Aesthetic Movement Furniture
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT
In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
to
352
1,082
733
1,684
147
35
198,063
115,157
44,149
33,200
16,448
12,225
10,877
10,822
9,978
8,948
7,343
6,659
6,508
6,385
6,219
6,160
4,896
3,743
9
1,130
545
182
245
168
74
50
13
13
10
9
11
20
13
10
7
563
484
454
364
264
1,209
717
562
284
260
1,866
1,843
1,848
31
31
30
19
18
Style: Aesthetic Movement
Coastal Wicker Chest by Whitecraft for Woodard Serpentine W/ Travertine Top
By Whitecraft
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wicker serpentine chest by WhiteCraft for Woodard. It has a travertine top that is not affixed to the piece. Note the fun wicker bun feet!.
Category
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Travertine
Cast Brass Library Light in Polished Nickel with Nickel Plated Brass Lampshade
Located in London, GB
Designed by Andrew and produced by hand with care and attention to detail, the Swing Arm Library Light was introduced to the collection in 2013 and has been one of our best selling s...
Category
2010s British Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass, Nickel
19th C. Victorian Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Widows Walk Fence Garden Element
By Fiske Or Mott
Located in New York, NY
Unusually long Victorian Widows Walk fence fragment, made in the USA, circa 1880’s, constructed of cast iron.
Perfect to repurpose as a decorative garden ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Antique Aesthestic Movement Bamboo Three Tier Shelf Etagere Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Antique three-tiered etagere/bookcase/shelving unit (ca. early 20th Century, USA).
Composed of a bamboo frame with metal hardware supporting three walnut shelves and adorned with rou...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Walnut
Large Meissen Porcelain Group of Lovers Kissing in the Ocean on a Rock
Located in New York, NY
A Large Meissen Porcelain group of lovers kissing in the Ocean on a Rock. This piece is truly spectacular in both quality and size. The pair of lovers a...
Category
1870s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Aesthetic Movement Slag Glass Bronze Table Lamp
Located in Astoria, NY
American Tiffany Studios Style Bronze and Slag Glass Table Lamp, early 20th century, with inset favrile turtleback tiles, the domed slag glass shade above a classical column, on a tr...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Giltwood Rectangular Display Case
Located in Astoria, NY
Giltwood Rectangular Display Case, early 20th century, fitted with a door to one end, enclosing three glass adjustable shelves, on a molded stepped plinth, with interior lighting. 59...
Category
Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Philip Webb for Morris and Co, A Rare Sheet Music or Folio Stand.
By Morris
Co.
Located in London, GB
Philip Webb for Morris and Co. A rare walnut sheet music or folio stand with elongated turned finials, pierced circular decoration and a three quarter turned gallery below with three...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Majolica Oyster Plate Russian Imperial Eagle, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica oyster plate called Russian imperial eagle, circa 1890.
Reference / page 132 "Oyster Plates" of Jeffrey B. Snyder.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Strikingly Decorative Victorian Aesthetic Movement Gilt
Ebonized Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A strikingly decorative Victorian side chair having detailed carved ebonized wood and gilded frame offset with fancy chartreuse damask new upholstery.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Royal Worcester Aesthetic Period Gilt Porcelain Snake Handled Owl Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique English Aesthetic Period porcelain vase.
By Royal Worcester.
With an ivory porcelain ground.
Painted with a central scene of a short-eared owl and its chick perche...
Category
Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
French Majolica Oyster Plate Russian Imperial Eagle, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica oyster plate called Russian imperial eagle, circa 1890.
Reference / page 132 "Oyster Plates" of Jeffrey B. Snyder.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Large Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Madonna with Child
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique patinated Mercury glass Madonna with child. Turn of the century / early 20th century.
This is a wonderful and large mercury glass Madonna with child figurine...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Glass, Mercury Glass
English Antique Tantalus
Located in Denton, TX
Early 20th century English Tantalus. Solid oak travel caddy with two cut glass decanters and a key for safety.
Category
20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
$1,250
Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Side Table or Window Table
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An exceptional Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Side Table, a superb example of craftsmanship that embodies the elegance of the era. This exquisite piece, possibly cr...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech, Amboyna
English Transferware Iris Plate Cauldon Circa 1904
Located in Austin, TX
English Transferware Iris Plate signed Cauldon Circa 1904
Cauldon Ltd (Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co)
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Hand-Painted Ceramic Plaques Seascapes 2-DM Birds
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This huge pair of "Barbotine" ceramic plaques have all the bells and whistles. Completely hand-painted with inviting seascapes, each one is surrounded with paste flowers and realisti...
Category
19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
19th Century Oyster Plate Vieillard Bordeaux Service Nella
Located in Austin, TX
Very rare 19th Century Oyster Plate signed Vieillard Bordeaux service Nella.
