Aartselaar, BE
This elegant armchair, crafted around 1900–1910, is a true masterpiece of early 20th-century craftsmanship, blending the clean geometry of the Arts and Crafts movement with the organ...
Wood, Oak, Fabric
White Art Nouveau Armchair by Marcel Kammerer, Early 20th Century, AT ca. 1908
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Rare, early 20th century armchair designed by the famous Austrian architect Marcel Kammerer (1878 -1959) around 1908 in Austria. The timeless design of this iconic Art Nouveau armcha...
Fabric, Bentwood
Classic SET 4 Bentwood and Fabric Armchairs attributed to THONET
By Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic SET 4 Bentwood and Fabric Armchairs attributed to THONET... mOST UNUSUAL DESIGN.. Bentwood frames Retain its original finish , patina.. appear to have been reupholstered (at ...
Fabric, Bentwood
Art Nouveau Armchair in Bentwood and Cane by Mundus, Yugoslavia 1930s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous Art Nouveau armchair in bentwood and cane. The chair is also known as Chair No. 218. It is made of solid beech wood, using Thonet's signature...
Cane, Bentwood
Pair of Antique Armchairs Model B28 by Thonet, bentwood and cane, Austria 1920s
By Thonet
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant pair of Thonet B28 armchairs, estimated to date from the 1920s. These chairs beautifully demonstrate Thonet’s mastery of bentwood constructio...
Cane, Bentwood
Jugendstil Armchairs, Hand-Crafted Ash, Scandinavian Design, 1900
Located in New York, NY
The high upholstered back combined with wide and deep seat exemplify the Classic and comfortable Scandinavian Art Nouveau design. Sophisticate...
Ash
Pair of Art Nouveau Armchairs, attributed to Angelo Sello, Italy, early 20th cen
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Art Nouveau armchairs featuring rounded backrests and straight armrests terminating in finely detailed brass mounts with fern-leaf motifs. The chairs have been newly ...
Brass
Italian 1910s Art Nouveau Armchair Hand Carved walnut , Eugenio Quarti manner
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FL25 Elegant original Italian Art Nouveau armchair in solid blond walnut with, new Velvet Upholstered, The style is that of Eugenio Quarti (1867-1929) - Italian Furniture & Ca...
Velvet, Walnut
French Art Nouveau Walnut Armchair with Carved Floral Design
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau walnut arm chair with carved floral filigree cane panel back and seat Green seat cushion no longer available. Cane seat.
Walnut, Upholstery
Unique Art Nouveau Pinewood Artist´s Chair by Siegfried Wagner 1910s, Denmark
By Jens Peter Dahl-Jensen, Siegfried Wagner
Located in Odense, DK
Monumental and important pinewood artist´s chair by Danish sculptor Siegfried Wagner. Made in the 1910s by Wagner and fellow artist and trained cabinetmaker Jens Peter Dahl-Jensen. The large armchair is richly decorated in Art Nouveau style. Plaquettes with makers signatures. Siegfried Wagner (13 April 1874 – 1 August 1952) was a Danish sculptor. Wagner attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1889–96. He worked for some time in Vilhelm Bissen...
Leather, Pine
Louis Majorelle - Rare high-back armchair “Les Tomates”
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Majorelle (1859–1926) Rare high-back armchair “Les Tomates” (The Tomatoes) Armchair in ribbed, molded, and carved walnut, decorated with vegetal motifs: ornate capitals, ribbe...
Walnut
Important Louis Philippe walnut living room, 15 pieces, circa 1830
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Important Louis Philippe walnut living room, 15 pieces, circa 1830 1 sofa 2 armchairs 12 chairs
Walnut
1900s Antique Art Nouveau Armchair Bedroom Armchair, Belle Époque
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1910s antique Art Nouveau Belle Époque armchair. This gorgeous silk satin chair of the Belle Époque comes from the noble family “Della Torre di Rezzonico”. This branch of the family...
Silk, Walnut
$4,706 / set
Pair of corner armchairs by Ernesto Basile
By Ernesto Basile
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Ernesto Basile (1857–1932) Pair of corner armchairs in molded and carved natural wood, The armrests are adorned with female heads, the backrests feature shell motifs and openwork w...
Walnut
Antique Art Nouveau Mahogany Tall Finial Parlor Side Chair after J.S. Henry
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Art Nouveau Mahogany Tall Finial Parlor Side Chair after J.S. Henry. Item mak...
Mahogany
$8,825 / set
Pretty Art Nouveau Living Room circa 1900
Located in Mouscron, WHT
pretty art nouveau living room circa 1900 including 1 bench, 2 armchairs and two chairs. everything is in good condition, some marks on the velvet, but it can be used immediately nic...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Wiener Werkstatte armchairs by Koloman Moser for J & J Kohn, Austria
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Koloman Moser
Located in New York City, NY
A fine pair of Austrian Secessionist bentwood chairs in walnut stained beechwood with upholstered seat and back. Designed by Koloman Moser: March 30, 1868 – October 18, 1918 Manu...
Beech
Italian French-style purple leopard print armchair by Domenico Rugiano
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Italian French-style purple leopard print armchair by Domenico Rugiano
Wood
$2,824Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Art Nouveau period armchair in original fabric
Located in Milano, IT
Step into a world of timeless grandeur with this majestic period armchair, an embodiment of Italian Liberty style that will transport you to a bygone era of elegance and charm. Craft...
Fabric, Wood
Art Nouveau Armchair in Bentwood and Cane by Mundus, Yugoslavia 1930s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous Art Nouveau armchair in bentwood and cane. Originally designed by Michael Thonet around 1900, it is often referred to as the "Le Corbusier ch...
