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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
Arts and Crafts Upholstered Bentwood Bench or Trunk
Located in Southampton, NJ
An Arts and Crafts period bench of steam bent oak construction with exposed framework, turned ball feet and curved brass accented support stretchers. Custom upholstered in William ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass

Porcelain Oyster Plate with Seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French porcelain oyster plate with seaweeds Limoges, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Turn of The Century Oak Coat Stand Tree
Located in New York, NY
Turn of the century solid oak coat tree, stand having a turned wood structure, with two levels of three hooks each. This example is in very good, original, clean and ready to use con...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

1950s Saridis Headboard Super King Size Bed 180cm Wood Bedroom Midcentury
By Sardis
Located in London, GB
An exquisite and extremely well made hand carved headboard from the renowned manufacturer Saridis in Athens. The headboard is 180cm long which makes it a Super King Size Bed in UK s...
Category

1950s Greek Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Porcelain Oyster Plate Limoges Circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Just Andersen large alloyed bronze bowl
Located in London, GB
A large alloyed bronze patinated dish bowl stamped Just Andersen Denmark and numbered 1736 X. Some wear to the patination which should be visible in the photos but otherwise a larger...
Category

1910s Danish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

19th C Aesthetic Movement Fireplace Cast Iron Grate after Christopher Dresser
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional 19th C. Aesthetic Movement fireplace grate, in very fine original, clean and ready to use condition. The grate features repeating oval bands separated by ball form raiser...
Category

Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Iron

Carlton House Desk by Maitland Smith, Aesthetic Movement, 1980s
Located in Round Top, TX
Late 20th C. tessellated horn Carlton House desk by Maitland Smith. A wood frame, with applied horn and brass inlay detailing. Multiple cubbies and drawers, with cast brass drop pull...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Horn, Wood

Mid-Century Cast Concrete English Garden Style Pots / Planters / Jardinieres - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of unique cast concrete planters. As one can see, one is significantly darker than the other. They most likely date to the 50s/60s. They are unmarked.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Concrete

A large sterling silver maple leaf centerpiece by Buccellati, Italy 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A rare large maple leaf sterling silver centerpiece created by the famous Italian silversmith Buccellati, twentieth century. The centerpiece is composed of three large finely chisele...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Diminutive Antique Aesthestic Movement Bamboo Three Tier Shelf Etagere Bookcase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite 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 w...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Metal

1950 s Signed Les Éditions d Art de Rambouillet Medieval Hunting Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
78549 Vintage Les Éditions d'Art de Rambouillet French Tapestry, 04'09 x 05'01. Woven not merely with wool but with the legacy of French aristocracy, this signed vintage Les Éditions d’Art de Rambouillet tapestry...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

The Geometry of Stillness: A Vintage Tibetan Odegard Rug of Modernist Serenity
Located in Dallas, TX
78203 Vintage Tibetan Odegard Rug, 08'03 x 10'04. This exquisite hand-knotted wool vintage Tibetan Odegard rug is a striking example of minimalist elegance...
Category

Late 20th Century Nepalese Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Aesthetic Movement example of a charming writing desk fashioned with elaborate galleries and simulated bamboo accents, including root feet. The desk with a single drawer with ...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Faux Bamboo, Wood

Vintage Indigo Blue Beni Mrirt Berber Moroccan Rug with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
20935 Vintage Blue Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug, 06'01 x 09'03. A vision of rarity and refinement, this hand-knotted wool vintage Beni Mrirt Moroccan rug transcends its tribal origins to ...
Category

Late 20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

"Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the "Angel Kiss" Life Size Granite Sculpture, a stunning addition to any home or office space. This exquisite sculpture features a pair of lovers embracing each other w...
Category

1980s Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Granite

Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century inlaid birch octagonal occasional table circa 1910. Fine quality side table, that would also function well in the hall or as a lamp table. Inlaid and strung bord...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Birch, Elm

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

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

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

Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

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

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

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

Mersad Berber Bosnia, 1940-2012 Oil on Canvas, Woman with Flowers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Signed lower left. A lovely pensive woman dressed in 19th c. style holding flowers. She looks to the left with fruits in an abstract composition on a tab...
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Persian Hunting Isfahan Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79166 Vintage Persian Hunting Scene Isfahan Rug, 03'07 x 05'02. In the impeccable weave of this hand-knotted, vintage Persian Isfahan rug, the epic grandeur of signature Safavid stor...
Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Bronze Elephant Head Console Table (Base Only)
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century bronze elephant console table. This listing is for the base only and is shown with glass as inspiration. Dimensions are for base only.
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

Victor Hugo Castañeda Bronze Sculpture, Mexico 1988, Edition 1/20
By Victor Hugo Castaneda
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare bronze sculpture by renowned Mexican artist Victor Hugo Castañeda (b. 1947), signed and dated Victor H. Castañeda, 1988, and marked Edition 1 of 20. This intimate and contemplat...
Category

1980s Canadian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Selection of Antiqued Gilt Mirrors
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of antiqued gilt mirrors #5, circa mid-20th century. They are: 1) Spanish gilt mirror, circa 1940s. Retains original antiqued mirror. I...
Category

