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.
$5,153Sale Price|44% Off
Fine Nord Italian 18th Century Walnut Settee
Located in Rome, IT
A fine Nord Italian 18'century walnut Settee with scrolled arm-support on 8 cabriole legs , covered with silk fabric of Rubelli. cm 220x115x70
Wood
English William and Mary Baroque Style Camel Hump Back Settee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant country English camel or hump back sofa settee crafted in the William and Mary Baroque taste. The distinctive frame is constructed from dark walnut and upholstered in a p...
Fabric, Walnut
$3,967Sale Price / set|25% Off
19th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Tooled Leather Savonarola Bench or Settee
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Italian hand carved walnut Savonarolas chairs, circa 1880. Having wonderfully carved frame with scrolling arms, aged black tooled leather seat and back, accented with br...
Leather, Walnut
French Baroque Style Chintz-Upholstered Daybed, circa 1940s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rather theatrical and glamorous daybed with a sweeping S-shaped top, raised on large turned baluster legs. The structure is painted in an elegant light green, and has been newly upholstered in vintage chintz.
18th century North Italian Baroque Style Green-Painted and Parcel-Gilt Settee
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A North Italian green-painted and parcel-gilt settee from the mid-18th century. The serpentine padded backrest displays foliate scrolls on the top rail flanked by two scrolls above a...
Upholstery, Wood
Andrea Brustolon Carved Venetian Baroque Walnut Settee Sofa Bench Brown Leather
By Valentino Besarel, Andrea Brustolon
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare finely carved Venetian Baroque style figural walnut throne settee or bench, attributed to Valentino Panciera Besarel (Venice, 1829-1902) in the manner of Andrea Brustolon...
Leather, Walnut
Pair of 18th Century Italian Renaissance Lion Carved Walnut Sgabello Hall Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 18th century Italian Renaissance lion carved walnut Sgabello hall chairs. Pair of Flemish carved oak hall chairs, circa 1890. Profusely c...
Walnut
19th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Bench or Settle
Located in Miami, FL
19th century carved walnut folding scissors Savonarola bench or settee featuring a lion shield in the back. Typical of the Italian Renaissance with carved Florentine backs (no shows in the picture). This pair created in the 19th century, most likely 1840s-1850s, are in perfect condition. The Savonarola chair is a type of folding chair with an X-frame when viewed from the front or back. It was designed to fold so it was portable and used during campaigns or other outdoor pursuits. The title Savonarola comes from the name of Italian Renaissance Dominican friar, Girolamo Savonarola, who is renowned for his clash with tyrannical rulers and corrupt clergy. To fold this interestingly beautiful chair you must first remove the back rail which simply slides upward out of slots in the arms, then push the arms together to fold. This pair would make perfect hallway or entryway chairs...
Walnut
French BaroqueStyle settee in gilt gold and silver finish, hand carved
Located in Houston, TX
This piece is unique because the design is very special due to the fine carving And the combination of gold and silver finishes incorporated. The piece is not Only beautiful but fun...
Giltwood
19th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Leather Savonarola Bench or Settee
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Italian hand carved walnut Savonarola chair, circa 1880. Having wonderfully carved frame with scrolling arms, aged black leather seat and back, accented with brass roset...
Walnut
19th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Bench or Settle
Located in Miami, FL
19th century carved walnut folding scissors Savonarola bench or settee featuring a gentleman in the back. Typical of the Italian Renaissance with carved Florentine backs (no shows in the picture) . This pair created in the 19th century, most likely 1840s-1850s, are in perfect condition. The Savonarola chair is a type of folding chair with an X frame when viewed from the front or back. It was designed to fold so it was portable and used during campaigns or other outdoor pursuits. The title Savonarola comes from the name of Italian Renaissance Dominican friar, Girolamo Savonarola, who is renowned for his clash with tyrannical rulers and corrupt clergy. To fold this interestingly beautiful chair you must first remove the back rail which simply slides upward out of slots in the arms, then push the arms together to fold. This pair would make perfect hallway or entryway chairs...
Walnut
$19,850Sale Price|48% Off
In Manner of Andrea Brustolon Venetian 19th Century Carved Walnut Figural Settee
By Valentino Panciera Besarel, Andrea Brustolon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine and rare Italian 19th century Baroque style carved walnut figural settee (Sofa-Loveseat), attributed to Valentino Panciera Besarel (Venice, 1829-1902) in the manner of Andrea Brustolon...
