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.
Antique Baroque Mirror, Gold Leaf and Wood, Early 20th Century, France
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Valuable early 20th-century mirror with a cymatium, side scrolls, and curlicue decoration. Restored and finished in gold leaf and lacquer. Dimensions: H. 164.5 cm - W. 112 cm - D. 4...
Gold Leaf
$1,000
H 49.75 in W 21 in D 2 in
LaBarge Attr Mid-Century Modern Gilt Wood Frame Shield\Crest Shaped Mirror 1960s
By LaBarge
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Attributed to LaBarge, this large mirror features a well-proportioned shield or crest shape with a carved and gilt wooden frame. A handsome accent piece for any modern home or hallwa...
Mirror, Wood
Diminutive 18th Century American Chippendale Mirror
Located in Hudson, NY
A fine diminutive 18th century American Chippendale mirror with cut-out scroll work crests and ears in mahogany retaining original dry surf...
Glass, Mercury Glass, Mirror, Wood
$1,350
H 67.5 in W 14 in D 14 in
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Style Gentleman’s Shaving Grooming Stand, Tilting Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Tiger Oak, Original Mirror, Brass Pulls Style: French Art Nouveau This early 1900s Art Nouveau–style gentleman’s shaving stand captures the charm of old-world daily rituals, when grooming was a slow, intentional moment built into the rhythm of the morning. Crafted in the United States from richly figured tiger oak, it features its original tilting mirror mounted on a cast-metal arm, allowing a man to angle the glass perfectly in natural light before indoor bathrooms were common. The upper drawers and lower shelves once held razors, brushes, soaps, and water bowls, reflecting a time when personal care stations were elegant pieces of furniture rather than fixtures attached to walls. Brass pulls and soft Art Nouveau curves give the stand a refined presence, blending beauty with the practical craftsmanship that defined early 20th-century life. It remains in original vintage condition, carrying with it the warm patina and nostalgic character of a bygone era. Fun Historical Fact: Before the rise of modern plumbing, grooming stands like this acted as a personal “bathroom corner,” offering a dedicated space for shaving, washing, and preparing for the day. The adjustable mirror was a luxury innovation, allowing men to catch the best light from nearby windows for a safer and closer shave. Tiger oak furniture...
Brass
Diminutive 18th Century Chippendale Hand Mirror American
Located in Hudson, NY
A highly unusual and interesting Chippendale mirror. Frame is created from a single plank of mahogany. The glass is original and in exceptional condition. This is a definite one of a...
Mirror, Mahogany, Pine
$1,511
H 4.14 in W 2.09 in D 0.2 in
Antique 20thC Solid Silver & Lapis Lazuli Mounted Miniature Mirror C.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century Continental solid silver and lapis lazuli mounted miniature mirror, of oval form, with the glass surrounded by segmented lapis lazuli panels and the revers...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
$1,775
H 17 in W 14.25 in D 1.5 in
A convex mirror, frame in ebonized wood and bronze, Italy, late 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
A medium-sized, round convex wall mirror, designed for a cabinet of curiosities, with a turned and ebonized softwood frame. At the top of the mirror is a gilded bronze hook depicting...
Bronze
$4,400Sale Price|36% Off
H 30.71 in W 15.75 in D 1.58 in
Danish 18th Century Gilded Freemason Guild Rococo Mirror
Located in Copenhagen, K
Fantastic Rococo Ealdorman mirror, with incredible gilded carvings of carpenters tools. Made for or by a ealdorman.
Wood
Mid-Century Mirror, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Mirror,Wood,plaster Re-polished Original condition.
Mirror, Plaster, Wood
Mid-Century Wall Round Mirror, 1960's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia. Made of mirror, plastic. Re-polished. Original condition.
Mirror, Plastic
20th Century French Bamboo and Woven Rattan Mirror, c.1970
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Mid 20th century French bamboo and woven rattan wide framed mirror. Condition In Great Condition - wear consistent with age. Size Width: 62cm...
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
$715
H 22.5 in W 18.5 in D 2 in
Bohemian Handwoven Wicker Wall Mirror Rhombus Shape French Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern wicker wall mirror in a handcrafted Rhombus shape. Oval handwoven Bohemian Chic Folk Art mirror, made in France. Can be hung horizontal and vertical. Mirror si...
Mirror, Wicker
$1,893
H 9.25 in W 6.75 in D 1.25 in
A small convex mirror, with a brass frame. Italy, late 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
A Small round convex wall mirror, used in a cabinet of curiosities, with an embossed brass frame. The edges of the frame are decorated with cherubs, griffins, masks, and plant motifs...
Brass
Coppia di applique a specchiera in stile Luigi XV.
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Coppia di applique a specchiera di eccezionale gusto estetico. Lo stile è un classico Barocchetto stile Luigi XV. La figura sagomata e mossa della cornice, unitamente alla cimasa con...
Glass, Wood