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
Ceiba Table Lamp
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Peninsula, renowned as the C...
Category
2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Clay, Linen
19th Century Large Cast Iron Garden Urn Aesthetic Movement
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular cast iron Victorian Aesthetic Movement Garden Urn. In excellent antique condition with tons of patina, and no breaks or bad repairs. Amazing pair of handles all original ...
Category
1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Pair of Antique Ebonised Aesthetic Movement Side Chairs, 19th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
Antique Victorian Upholstered Parlour Chairs
Ebonised frames with turned and carved details very much in the Aesthetic style.
c.1880s in date.
Unsigned but very much in the style of designs by Bruce Talbot for March, Jones & Cribb or Gillows.
Upholstered in faded Liberty ‘Ianthe...
Category
1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Early Victorian Ebonised Inlay Pier Cabinet Glazed Bookcase Velvet Lined
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A well proportioned Victorian peer cabinet, ebonised with fruitwood inlay and standing on four turned bobbin feet.
Two opening glazed doors, retaining its original lock and key, ope...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Fruitwood, Mahogany
19th Century Victorian Iron Aesthetic Manner Fire Grate Basket and Original Hood
Located in Edinburgh, GB
An original antique 19th century -Victorian wrought iron fire grate basket in the Aesthetic Manner with its original sweeping chimney hood. A high Cartouche shaped fire back with a c...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wrought Iron
Aesthetic Movement Tiger Bamboo Bat Wing Bar
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early 20th century Aesthetic Movement tiger bamboo small 2 person bat wing bar with a unique batwing bar top and small 2 shelf cabinet along the back.
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Aesthetic Movement Scissor Action Drop Leaf Side Table Made from Hungarian Ash
Located in London, GB
A Continental Aesthetic Movement scissor action drop leaf side table with a wild grain Hungarian Ash top. A secret drawer that has a button underneath to...
Category
1890s European Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ash
American Aestheticism, Griffoul Foundry Sculptural Bronze Bookends, Early XX C.
By M. Peinlich
Located in New York, NY
A charming set of bronze bookends. One of the bookends depicts a figure of a young girl with a questioning face expression, holding a bouquet; and the other a cupid, who peeks around...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Lydie Eyraud, Mirror, circa 1980
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Lydie Eyraud
Mirror,
circa 1980
Wood and resin
Measures: 45.5 x 45.5cm
Signed at the bottom.
Category
1980s European Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Resin, Wood
Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Mantel Clock Attributed to Lewis Foreman Day
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Aesthetic Movement mantel clock, with an ebonised mahogany case and an exquisitely painted dial. The case embodies the style of the Aesthetic Movement, with an arched a...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Aesthetic Movement Antique Chimneypiece in Pencil Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
An elegant and large Aesthetic Movement, bordering on Reformed Gothic, antique fireplace surround in Pencil Statuary Marble with a wide moulded shelf. The main body of the fireplace,...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Statuary Marble
Aesthetic Wakefield Rattan Co. Etagere, c.1880
Located in Savannah, GA
An Aesthetic Period Wakefield Rattan Co. etagere, circa 1880s.
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Rattan
Chinoiserie Ochre Yellow Dragon Vase by Lambeth Doulton Faience, England 1880s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Elegantly adorned with intricate chinoiserie dragon detailing, this ceramic ochre yellow vase from Lambeth Doulton Faience exudes timeless charm and exquisite craftsmanship. Two meti...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Faience
Antique Gorham Persian Aesthetic Sterling Silver Pierced Ladle
Located in New York, NY
Persian sterling silver pierced ladle. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1871. Pointed ovoid terminal with stylized leaf and scroll ornament mounted to round stem with reeded bands se...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mid 20th Century Silver Kiddush, Eliyahu Hanavi cup by Bezalel School Jerusalem
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Important Handmade sterling silver Kiddush (eliyahu hanavi cup) goblet by Bezalel School, Jerusalem, circa 1948. On round base decorated with silver filigree and Cabouchon shaped o...
