5 Best Art Nouveau Home Accessories

The Art Nouveau movement was at its height during the years of c.1880 to 1910. It is believed by some to be the first attempt to create a 20th century contemporary style. Instead of drawing inspiration from history and previous styles it took inspiration from the here and now, with many of its influences coming from nature and natural forms.

Art Nouveau interiors have made a huge comeback in recent years with many designers adopting its elegant and intricate design features. We have whittled down the 5 best Art Nouveau accessories and furniture items that will add a splash of early 20th century style to your home.

Seating

For the first time during the Art Nouveau period, seating was beginning to be seen as an intricate piece of artwork instead of just a functional and essential furniture item. Their designs became more flamboyant and eye-catching with styles featuring heavily carved and tall seat backs and visual beauty .

Designers such as Charles Rene Mackintosh opted for lavish designs that centred around floral imagery or aspects of nature such as trees, leaves and botanical colours. Upholstery often featured, browns, olive greens and greys to compliment his natural designs.

Lamps

A classic Art Nouveau lamp is a must have addition to any home interior. Whether you opt for an authentic antique or modern replica there is no need to miss out on the beauty of this 20th century style. The obvious choice when it comes to Art Nouveau lighting is the famous Tiffany lamp. Its signature style is recogniseable throughout the world with its beautiful stained glass designs and jewelled tones. As with all other elements of Art Nouveau interiors his designs reflected the beauty of nature and the earth, with many of his lamps being crafted into petal like structures that provide a magical, almost fairy tale like quality.

Cushions

Art Nouveau fabrics can make a bold and elegant statement on even the plainest of sofa or bed areas. Their contemporary designs provide a stylised take on the image of the flower (like the orchid cushion, left). With chunky lines and curvaceous 'whiplash' prints these fabrics provide a fabulous alternative to traditional floral prints. Colours remain within the neutral and botanical colour spectrum with browns, creams, greens and yellows featuring heavily across all designs.

Mirrors

Many mirrors during the Art Nouveau period featured colourful stained glass frames and mackintosh styled designs but one of the most prominent mirror styles during this period was one of much more natural beauty and elegance. The art nouveau movement celebrated the opulence of the female form with many images of women featured in a pre-Raphaelite pose with long, flowing hair. These carvings give an enchanted and delicate quality to these mirrors with the combination of botanical and female imagery creating a mythological image of a wood nymph or enchanted maiden.

Furniture

No Art Nouveau interior would be complete without a striking and elegant glassware item that is perfect for display on a sideboard, mantelpiece or windowsill. Some of the most famous names of the period include Rene Lalique and Emile Galle who produced the most sumptuous vases and sculptural glass work that played heavily on floral imagery and the naked female form. Lalique focused heavily of frosted glass designs whilst Galle created colourful and simplistic flower designs that create a pop of colour among classic neutral tones. Many of these items can be found at auction or if your lucky enough in a local car boot sale or charity shop, however there are more inexpensive and still beautiful reproductions available on the highstreet, so there is no need to break the bank to achieve your perfect Art Nouveau interior.

For more Art Nouveau interior inspiration and all original photography take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Art Nouveau Interiors