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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.

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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Period: 20th Century
Anglo-Indian Carved Peacock Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century hand carved peacock chair.
Category

20th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Giltwood Frame
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Large, old, perfect giltwood frame, suitable for painting or mirror. On request I also have an ornamental frieze to place on top. ref. O/8340
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Large Antique Giltwood Frame
Large Antique Giltwood Frame
$2,082 Sale Price
20% Off
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

Antique English Victorian Solid Brass Flower Andirons
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful pair of brass flower antique andirons. Gorgeous style that blends perfectly with Hollywood Regency meets Aesthetic movement. Great scale for minimal fireplaces. Mid-Cen...
Category

1920s Unknown Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

The Sunlit Harvest Reverie: A Signed Brazilian Masterpiece of Cultural Prestige
Located in Dallas, TX
79381 Vintage Brazilian Tapestry, 02'09 x 07'00. Step into a world where art, culture, and craft converge with disarming elegance—this handwoven vintag...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Porcelain Oyster Botanical Plate Limoges, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Art Nouveau brass and crystal chandelier with golden foliage Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisite chandelier a masterpiece of elegance and style that blends harmoniously into any room. With its stunning details and compact dimensions, this chandelier wil...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Baccarat Decanter for Cognac Hennessy Paradise
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding, rare and unique Richard Henessy Baccarat Cognac Decanter ,Open worked crystal bottle Crystal stopper, This is an old type Richard, no long...
Category

1990s French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Boar and Stag Majolica Tureens
Located in Savannah, GA
A pair of Italian majolica boar and stag head tureens, mid 20th century. 16 ½ inches wide by 11 inches deep by 10 inches tall
Category

Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo Pagoda Wall Shelf Cabinet Att. To Maitland -Smith
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a burnt bamboo pagoda form wall shelf attributed to Maitland-Smith. The shelf measures 28.5”L x 8”W x 27”H. It has two mirrored sections. It is unmarked and in very good condit...
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Grasscloth, Wood

Mid-Century French Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Pine Square Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this family friendly coffee table! From mountain to beach, it is a versatile option! This is a mid-century knotty pine faux bamboo coffee table. It is French and unmarked. It ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Pine

1960 s Tartan Plaid Rug with Traditional Ivy League Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60804 Vintage Tartan Plaid Rug, 11'02 x 11'11. A timeless celebration of heritage craftsmanship and collegiate charm, this handwoven wool vintage tartan plaid rug exudes a distinctiv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Excellent 1950s Brass Stick Umbrella Stand Pot with Verdigris Copper Patina
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A good quality vintage 1950s brass stick umbrella stand. Crafted from high-quality brass, this piece has a verdigris copper patina finish that has bene added which gives the piece a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Framed Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique framed landscape oil painting on canvas is a Classic pastoral but oriented on the vertical allowing the stream to gently Meander thro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas

Émile René MENARD (1862-1930) Adam et Eve, Monumental Oil on Canvas, 1923
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Adam and Eve Oil on canvas signed below left «E.R. Ménard 1923» Labels on the back, including one from the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1925. Titled in a cartou...
Category

1920s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

The Gilded Orchard: A Persian Mahal Rug of Timeless Grandeur
Located in Dallas, TX
72297 Vintage Persian Mahal Rug, 13'08 x 20'08. A one-of-a-kind masterpiece of elegance and heritage, this hand-knotted wool Persian Mahal palace rug captures the essence of refined ...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

1960 s Colorful Turkish Striped Kilim Rug with Rustic Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
60643 Vintage Turkish Striped Kilim Rug, 08'06 x 11'07. A poetic ode to Anatolian resilience and rhythm, this handwoven wool vintage Turkish kilim rug unfolds in symphonic stripes of...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Dr Christopher Dresser for Benham and Froud. A pair of brass fire dogs
Located in London, GB
C Dresser for Benham & Froud, a pair of brass fire implement rests.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Furstenberg Germany Vintage Violet Flowers Round Gold Leaf Trinket Plate
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Furstenberg Germany vintage flower round gold leaf trinket plate Perfect gift for your special someone. Dimensions: Diameter 10 cm (3.93 inches) A s...
Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Schumann Bavaria Large Snow Scene Cabin German Moriage Porcelain Gilt Rim Vase
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stunning and sizeable German Porcelain Vase by Schumann Bavaria circa 1950. It features a Moriage raised porcelain texture to create the effect of the scene through falling snow. Fea...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Rare Tiffany Chrysanthemum Bouillon Bowls Original Lenox Inserts
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Chrysanthemum sterling silver bouillon bowl holders. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Each: Curved and open sides comprising joined stem flowers. Flower-capped lo...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

