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.
1850s French Antique Rococo Lighting
Bronze
1930s French Vintage Rococo Lighting
Crystal, Iron
1950s French Vintage Rococo Lighting
Metal
1970s Italian Vintage Rococo Lighting
Metal
1960s French Vintage Rococo Lighting
Crystal, Metal
1950s French Vintage Rococo Lighting
Crystal, Metal
2010s French Rococo Lighting
Crystal, Gold Leaf, Iron
20th Century French Rococo Lighting
Metal
1930s French Vintage Rococo Lighting
Crystal, Iron
1970s Vintage Rococo Lighting
Metal
20th Century French Rococo Lighting
Crystal
1930s French Vintage Rococo Lighting
Crystal, Iron
20th Century French Rococo Lighting
Metal