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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
Peacock Bird French Brass Empire Chandelier Lustre Lamp Antique 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

Victorian William Godwin Ebonised Low Walnut Jappenned Folding Decorative Chair
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Victorian Aesthetic Movement Hand Crafted Ebonised Low Walnut Folding Decorative Chair with A Pale Upholstered Seat Chair Executed In The Manner of E.W. Godwin Circa 1870's Extra ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Aesthetic Movement Marine Motif Stoneware Bowl by Doulton Lambeth, circa 1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Aesthetic Movement Marine Motif Stoneware Bowl by Doulton Lambeth, circa 1880 A rare and visually arresting Victorian stoneware centerpiece bowl b...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
Located in London, GB
Jas Shoolbred. An octagonal walnut center table with central shelf, carved circular scroll details to the legs on castors, united by lower cross stretchers.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

English Ebonized Cupboard Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
English Aesthetic Movement (19th Century) ebonized cupboard cabinet with gold incised and floral carved trim and mirrored back panels on upper section with filigree pediment top.
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Gold

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

Moser Aesthetic Enameled Cordial/ Liquor Set, 15-Pieces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Moser Aesthetic enameled Cordial/ liquor set,15-pieces. Subtle olive green glass, with naturalistic enamel work with gilt highlights. Consisting of two handled decanters with stopper...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass

New Scandinavian Swedish Inspired Röllakan with Modern Nordic Style
Located in Dallas, TX
30936 New Scandinavian Modern Swedish Inspired Kilim Rug, 09'02 x 12'00. Wrapped in the soothing whispers of Scandinavian Modern design, this handwoven wool Swedish-inspired kilim ru...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

E. W. Godwin for Gillows attri. Aesthetic Movement Walnut Ebonized Canterbury
Located in London, GB
E. W. Godwin for Gillows attributed, Aesthetic Movement Walnut and Ebonized Canterbury With elongated turned uprights that make up the dividers for magazines, it stood on turned and ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Oversize 19th Century English Chinoiserie Platter Bates Gildea Walker
Located in Austin, TX
Oversize 19th century English Chinoiserie ironstone platter bates gildea & walker. Kioto Pattern. Earthenware and porcelain manufacturer at the Dale Hall Works, Longport, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1878 James Gildea joined the partnership of Bates and Walker...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Edith D Lupton Doulton Lambeth Aesthetic Movement Thistle Vase
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and stunning aesthetic movement Doulton Lambeth Silicon Ware vase decorated with incised and pate-sur-pate thistle designs by r...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Silver-plated candlesticks by William Tonks and Sons, late 19th century
Located in London, GB
William Tonks & Sons Pair of Late 19th Century Silver Plated Table Candlesticks A finely crafted pair of late 19th-century silver plated candlesticks by William Tonks & Sons, renow...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel, Iron, Silver Plate

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

19th Century Continental School Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Continental, likely German, 19th century. Oil on canvas, housed in a gilt oval frame. A town scene, unsigned.
Category

19th Century German Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

19th Century Majolica Asparagus Plate Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century rare Majolica asparagus plate, Luneville unsigned. Rare brown color. Every important French manufactures produced at the end of the 19th century asparagus and artichoke ...
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

An Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with a marquetry octagonal top
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized side table with a marquetry octagonal top decorated with conch shells and a central star detail in various fruit woods, with ebonized string and cheque...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

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

19th Century Majolica Snail Platter Luneville
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century Majolica Snail Platter attributed to Luneville. Diameter / 11.3 inches . one chip on the back, hairline ( picture )
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Simon Fielding English Majolica Fan Insect Turquoise Cream Oyster Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A six-well majolica glazed oyster plate by Simon Fielding, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1878. In the Japonisme taste, six fan shaped oyster wells glazed in a creamy yellow and t...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

French Trompe l’Oeil Majolica Glazed Cherry Branch Wall Plaque, signed F. Perrot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Palissy majolica glazed hand painted wall plaque, signed by the artist, circa 1890-1900. In the trompe l’oeil style of fool the eye, a dimensional mold showing a branching ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

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

19th Century Majolica Pink and Blue Oyster Plate Gien
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
Rare 19th century Majolica oyster plate with pastels colors, shells and seaweeds signed Gien.  
Category

1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

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

Austro/Bohemian Hand-Painted Terracotta Gypsy Lady Bust
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish antique Austro/Bohemian terracotta bust of a gypsy lady dating from around 1890. The waist length bust stands raised on a round integral pedestal base and is modelled as la...
Category

1890s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

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

The Collector’s Heirloom: A Late 19th Century Anatolian Oushak Masterpiece
Located in Dallas, TX
73159 Rare Antique Turkish Oushak Rug, 10'01 x 13'09. Steeped in the grandeur of Anatolia’s weaving tradition, this hand-knotted wool antique Turkish Oushak rug from the Late 19th Ce...
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Dr Christopher Dresser An ebonized and gilded pedestal torchère
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and gilded pedestal torchère in the style of Dr C Dresser. The circular top has a Greek key pattern band, the main octagonal column has incised and gil...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

