Rococo Lighting
Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.
The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.
When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.
The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.
21st Century and Contemporary American Rococo Lighting
Resin, Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary American Rococo Lighting
Wrought Iron
1960s Vintage Rococo Lighting
Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Rococo Lighting
Crystal, Brass
1970s Austrian Vintage Rococo Lighting
Brass
1960s Austrian Vintage Rococo Lighting
Brass, Nickel
Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Rococo Lighting
Iron
1940s Czech Vintage Rococo Lighting
Crystal
20th Century Austrian Rococo Lighting
Nickel
1960s Austrian Vintage Rococo Lighting
Metal
1750s French Antique Rococo Lighting
Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Rococo Lighting
Silver Leaf
1980s Austrian Vintage Rococo Lighting
Metal