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.
19th Century Set of Ten Swedish Gustavian Dining Chairs
Located in Round Top, TX
There is an understated elegance to this set of ten antique Swedish pine dining chairs including eight side chairs and two arm chairs in the Rococo style. Pierced splat backs, carved...
Linen, Pine, Paint
Set of Eight 19th Century Swedish Rococo Style Dining Chairs
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A good set of eight late 19th Century Swedish dining chairs in the Rococo style. These chairs have been dry scraped and have a light lime wash. All nicely carved with the Rococo 'sh...
Pine
Set of 6 Early 20th Century Italian Dining Chairs with Rococo Features
Located in London, Park Royal
A beautifully sculpted set of six early 20th-century Italian dining chairs, distinguished by their Rococo-inspired lines and elegant cabriole legs. The frames have a fluid, curved de...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Eight Italian Rococo style Carved and Painted Dining Chairs, C. 1880.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Each side chair features a shaped backrest with an open figure-eight splat above an upholstered seat, set over a shell-carved apron and elegant cabriole legs. Retaining traces of the...
Wood, Paint
Rococo Style Dining Chair Painted Black From 1860s
Located in Lejre, DK
Black painted dining chair in the style of Rococo from the 1860s. The chair is in great vintage condition and with striped upholstery.
Wood
Set of Six 1920s Rococo Venetian Dining Chairs in Purple Mohair
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of six stunning Venetian dining chairs in purple mohair.
Upholstery, Wood
$10,000 / set
19th Century Swedish Rococo-style Dining Chairs
Located in Solebury, PA
A set of ten 19th-century Swedish rococo-style dining chairs, freshly painted in ochre, exudes graceful period character and a warm, meticulously restored finish. The gently curved c...
Fabric, Wood
$1,950Sale Price / set|25% Off
Venetian Rococo Style Painted Side Chairs, Pair
Located in Sheffield, MA
Painted dark blue with beige linen seats, these Venetian style side chairs fit the bill lots of style with tall, elegant backs, cabriole leg...
Fabric, Wood
Set Of Four Italian Rococo Painted and Gilded Chairs Venice
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of four 18th century Italian painted & parcel-gilt chairs, Venetian. These beautiful chairs have carved wooden frames with sweet detailing. The surface is painted green with gold...
Gold
$2,800 / set
Set of Eight Swedish Rococo Style Dining Chairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Fine set of eight mid 20th century Swedish Rococo style dining chairs. Lovely chairs feature ornate carved details, shapely curved backs and cabriolet legs, with seats upholstered in...
Textile, Wood
Set of Six North European 18th Century Rococo Dining Chairs
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A set of six North European (Danish or North Germany) parcel-gilt beechwood dining chairs. The pierced back with shaped splat, above a bow-fronted padded seat, on cabriole legs. Seat...
Beech
Six Mid-18th Century Italian Chairs, Venice, circa 1750
Located in Milano, IT
Six carved walnut chairs Venice, mid-18th century Height 35.03 in (18.70 in to the seat) x 19.09 in x 18.30 in (89 cm - 47.5 cm to the seat - x 48.5 cm x 46.5 cm) lb 80 (kg 36) Stat...
Walnut
Antique French Rococo Revival Carved Walnut Dining Side Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Rococo Revival Ornately Carved Walnut Dining Side Chairs with Carved Stretcher Bases and Green Upholstered Seats - Set of 6. Original custom plastic covers included (...
Walnut
$5,990 / item
Deer Sculpture Art Chair by GORDON GU
Located in hong kong, HK
The chair is based on a Rococo style antique chair. This style of furniture flourished in the 30s of the 18th century, emphasizing beautiful art decoration and smooth curved shapes, ...
Crystal
$5,990 / item
Deer Sculpture Art Chair by GORDON GU
Located in hong kong, HK
The chair is based on a Rococo style antique chair. This style of furniture flourished in the 30s of the 18th century, emphasizing beautiful art decoration and smooth curved shapes, ...
Crystal, Brass
Set of Eight Venetian Dining Chairs and Bench
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Decorative set of eight 18th century painted Venetian dining chairs and bench. This wonderful set has a great amount of charm and history. B...