English Majolica Bamboo Planter and Stand, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
English Victorian Majolica bamboo planter and stand, circa 1880.
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Majolica Plate Flowers Dragonfly Choisy le Roi, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Plate Flowers & Dragonfly 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

Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver "Blackberry" Tazza
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

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

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

An Aesthetic Movement walnut drop leaf side table on four turned incised legs
Located in London, GB
A small Aesthetic Movement Walnut drop leaf side table on four turned and incised legs united by a lower stretcher with a turned gallery arround on original brass and ceramic castors...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

Phillip Webb A large Aesthetic Movement bobbin turned Satinwood chaise lounge
Located in London, GB
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co attributed. A larger than usual Aesthetic Movement bobbin turned Satinwood chaise lounge or day bed, the upper turned armrests with typical Morris and ...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Satinwood

Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880. Height / 9.5 inches. Diameter / 13 inches.
Category

1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

Royal Worcester George Owen Reticulated Beadwork Cup and Saucer
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and rare antique Royal Worcester reticulated cup and saucer decorated with beadwork and painted designs by renowned and sought after potter George Owen (British, 1845-1912...
Category

1880s British 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

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

Copeland Porcelain Cat and Cream Churn Vase
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful and scare antique English porcelain vase modelled as a cat looking into a cream or milk churn made by renowned makers Copeland and dating from the 19th century. The vase...
Category

19th Century English Antique 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

Thomas Jeckyll Register Stove Front Grate
Located in London, GB
A black-iron Thomas Jeckyll register stove front grate front from the foundry of Barnard, Bishop and Barnards. The full surround with asymmetric floral design, roundels with four bee...
Category

1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Aesthetic Mahogany Hanging Shelf
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular with three shelves. The ends with turned spindles.
Category

1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ash, Mahogany

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 Century Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chinoiserie Bamboo Sewing Side Table
Located in Forney, TX
Add a touch of elegant sophistication, romantic warmth, and authentic antique character with this absolutely exquisite 150 year old Victorian era sewing stand work table (today it wo...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer, Paint

19th Century Large Bird Bamboo Art Pottery Chinese Egg Pot Jardinière Planter
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Late 19th-century Chinese art pottery egg jar featuring elegant bird and bamboo motifs hand-applied around the body. Over 120 years old, these vessels were originally used to store b...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Occasional Table with Hand Painted Flowers
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful Aesthetic Movement ebonised occasional table with a circular top and lower tier. Both tiers are beautifully painted in the original Victorian penwork designs with floral...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Elm, Pine, Paint

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

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

Armani Casa Pump Workout Luxury Set Made in Italy
Located in San Diego, CA
Armani Casa Pump Workout Luxury Set Pump is a range conceived for the home fitness signature of designer Giorgio Armani as part of Armani Casa. This minimalist yet incredibly glamourous set includes: • Mesh and Leather Carrying Workout Bag featuring GA Signature • Pump Leather Jump Rope with dust bag in mesh fabric featuring GA Signature: Handles can be opened to regulate length of rope. • Set of two weights (1 kilo or 2.2 pounds) each. Wrapped in eco leather featuring GA Signature. • Leather water...
Category

2010s Italian 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

Aesthetic Movement Tromp L Oeil Basket
Located in Montreal, QC
An American Aesthetic Movement Basket, naturalistically modeled as a bird perched on a a leafy twig, above a shallow dish simulating cloth, decorated with gilt and silvered leaves an...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Austrian Majolica Oyster Plate, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large unusual Austrian Majolica oyster plate, circa 1880.
Category

1880s Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Aesthetic Movement Spoon Carved Ebonized Mahogany Secretary C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Aesthetic Movement Spoon Carved Ebonized Mahogany Secretary C1890 Measures - 65.5"H x 32.5"W x 16.75"D This secretary from the Aesthetic Movement, dating to circa 1890, showcases the...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Victoria Pottery Co. Majolica Sea Shell Coral Bowl, 1880s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Majolica glazed Seaweed and Shell, Coral footed bowl, by Victoria Pottery Co. England, Circa 1880s. The Victoria Pottery Company began in 1882 at the Victoria Works on Lonsdale St...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

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

Victorian Aesthetic Movement Amboyna Ebonised Brass Dumbwaiter Two Tier Table
Located in King s Lynn, GB
A Victorian amboyna and ebonised two-tier dumbwaiter table in the Aesthetic Movement style, circa 1870–1890. The rectangular tiers are edged in brass, with the upper tier finished wi...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

John Rose Coalport Prince of Wales Parian Bust, 1863
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Coalport parian bust of the Prince of Wales sculpted by John Rose and dated 1863. Probably made to commemorate the forthcoming marriage of Albert Edward Prince...
Category

1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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.