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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
Returnable Items Only
A Pair of Jensen Style Serving Spoons, stately sized
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very impressive pair of Salad or Side Dish Servers in the style of George Jensen, the famous Danish Silver Smith. The serving pieces are large and practical for a Buffet Service. T...
Category

1950s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Coastal Wicker Chest by Whitecraft for Woodard Serpentine W/ Travertine Top
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

George Tinworth Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Pottery Bowl, 1879
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine and decorative Aesthetic Movement Doulton Lambeth early stoneware bowl decorated with scrolling seaweed and rosette designs by renowned artist George Tinworth and dated 1...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

⸻ 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

High-Back Aesthetic Movement Chair
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Shipping Note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. Important Care Information: When purchasing a ch...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Oak

Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Art Pottery Vase by Emily Edwards 1875
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and exceptional Doulton Lambeth aesthetic movement stoneware vase decorated with stylized motifs by renowned designer and decorator Emily J Edwards and dated 1875. Emily Edwards...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Royal Worcester Floral Painted Twin Handled Porcelain Vase
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine Aesthetic Movement Royal Worcester twin handled vase hand painted with floral designs dated 1899. The small, elegant porcelain vase stands raised on a square pedestal bas...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

R J Horner Bird s Eye Maple and Faux Bamboo Chiffonier
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 19th Century American Bird's-Eye Maple Chiffonier/Chest of Drawers, attributed to R.J. Horner Co., New York. This elegant tall chest features five graduated drawers adorne...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Birdseye Maple

Antique James W. Tufts Boston Engraved Silverplate Aesthetic Movement Tea Set
Located in Centennial, CO
A sweet aesthetic movement antique circa 1880 three piece tea set by Boston maker James W. Tufts. The set is made of silverplate and engraved with decorative Asian motifs including b...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Important 19th Century Oak Revolving Bookcase
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Large 19th-century oak revolving bookcase with three shelves. This charming 19th-century bookcase features three shelves, which is quite unusual. The height between the shelves is 31...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

English Antique Aesthetic Movement Cobalt Blue Glass Tile c1900s
Located in High Peak, GB
Stylish and very attractive English, early 20th century Aesthetic Movement blue glass tile. The tile depicts a raised sunflower with shaped petals and a stem on fluted circles. The t...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

Antique Black Lacquer Aesthetic Movement Slipper/Hall Chair With Velvet Seat
Located in Morristown, NJ
A very striking Antique English Aesthetic Movement black lacquered chair. The chair has an openwork wood back carved as a fan of styli...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

19Th. Century French Bamboo Lacquer Cabinet Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this large and rare 19Th. Century French Bamboo Lacquer Cabinet Etagere in the style of Perret et Vibert,. This cabinet has a large mirro...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer, Paper

LaBarge Italian Giltwood Painted Tole Mirror With Acorn Leaf Metal Foliate
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century tole and wood mirror by LaBarge. The oval frame is a distressed gilt and brown wood. The maple leaf and acorn tole are also brown with green and white accents, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Rarest Arts Crafts Beveled Glass Brass Pendant Light Lantern w. Unique Chain
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted, beveled glass holding lantern with the original and unique triangle elements chain. If you are looking for the best and the rarest when it comes to European Arts and Cr...
Category

Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wire

Venice Vintage Chandelier Lustre Antique Big Flower Glass Brass
Located in Berlin, DE
Authentic preserved Venice chandelier: Impeccably restored and revitalized Step back in time with this original preserved chandelier from 1950. It has been carefully restored to emb...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Aesthetic Movement Tortiose Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two Tiered Wall Shelf
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original Aesthetic Movement Victorian Tiger Bamboo Rattan Two-Tier Shelf, perfect for both display and storage. The shelf features a distinctive halved bamboo slat base, offering bot...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

Bentwood Scroll Café Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
84 Bentwood café side chairs with hairpin scroll design open back and wood seat. From BILLY'S 1890 RESTAURANT, NY. (84 - PRICED EACH)
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