Fabric, Walnut
$5,594Sale Price|25% Off
Baroque Sofa, Germany 1750
Located in Leimen, DE
18th Century Baroque Walnut Sofa with Antique Figural Needlework An exceptional 18th-century Baroque walnut sofa, distinguished by its elegant carved frame and richly detailed antiq...
Walnut
$3,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Pair of Carved Walnut Leather Savonarola Bench or Settee
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Italian hand carved walnut Savonarola chair, circa 1880. Having wonderfully carved frame with scrolling arms, aged black leather seat and back, accented with brass roset...
Walnut
Italian 18th Century Painted Baroque Hall Bench
Located in Troy, NY
Very decorative painted bench with a serpentine shaped high back, decorated with a scenic landscape and framed by leafy scrolls, foliate seat rail and remains of polychrome on the se...
Pine, Walnut
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Baroque Figural Bench/ Settee
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Italian Baroque Figural Bench/ Settee 18th century or older, some later support added A quietly stunning figural Italian Baroque Bench/ Sett...
Upholstery, Walnut
19th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Tooled Leather Savonarola Bench or Settee
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Italian hand carved walnut Savonarolas chairs, circa 1880. Having wonderfully carved frame with scrolling arms, aged black tooled leather...
Leather, Walnut
Period Italian Baroque Ebonized Bench
Located in Essex, MA
Period Italian Baroque carved panel incorporated into a bench or settee. Carving used as back is 17th century/seat and legs early 19th...
$7,437Sale Price|30% Off
H 42 in W 102 in D 60 in
Rare Antique Victorian Walnut Tufted Serpentine Parlor Corner Sofa Settee Couch
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental Victorian corner parlor sofa featuring serpentine walnut frame with S scroll carved and padded arms. Features queen anne legs and tufted upholst...
Velvet, Walnut
Italy Venezia Mid-18th Century Baroque Wooden Sofa
Located in Brescia, IT
Mid-18th Century hand-carved 1750 Venetian Baroque walnut sofa, three-seat with armrests. Remarkable work by Venetian cabinetmakers. The 18th C...
Walnut, Silk
$45,792 / set
H 31.5 in W 54.73 in D 24.81 in
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll Black Leather Mirror Sofa Settee
By Robert and Trix Haussmann, Knoll
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of 1970s Trix & Robert Haussmann for Knoll 2-seat sofa settee. This pair is made in black leather and mirror. All original collectors condition. The Mirror Sofa...
Mirror, Leather
$4,950
H 40 in W 54 in D 27 in
French Louis XVI Style Wingback Settee with Original Gilding and New Fabric
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style settee from the early 19th century, with original gilding and new upholstery. Born in France during the early years of the 19th century, this settee features...
Upholstery, Wood
$10,329Sale Price|25% Off
H 35.04 in W 71.66 in D 18.12 in
Italian Bench / Settee with Wall Hanging Back, Italy, 1950
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milan, IT
Spectacular Italian bench / settee with wall hanging back, Italy, 1950.
Upholstery, Wood
Upholstered Daybed Chaise Longues
Located in Sheffield, MA
Graceful and inviting, the recamier chaise with arched back and rolled arm. The fainting couch is upholstered but it does show some ware. Although made in the Victorian period, it ...
Upholstery
19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Style Walnut Settee
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning 19th Century settee featuring the clean lines and warm wood tones characteristic of Swedish Biedermeier design, with a silhouette influenced by French Neoclassical forms. ...
Walnut
19th Century French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Settee
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French Louis XV style walnut settee dating from the late 19th century, featuring a beautifully shaped and carved frame with the graceful curves characteristic of the perio...
Walnut, Fabric
$2,800
H 18.12 in W 74.02 in D 33.08 in
Art Deco Daybed, Reupholstered in Vintage Fabric, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Odense, DK
Rare Art Deco daybed / sofa, reupholstered in colorful vintage gobelin fabric from the 80s. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in 1940s. This beautiful vi...
Fabric, Oak
18th Century Italian Baroque Walnut Bench
Located in Houston, TX
18th Century Italian Baroque Walnut Bench. Offered is a handsome 18th century Italian Baroque walnut bench from the Tuscany region of Italy that has graceful arms which is profession...
Velvet, Walnut
French Painted and Carved Louis XV-Style Daybed, C. 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Louis XV-style daybed, or lit de repos, circa 1940, featuring a beautifully carved and painted wood frame upholstered in leather. The graceful, flowing silhouette and scroll...