Category
1940s Israeli Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Agate, Silver
Doulton Lambeth Frank Butler Stylized Pattern Candlestick
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Doulton Lambeth saucer shape stylized leaf design candlestick with brass fittings by Frank Butler and dating from around 1890. The candle stick...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Round Walnut Extension Dining Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Round walnut extension dining table. The tabletop features a beautiful star design constructed of walnut and white oak veneer, and it sits upon a base...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Six "King's" Pattern Sterling Silver Five O'Clock Spoons
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 6 sterling silver five o'clock spoons "King's" pattern retailed by Isaac Dixon. Probably made by Dominick & Haff. Double monogram sets: CGD & MD 1891 obverse. 3.20 troy oz.
4 ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
Christopher Dresser Watcombe Aesthetic Movement Twin Handled Persian Taste Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Aesthetic Movement flow glaze twin handled vase in the ‘Persian Taste’ by renowned British designer Christopher Dresser (British, 1834 – 1904) for Watcombe Torquay...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Studio Crafted Claro Walnut End Table, 1970s
By Sam Maloof
Located in Coronado, CA
A stunning, studio crafted end table constructed of solid Claro walnut, made by an unknown designer in the 1970s. The table features a large storage area, a small drawer and a pull o...
Category
1970s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Art Nouveau Brass Chandelier Lustre Ceiling Lamp Rarity Antique
Located in Berlin, DE
We present to you an exquisite Art Nouveau brass chandelier chandelier ceiling light - a real rarity and an antique jewel. This vintage chandelier was lovingly and professionally res...
Category
1910s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Art Nouveau Style Brass Crystal Chandelier Gold Foliage
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing our exquisite Chandelier – a masterpiece of elegance and style that seamlessly complements any space. With its stunning details and compact dimensions, this chandelier in...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Crystal, Brass
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
French Majolica Bird Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica bird plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE TiLED TOP CHESSBOARD CHESS TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning antique Victorian Mahogany games table with Chessboard Tiled top and stamped to the base with ...
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Gillows. A fine Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels
Located in London, GB
Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement side cabinet with hand painted floral panels to the doors and drawers; with a turned gallery to the top and to the lower shelf.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
French Majolica Bird Plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica bird plate Keller & Guerin Saint Clement circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Late 19th Century Antique Bronze Champleve Table Lamp
Located in Canton, MA
Asian Antique Champleve table lamp. Totem like design
Beautifully patinated bronze with Champleve in a band around the vase and with spears pointing down. The Champleve design in ver...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized games and card table
Located in London, GB
Gillows attributed. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized games and card table with deeply incised and gilded crown and floral decoration to the apron with a turned gallery below to each si...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Dr C Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box with stylized brass panels
Located in London, GB
Dr Christopher Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box on shaped feat set at an angle with a stylized decorative brass panel designed perfectly to shovel your coal. With origi...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Bruce Talbert attributed. A set of four Aesthetic Movement walnut dining chairs
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert (attributed). Set of four fine quality Aesthetic Movement walnut dining chairs.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Bevan. Marsh Jones & Cribb. An Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized card table
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan, made by Marsh Jones and Cribb. An Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized card table with fold over top retaining the original red baize on turned legs united by a double w...
Category
1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
H W Batley attr. Jas Shoolbred Pair of Aesthetic Movement cane seat beech chairs
By Henry William Batley, Jas Shoolbred & Co.
Located in London, GB
Henry William Batley attributed for Jas Shoolbred & Co. A pair of Aesthetic Movement cane seat beech side chairs.
Stamped under the seat Jas Shoolbred and the production number 820
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Beech
Howard and Sons. A high art Aesthetic Movement Walnut centre tea table
Located in London, GB
Howard and Sons. A high art Aesthetic Movement walnut centre tea table with an unusual raised upper shelf to the centre of the main top on arched and turned supports. The top with sh...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut circular center table
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. A fine quality Aesthetic Movement Walnut circular center table with a shaped apron & fluted legs united by serpentine stretchers.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
J P Seddon attri. An Aesthetic Movement oak side chair with ebonized circles
Located in London, GB
J P Seddon attributed. An Aesthetic Movement oak side chair with ebonized circles to the backrests and carved decoration with through exsposed tenonsn joints. Seat Height: 45 cm
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Oak
E W Godwin (style of). An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal table
Located in London, GB
E.W. Godwin in the style of.An Aesthetic Movement Walnut octagonal centre or side table with arched apron below the top, the legs united by upper stretchers and also united by a lowe...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted humidor with floral decor
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized polychrome painted Humidor with a shaped display plinth to the top, surrounded with a turned gallery, and an upper compartmented drawer hand painte...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
E W Godwin attr, for Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic Movement mahogany side table
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, attributed, made by Collinson & Lock. An Aesthetic movement mahogany side table with spiral-turned legs on out swept feet.With the original lock and key to the drawer.Col...