American Aesthetic Movement Birds Eye Maple Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Chinese and Japanese bamboo style furniture reached the height of popularity after the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. As the Aesthetic...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Aesthetic Movement Shrimp Shell Hand-Painted Ceramic Dish signed Limoges
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable Aesthetic Movement ceramic shell dish, crafted and signed by Limoges, France, circa 1900, is a stunning example of artistry and craftsmanship inspired by nature. Cele...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Globe Wernicke Mahogany Bookcase Of 5 Elements With A Drawer
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant Globe Wernicke London bookcase in mahogany from the end of the 19th century - Early 20th century - England which has 5 elements and a drawer in the base Beautiful model whic...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Aesthetic Movement English Oak Side Table
Located in Faversham, GB
A charming Aesthetic movement oak side table by British architect and furniture designer Charles Locke Eastlake. The table in the Gothic manner displays a generous top raised on fou...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Victorian Glass Ball and Claw Black Ebonized Oak Table, circa 1870s
Located in Hastings, GB
Victorian glass ball and claw ebonised table C'1870's Beautiful ebonised side table with turned bobbin legs. There are 4 brass eagle claws holding ...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair, Antique Meissen Porcelain Ornithological Gold Encrusted Chargers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meissen (German, founded 1710), 20th century. A pair of fine quality porcelain chargers depicting two hand painted birds. Each centralized ornithological bird perched on a branch is...
Category

20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Enamel

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

19th Century Mahogany Side Table with Barley Twist Legs
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
19th century square walnut side table raised on four exquisite barley twist legs. Detailed, carved stretchers with urn-shaped carved finial and brass ball and claw...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

48 piece Rosenthal Bjorn Wiinblad Motif collection Dinner ware
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a nice set of dinner ware by Rosenthal. The set is called the Motif Collection which was designed by Bjorn Wiinblad. It has a lace pattern in a soft white. Its a fine bone ch...
Category

Late 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table
Located in London, GB
George Jack for Morris and Co. A high Aesthetic Movement circular side table with a shaped top and shaped upper apron standing on six beautifully shaped legs, each with fine carved f...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

19th-C. Victorian Era Aesthetic Movement Burnt Bamboo Side Table Faux Bois Paper
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Victorian Era English burnt bamboo side table. Both tiers have been papered in a tree motif wall paper that is in keeping with the Aesthetic Movement period. It is in very ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Paper

Aesthetic Movement Trinket Box, circa 1900
Located in Spencertown, NY
The box with scenes of lilliputian figures
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

Haviland Limoges Porcelain Dresser Box Lid, 1876-1889
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique porcelain dresser box with lid features sculptural squared form with rounded scalloped corners that is mirrored in the lid's outline. The box is hand decorated with a variat...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Gillows attr, An Aesthetic Movement octagonal walnut eight leg centre table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed, in the style of H W Batley. An Aesthetic Movement octagonal Mahogany eight leg centre table with shaped supports below the top and four ...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Aesthetic Period Hurricane Parlor Oil Lamp Pendant Light Chandelier
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century circa 1882 Victorian / Aesthetic period converted hurricane oil lamp swag pendant light / chandelier. Brass frame with etched cra...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

French Faux Bamboo Miniature Armoire
Located in Queens, NY
French Faux bamboo maple miniature armoire with a large mirrored door above a drawer with a pediment top
Category

20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Keystone by Whiting Youth Sterling Silver Fork, Knife Spoon Boxed Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine boxed youth utensil set. By Whiting. In sterling silver. In the Keystone pattern. Comprising a youth fork, knife, and spoon. Together with its original presentation box. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale Two ‘Medieval’ Pattern Cast Iron Garden Benches
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale. Two ‘Medieval’ pattern cast iron garden benches. These particular models are ‘Medieval’ number 52 in the Coalbrookdale 1875 trade catalogue. I bought...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

An Aesthetic Movement Walnut Gilt Octagonal Centre Table
Located in London, GB
Hewetson & Thexton, in the style of Bruce Talbert. An Aesthetic Movement walnut and gilt octagonal centre table with ring and spiral turned legs terminating in turned finials, united...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement E.W. Godwin-Style Oak Rocking Chair Rocker
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement E.W. Godwin-Style Rocking / Nursing Chair, circa 1870s. Features a quartersawn oak frame with spindled back, beaded accents and a red upholstere...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

