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 Walnut Recamier with Caning
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of an Italian carved walnut recamier with carved crest flanked by turned posts, and arched scrollwork stretchers, with original caning, a small chain attached on verso...
Cane, Walnut
DE SADE Gold Leaf Chaise Longue in Solid Wood with Brown Baroque Printed Leather
Located in Lentate sul Seveso, Monza e Brianza
The De Sade Chaise Longue is a captivating creation by Anonyme Studio, meticulously handcrafted in Italy to redefine opulence with a modern twist. Inspired by the Louis XVI style, th...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Brown Leather Chaise Longue
Located in Milan, IT
Showcasing a fluid silhouette crafted of bronzed cylindrical steel, padded in expanded polyurethane, and upholstered in vintage brown leather, this elegant chaise longue makes for th...
Leather
$7,800
H 37 in W 87 in D 28.75 in
Large Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Récamier Settee in Scalamandré Tiger Velvet
Located in Nashville, TN
And of unusual ( rare ) large dimensions. Matching bolsters for each end. Well worn gilt and paint finish and losses to frame. Well worn paint and gilded finish. Oxidation to the gi...
Giltwood
Italian Carved 18th Century Tall Back Caned Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful antique very early caned tall backed Italian chair. Bought in the South of France. Caning has a small hole on the back but in great s...
Cane, Walnut
Dutch 'Backbone' Chaise Longue in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chaise lounge, teak, aluminium and fabric, The Netherlands, 1990s. This exceptional Dutch chaise longue features a seating area crafted from teak...
Steel
20TH Century English Regency Style Recamier with Scrolled Arms
By Bianchini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very special Recamier by Bianchini Art Design of Italy, beautifully upholstered in a peach cotton velvet on the scrolled arms and a silk satin fabric that compliments it well on the ...
Fabric, Satin, Silk, Velvet, Mahogany, Giltwood
Una 'Articolo Indeterminativo' Wood Chaise Longue
Located in Roma, IT
The chaise longue is the third piece of the collection Una (Articolo Indeterminativo) by Stefano Marolla. The name of the collection comes from the Italian grammar where the indeterminative article precedes a non-identified noun. The objects play on the ambiguity of the matter than can deceive the eye: a sturdy element like wood, hand-curved and levigated, looks like a light tapestry. The curves and the soft drapery of the wood are inspired by a long and attentive study on the usage of drapery in art’s history, going back from the ancient Greece to Bernini’s sculptures...
Wood
1920's Chaise Lounge with Carved Walnut Base, Newly Upholstered
Located in Pasadena, CA
This elegant 1920s chaise lounge embodies timeless sophistication with its graceful, sculptural silhouette and refined craftsmanship. The gently sloped back flows seamlessly into an ...
Linen, Wood
Late 19th-C. English Anglo-Indian Style Carved Oak & Cane Chaise
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century carved oak and cane English Anglo-Indian style chaise. The carved arched stretchers are intact and solid as is the cane. It is unmarked and in very good c...
Cane, Oak
$4,758Sale Price|20% Off
H 42.92 in W 78.75 in D 28.75 in
18th Century French Louis XV Chaise Longue, Known as "Duchesse"
Located in Leimen, DE
This exquisite 18th-century chaise longue, often referred to as a "Duchesse", exemplifies the grace and sophistication of the Louis XV period. With its elegant curves and classic des...
Walnut
$3,842 / item
H 26.38 in W 82.68 in D 33.86 in
"Flag" Couch and Chaise Longue in Dark Brown Linen and Wood Feet
Located in Centro, RS
The Flag Couch is a smart and multifunctional piece. The couch has a cushion built into the seat that makes the piece with dual functionality: when is close...
Fabric, Hardwood
Leather BoConcept Chaise Longue
By BoConcept
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage BoConcept chaise lounge with relax function. In natural black leather, chrome steel base/legs. Label: BoConcept. Very good vintage condition.
Metal, Chrome
Postmodern Italian chaise longue in faux fur brown
Located in Milano, IT
Italian Postmodern chaise longue, late 1970s - early 1980s This remarkable chaise longue is a true expression of Italian Postmodern design, a period defined by bold experimentation,...
Faux Fur, Wood
CHAISE LONGUE Portuguese, from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
CHAISE LONGUE Portuguese, from the 19th Century in mahogany wood. Upholstered in fabric. Feet with wheels. Signs of use. Dim.: 84 x 180 x 65 cm good conditions
Wood
19th c. Italian Chaise
Located in Houston, TX
19th c Italian chaise. Beautifully hand gilded and painted. This piece was imported from Italy and has been newly reupholstered. Sleek curves and intric...
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Venetian Polychromed Daybed Chaise Longue
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular 19th century Venetian daybed or chaise longue featuring a Venetian gondola style wooden frame. The bed is decorated with colorful floral re...
Fabric, Wood