Category
1880s Indian Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
David Waddington. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt writing desk with cantered corners and incized floral decoration and a tower turned gallery. Stamped David Waddington Ulphosterer Bolto...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop & Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop and Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace with curvaceous mantle with gadrooned and dot details and a row of Japanese floral Insignias the ce...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Berlin Iron
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut six leg octagonal two tier center table with fine turned legs and out swept feet. The construction has radiating stretchers ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
T. Elsley attri. Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert w. upper central peacock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Elsley attributed. A rare Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert with an upper central peacock and Japanese basket weave decoration around it. Each side is designed to display t...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
Charles Bevan. Marsh & Jones. Aesthetic Movement button back chaise lounge
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan for Marsh and Jones of Leeds Late Kendal works. A good Aesthetic Movement walnut ebonized button back chaise lounge with carved rosettes to the front upright and subtle...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Coalbrookdale. Lily Pad pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches
Located in London, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches, known as the Lily pad design, with fine fern leaf detailing, and smaller Lily-style leaves to the angular legs.Price per benchC...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Berlin Iron
Large Mid 20th Century Italian White Blanc De Chine Creamware Fruit Topiary
Located in Charleston, SC
Glazed Terracotta Majolica Fruit Tower Centerpiece
A stunning large 21” Mid-Century Italian Blanc de Chine creamware glazed ceramic handmade fruit topiary in a pedestal basket. This...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Terracotta, Paint
Early 20th-C. Chinese Bamboo Cabinet / Etagere / Bookcase With Ornate Fretwork
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is such a versatile piece! It is an antique Chinese bamboo cabinet with ornate fretwork and original hardware. I love that the bottom portion opens to storage. The shelves are s...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Classical 19th C. Brass Fireplace Fender
Located in New York, NY
Classical Victorian, Aesthetic Movement brass fireplace fender. The fender features two repeating brass rails, with decorative fluted ball spaces. late 19th century vintage, this e...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Brass
1970s Maison Jansen Inspired Gilt Metal Faux Bois Etageres / Bookcases - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of gilt metal Maison Jansen inspired faux bois etageres dating approximately to the 1970s. They are unmarked and in very good condition.
My shipping is for the Conti...
Category
Late 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair Antique French Chinoiserie Majolica Faience Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of unique antique (early 20th century) polychrome glazed earthenware (faience) vases mounted on brass pedestals for use as table lamps, featuring
song birds in relief on a latt...
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair 19 century French Gilt Bronze Aestethic Urn Form Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt and patinated and git bronze table lamps with urn shape with looping handles and raised gilt designs of blooming tree branches.
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bronze
An Exceptional Set of Aesthetic Movement Wrought-Iron Fire Tools with Scrollwork
Located in London, GB
An exceptional set of Aesthetic movement wrought-iron fire tools with scrollwork. The set comprises of a set of tongs, poker and shovel. The handles with carefully scrolled finials, ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century French Bamboo Swivel Stool
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century French bamboo swivel stool newly upholstered in a saddle colored suede.
Category
Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
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
Antique German Hartleben's Volks Atlas Book World Maps
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique circa 1900 A. Hartleben's Volks-Atlas. Published by A. Hartleben's, Germany. Folio hardcover with decorated olive cloth binding and brown leather spine. Gilt title to spine...
Category
Early 20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paper
1967 Aubrey Beardsley Book
Located in Seguin, TX
Aubrey Beardsley by Brian Reade. Published by The Viking Press, New York, 1967. An illuminating biography, and an engrossing analysis of Beardsley's aims and achievements as an art...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paper
19th Century R.J. Horner Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Bed
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century American Victorian Aesthetic Movement faux bamboo bed frame by R. J. Horner & Co. made of solid cherry and birdseye maple. All original with amber stained finish and n...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Birdseye Maple, Cherry
"The Red Barn" by Gershon Benjamin
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Watercolor on paper presented in a contemporary frame measuring 19" x 25" overall. This work by Gershon Benjamin is signed in the lower right and features a classic red barn.
An ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Furniture
Materials
Paint, Paper
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.
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