Large Open Bookcase In Mahogany - 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant and rare large open bookcase from the 19th century. A very beautiful and uncommon large model in mahogany. Indeed, large open bookcases are rare. The lower section has a adva...
Category

19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Aesthetic Movement Childs Chair with Pressed Leather Cats on Seat Back
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Childs Chair with Pressed Leather Cats on Seat Back. 17” wide by 14” deep by 24 1/2” tall seat hight 10”. Pressed leather...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

Aesthetic Movement 2 Tier Side Table After A Design By E W Godwin
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement 2 side table in ebonised beech. Square top with under tier shelf, turned legs with ring incised detailing with connecting turned and angled struts. After a desi...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Beech

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

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

An Aesthetic Movement side table with scroll supports stood on ring turned legs
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement side table with scroll supports stood on ring turned legs united by a turned cross stretcher with an object or plant pot stand to the centre.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

The Anatolian Rosette Veil: Vintage Turkish Sivas Masterpiece of Quiet Prestige
Located in Dallas, TX
52023 Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug, 06'02 x 09'11. This hand knotted wool vintage Turkish Sivas rug is a study in restraint, refinement, and intellectual beauty—woven for those who appr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Bobbin Turned Chairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good pair of English late 19th Century ebonized and bobbin turned corner chairs with woven rush seats.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Rush, Beech

English Plain Creamware Soup Plates- a Set of Six
Located in Downingtown, PA
Set of Six English Creamware Soup Plates, Circa 1800-1830 This is a refined set of six English Creamware soup plates, dating from the early 19th century. Each plate features a clas...
Category

Late 18th Century Balkan Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Creamware

19th Century Scottish Aesthetic Movement Polished Cast Iron Fireplace Insert
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A large masculine and flamboyant example of a 19th century Scottish Aesthetic movement cast iron fireplace insert. A large outer plate with recessed fielded panels hosts an off set p...
Category

1880s Scottish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Aesthetic Movement Oak Pipe Rack with a Japanese Style Brass Fretwork Backplate
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic Movement. An oak pipe rack with a Japanese-style brass fretwork backplate, and a tobacco draw with brass handle.
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Strawberries Oil on canvas , signed and dated 1894
Located in Oxford, GB
Exquisite still life of Strawberries , oil on canvas . Signed and dated 1894 ('94) but unable to discern signature. Purchased in Avignon , France . Beautifully rendered with lush col...
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paint

Longchamp s Wild Majolica Menagerie: French Majolica Palissy Dish
Located in Downingtown, PA
Longchamp's Wild Majolica Menagerie: French Majolica Palissy Dish Maker: Longchamp Pottery, France Date: Circa 1880 Medium: Earthenware, multi-colored lead glazes (Majolica/Barboti...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Majolica, Pottery

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

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

Majolica Aqua Parakeets Jardinière Sarreguemines, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Parakeets jardinière planter signed Sarreguemines, circa 1880. Model 7122. Jardinière / Height 6.", length 10" on 6".
Category

1880s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Gillows attr, Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Mahogany Centre Table with Amboyna top
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Mahogany Octagonal Centre Table with a wonderful burr Amboyna top with line inlay and ebonized to the edges. The four turned legs...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

E W Godwin An Aesthetic Movement six leg walnut circular centre table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin attributed. Made by Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement six leg walnut circular centre table with shaped radiating under supports and subtle shaped details to the ends...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

English Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Marble Top Buffet Sideboard
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand english late 19th century buffet sideboard or server featuring an Italian Carrara marble inlay top. The case is crafted from rare fruitwood in the aesthetic movement taste with...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Rare Faux Bamboo Bench With 19Th. C Cashmere Shawl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a wonderful French 19Th. C. Cashmere Shawl that has been Upholstered on Faux Bamboo wood Bench The shall is circa 1880-1900, in very good condition, Very good condition, cons...
Category

1960s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Faux Bamboo

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.