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 Set of French Tapestry Gild Carved Gold Wood Arm Chairs Chairs & Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing set of two chairs and a sofa original from the 19th Century. This sofa and chairs embodies the opulent Rococo style, known for its flowing curves, ornate carvings, and asymme...
Gold Leaf
Mid 18th C. Portuguese Parcel-Gilt Walnut Upholstered Settee
Located in Kent, CT
A truly special Portuguese transitional settee, circa 1740–1760, with a hand-carved and parcel-gilt walnut frame. The seat and back retain horsehair upholstery now covered in a later...
Silk, Walnut
Antique Swedish Rococo Settee, Hand-Carved, Linen Upholstery, c. 1760
Located in Wichita, KS
A richly carved, 18th century Swedish sofa bench from the Rococo period, newly upholstered linen. This beautiful antique settee has been hand-scraped back to reveal the original pain...
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
19th Century Swedish Rococo Settee, Hand-Carved Wood, Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A richly carved, 19th century Swedish sofa bench in the Rococo style. A rare piece found in northern Sweden. This beautiful antique settee has been hand-scraped back to reveal the or...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
A Colonial Chippendale Inspired Rococo Period Suite, Chairs & Settee, circa 1790
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A gorgeous decorative suite of 18th century colonial Rococo chairs. Possibly from Brazil with Portuguese influence. Circa 1790. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of our exquis...
Hardwood, Harewood
18th C. Swedish Rococo 2-Chair Back Settee
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish period Rococo two-chair back style settee with upholstered seat, from the 18th century. This antique love-seat from Sweden features a nicely-carved two-chair back, defined ...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
19th Century Upholstered Sofa With Musical Motifs, France
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful Late 19th Century Upholstered Sofa With Musical Motifs. This sofa embodies the opulent Rococo style, known for its flowing curves, ornate carvings, and asymmetrical, yet ha...
Gold Leaf
Italian Rococo Style Settee Polychromed in Green and Gold
Located in Pembroke, MA
A very stylish Italian green and gold polychromed settee in the Rococo style, recently re-upholstered in muslin.
Upholstery, Gesso, Wood, Paint
Magnificent 18th Century South American Colonial Escaño Settee
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Magnificent 18th Century South American Colonial Escaño Settee in light wood Backrest formed by four "guitar" sections, cut out, with its necks decorated by volutes centralizing car...
Chestnut
Antique German Antler Settee with Rococo Style Upholstery
Located in London, GB
Antique German antler settee with Rococo style upholstery German, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 108cm, width 212cm, depth 80cm This unusual...
Antler, Upholstery
18th Century Italian Walnut Sofa
Located in London, Park Royal
Beautiful 18th century Italian sofa in carved walnut. Has the detail of an impish sprite in the carving at the centre of the backrest which, ...
Wood, Walnut
Dutch 18th Century Three-seat Marquetry Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This Dutch Rococo style three-seat settee is a wonderful addition to any interior, crafted during the 18th century with high quality, ornate marquetry work. The top of each seat back...
Fabric, Wood, Hardwood
Venetian Rococo Gesso and Silver Gilt Settee
Located in Greenwich, CT
18th century Venetian rococo painted settee with strap work lattice back in white gesso with original faded silver gilt detailing over green velvet upholstered seat and standing on c...
Silver Leaf
Italian Rococo Style 19th Century Painted Settee with Out Scrolling Arms
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Italian Rococo style settee from the 19th century with gray green painted finish, out-scrolling arms, shaped back and cabriole legs. This Italian Rococo style settee from the 19th...
Upholstery, Wood
18th Century Dutch Walnut Rococo Chair Back Settee
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A super 18th century chair back settee with finely carved top rail to the triple vase back, carved front rail, and cabriole legs. Good colour and patina. Dutch, circa 1770
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,738
H 29.93 in W 66.93 in D 26.38 in
French Louis Philippe Bench Seat Wood Sofa or Banquette French 19th Midcentury
Located in Labrit, Landes
Louis Philippe banquette or sofa on wheels Carved with floral decorations and canelures. France circa 1840 Good seating with springs. The fabric can be...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,900
H 32.5 in W 47.5 in D 19.25 in
Midcentury Transitional Modern Spindle Back Bentwood Settee Bench in Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A modern yet traditional spindle back bench from the 1960s. Great petite size. It is very well made from solid walnut. Clean ready to use condition.
Walnut
Semi Antique Sheraton Style Carved Mahogany Settee
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A three seat settee with curved back sections. Each with fluted supports and arms. The backs with carved lotus flowers flanking open X supports. The arms with turned supports. Raised...
Fabric, Mahogany
$2,838Sale Price|20% Off
H 36.23 in W 77.96 in D 25.6 in
Swedish 19th Century Original Painted Louis XV / Gustavian Cabriole Sofa, Settee
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
An elegant Swedish Louis XV–inspired cabriole sofa dating to the 19th century, showcasing refined Gustavian aesthetics and original painted surfaces. Crafted from solid pine, this se...
