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.
Large Vaudeville Era Theater Chandelier
Located in Peekskill, NY
I did not count every crystal in the dome but there is about 9000 pieces in graduating size on a rod frame. There may be only 2 or 3 beads missing out of the thousands. The lamp is i...
Crystal, Bronze
Jugendstil Sea Horse Planter by Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Oxidized copper (green sections). Chased and hammered. Note: We do not ship pieces uninsured. We require shipping through 1stDibs, for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the default quote does not include packing and insurance and we do not ship uninsured. 1stDibs shipping provides a level of value, protection, and care that aligns with our commitment to safeguarding historic artworks and providing excellent client service. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Shortly before the foundation of WMF, Daniel Straub had founded his first manufacturing company, Maschinenfabrik Geislingen, in connection with his participation in the construction of the Geislinger Steige, the steepest railway line in Europe at the time. As experienced metal spinners, the brothers Friedrich and Louis Schweizer were able to contribute their technical expertise to the project. Most early designs for the company looked to past historical styles although early recognition of the quality of its products included the award of a Gold Medal at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. The company showroom, established in Berlin in 1868, was its first retailing outlet and marked the beginnings of a rapid development in scale. By 1880, when the company merged with Ritter & Co. to form the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, the company employed about 200 and had a range of nearly 1,000 products, many of them electroplated. In the late 19th century the company was also involved in architectural decoration, ornaments for the home and replicas of works of art and archaeology, including the reproduction of Lorenzo Ghiberti's famous early Italian Renaissance doors...
Brass, Copper
René Lalique Serpent Blue Glass Perfume Bottle
By René Lalique
Located in Franklin Park, IL
René Lalique Serpent Blue Glass Perfume Bottle This perfume bottle measures: 2.25 wide x 1 deep x 3.5 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We ta...
Glass
Tiffany Studios Apple Blossom Table lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Tiffany Studios Apple Blossom Leaded Glass and Bronze Table Lamp, The patinated bronze base with with Acorn design in wonderful condition...
Bronze
Large Hand-Glazed Danish Art Nouveau Vase by Danico, 1920s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A danish 'Jugend' - art nouveau vase. . The floral decorations on this vase was achieved by using slip trailed glaze through a cow horn and feather quill . Danico in Horsens, Denmark...
Ceramic
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Hand Chased Plafonier with Ornaments Reedition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful ceiling lamp with very elaborate hand chased ornaments, originally designed in 1905, now handcrafted at the Woka workshop in Vienna All components according to the UL regu...
Brass
Vintage Salterini Style Leaf Vine Scroll Wrought Iron Oval Patio Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Salterini Style Leaf & Vine Scrolling Wrought Iron Small Oval Garden Pati...
Wrought Iron
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Wild Rose Cake Stand Delphin Massier Circa 1890, 9.8 inches diameter , 4 inches height.
Ceramic, Majolica
Moorcroft Green Glazed Flamminian Ware Cannister Vase 1913
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare Moorcroft for Liberty & Co green glazed flamminian ware cannister shaped vase dated 1913. Flamminian Ware was produced between 1905 and 1915 and was produced for renowned...
Ceramic
Carlsbad Austrian Art Nouveau Porcelain Iridesecent Vase, Late 19th Century
By Loetz Glass, Carlsbad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period iridescent porcelain vase In the manner of Loetz By Carlsbad Porcelain Austria, Late 19th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 8.5"H. Very good origin...
Porcelain
Vintage 1910s Josef Hoffmann Easy Lounge Chairs, Style of Gatsby
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Two Elegant Josef Hoffmann Chairs made by Manufactor Jacob & Josef Kohn. Early 20th-Century Armchairs in Great Gatsby Style. Crafted around 1910 Jugendstil , these armchairs r...
Fabric, Beech
Art Nouveau Brass and Walnut Magazine or Music Stand, Germany, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant German Art Nouveau magazine stand in brass and walnut, featuring refined vertical lines and a light, architectural presence. This elegant magazine stand was made in Germany circa the 1920s and reflects the late phase of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil), transitioning toward early modernist design. The piece combines slender brass uprights with warm walnut wood shelves, creating a visually light yet well-balanced structure. The vertical rhythm of the brass framework and the restrained ornamental detailing are characteristic of German Jugendstil furniture...
