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
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
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
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
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
Swedish 100% Original Painted Trunk Art
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% Original Painted Swedish Trunk Art dated 1818. the trunk was found in a barn resting on its back in mud, it was in such bad condi...
Pine
$495
H 15.75 in W 16.13 in D 7.13 in
Handcrafted Wooden Tool Caddy, Primitive Ziggurat Design, USA, 1940s
Located in Round Top, TX
Handmade wooden tool caddy featuring distinctive stepped ziggurat details that give it sculptural presence and architectural charm. Originally conceived as a functional carrier, its ...
Wood
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
$450
H 4 in W 11.13 in D 6.38 in
Early 20th Century Folk Art "American Eagle" Silhouette Decorative Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk art decorative box with eagle motif in attractive red paint (ca. 1910-1920, USA). The hinged top opens to reveal a divided storage compartment, per...
Wood, Paint
Scandinavian 18th Century Folk Art Hat Or Wick Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Danish wooden hat or wig box of wood with original painting.
Wood
$1,295
H 29 in W 54 in D 26.5 in
Early 19th Century Primitive American Demilune Large Sized Console Table
Located in Savannah, GA
Early 19th century American primitive demilune console table featuring center drawer with brass knob, straight plain foot legs and original finish. ...
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Box
Located in Chicago, IL
A fascinating and truly unique early 20th century American Folk Art box with the most wonderful Greek temple design with eight blue painted Doric columns around the perimeter and wit...
Wood