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.
$4,489 / set
19th Century Chairs
Located in SE
Four chairs made in Sweden in the rococo style about 1830:s. The first secondary color have been removed and what is left, is the second secondary color. Under the secondary color th...
Birch
Chairs Pair of Swedish Rococo 1750-1775 White Green Gray, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Chairs pair of Swedish Rococo 1750-1775 white green gray, Sweden. A pair of side chairs made during the Rococo period 1750-1775 in Sweden. Painted in a greenish gray and upholstered ...
Wood
18th Century Rococo chair
By Carl Magnus Sandberg
Located in SE
Chair made in the Royal workshop in Stockholm, attributed to Carl Magnus Sandberg. Not signed. He became member of Stockholms chair maker society 1760 and died before 1790. It is ve...
Birch, Giltwood
18th century Venetian Rococo Armchair
Located in Troy, NY
18th Century Venetian Rococo Armchair. A delicate armchair of typical form, with beautiful lines and proportions and delicately carved details. Ex Metropolitan Museum of Art. For an ...
Walnut
Late 18th Century Swivel Chair
Located in SE
The swivel chair is made in Sweden about 1770:s. It is in a good condition and a practical functional chair.
Birch, Pine
$2,303Sale Price|31% Off
“Don José” Style Polychromed Chair with Gilt Details, Portugal, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This Don José style chair dates to the 18th century and was produced in Portugal circa 1750. The piece is crafted in carved wood and finished with rich polychromy accented by gold le...
Wood
Pair of Rococo Style Gilt Wood Side Chairs, Late 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Each with a padded back and seat, upholstered in greenish fabric with flower pattern, the shell-carved front seat rail raised on leaf-carved cabriole legs.
Giltwood