Metal, Brass
$1,232Sale Price|20% Off
Scavo Cenedese Blue Glass Vase from the 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
Blue vase in Scavo di Cenedese glass made in the 1950s. Measures: Ø 13 cm, H 19 cm Scavo glass is a type of ornamental glass with a rough surface with a matte finish in imitati...
Murano Glass
Vintage Butterscotch Ovoid Hand-blown Vase, Makora Krosno, Poland
Located in Louisville, KY
This beautiful contemporary ovoid vase is a gorgeous example of the hand-blown glass artisanship found in Krosno, Poland. Skilled craftsmen develop Makora Krosno Hand Blown Glass in ...
Blown Glass
$186Sale Price|20% Off
Marigold Dugan Carnival Glass Tulip Vase - Opalescent - Orange - Art Nouveau
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
A beautiful tulip vase in opalescent pinkish-orange marigold carnival glass. The glass is almost iridescent. The color has marigold iridescence. It is wonderful. This vase is very de...
Glass
Majolica Frog with Mandolin Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica frog who playing mandolin signed Delphin Massier circa 1900. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werksaette Silk/Brass Chandelier
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. Comes in all sizes Total drop custom made - 55 cm DM Most components according to the UL re...
Crystal, Brass
Lot of Two Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Lot of two 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 t...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Art Nouveau Black Japanned Metal Bird Cage, Hand-Painted, Circa 1900-1920
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce Art Nouveau painted metal or Jappaned bird cage, possibly German, circa 1900-1920. The black square cage shows a shapely eaved roof with the original top hanging handle. Ha...
Metal
Hector Guimard, Garden bench, a rare example retaining its original wooden seat.
Located in London, GB
Hector Guimard, Cast iron garden bench. A rare example retaining its original Art Nouveau wooden seat. It is important to note that the original wooden seat and back show complete pu...
Iron
Georges DE FEURE French Art Nouveau Glass Pitcher, ca1910
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Glass Pitcher by Georges de Feure, Paris, circa 1910. Elegant French Art Nouveau glass pitcher by Georges de Feure, created in Paris, circa 1910. This refined pie...
Art Glass
$269Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Jewelry Box Jewels Bronze Colored Metal France
Located in Poperinge, BE
A beautiful, antique French jewelry box, very heavy, made of patinated copper-plated metal, shaped like a table, with a hinged lid and a central medallion depicting a Greek-style fem...
Metal
$297Sale Price|30% Off
Antique French Gilt Bronze Wall Sconce, Acanthus Leaf Design, 1910s
Located in New Orleans, LA
A French antique single wall sconce, made of gilt bronze, featuring ornate, scrolled acanthus leaf designs and a fabric shade. Exhibits intricate, decorative elements such as scroll...
Bronze
Large Arts & Crafts Brass & Oak Gustave Serrurier-Bovy Style Wall Clock, ca 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful and stylish clock, in good working order. If you are looking for an exceptionally designed clock from the Arts & Crafts era then this rare wall clock could be yours to o...
Brass
Gallé Table Lamp Mushroom Green Leafs, France
By Gallé
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau Gallé table lamp is a real eye catcher. Made around 1900 in France. The table lamp, shaped as a mushroom, is made of green colored glass with leafs on it....
Glass
Oval Jugend Center Table in Oak with Brass Details, Finland Early 20th Century
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking example of early 20th-century Nordic design, this Finnish oak table bridges the elegant curves of Jugend (Art Nouveau) with the emerging geometry of Art Deco. Its refined ...
Brass
Herman A. Kähler LARGE HAK Ball Shaped Floor Vase Denmark Early 20th Century
By Sophie Lundstein 1, Herman Kähler
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Large Art Nouveau ceramic floor vase made by Herman A. Kähler ceramic works in Denmark in the period 1915-1930. Most likely crafted by Sofie Lundstein or Tulle Emborg. The ball shape...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau - Style Sterling Silver Pedestal, Based Vase by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau-Style, sterling silver, pedestal-based vase, Gorham Mfg. Company, Providence, Rhode Island, year-hallmarked for 1923. Hammered in design and chased with flowers. Measures...
