Recognising Art Nouveau furniture

The Jugendstil epoch began around 1896 and ended in 1920. The term was derived from the magazine "Jugend", a customer and literary magazine published in Munich between 1896 and 1940 and founded by Georg Hirth and Fritz von Ostini. The fact that the term Jugendstil was derived from the title of the magazine shows that it was important for the stylistic development of early modernism in Germany. Other designations are "Art nouveau" in France or Wiener Secession in Austria.

The features

The features of Art Nouveau furniture are characterised by a high degree of user-friendliness. Stylistically, there are many floral elements as well as decorative curved lines.

Typical of this style are depictions of lilies, magnolias and aquatic plants as well as swans, cranes, flames and flowing hair.

To recognise Art Nouveau furniture in a list, pay attention to the following features:

• Organic shapes
• Floral embellishments
• Use of glass
• Curved legs
• Use of exotic materials
• Artful workmanship
• Asymmetry
• Eye-catching backrests

Overall, it can be said that nature had a strong influence on the style.

Is this style something for you?

The style is currently less trendy, and the furniture often appears large and heavy.

Women in particular like to discover the furniture for their shabby chic projects. The carved petals and tendrils are ideal for painting with white chalk paint. The depths and heights make it easy to simulate signs of use/patina.

Shabby chic is probably one of the most popular trends at the moment.