The decadence of the Baroque style, in which ornate furnishings were layered against paneled walls, painted ceilings, stately chandeliers and, above all, gilding, expressed the power of the church and monarchy through design that celebrated excess. And its influence was omnipresent — antique Baroque furniture was created in the first design style that truly had a global impact.

Theatrical and lavish, Baroque was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. While Baroque originated in Italy and achieved some of its most fantastic forms in the late-period Roman Baroque, it was adapted to meet the tastes and materials in each region. French Baroque furniture informed Louis XIV style and added drama to Versailles. In Spain, the Baroque movement influenced the elaborate Churrigueresque style in which architecture was dripping with ornamental details. In South German Baroque, furniture was made with bold geometric patterns.

Compared to Renaissance furniture, which was more subdued in its proportions, Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from its shape to its materials.

Allegorical and mythical figures were often sculpted in the wood, along with motifs like scrolling floral forms and acanthus leaves that gave the impression of tangles of dense foliage. Novel techniques and materials such as marquetry, gesso and lacquer — which were used with exotic woods and were employed by cabinetmakers such as André-Charles Boulle, Gerrit Jensen and James Moore — reflected the growth of international trade. Baroque furniture characteristics include a range of decorative elements — a single furnishing could feature everything from carved gilded wood to gilt bronze, lending chairs, mirrors, console tables and other pieces a sense of motion.

Find a collection of authentic antique Baroque tables, lighting, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Dining-room-sets for You

Introduce warmth and a welcoming atmosphere to meals in your home with an antique, new or vintage dining room set.

From the “less is more” approach of Scandinavian modern dining room sets, which are typically characterized by muted colors, clean lines and an emphasis on organic material, to rustic-chic farmhouse-style suppers to the pronounced geometric angles and dark woods of Art Deco, there are numerous directions to pursue when shopping for a dining room set.

No matter how much real estate you have to work with, the dining table will play an integral role in the elegant space where the whole family or your closest friends create new memories and mark momentous occasions. But be sure of your space before you buy and keep the rest of your decor scheme in mind: For a modest-sized room, you’ll want to consider the shape and style of your table to ensure that guests can easily move around and into the kitchen as needed. A set of widely loved Series 7 chairs, designed by mid-century modern architect Arne Jacobsen, paired with one of his streamlined dining room tables, for example, will surely have a small footprint in your dining area, while an antique mahogany dining room set originating during the Victorian era will bring sophistication and formality to your parties of 12 or more.

There are lots of dining room design ideas you can put into practice — get started today with a variety of antique, new or vintage dining room sets on 1stDibs.