Wood
$5,235 / set
Set of 4 18thc Italian Dore Chairs from Lucca
Located in New Orleans, LA
Four elegant matching side chairs with cabriole legs. Heavily gilded. Purchased in Lucca, Italy. With extravagant detail and beautiful gilding, these chairs make a statement! Rococo ...
Upholstery, Wood
Set Of Four Italian Rococo Painted and Gilded Chairs Venice
Located in Hudson, NY
Set of four 18th century Italian painted & parcel-gilt chairs, Venetian. These beautiful chairs have carved wooden frames with sweet detailing. The surface is painted green with ...
Gold
Italian, Firenze, Set of 8 Walnut & Upholstered Dining Chairs, 2nd half 18thc.
Located in Atlanta, GA
the chairs having Queen Anne stylized backsplats above flared seats with drop-in upholstered cushions, with straight slanted block back legs, the front legs of cabriole form with pad...
Walnut
$4,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of 18th C Style Portuguese Dining Chair by Randy Esada Designs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of 18th C Style Portuguese Dining Chair by Randy Esada Designs. This listing is for two chairs but we actually have six chairs available. Sol in pairs.
Walnut
Set Of Four Salon/Dining Chairs In Rococo Style, Mahogany & Light Floral Fabric
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four salon/dining chairs from the 1860s, made of mahogany and upholstered in light floral fabric. Rococo-inspired design with carved details and classic proportions. Elegant c...
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Italian Venetian Green Floral Hand Painted Dining Side Chairs - Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Italian Venetian Green Floral Hand Painted Dining Side Chairs - Set of 4. Item features hand painted details, distress painted finish, nicely carved frames, very nice set of ...
Wood, Paint
1750 Venezia Italy Set 4 Blue Lacquered Wooden Dining Armchairs with Flowers
Located in Brescia, IT
This is a magnificent set of four Venetian armchairs lacquered in blue with a fine polychrome little flowers decoration. Engraved and lacquered walnut. A delicate and refined drawin...
Silk, Wood, Lacquer
Set Of Six Rococo Dining Room Chairs Made In Light Mahogany & Fabric From 1760s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of six Rococo dining room chairs of light mahogany and fabric with pattern from around the 1760s. The chairs are in great vintage condition. H - 95 cm, W - 45 cm, D - 40 cm and S...
Fabric, Mahogany
4 Italian Rococo Style Red Painted Dining Side Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderfully stylish set of 4 Italian Rococo style red painted side chairs upholstered in red dappled ivory chintz. One chair upholstery shows wear exposing base material. Search ter...
Wood
$3,999Sale Price / set|42% Off
Pair Of Danish 18th Century Rococo Chairs
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very nice pair of Rococo chairs, newly upholstered in leather with a vintage look. Could be bought together with another pair of Rococo chairs in...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Italian Baroque Swedish Rococo Style High Back Dining Arm Chairs - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Baroque / Swedish Rococo Style High Back Dining Arm Chairs (Pair) by Dods Murdick. Item features tall shapely backs, stretcher base, Queen Anne style legs, solid wood...
Fabric, Wood
4 Carved Swedish Rococo or French Louis XV Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Great set of 4 vintage carved and cream distress painted dining chairs in the Swedish Rococo / French Louis XV Style. Chairs feature shapely cabrio...
Wood
Dinning Room Chairs In Rococo Style Made In Light Mahogany & Fabric From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique dining room chairs in light mahogany with light fabric upholstery made in Rococo style from around the 1920s. Measurements in cm: H:105.5...
Mahogany
$4,200Sale Price / set|39% Off
18th Century Pair of Rococo Chairs
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very nice pair of Rococo chairs, newly upholstered in leather with a vintage look. Could be bought together with another pair of Rococo chairs in...
Leather, Wood
Set of Four Rococo Style Gilt Aluminium Chairs, 1960s
Located in Buffalo, NY
A Set of Four Rococo Style Gold Gilt Aluminium Chairs on Cabriole Legs 1960s
Aluminum
Set Of Twelve Italian 19th Century Rococo St. Patinated And Mecca Dining Chairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and finely detailed set of twelve Italian 19th century Rococo st. Patinated and Mecca dining chairs, from Venice. Each most elegant chair is supported by two front cabriol...
Wood