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
Walnut exterior door with original door knocker and nail heads, 18th century
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Walnut exterior door with an original door knocker and hand-hammered nails. The horizontal solid wood beams are very thick, with warping and shrinkage consistent with long-term aging...
Wood, Nutwood
Wall-mounted console table in dark walnut
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
A wall-mounted console table made of dark walnut, with features reminiscent of the Charles X or Louis Philippe styles (first half of the 19th century). Curved front legs, with brass ...
Wood, Nutwood
A double-leaf front door made of solid wood, dating from the 18th century.
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Double-leaf front door made of solid wood, with raised-relief paneling. Origin: Piedmont. The molded panels with a mixed-curve profile evoke the late Baroque or Rococo style. The bro...
Wood, Walnut
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
Pair of 19th-century American Hollow Cut Silhouettes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine complimentary pair of silhouette portraits in profile. In the style of William Chamberlain (1790 - 1860) of Loundon, NH. Likely husband and wife. On cut paper with a black ...
Wood, Paper
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
Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century
Located in BORGO, FR
A beautifully timeworn antique French cutting board hand-carved from a single thick piece of hardwood. This authentic primitive kitchen object features a substantial rectangular form...
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
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
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
Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century
Located in BORGO, FR
A beautifully timeworn antique French cutting board hand-carved from a single thick piece of hardwood. This authentic primitive kitchen object features a substantial rectangular form...
Wood
Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century
Located in BORGO, FR
A beautifully timeworn antique French cutting board hand-carved from a single thick piece of hardwood. This authentic primitive kitchen object features a substantial rectangular form...
Wood
Pine and Oak Rocking Cradle
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is a charming, very rustic hooded rocking cradle with an interesting and unusual “bird house” with a circular opening, built into the shallow hood,...
Oak, Pine
Vintage Wooden Rolling Pins Set with Red Handles and Wall Rack
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A curated collection of five vintage wooden rolling pins, each featuring painted red handles and ranging in size from approximately 8.5 to 21 inches, presented together on a coordina...
Fruitwood
$1,089 / set
H 12 in W 2.8 in D 2.8 in
Collection of Five Antique Primitive Turned Wood Kitchen Mashers
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Extraordinary collection of five antique kitchen mashers crafted in turned wood, each distinguished by subtly different proportions, finials, and surfaces. Gathered together, they fo...
Iron
Antique French Primitive Cutting Board, 19th Century
Located in BORGO, FR
A beautifully timeworn antique French cutting board hand-carved from a single thick piece of hardwood. This authentic primitive kitchen object features a substantial rectangular form...
Wood