Ruth Planter

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.

Adding antique and vintage fountains to your home and garden is a great way to accentuate your interiors or landscape design as well as reap the benefits of the calming sound of flowing water.

The design of your outdoor fountain — or the indoor fountain you’ve introduced to your parlor — is going to determine how the water flows into its basin. Whether your new addition is a simple bowl-shaped design, an elaborate wall-mounted Art Deco fountain or a classical tiered tower boasting decoratively carved floral motifs, this will determine the movement of the feature’s water as well as the sounds it makes. If you’re looking to ensure that there is steadily bubbling water, a slow trickle, a waterfall or cascading sheets of water, you’ll want to think about the architecture of your fountain.

Interior and exterior fountains are made from a variety of materials. Cast concrete lends a classical look to your outdoor fountain. Limestone, a component of concrete, is a dense rock with a creamy white finish that calls to mind classical sculptures. If you’ve already adorned your garden or patio and firepit area with Roman statues, this will feel cohesive in your outdoor space. While limestone fountains are low maintenance, these features will require upkeep. A limestone fountain will need to be cleaned out and undergo a water change on occasion — at least every two to four months — in order to prevent algae growth as well as the smell that might accompany it.

Glazed ceramic fountains, which also warrant regular cleaning to reduce buildup of debris and mineral deposits, will add a splash of color to your garden or entryway. A Spanish or Italian fountain adorned with vibrant ornamental tiles will pop against your shrubbery and concrete planters. Lightweight options for outdoor fountains can be found in fiberglass and cast iron if stone seems too heavy for your taste.

By the 19th century, Victorians realized there were health benefits to fountains. The sound of running water can help create a harmonious and soothing environment in your well-appointed outdoor oasis or inviting foyer, and today, we could all use a little relaxation.

It’s time to harness the calming properties of gently flowing water. You will love the serenity that a vintage, new or antique fountain from 1stDibs can add to your home and garden.