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.
Early 18th Century Italian Carved and Dovetailed Walnut Alms Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 18th century Italian carved and dovetailed walnut alms box, circa 1725 Large dovetails and old handwrought nails give this small scale box a hea...
Iron
$1,172Sale Price|50% Off
Bronze Sculpture "The Young Piper"
Located in Manzano, IT
Stunning vintage bronze figurine depicting a young shepherd/piper in rustic clothing. The work stands out for its excellent rendering of anatomical details and folds of clothing, cap...
Marble, Bronze
French Carved Snuff Box, Mid-19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The elaborately carved snuff box with a scene of two mermaids on the cover and deeply carved shell on the reverse.
Boxwood
Senufo Crocodile Headdress, Africa
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Large openwork crest mounted upon a woven basketry cap. The large, square decorative panel bears a central reptilian or stylized crocodile depiction with alternating squared painted ...
Wood
Fine Traditional French Provincial Dark Stained Armoire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very fine traditional antique French armoire with a useful and hard to come by 12” depth. A carved bonnet over a frieze with carved cross motif. With the Classic shaped and carved burled door panels with patinated metal escutcheons (lacking a key). Five newer custom shelves...
Wood
19th century Primitive Painted Early American Floor Lamp
Located in Savannah, GA
Rare painted iron standing floor lamp made to burn oil but converted to electricity. Nice lines and detail with upturned feet, scroll work and finial at top. See measurements below.
Iron
$2,320
H 1.63 in W 95.75 in D 1.5 in
Original 19th C Sleigh Bells - Extra Long - Perfect Jingle Bells Sound 39 Bells!
Located in Red Lion, PA
19th Century Extra-Long Brass Sleigh Bells on Leather Belt: 39 Jingle Bells, Nearly 8 Feet Long A spectacular and highly authentic set of original 19th-century brass sleigh bells, featuring an impressive 39 hand-cast bells mounted on a nearly 8-foot-long leather strap. This exceptional antique offers not only a beautiful historic presence, but also the perfect traditional “Jingle Bells” sound, bright, rich, and unmistakably festive, just as sleigh bells should be. Each bell is solid brass, tightly fastened and fully functional, producing that magical tone that modern reproductions rarely achieve. The leather strap retains its original metal buckle and remains surprisingly supple and pliable for its age. With simple annual conditioning, it should continue to remain strong and flexible for years to come. The strap appears handmade and hand-stitched, and while there are small areas of thread loss consistent with age, the original workmanship was so solid that these minor imperfections do not compromise the structural integrity of the piece. The leather has developed a beautifully worn patina that speaks to more than a century of use, adding depth and authenticity to its appearance. In the 19th century, long straps of sleigh bells like this were affixed to horse harnesses so travelers could be heard approaching through winter snow, helping prevent collisions on narrow rural roads. Over time, this cheerful sound became woven into the imagery of the holiday season and ultimately inspired the classic Christmas carol, “Jingle Bells.” Today, authentic sets like this capture the warmth and romance of Victorian winter travel and embody the nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas. Because of its impressive length, this sleigh bell strap lends itself beautifully to holiday decorating. Many collectors enjoy hanging it on a door so it jingles each time someone enters or exits, while others drape it across a mantel for a warm, traditional seasonal moment. It also looks wonderful wrapped around a staircase railing, stretched along a festive tablescape as a conversation piece, or even displayed on a wall as a piece of functional folk art. However it’s arranged, the authentic sound and historic character bring instant Victorian holiday charm to any space. Original 19th-century sleigh bell straps in this size and condition have become increasingly difficult to find, especially with such a full complement of bells still attached. Modern reproductions, while decorative, seldom replicate the deep, resonant sound of genuine antique brass or the rich patina only time and use can create. For lovers of Americana, equestrian history, Victorian Christmas...
Brass
18th-19th Century Italian Wood Carved Angel
Located in San Francisco, CA
A lovely angel, his right hand extended as if to touch something or hold something. He appears very calm and peaceful, clothed in a partial shroud which is draped over his shoulder...
Wood
$975
H 5 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
Set of 9 20th Century Eastern Orthodox Hand Painted Figural Christmas Ornaments
Located in Red Lion, PA
Set of 9 20th Century Eastern Orthodox Hand-Painted Figural Christmas Ornaments: Father Frost and Snow Maidens A charming and beautifully crafted set of nine 20th-century Eastern Or...
Wire
18th Century Swedish Blue Painted Wooden Box with Ironwork
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish Baroque box with original ironwork, key and working lock dated (forged in iron) 1752. This pine wood box, bought in the region of "Dalsland" in Sweden, not far from from No...
Iron
Swedish 100% Original Trunk Art
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% Original Painted Swedish Trunk Art dated 1814. the trunk was found in a barn resting on its back in mud, it was in such bad condi...
Oak
Antique Carved and Decorated Ship's Figurehead
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique carved and decorated ship's figurehead, circa 1890, depicting a regal bird with a beak. The sculpture is in original paint. Although there has been much paint loss and age cr...
Wood
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 37 in W 15.75 in D 16 in
Late 19th Century American Handmade Burled Wood Chair
Located in Wainscott, NY
Late 19th century American handmade burled wood chair Great looking accent chair with beautiful patina and wood grain. Dimensions: 37 in. H x 15....
Wood
18th Century Swedish Decorated Mangle Board
Located in Kramfors, SE
Folk art mangle board from northern Sweden. This is a typical proposal gift to the would-be bride from the groom. If he had the skill the groom would make...
Pine