Leather, Wood, Paint
Mid 18th century Venetian Walnut Settee with Removable Back
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18th century rococo Venetian walnut settee with splayed out arms and removable back. William Word Fine Antiques: Atlanta's source for antique interiors since 1956.
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 41.34 in W 47.25 in D 26.78 in
Danish Early 20th Century Two Seater Seater in Shearling Lambswool & Wood, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
Presenting a charming Danish settee / 2 seater lounge sofa dating from the early 20th century, freestanding and fully upholstered, including a beautifully padded back, allowing the p...
Lambskin, Wool, Wood, Beech, Oak
18th C Italian Hand Painted Orange Cassapanca Bench
Located in Hastings, GB
A wonderful 18th century Italian Cassapanca, the tall back is carved as Florentine fleur de lis, and the seat and back have hand painted decora...
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Gilt Wood Velvet Navy Blue Settee
Located in New York, NY
This is a newly reupholstered Antique 19th Century French Gilt Wood Settee in Navy Blue Cotton Velvet. It is in excellent condition. Provenan...
Velvet, Giltwood
Sold
H 41 in W 81 in D 33 in
French Baroque Style Velvet Upholstered Knole Style Settee, 2nd half 20th cen.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Upholstered in green velvet with applied embroidered tape/trim with matching braid and fringe, adjustable padded wings controlled by roping. The original Knole Settee (also known as the Knole Sofa) is a couch chair that was made in the 17th century, probably around 1640.[1] It is housed at Knole in Kent, a house owned by the Sackville-West family since 1605 but now in the care of the National Trust.[2] It was originally used not as a comfortable sofa but as a formal throne on which the monarch would have sat to receive visitors. It was wide enough that a monarch and consort could be seated side by side. As of 2021, it is kept at Knole House...
Velvet
Sold
H 28.38 in W 24.63 in D 19.5 in
19th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Armchair, Settees
Located in Miami, FL
19th century carved walnut folding scissors Savonarola armchair or settee featuring hand carved armrests. Typical of the Italian Renaissance with carved Florentine backs, this pair has none. The Savonarola chair is a type of folding chair with an X frame when viewed from the front or back. It was designed to fold so it was portable and used during campaigns or other outdoor pursuits. The title Savonarola comes from the name of Italian Renaissance Dominican friar, Girolamo Savonarola, who is renowned for his clash with tyrannical rulers and corrupt clergy. To fold this interestingly beautiful chair you must push the arms together to fold. This pair would make perfect hallway or entryway chairs...
Metal
18th C Italian Hand Painted Orange Cassapanca Bench
Located in Hastings, GB
A wonderful 18th century Italian Cassapanca, the tall back is carved as Florentine fleur de lis, and the seat and back have hand painted decoration,...
Wood
Pair of 18th Century Venetian Sofas
Located in Essex, MA
Near pair of Venetian 18th century painted sofas or settees.
Walnut
Catalan Walnut Bench
Located in Chireno, TX
Catalan walnut bench dating to the 19th century. Simple shape and nice patina.
Walnut
Sold
H 49.22 in W 49.22 in D 24.02 in
Settee, Sofa, Double-Chair Back, Brussels Tapestry, X-Stretcher, Walnut, 1700
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
An exceptionally, rare, transitional, double-chair, settee, circa 1700, upholstered in fine, 17th century century Brussels tapestry Just purchased, more information and images avail...
Walnut
Sold
H 34.26 in W 25.79 in D 21.66 in
19th Century Pair of Folding Carved Walnut Leather Savonarola Bench or Settee
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Italian hand carved walnut Savonarola chair, circa 1880. Having wonderfully carved frame with scrolling arms, aged black leather seat and back, accented with brass roset...
Walnut
Sold
H 49.61 in W 54.53 in D 24.93 in
Settee Sofa 3-Seat Upholstered Spanish Leather Polychrome Gilded Walnut
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A unique, late-19th century, Spanish walnut & gilded, 3-seat, settee upholstered in exceptionally, rare, 18th century, polychrome & gilded leather panels - A beautiful statement &...
Leather
Italian, Tuscany, Baroque Walnut and Iron Bench with Folding Backrest
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a rectangular backrest and seat, both with molded edges, connected by three large iron hinges, the top folding to flat or raised positions, raised on carved trestle-form legs ...
Walnut