1960 s Berber Tikdift Zanagah Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79187 Vintage Tikdift Moroccan Rug, 03'05 x 05'03. A joyful ode to pastoral life and tribal memory, this hand-knotted wool vintage Tikdift Moroccan rug from the Zanagah tribe radiate...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique German Sheppard Bronze Sculptures Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
A pair of solid bronze German Shepherd sculpture bookends or door stops. Dating to the 1920s or 1930s. Original felt on the bottom and a nice age ap...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Nordic Firelight: A Rare Scandinavian Swedish Rya Masterpiece in Full Bloom
Located in Dallas, TX
79051 Vintage Scandinavian Swedish Rya, 05'03 x 07'06. Immerse yourself in the magnetic vibrancy of this hand-knotted wool Swedish rya rug—a dazzling artifact of mid-20th century Sca...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Sarreguemines French Barbotine Majolica Trompe l Oeil Melon Covered Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Majolica covered tureen in the shape of a trompe l’oeil melon by Sarreguemines, circa 1900. Molded in the form of a large yellow melon with green vines and leaves. The li...
Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

1950 s Persian Shiraz Pictorial Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79097 Vintage Persian Shiraz Pictorial Rug, 03'10 x 06'04. This extraordinary hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Shiraz rug presents a captivating pictorial narrative, vividly depicti...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Carafe in Engraved Crystal and Silver
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Very elegant French carafe in engraved crystal and silver. On your table or in your bar area it's the most beautiful object to admire. It's perfect and r...
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Edwards Roberts, Queen Anne Revival Swan Neck Inlaid Mahogany Wall Cabinet
Located in London, GB
Edwards & Roberts. An Edwardian Aesthetic Movement Queen Anne Revival mahogany wall cabinet with floral inlaid swan neck pediment and chequer and line in...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo side chair.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

A Rare Original Chair By Syrie Maugham ca 1940 s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare hand painted chair designed by Syrie Maugham and custom made for John Gerald, NYC ca' 1940's. What is rare is that the chair appears to have original upholstery and label unde...
Category

1930s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Thomas Jeckyll, Aesthetic Movement Fire Insert, Made by Barnard Bishop Barnard
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll. An Aesthetic Movement cast iron fire insert with stylized flower details. Made by Barnard Bishop and Barnard of Norwich. This insert takes ten standard 6 inch squar...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

1920 s Persian Mahal Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
61148 Antique Persian Mahal Rug, 04'03 x 06'07. In the heart of our collection lies an exquisite testament to the legacy of Mahal rugs — an embodiment of timeless craftsmanship and a...
Category

Early 20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Rare c.1900 Grecian Pattern Historical Blue Royal Staffordshire Pottery Plate
Located in Louisville, KY
This rare Royal Staffordshire Pottery piece was part of the Aesthetic Movement, which started in England in the late 19th century. This plate has the historic Staffordshire markings ...
Category

Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Tri Color Cut Glass Perfume Bottle with Atomizer
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antque cut glass tri color perfume bottle with atomizer. Green glass background with lilies in Art Nouveau design. Great decorative and collectible piece.
Category

1940s English Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cut Glass

French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Limoges Majolica Porcelain Oyster Plate, circa 1890. with shells.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Sheffield Dickinson El Dorado Steel and Wood Handled Long Butchers Knife
By Dickinson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A 16 inch long butchers knife, a carbon steel blade with an unusual carved wood tapered handle, Sheffield, England. The blade is marked: The El Dorado...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Cut Steel

Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A superb quality Gorham silver plated on copper oval tea tray encrusted in cast vintage motifs. Monogram "EBR". Medallion maker's insignia: "Plate...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

