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.
Vintage French Baroque Style Gold Giltwood Upholstered Bergere Club Chair - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Baroque/Louis XV Style Carved Gold Giltwood Upholstered Bergere Club Chairs - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 38" H x ...
Fabric, Wood
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Italian Red Leather Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair was made sometime in the 1800s in Italy. Has beautiful hand carved ornamental carvings throughout the frame of the chair; hand scalloped arms on a sea-scroll with the pati...
Metal
Early 18th Century Regence Northern German / Flemish Oversized Armchair
Located in Troy, NY
Very Comfortable and Rare Armchair of Generous Proportions and stately appearance, exuberantly carved Beech Wood frame, with scrolling floral motives, wavy open arms, cabriole legs j...
Upholstery, Beech
$10,702 / set
Important Set of 5 Portuguese Armchairs 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Set of 5 armchairs Portuguese 18th Century, in kingwood with carvings. Fabric seats. Dim.: 108 x 61 x 51 cm Very good condition.
Wood
18th Century Directoire Bergère Chair with Paisley Upholstery
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This rare French bergère chair dates from the late 18th century, during the elegant transitional period between the Louis XVI and Directoire styles. Crafted from solid beechwood, the...
Beech
19th Century Rococo Style Wide Marquise Chair
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite antique chair is a French Louis XV style ‘Bergère Marquise’ in the Rococo tradition, dating from circa 1890-1900. The chair is meticulo...
Wood
$3,244Sale Price|40% Off
H 38.59 in W 28.35 in D 27.56 in
18th Century Carved Mahogany Library Bergère Armchair
Located in Lymington, GB
An English 18th-century carved mahogany library armchair - or bergère - of good rich colour. George III, circa 1780. This antique Sheraton-period armchair, sometimes described as a bergère (bergere) chair, is raised on reeded square tapering legs which merge, headed by a carved rosette panel...
Mahogany
French Inspired Upholstered Linen Bergère Chairs
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
French inspired upholstered linen bergère chairs These French inspired chair are based on an original Napoleon III style pair of chairs. Napoleo...
Linen
$1,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 35 in W 28 in D 31 in
Mated Pair Similarly Upholstered French Carved Walnut Louis Bergere Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant mated pair of French Louis-style bergère chairs showcases the refined craftsmanship and timeless sophistication of 19th and early 20th-century French design. Constructed...
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XV Bergère Armchair
Located in Munich, DE
19th century French Louis XV Bergère armchairs in their original patina still very comfortable, perfect for deco or your next project...
Wood
French 18th Century Louis XVI Bergere
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 18th-century French Louis XVI bergère embodies the refined elegance and craftsmanship of the period. Featuring a carved wooden frame, likely crafted from walnut, the c...
Walnut
19th Century Empire Bergére Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Empire bergére chair ebonized featuring swan arms and brass ormolu. Recently upholstered in striated verde green silk velvet.
Brass
$1,424Sale Price|27% Off
H 35.44 in W 29.93 in D 31.5 in
Louis XV Walnut Bergère Chair, Late 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite French bergère armchair was crafted in the late 19th century in the Louis XV style, showcasing the timeless elegance of French decorative arts. Made from solid French ...
Walnut
19th Century French Bergere
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French bergère exudes classic elegance and comfort, making it a timeless statement piece. The carved wood frame, finished in a distressed pale tone, showcases the g...
Wrought Iron
French Louis XV Style Carved Upholstered Bergere Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 32 1/2in Width: 25 1/2in Depth: 25in Seat Height: 18in This vintage Louis XV style upholstered bergere chair is made of the highest quality and is perfect for y...
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Louis XV Bergère, Pierre Frey Fabric
Located in Doylestown, PA
A Louis XV period bergère cabriolet in pale green painted finish, with carved flowers and vines on the crest, seat rail and on the cabriole legs. Currently upholstered in Pierre Frey...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 39 in W 27 in D 28 in
Pair of Period French Louis XV Carved Bergeres Cabriolet, Paris, circa 1760
By Jean-Baptiste Tilliard
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair of period French Louis XV carved bergeres cabriolet, Paris, circa 1760. The regal bergère cabriolet is referred to as the chair of Kings. Thi...
Walnut
19th Century French Carved Bleached Oak Armchairs, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 19th century French bleached oak armchairs. The frames are heavily carved and in very good condition. The slim leather cushion is vintage and is also free from tears.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 27.5 in W 22 in D 21 in
Diminutive Child’s Duchesse Brisee Louis XV France, circa 1750 "I.NADAL”
By Jean-Rene Nadal
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Diminutive child’s Duchesse Brisee Louis XV France, circa 1750 “I.NADAL” Two-part duchesse brisee consisting of a bergère and an ottoman. A rare, luxurious and charming French authentic Louis XV, circa 1750 petite daybed. This sweet, adorable duchesse brisee is hand carved in solid walnut. The design, with gracefully curving lines and finely carved decorations creates an elegant set of upholstered children’s furniture. The exquisite duchesse brisee is certainly made for a client of great importance and displays the splendor and elegance of the Louis XV period. It is stamped, “I.NADAL”, a furniture maker for the king. It is exceptionally rare to find a period duchesse brisee by this famous maker. The furniture is in outstanding condition with a fine early finish. It is newly reupholstered in a yellow-green velvet. Bibliography: Menuisier s. Kjellberg Le mobilier francaise...
Velvet, Walnut
18th Baroque French Armchair Carved and Gilded Wood , with Tapestry
By France"
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing French armchair in carved and gilded wood, upholstered with a tapestry "Verdur", 18th century circa 1780. In a very good condition. The tapestry "Verdure" is in a good condi...
Gold
Rams Head Berger Chairs
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a set of 2 Rams Head Berger chair, they have been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" seating recovered in muslin.
Birch
19th Century Walnut Carved Armchair Bergère
Located in Lucenec, SK
Carved walnut armchair from the second half of 19th century, Austria.
Upholstery, Wood
Antique French Carved Wood Blue Cane Bergere Armchair
Located in Sofia, BG
Beautiful wooden cane blue antique armchair.
Cane
17th Century Italian Walnut Armchair Wingchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
This Italian 17th century wingchair was made from walnut and newly upholstered with 19th century linen and leather. From the 17th century on comfortable seating was becoming more av...
Walnut
Italian Baroque Giltwood Settee and Side Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful antique Italian early 19th century carved giltwood settee and chair in the Baroque style. The chairs feature a finely carved whimsical theme including maidens, clouds, flowers and shells. Some of the flowers feature original encrusted glass...
Giltwood
19th Century Walnut Carved Armchair Bergere
Located in Lucenec, SK
Carved walnut armchair from the second half of 19th century, Austria, Hungary.
Pair of Curule Form Spanish Large Throne Armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
A charming and rare pair of 19th century walnut curule-form armchair, each with back, arms and seat cushion, on curved legs. Upholstered in original worn green silk velvet with hera...
Velvet, Walnut
Italian 19th Century Painted and Gilt Tapestry Bergere
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Italian made 19th century parcel painted and parcel-gilt single bergere in Classic style with a large seat, mid-1800s Measures: Seat 17.50" H x 28" W x 21.25" D.
Tapestry