Rococo Architectural Elements
Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.
The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.
When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.
The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.
20th Century Italian Rococo Architectural Elements
Metal, Chrome
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Giltwood
1950s Italian Vintage Rococo Architectural Elements
Majolica
19th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood, Paint
19th Century Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Brass
19th Century Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Ormolu
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Carrara Marble
Early 20th Century Rococo Architectural Elements
Plaster
1930s Italian Vintage Rococo Architectural Elements
Metal
18th Century European Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
Late 17th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Marble
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Pine
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Gold Leaf
Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Metal, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Marble
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
18th Century Dutch Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Marble
Early 19th Century English Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Marble
18th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
18th Century Scandinavian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Copper
19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Brass
19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Brass
Mid-18th Century German Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Softwood
19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Brass
Early 19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Marble
1750s Portuguese Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century French Rococo Architectural Elements
Plaster
18th Century Dutch Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Marble
Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Iron
19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Iron
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
1750s Irish Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Statuary Marble
19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
18th Century English Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
19th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
Late 18th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Giltwood
18th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Goatskin, Wood
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Terracotta
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Marble
18th Century European Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Wood
Mid-19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Statuary Marble
18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Statuary Marble
19th Century French Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Porcelain
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Silver Leaf
Early 1900s Italian Antique Rococo Architectural Elements
Giltwood