English c. 1900-1910 Wedgwood Blue Willow Pattern Platter
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1900-1910 Wedgwood Blue Willow pattern platter, England. Deep blue color and precisely applied transfer. Blue backstamp: Wedgwood & Co, Ltd,...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Monumental Italian 1950s Wrought Iron Wall Lamp
Located in Milan, IT
Monumental Italian 1950s wrought iron wall lamp.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

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

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

Pair 20 th c Murano Iridescent Glass Perfume Bottles
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Mid 29 th c Italian Murano glass iridescent from mush with white feathers. Beautiful decorative and collectible
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Small Majolica Frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small Rare Majolica frog Jerome Massier, circa 1900. Reference / Page 118,119 "Barbotines de la Cote d 'Azur" of M.Bottero.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

1980 s Berber Glaoui High-Low Moroccan Carpet with Raised Design
Located in Dallas, TX
20923 Vintage Glaoui Moroccan High-Low Rug, 12'10 x 17'08. Woven with intention and soul by the Glaoui artisans of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, this vintage high-low wool Moroccan...
Category

Late 20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

1960 s Earth-Tone Persian Mazandaran Kilim Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
76386 Vintage Persian Mazandaran Kilim Rug, 06'01 x 06'10. From the verdant slopes of Iran’s northern provinces, where forests hum with moisture and mist, this handwoven wool vintage...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

The Andalusian Garden: An Antique Spanish Needlepoint of Timeless Elegance
Located in Dallas, TX
72494 Antique Spanish Needlepoint Rug, 10'08 x 14'10. This antique Spanish needlepoint rug is a remarkable testament to Spanish artistry, blend...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Victorian Wire Domed Birdcage on Stand
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique Victorian domed wired bird cage with gold accents. On stand.
Category

1940s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wire

1960 s Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
50561 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 07'00 x 10'01. As if touched by the twilight of a distant Anatolian memory, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug glows with a timeworn ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Tiny Vintage Florentine Mirrors; a pair
Located in Malibu, CA
Florentine gold framed mirrors. Classic pair of small accent mirrors. New mirror never used. The pair can be broken up, inquire within.
Category

Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Mirror

Tiny Vintage Florentine Mirrors; a pair
Tiny Vintage Florentine Mirrors; a pair
$209 Sale Price / set
25% 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

Antique Aesthetic Movement Table Lamp in Japonisme Style
Located in Houston, TX
This very special table lamp is of the Japonisme or Aesthetic Movement Style. The Japanese lamp is intricately painted with some moriage and some gold. The paint is an enamel-like ...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Classic Masonic Temple Flush Mount Lamp
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a hard to find and classic flush mounted lamp. The seeded and frosted glass is all original. The frame is a dark oil rubbed finish with a simple pattern dark light pattern ov...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

English Aesthetic Tortoise Bamboo Hall Shelf Magazine Rack
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous English aesthetic movement bookstand with a display shelf and a large magazine rack or canterbury. Beautifully crafted from tortoise shell bamboo poles. The stand has a smal...
Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Elaborate Scrolled Set Of Andirons, Log Holder And Fire Tools
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elaborated crafted set of andirons, fire tools and log holder. Pair of large intricately scrolled and pierced andirons each in a black-painted finish. The tops each garnished with a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

The Aquatic Mosaic: A Vintage Zapotec Kilim Masterpiece of Cubist Harmony
Located in Dallas, TX
79154 Vintage Tessellated Fish Zapotec Kilim Rug, 02'08 x 04'09. This exceptional handwoven wool vintage Tessellated Fish Zapotec rug is a masterstroke of cultural prestige, a rare c...
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Turkish Narrow Runner dated 1912
Located in New York, NY
A one of a kind Turkish Runner dated 1912 Details rug no. 30817 size 2' 2" x 11' 2" (66 x 340 cm)
Category

20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Early 20th Century Side Serving Drinks Tea Twig Table Smoked Glass Top Wood
Located in Tilburg, NL
Beautifully crafted occasional twig table related to the aesthetic movement in the late 19th century. Early 20th century, most probably English. Made out of twigs and finished wi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Twig, Smoked Glass

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.