20th Century Spanish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Late 20th-C. Bamboo, Wicker, and Rattan Etagere or Vanity by Palecek
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking late 20th century bamboo, wicker and rattan etagere or vanity by Palecek. It is very interesting piece and is in very ...
Category

1990s Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Wood

The Hunt of Kings: A Vintage Persian Najafabad Masterpiece of Myth and Majesty
Located in Dallas, TX
61433 Vintage Persian Najafabad Hunting Rug, 09'05 x 12'11. From the storied looms of central Persia comes this hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Najafabad rug, an extraordinary pict...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Set of 9 Custom Framed White Washed Scandinavian Herbarium Gallery, circa 1920
Located in Pearland, TX
A wonderful gallery of nine custom framed antique Swedish herbarium floral specimens, collected circa 1920. Presented in white washed oak frames. Ready to hang. (1) 6.13 x 8.13" (1)...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

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

Rare American Aesthetic Movement Six-Piece Silver-Plated Coffee and Tea Service
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Impressive and Rare American Aesthetic Movement Six-Piece Silver-Plated Coffee and Tea Service. The ornately designed service with griffon finials and raised on a tapered and foo...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

Early 20th century Swedish bookcase cabinet by Sandberg Co
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish bookcase cabinet by Sandberg & co circa 1910. Good quality 1 piece bookcase cabinet by Swedish furniture makers sandberg of linköping. Stepped top surfac...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Glass, Birch

10 Pc., Ambrosius Lamm, Dresden Porcelain Tea Set C. 1910
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 10-piece Ambrosius Lamm Dresden porcelain tea set, dating to circa 1910, epitomizes the elegance and refinement of early 20th-cen...
Category

Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Aesthetic Movement bamboo and Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
With a bamboo pediment with an inset lacquer panel, lacquered top, raffia sides, a bamboo framed glass door with 3 shelves, resting on bamboo legs.
Category

1910s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Raffia, Lacquer, Paint

20th Century Bentwood Oak Cheval Mirror Manner of Michael Thonet
Located in Queens, NY
Bentwood (19th/20th Century) oak cheval mirror with ornate screw supports. (manner of Michael Thonet).  
Category

20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

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

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

Rare Walnut Copper and Parchment Side Chair by Carlo Bugatti.
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare carved walnut side chair by Carlo Bugatti upholstered with parchment and inlaid with pewter details and mounted with hammered copper decoration. Beauty Mischief: The Desig...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Walnut

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

1960 s Berber Tikdift Zanagah Moroccan Carpet with Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79186 Vintage Tikdift Moroccan Rug, 05'02 x 08'00. A vivid expression of tribal imagination and pastoral lore, this hand-knotted wool vintage Berber Tikdift Moroccan rug from the Zan...
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

A pair of bronze panels / gates from a bank C 1910.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair bronze panels from a bank C 1910. Would make a great entry for your home or wine cellar. Each gate / panel / door comprised of 9 turned bars within a picture rail style frame.
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Scott Nelles Bronze Floral 3 Candle Holder, Signed and Dated
Located in Charleston, SC
Very stunning 3 candle candelabra by the famous Scott Nelles Scott Nelles is an artist who has worked in cast bronze for over three decades. He d...
Category

1980s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Signed Bronze Base and Globes Double Student Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite Tiffany Studios Bronze & Art Glass Lamp is a remarkable piece of early 20th-century craftsmanship, embodying the timeless elegance and artistry synonymous with Tiffany...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1950 s Ingegerd Silow Swedish Scandinavian Röllakan
Located in Dallas, TX
79035 Ingegerd Silow Vintage Swedish Rollakan Rug, 04'07 x 06'08. Woven in the golden age of Swedish mid-century design, this handwoven wool vintage rollakan rug—“Örbyhus”—is an extr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Large French Tazza Etched Cristal Pedestal Fruit Dish
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large French Tazza etched crystal pedestal fruit dish A beautiful piece of etched crystal showing pictures of fruits, the dish stands on a heavy stepped ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Maitland-Smith Faux Tortoise Tooled Leather Bamboo Canterbury Magazine Rack
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a good looking Maitland-Smith faux tortoise and tooled leather bamboo magazine rack. It is marked and in very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

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

The Epic of Persepolis: Vintage Persian Najafabad Masterpiece of Myth Majesty
Located in Dallas, TX
61437 Vintage Persian Najafabad Pictorial Rug, 09'08 x 13'02. From the heart of Persia’s golden artistic lineage emerges this hand-knotted wool vintage Persian Najafabad pictorial ru...
Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Brunschwig Fils Victoria Albert Bird Song Hand-Printed Wallpaper
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Adorable and rare Brunschwig & Fils hand-printed wallpaper border inspired by Victorian design from the Victoria & Albert Museum. Have not been able t...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Paper

Large Gateleg Table In Oak
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely oak table called Gateleg Very beautiful table which has a very beautiful turned base Beautiful top with a thickness of 3cm the table can be used as a dining room table, as ...
Category

20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

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.