Walnut Castillian Influence

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.

In any kitchen, dining room or other area of your home, antique and vintage cupboards can help you organize your space as well as support your endeavors to show off your prized collectibles and decorative objects.

Cupboards have long been staples in interior design as reliable and versatile case pieces, which have been a vital part of the home for centuries. Cupboards appeared in the Middle Ages and by the 17th century had eclipsed the chest in popularity as a piece of furniture for storage. New techniques in woodworking allowed furniture manufacturers to build pieces that were more complex than simple chests.

Early cupboards were often tall and were typically used to store linens. By the 18th century, there was more variety in the available shapes and sizes, with some pieces combining a chest of drawers with a tall cabinet.

Cupboards became large and heavy as their importance as furniture grew, frequently making them the biggest piece in a home. They could involve decorative elements like columns and cornices. Over the years, more features were added by furniture makers, such as glass panels for displaying items like porcelain ware.

Besides keeping the room tidy, a cupboard can set the tone through its size. Antique and vintage cupboards are built to last, and, with centuries of design choices, these structures are easy to match with existing furniture.

On 1stDibs, find a range of options for your home including new and custom cupboards, mid-century modern cupboards and original creations, like the weave quilt cupboards by Jim Rose. Contemporary cupboards with unexpected shapes and colors can add an element of surprise to a room. They also provide versatile storage while creating a modern effect.