Cane, Bentwood
Unusual Art Nouveau Set, 1 Sofa, 2 Armchairs, 4 Chairs, Country, France, 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau Game. 1 Sofa 2 Armchairs 4 chairs Material: Wood, reupholstered with springs and elastic band (as it was in the old days) Country: France If you are looking f...
Wood
Leon Benouville Art Nouveau Armchair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Art Nouveau armchair, circa 1900, by Leon Benouville in sculpted mahogany.
A Pair of English Chippendale Style Armchairs in Birch, 20th Century, England
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Odense, DK
A decadent pair of English armchairs in birch with a beautiful stripe pattern fabric. Made in the early 20th century in England. The chairs' design pays homage to the legendary Engli...
Fabric, Burl, Birch
Art Nouveau Set, 1 Sofa, 2 Armchairs, 1900, France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau Game. The price includes the 3 armchairs 1 Sofa 2 Armchairs Material: Wood, reupholstered with springs and elastic band (as it was in the old days) We have specialized in the sale...
Wood
Fine French Art Nouveau Mahogany Bench
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Art Nouveau solid mahogany bench.
Mahogany
Large Pair of Jugendstil Armchairs in bouclé upholstery , Austria, circa 1910
Located in Almelo, NL
Large Pair of Jugendstil Armchairs, Austria, circa 1910 This impressive and generously proportioned pair of armchairs was crafted in Austria around 1910, during the height of the Ju...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech
$2,974Sale Price|35% Off
Bentwood Cane Salonfauteuil Easy Chair Thonet No. 1, circa 1890
By Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Lucenec, SK
Very rare antique Thonet easy chair no 1 produced by Gebruder Thonet from the late 19th century in a very good condition with new cane on seat, cane ...
Cane, Bentwood
Louis Majorelle Walnut Bergère Armchair, French Art Nouveau Style
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau walnut bergere arm chair with carved floral trim and filigree back. (LOUIS MAJORELLE)
Walnut, Upholstery
Eugène Gaillard Art Nouveau Mahogany Armchair with Upholstered Seat
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau mahogany armchair with a pierced fan form high back connected to curved arms having a seat upholstered in a textured mauve...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
$1,496Sale Price / set|25% Off
GROSFELD HOUSE Armchairs Pair Antique
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Walnut
Art Nouveau Set, 1 Sofa, 2 Armchairs, 4 Chairs
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Incredible Art Nouveau Game. 1 Sofa 2 Armchairs 4 chairs Material: Wood, reupholstered with springs and elastic band (as it was in the old days) Country: England If you have any que...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sculptural Armchair in Faux Bamboo, Art Nouveau Style, Italy, 1900s
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare sculptural armchair in wood turned to replicate the shapes of bamboo, made in Italy in the early 1900s. It is an extremely unusual chair, curious but very refined, which will f...
Metal
$1,690 / set
Pair of Art Nouveau Armchairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Wooden frame painted with brass food ends upholstered with flower fabric. Made in Germany in circa 1890-1900.
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 4 French Art Nouveau Walnut and Upholstery Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 French Art Nouveau walnut open armchairs with upholstered peacock feather design seats and backs. (PRICED AS SET)
Walnut, Upholstery
Set of 8 Belgian Art Nouveau Oak Chairs, Leather Upholstered, c. 1900
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 8 Belgian Art Nouveau carved oak chairs with floral embossed leather upholstered seat and back, with rips. 2 arm chairs: 24¾"w 23½"d 44¼"...
Leather, Oak
20th Century Art Nouveau Armchair Mod. 1307 by Prag-Rudniker, Austria ca. 1903
By Prag-Rudniker Korbwaren-Fabrication, Wilhelm Schmidt
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Extraordinary early 20th century Art Nouveau armchair - Mod. 1307 (first edition!) - designed by Wilhelm Schmidt and manufactured by the famous basketwork company of Prag-Rudniker in...
Brass
Italian Antique walnut curule or dagobert armchair 1920s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Italian Antique walnut curule or dagobert armchair 1920s
Wood
$3,106Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Green and Brown Armchairs
Located in Weesp, NL
Elegant and sophisticated pair of tainted beech armchairs handmade by Pander & sons in the Hague in 1915. The two chairs, we also have the matching two seater sofa for sale, have bee...
Leather, Beech
Pair of French Liberty Art Nouveau Armchairs, 1920s
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Beautiful French armchairs in walnut with decorative inlays on the backs, grooved legs, new upholstery in faux leather with embossed plant motifs.
Faux Leather, Walnut
Art Nouveau Armchair, England circa 1900
Located in Culver City, CA
England, 1900 Elegant armchair with unique backrest and original upholstery. 27”w x 25”d x 50.5”d x 16”seat Ref. CHAIR1355 $ 5,800
Fabric, Wood
$14,000 / set
Armchairs by Johan Rohde
By Johan Rohde
Located in Allerum, SE
Pair of fine solid mahogany armchairs by Johan Rohde (1856 - 1935). Denmark ca 1900.
Mahogany
Antique Bentwood Armchair or Bistro Chair, 1950s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Dark brown bentwood dining armchair or bistro chair. In the style of Thonet with original webbing We date it at early 1950s. Good condition with normal age related wear. ...
Bentwood
Dutch Art Nouveau Amsterdamse School Armchair by Lion Cachet, 1925
Located in Antwerp, BE
Exquisite museum-quality Lion Cachet armchair, an opulent masterpiece meticulously crafted from the finest oak, macassar ebony, and rosewood, adorned with ...
Leather, Oak, Rosewood
Jugendstil Vintage Rattan Bamboo Blue Armchair Side Chair circa 1915 Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Jugendstil vintage armchair or side chair from rattan bamboo designed and made circa 1915 Vienna. A high quality arm chair or side chair from bent bamboo with nickel plated end piece...
Fabric, Bamboo