Wool, Pine
Victorian Carved Wood Settee
Located in San Francisco, CA
C. 20th century Victorian carved wood settee w/ light blue ribbed velvet.
Velvet, Wood
Antique French Carved Gilt Wood Settee
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French carved gilt wood settee. This was made in France, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period. It is of amazing quality, with beautiful and intricate carving...
Cotton, Cane, Giltwood
$14,900
H 32.5 in W 77.5 in D 25.25 in
Antique French Recamier Sofa Bench, Ebonized Mahogany, Circa 1820
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A black, antique French sofa bench-recamier made of hand crafted ebonized Mahogany, in good condition. The canapé is particularized by two side backrests, standing on four arched wooden...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Ebony, Mahogany
French Louis XV Style Carved-Wood & Upholstered Settee
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XV style sofa from the mid-19th century. This antique settee from France upholstered features a gently arched top rail at back, carved acanthus leaves decorated the sk...
Upholstery, Wood
$24,500
H 29 in W 59.25 in D 29.25 in
Pair of French Louis XVI Style Carved-Wood Cream-Lacquered Settees, Jansen Attr.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Pair of French Louis XVI Style Carved-wood Cream-Lacquered Settees, probably by Maison Jansen. The rectangular shaped Love Seats, each with scr...
Fabric, Satin, Silk, Wood
A Mid Century Modern Upholstered Settee, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant and refined, this mid-century settee features splayed legs and sculpted wood armrests, framing a newly upholstered backs, arms and seat. The clean geometry, lightness of form...
Brass
19th Century Anglo-Indian Carved Ebony Settee
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Anglo-Indian hand-carved ebony settee upholstered in natural creamy white ecru linen.
Upholstery, Velvet, Rosewood
French 19th Century Directoire Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A sumptuous French 19th century settee, Directoire in style, with original painted finish of French gray-blue and spruce green. The tightly upholstered seatback and bench seat is don...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Italian Baroque Burgundy Tufted Settee
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Baroque style 20th c. settee with gilt wood filigree frame & burgundy & cream button-tufted upholstery with embroidered flowers (Matching settee: AGO054, arm chairs: AGO053, ...
Venetian rococo Giltwood window seat..19th century .
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Venetian rococo exceptionally carved 19th century giltwood window bench ,upholstered in a High quality fabric. 19th century construction with curves, scrolls, and bends for your r...
Giltwood
Sold
H 47 in W 66.5 in D 34 in
Antique Italian Rococo Carved Tufted Wedding Sofa Newly Upholstered in Mohair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Italian Rococo Carved Tufted Wedding Sofa Newly Upholstered in a Teal Mohair This is a fabulous plush teal tufted sofa/settee that we fully broug...
Mohair, Wood
German 19th Century Rococo Settee
Located in Kent, Dover
A German early XIX Century settee in the Rococo manner. In beautifully carved bleached fruitwood and upholstered in stone coloured silk with brass studs and brass caster feet.
Fruitwood
Sold
H 27.5 in W 50 in D 23 in
Midcentury Venetian Silver & Gold Gilt Grotto Shell Form Settee / Tete-a-tête
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a show stopper! It is a midcentury Venetian silver and gold gilt shell and dolphin form tête-à-tête/ settee. It has shell form back supports along with winding dolphin rails....
Wood
19th Century French, Rococo Settee
Located in High Point, NC
Elegant and refined, this antique wooden settee is a Rococo gem. Made in France in the 1800s, this piece would have originally been used for ente...
Fabric, Wood, Giltwood
Settee and Two Chairs, Giltwood, French, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
Features Greco-Roman column motif legs as well as scrolled Rococo acanthus leaf and rosette motifs throughout. Newly reupholstered in a beige boucle. seat height bench: 17 ". sea...
Bouclé, Giltwood
Sold
H 46 in W 54 in D 34 in
Italian Rococo Revival Style Settee or Sofa with Heraldic Motif in Black & Beige
Located in Plainview, NY
19th-early 20th century settee / canape or loveseat in Rococo style having a fine Fabric. This is simply the finest find of wonderfully covered and carved oversized settee...
Fabric, Wood
1780's Swedish Rococo Settee
Located in Houston, TX
1780's Swedish Rococo Settee with original patina. This piece features decorative carved detailing including a scallop shell motif, with legs tapering to ball and claw feet. Restorat...
Fabric, Wood
Sofa Settee Swedish Rococo Period Raw Finish Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Sofa Settee Swedish Rococo Period Raw Finish Sweden. An all original sofa made during the Rococo period 1750-1775 in Sweden. Frame in a raw wood finish decorated with carvings typica...
Wood
18th Century Scandinavian Settee
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique 18th century Scandinavian carved fruit wood settee ( Sweden or Denmark in origin ) with early period joinery construction and beautif...
Fabric, Upholstery, Fruitwood
Sold
H 39.75 in W 48.75 in D 26.5 in
Antique French Rococo Three Piece Giltwood & Tapestry Parlor Set, Circa 1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Rococo three-piece parlor set offer giltwood frames with pierced stylized shell crests over acanthus, foliate and scroll frame with tapestry seats, arms and backs h...
Upholstery, Tapestry, Wood