Naturalist pattern plate with a bird, insects , carnations and others flowers.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience
Henry W Batley Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Pedestal Stand with Carved Sunflowers
Located in London, GB
Henry W Batley attributed. Probably for Collinson and Lock.
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized pedestal base with a central pillar adorned on all four sides with carved sunflowers in a s...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Majolica Bird Plate Keller
Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica bird plate Keller
Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in New York, NY
This gleaming Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza originates from the United States, Circa 1895. Featuring a scalloped profile achieved with ornate organic designs and...
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Majolica Plate Flower
Butterfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Plate Purple Flower & Butterfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880.
Baby blue background with lily of the valley.
8 inches diameter.
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division
Located in Huntington, NY
Sterling Silver " Lilly of the Valley " Bon Bon Dish by Whiting Division
Whiting had small production but produced exceptional handmade silverware in relatively small quantities.
This Company's most important designer was Charles Osborne...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
$440 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century English Majolica Fans Dish
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century English Majolica Fan Shape Dish.
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
$180 / item
English Aesthetic Movement Pottery Japanese Dragon Jardinière on Stand
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late 19th/Early 20th century English Aesthetic Movement decorative jardinaire or planter stand featuring Japanese dragons. Beautifully glazed with a two tone finish of green with ric...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Majolica Plate Lily
Butterfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Plate Purple Lily & Butterfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880.
Baby blue background with lily of the valley.
8 inches.
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
1980s Maitland-Smith English Style Burnt Bamboo Chinoiserie Armoire / Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale Maitland-Smith faux burnt bamboo armoire. This has English styling with its lacquered chinoiserie painted panels. The armoire has quite a bit of storage options...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Lacquer Armchair, Maison Versace, 1970
Located in Nice, FR
Armchair structure in burgundy lacquer, the fabric is not original. Chrome feet. Italy 1970
Category
20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Bellevue Rye Floral Design Art Pottery Teapot
Cover
By Rye Pottery
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare antique art pottery teapot and cover decorated with floral designs from the Bellevue pottery in Rye, Sussex and dating from the 19th century. Typical of Rye pottery...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pottery
An Exceptional Gilt Bronze French 19th Century Jewelry Casket
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An exceptional gilt bronze jewelry casket, attributed to Le Blanc, France Circa 1875. Remarkable craftmanship decorated with squirrels and lizard on handles with beetles and nesting...
Category
1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Barley Twist English Oak Secretary with Display Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
This cabinet/secretary comes from England.
The cabinet is made from English oak.
It is highly carved and boast barley twist columns.
The cabinet doors have beautiful fretwork wedged ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Bohemian Moser Attrib Enameled Ormolu Jewel Casket Table Box
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and exceptional Aesthetic Movement period Bohemian enameled jewel casket attributed to luxury glassmaker Moser.
Hand-crafted in the late 19th cent...
Category
19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal, Ormolu
Louis Comfort Tiffany Reactive Blown Glass Vase
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848-1933) Reactive Blown Glass Vase, of waisted ovoid form with a subtly toned gold, pink, blue and green iridescent ground with a secondary medial ...
Category
Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Pair of Theresienthal Enamel Large Flower glasses c1903 -German
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Superb Theresienthal matched pair of large enamelled flower wine glasses, each has a green foot and shaped green stem with different flower patterns to the large bowl. These are well...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Large Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Gold Art Deco
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning brass baroque empire chandelier reminiscent of the classic style of the empire era. This is a new reproduction and there are several available to ensure you ca...
Category
2010s German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
$9,606 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Victorian late 19th century hand carved pine stools in the Aesthetic movement taste
This stools are very decorative and we...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Pine
Victorian Steer Horn Vanity Bench Side Chair C1890
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and fabulous steer horn vanity bench with a suede fabric. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Horns are tight and sturdy with no damage. Truly a rare form.
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Horn, Fabric, Hardwood
Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo and birds eye maple Bed
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Aesthetic movement birds eye maple and birch bed, circa 1900. The inside of the headboard with faux bamboo turnings and a large birds eye maple inset panel, both inside and outside o...
Category
Early 1900s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birch, Birdseye Maple
$2,500 Sale Price
28% Off
Aesthetic Movement French Ebonized Walnut Pedestal
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Elegant French pedestal in ebonized walnut, featuring a finely turned column resting on a square base, with a matching square top. A piece of refined simplicity and timeless appeal, ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Corner Cabinet with Incised Floral Decoration
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Mahogany Corner Cabinet with floral decoration to the upper shelf area, and to the doors incised decoration of circul...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
Mid Century Outdoor Garden Patio Porch Zinc Strap Iron Bench w Scolled Arms
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous galvanized iron bench from the middle of the last century. In excellent preserved condition, this bench sat mostly on an enclosed porch. Sturdy as the day it was made. No pa...
Category
1960s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron, Zinc
A little pair of Aesthetic Movement oak Thebe stools with leather studded seats
Located in London, GB
A little pair of Aesthetic Movement oak stools with leather studded seats, on Thebes style mushroom feet.
