Baroque Sofas
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.
1960s Italian Vintage Baroque Sofas
Velvet, Beech
Late 19th Century Hungarian Antique Baroque Sofas
Velvet, Wood
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold, Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold, Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Marble, Gold Leaf
2010s Italian Baroque Sofas
Marble, Gold Leaf
1750s Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Poplar
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Baroque Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Baroque Sofas
Brass
1970s American Vintage Baroque Sofas
Leather
20th Century American Baroque Sofas
Upholstery, Cherry
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Baroque Sofas
Wood
1970s Italian Vintage Baroque Sofas
Leather
1930s American Vintage Baroque Sofas
Rattan
1960s Vintage Baroque Sofas
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Baroque Sofas
Satin, Wood, Paint
1960s Danish Vintage Baroque Sofas
Leather
1960s Danish Vintage Baroque Sofas
Leather, Oak
2010s Brazilian Baroque Sofas
Upholstery, Teak, Fabric