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.
Antique Rocking Chair Hand Carved and Turned Walnut Wood Needlepoint Upholstery
Located in Miami, FL
Rocking chair from the late 19th century, hand carved with turned wood details on 2 casters. Sturdy and comfortable crafted frame with decorative rocking base. Nail head trim adorn t...
Metal
Victorian Walnut and Cane Rocking Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Victorian Walnut and Cane Rocking Chair. Caning in great condition
Cane, Walnut
Voluta Wood and Brass Handmade Rocking Chair
Located in Roma, IT
The Voluta rocking chair, designed by Stefano Marolla, made of wood, carbon fiber and brass, is inspired to the classical organic plastic shapes, hidin...
Brass
Antique Venetian Carved Grotto Rocking Chair, ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An antique handcarved Venetian rocking chair in grotto design. Seat and backrest in the shape of sea shells, backrest supported by a sea horse. ...
Wood
Scandinavian Pine Wood And Leather Rocking Chair
Located in ECHT, NL
A Scandinavian pine rocking chair from the late 70s This comfortable chair features a solid, pine wooden frame with a seat and backrest in cognac leather. Organic, rounded shapes wi...
Leather, Pine
Victorian Walnut and Cane Seat Rocking Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Victorian Walnut and Cane Seat Rocking Chair in good antique condition measuring 19" in width, 30" in depth, 32.5" in height with a Seat hei...
Cane, Walnut
Vintage Walnut Rocking Chair
By Baumritter
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With rich walnut making up this chair's frame and spindle back, this vintage rocking chair is full of Mid-Century style. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).
Upholstery, Walnut
Cane and Exotic Wood Brazilian Rocking Chair
Located in Buffalo, NY
Sculptural Brazilian rocking chair in the style of Joaquim Tenriero. Amazing quality and design. Original cane seat in need of restoration. (see photo). Hand delivery avail to New Yo...
Cane, Wood
$795
H 35.5 in W 24.5 in D 28.5 in
Antique Victorian Walnut and Cane Carved Rocker Rocking Chair Queen Anne Legs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Victorian Walnut and Cane Carved Rocker Rocking Chair Queen Anne Legs. Circa Early 1900s. Measurements: 35.5" H x 24.5" W x 28.5" D x 15" Seat he...
Cane, Walnut
Vintage Anglo Indian Carved Teak Wood Rocking Chair Rocker
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Anglo Indian Carved Teak Wood Rocking Chair Rocker. Item features solid wood ...
Teak
$5,117 / item
H 43.31 in W 29.93 in D 41.74 in
Gervasoni Gray 09 Rocking Chair in Walnut & Berlin Upholstery by Paola Navone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rocking chair in wood, Gray 09 is characterised by a high backrest with visible slats on which a soft loose cushion rests. The structure, with a large and welcoming seat, is made of ...
Walnut
Early 20th Century Carved Walnut and Upholstered Folding Rocking Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th century Victorian Style carved Walnut and Upholstered rocking chair.
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,400
H 35 in W 28 in D 35 in
Blond Wood Danish Modern Slated Back Rocking Lounge Chair New Upholstery MINT
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New charcoal fabric removable cushions upholstery Danish Mid-Century Modern rocking lounge chair.
Upholstery, Birch
18th Century Swedish Rococo Rocking Chair
Located in Chireno, TX
18th century Swedish rococo rocking chair circa 1730-1769. Beautiful, unusual rocking chair from Sweden. Decoration and cabriole legs hand-carved in Swedish rococo period and style. ...
Linen, Wood