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.
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Baroque Sofas
Linen, Wood, Paint
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Wood
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Walnut
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Walnut, Silk
18th Century Swedish Antique Baroque Sofas
Linen, Wood
1750s Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Wood
1750s Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Wood
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Early 18th Century Swedish Antique Baroque Sofas
Leather, Wood
17th Century Dutch Antique Baroque Sofas
Oak
1750s Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
1750s Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Poplar
17th Century French Antique Baroque Sofas
Walnut
1970s Italian Vintage Baroque Sofas
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Baroque Sofas
Reclaimed Wood, Upholstery, Pine, Wood, Glass
1960s American Vintage Baroque Sofas
Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Baroque Sofas
Rush, Walnut
19th Century English Antique Baroque Sofas
Walnut
19th Century Swedish Antique Baroque Sofas
Upholstery, Down, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Baroque Sofas
Leather, Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Baroque Sofas
Fabric, Wood
1880s French Antique Baroque Sofas
Silk, Giltwood
1960s French Vintage Baroque Sofas
Fabric
18th Century Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Walnut
Early 1700s English Antique Baroque Sofas
Walnut
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Baroque Sofas
Nutwood
Early 18th Century Spanish Antique Baroque Sofas
Leather
Mid-18th Century German Antique Baroque Sofas
Oak
18th Century English Antique Baroque Sofas
Hardwood, Oak
18th Century French Antique Baroque Sofas
Leather, Oak