Sterling Silver
Legras and Gallé Signed, Set of Large Acid Etched Enameled Glass Vases, 1920
By Auguste Legras, Gallé
Located in Rijssen, NL
This exquisite Art Nouveau set of 3 soliflore vases by LeGras and Galle are statement pieces in the room. Signed "Legrass" and "E Gallé" An acid etched 'cut back' technique has been...
Glass
Originals 1905 of the Period Pair of Josef Hoffmann and Jacob &Josef Kohn Chairs
By Woka Lamps, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Very early and important design by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn; horseshoe-shaped stand, each with two spheres under the corner joints of the seat, beechwood, light stained, polis...
Bentwood
Pink Swirl Coupe Glasses - Set of 6 - France
Located in Fairfield, CA
A set of 6 vintage coupe glasses in a pale blush pink hue. Each glass has a lovely swirl design. Made in France by Arcoroc. Each glass measures 3.75"Dia x 4.5"H
Glass
German Jugendstil Earthenware Centerpiece, circa 1905
Located in Valencia, VC
A beautiful German Jugendstil earthenware centerpiece or serving dish dating from the early 20th century, circa 1905–1915. The dish features an elegant scalloped outline resting on t...
Ceramic, Clay, Earthenware, Majolica
Unique Art Nouveau Vase by Meta Lieberkind, Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1911
Located in Valby, 84
Unique Art Nouveau vase of ovoid form in porcelain, hand painted with a large blue iris in full bloom above elongated green leaves, the upper body with a continuous landscape of wate...
Porcelain
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil Broom and showel set vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Partly copper
Brass, Copper
Frie Onnaing French Art Nouveau Barbotine Majolica Asparagus & Shell Plate
By Onnaing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Barbotine majolica Asparagus plate in the Art Nouveau style, Frie Onnaing, circa 1890-1910. A deep plate with a shaped rim and a scallop shell m...
Earthenware
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Ambra Vase, Murano Glass "Sommerso" by Salviati
By Salviati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A characteristic Art Nouveau ambra vase, Murano Glass "Sommerso" by Salviati. Measures cm: Height 38, diameter 22.
Murano Glass
$1,563Sale Price|43% Off
Swedish Art Nouveau Counterweight Pendant in the Style of Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
This lovely Swedish counterweight lamp is a real gem! It's in such great condition for its age. The design and especially the floral fabric are strongly reminiscent of the Austrian d...
Crystal
19th Century French Tortoise Bamboo Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century tortoise bamboo side table from France. The top and lower shelf are covered in original rush, surrounded by bamboo banded molding. The top is supported on splayed legs...
Bamboo, Rush
1909 Set of 12 Sterling Silver Teaspoons by Reed & Barton
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 sterling silver teaspoons, Chambord 1909 pattern by Reed & Barton. Monogram "MC". 7.60 troy oz. 5 5/8" x 1 3/16" x 7/8". We are a family business that has been a major sou...
Sterling Silver
1 of the 410 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1910s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing and unique set of 410 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1910s. Stylized design. Notice that each pattern consists of 4 separate ...
Ceramic
Pair Tiffany Style Art Nouveau Stained Glass Table Lamps with Cast Bronze Bases
Located in Torquay, GB
A decorative pair of Tiffany style table lamps featuring richly coloured leaded stained glass shades with stylised rose motifs in shades of ruby red, green, amber and opalescent whit...
Bronze, Lead
A pair of English Art Nouveau candlesticks with flowing organic decor
Located in London, GB
A nice quality pair of English Art Nouveau candle sticks with flowing organic decoration throughout. Price for the pair.
Brass
$1,996Sale Price|22% Off
German Art Nouveau Oak Coat Rack with Mirror and Umbrella Stand
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This small German Art Nouveau coat rack in oak dates to around 1900 and shows the characteristic organic lines of the period. Its balanced design combines practical elements with ele...
Tin
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
Kolo Koloman Moser/Josef Hoffmann Opaline Glass Pendant Jugendstil, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Single pendant often used by Josef Hoffmann as well as by Koloman Moser. We have the colored glasses in several versions and also the white opaline glasses. Length is custom made! Mo...