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Pair 19th Century Japanese Wall Shelves
Located in Houston, TX
Late 19th Century Japanese carved wood wall shelves with inlay and painted foliage motifs.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
$3,650 / set
Tiffany Studios New York Student Lamp Signed Bronze Base and Artglass Globes
Located in Savannah, GA
Two bell shaped art glass signed iridescent shades are supported by an adjustable bronze two arm base with bell sockets. The twin paddle knob sockets are stamped GE CO. The base is s...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Samuel Alcock
Co Palissy Majolica Geranium Floral Shallow Bowl, circa 1850
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An unusual Royal Palissy line Geranium Floral oval bowl, from Samuel Alcock & Co, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, circa 1850.
This is a scarce example of Alcocks Palissy Geranium...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Antique English Aesthetics Movement Bamboo and Lacquer Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century English desk handcrafted in bamboo in a Japonisme form featuring lacquered panels hand decorated with flowers and birds, the original brass hardware, leather ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Bruce Talbert for Gillows attri, A Fine Aesthetic Movement Oak
Glazed Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed to Gillows.
A rare Aesthetic Movement oak cabinet with parcel-gilt carving to the demilune doors depicting vine grapes and a butterfly to the right, and the...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
⸻ Round Murano Glass Mirror – “Winged Flowers” Model
Located in Nice, FR
Italian Murano mirror, surrounded by butterflies in white gray Murano glass. The support is made of brass. The work of the mirror is very well made. It can be placed above a fireplac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Art Glass
Pair 19th Century English Fireplace Tool Rests in Brass
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated pair of brass fireplace tool rests in very good original condition, clean and ready to use. The architectural design of this chic set is predictive of the soon to arriv...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Aesthetic Movement Carriage Clock, France, 19th Century
Located in PARIS, FR
Fine aesthetic movement clock in cloisonné enamel and gilded bronze, decorated with polychromed birds and flowers, and geometric gilded ornaments on a ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Vienna Austrian Hand-Painted Porcelain Chocolate Pot
Stand
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional antique Austian hand-painted porcelain chocolate pot and stand by the renowned Vienna factory and dating from the 19th century. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Demure Watercolor Painting of Woman In Thoughtful Pose
Located in Round Top, TX
An enigmatic portrait of a demure woman in a thoughtful pose.
Deep, rich gouache and watercolor original painting, framed in the mid-20th century. Artwork appears to be slightly old...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
Gillows attr. An Aesthetic Movement tilt top dining table with floral inlays
Located in London, GB
Gillows of Lancaster attributed. An Aesthetic Movement tilt top dining table with floral inlays to the oval top walnut.
Stamped mark under the top 8198
Category
1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Grapes Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with bunches of grapes, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1920.
A grape vine branch forms the top handle, grape b...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
English Plain Creamware Soup Plates- a Set of Six
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Plain Creamware Soup Plates- a Set of Six,
Circa1780-90
The plain creamware soup plates have a deep central bowl and a molded rim with a bar and circle design.
Dimensions: ...
Category
Late 18th Century Balkan Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Creamware
19th Century Large Majolica Shell
Coral Jardiniere Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
Large spectacular 19th century Majolica Shell & Coral jardiniere signed Sarreguemines Majolica.
20 inches Lenght.
Category
1870s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Aesthetic Movement Stained Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An elegant English aesthetic movement stained glass window, circa 1890, the central arched panel depicting a classical maiden in a garden holding a garland of flowers. Evoking a sens...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Lead
Hand Carved Aesthetic Movement Table/ Stool with Floral Design
Located in Houston, TX
Wonderful, hand carved floral stool/table. An exuberant stylized flower and leaf pattern covers the top of the table. A simpler corresponding
pattern con...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,100 Sale Price
35% Off
French Barbotine Majolica Sarreguemines Basket of Pansies Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the form of a handled basket brimming with colorful pansies, Sarreguemines, circa 1900-1910.
Two pansy heads form the top handle, pansy blossom...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Jas Shoolbred Attri, An Aesthetic Movement octagonal shaped centre table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred Attri, An Aesthetic Movement Octagonal Shaped Centre Table with lower shelf and turned cross stretchers below.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Minton, Doulton Lambeth, Christopher Dresser, and Wedgwood. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $86,402 while the average work can sell for $1,820.
Still Thinking About These?
All Recently ViewedMore Ways To Browse
Book Table Stand
Brands Of Vintage Glass
Brass Heron Sculpture
Bread Cabinet
Bronze Lalanne
Burl Bedside Chests
Burled Walnut Desk
Burnished Bamboo
Butter Table
Cabinet Dowel
Cabinets With Metal Inlay
Cameo Glass Bowl
Campaign Chest 1970
Campaign Chest Camphor
Canopic Jars
Canton Chinese Bowl
Cardinal Sculpture
Carrera Marble Dining Table