Brass
jugendstil fruit bowl brass silvered with original glass around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
jugendstil fruit bowl brass silvered with original glass around 1908 Original condition
Brass
$697Sale Price|45% Off
Art Nouveau Table Lamp with Original Cut-Glass, circa 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Art Nouveau table lamp with original cut-glass, circa 1908 polished and stove enameled.
Brass
$298,500
Tiffany Studios Poppy Lamp
Located in New Orleans, LA
Poppy Lamp Tiffany Studios Circa 1910 This exquisite table lamp by Tiffany Studios features the firm's iconic Poppy shade and its patinated bronze root bas...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Perfume Bottle with Ornate Sterling Overlay c. 1890's
Located in Louisville, KY
This beautiful piece of functional art is a gorgeous reflection of the Art Nouveau era from which it came. Used primarily as a perfume bottle, this stunning work of art was created b...
Sterling Silver
Sarreguemines Art Nouveau Barbotine Majolica Glazed Earthenware Orchid Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Sarreguemines French Barbotine faïence majolica plate showing a spray of three purple and yellow orchids on a cream colored ground. Raised, dimensional mold work with a shaped r...
Earthenware
$9,421 / item
Josef Hoffmann-Wiener Werkstätte Pendant, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass lamp lacquered or nickel-plated. Silk-shade comes in any color, white inside. All handmade. Optionally the bottom can be covered with a hardened opaline-glass in a brass-frame....
Brass
Art Nouveau Nightstand, Solid Oak & Marble Top, Hand-Carved, 1920s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Art Nouveau night stand or side table . Hand carved Flower medallion on the door . Bronze handles . Stunning Marble top . solid Oak . Very good condition . 1920s Belgium
Oak
Underwood No. 5 Typewriter, cast iron , New York, circa 1917
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing Underwood No. 5 Typewriter, New York, circa 1917, an icon in the history of typing. This typewriter is a classic among 20th-century typewriters. The mechanism works perfect...
Iron
GEORGE ADAM SCHEID 1900 Art Nouveau Joseph Maria Auchentaller Enameled Box
Located in Miami, FL
Joseph Maria Auchentaller enameled box for George Adam Scheid (1837-1921). An extremely rare box created in Vienna, Austria, at the silversmith atelier of Georg Adam Scheid, circa 1...
Silver, Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Elegant Brass and Copper Art Nouveau Candlestick by Carl Deffner Germany 1910s
By Carl Deffner
Located in Malmö, SE
An elegant counterweight Art Nouveau / Jugendstil candlestick with amazing patina. Model 518 in the 1902 Deffner Catalog. Made from brass and copper by manufacturer Carl Deffner in E...
Brass, Copper
pair of secessionist armchairs Joseph Maria Olbrich Friedrich Otto Schmidt 1898
By Friedrich Otto Schmidt, Joseph Maria Olbrich
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
pair of secessionist armchairs, Joseph Maria Olbrich (design), Friedrich Otto Schmidt (execution), 1898 technique: solid oak, brass, fabric (Backhausen, model “Abimelech”, designed ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Bentwood Large Coat Rack /Umbrella Thonet Vienna, 1879-1887
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau bentwood coat rack attributed to Thonet, Vienna, Viennese coat/Umbrella hanger Thonet was included in the production program of the company Gebrüder Thonet around the Y...
Bentwood, Beech
Jugendstil Josef Hoffman/ Wiener Werkstätte Flower-Table Flower Stand, Reedition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Flower-table from the very early phase of the Wiener Werkstatte, circa 1903-1905. Exhibition: Moderne Vergangenheit, Wien 1981, Nr. 253 sowie Titelabb.; Exhib.- Kat, Josef Hoffmann W...
Brass
Patinated Antique Art Nouveau "Shy Girl" Bronze by Georges Van der Straeten
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous art nouveau "Shy Girl" bronze by Georges Van der Straeten for Société des Bronzes de Paris, circa 1900s. The bust has wonderful detail and is in very good vintage condition ...
Marble, Bronze
Large hand carved Art Nouveau chimney mirror, France ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Unique Art Nouveau chimney mirror in oak, made in France around 1910. The oak frame is hand-carved and has the flowing, elegant design that is so characteristic of French Art Nouveau...
Mirror, Wood, Oak