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.
Pair of Rococo Style Wooden Stools with Cabriole Legs, Denmark, Mid-20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A charming pair of stools crafted in the Rococo style, featuring elegant cabriole legs and softly curved forms that reflect the refined decorative tradition of the 18th century. Th...
Textile, Birch
Pair of Italian Early 19th Century Rococo Style Gilt Pliants or Stools
Located in Troy, NY
Pair of Italian Early 19th Century Rococo Style Gilt Pliants or Stools. The folding benches with X-form carved and gilt wood bases, fabric tops and cushions.
Walnut
Early 19th Century Rocco Style Hand Carved Mahogany Stool
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Early 19th century Rocco style hand carved mahogany stool with re-upholstered top.
Mahogany
1930’s French Rococo Louis XV Style Lacquered Green Vanity Stool
Located in Charleston, SC
1930’s French Rococo Louis XV Style Lacquered Green Vanity Stool A beautiful 1930’s vanity stool that has been lacquered in “Danish Lawn” by Farrow and Ba...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Victorian Rococo Revival Adjustable Piano Stool, Giltwood, Circa 1860
Located in Lincoln, GB
A Large Victorian Rococo Revival Adjustable Piano Stool Giltwood, with Heavy-Duty Mechanical Mechanism, Circa 1860–1880 England A substantial and finely made Victorian adjustable pia...
Giltwood
Napoleon III Style Carved Giltwood Rope-Twist Stool; Manner of A.M.E. Fournier
Located in San Francisco, CA
the circular tabouret with new decking above a rope-twist giltwood frame with cabriole supports with knotted feet all joined by an x-form stretcher centering a robust central knot; f...
Wood
$6,354
Louis XV Stool
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
This Louis XV Stool is a stunning example of early 18th-century French craftsmanship, dating back to the 1710s-1730s. It is a historical piece that embodies the elegance and luxury of the Louis XV period. The stool features a carved and gilded wooden frame, adorned with intricate trellis, foliage, and shell motifs, showcasing the exquisite detailing characteristic of French Rococo design. Its arched feet further enhance its graceful silhouette. Upholstered in Karun Thakar for Soane fabric...
Fabric, Wood
The Country House Boudoir Stool
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A finely carved gilt wood stool with carved and shaped rails, central foliate sprays on carved cabriole design legs leaf carving to the knees all upon scrolled toes. To be upholstere...
Giltwood
Pair of Swedish Rococo Style Carved Painted Upholstered Stools, circa 1890
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Rococo style painted stools from the late 19th century with richly carved décor, cabriole legs and newly upholstered seats. Each of this pair of Scandinavian Rococo...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Italian Rococo Square Stools With Faux Sheepskin
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of mid-century modern Italian Rococo stools with faux sheepskin seats. Base is made of wood painted in a light blue with gold trim with gilt ...
Sheepskin, Wood
Early 19th Century French Giltwood Stool
Located in Kingsbridge, GB
Large Early 19th French Century Giltwood Stool. The stool is in very good original condition, ready for reupholstering. The top cover is fraying and will need replacing, if require...
Giltwood
$6,000 / set
Pair of Rococo Stools
Located in Ljungby, SE
A pair of Rococo stools crafted in Stockholm. Their elegant design stands out on its own, without the need for decorative carvings. The seats are removable for convenience.
Wood
Pair of 1750s Italian Piedmontese Rococo Blue-Painted and Parcel-Gilt Stools
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A pair of Italian Piedmontese Rococo period mid-18th century painted and parcel-gilt stools from the collection of designer Gary Tisdale-Woods, with cabriole legs and upholstery. Bor...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 20th Century Green Stools, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velvet green upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic...
Velvet, Beech
Pair of giltwood stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of regency style stools ,gilded wood, one of the most beautiful models of the regency elegant and refined ,cushions on the top decorated with pom-poms the quality and the workma...
Fabric, Giltwood
A Pair of Italian 18th Century Gilt-wood Stools Roma 1750
Located in Rome, IT
These finely carved and gilded square stools add a beautiful touch to your living spaces. They are carved on all four sides with elegant cabriole legs. Excellent condition of gildi...
Giltwood
$595
H 17.5 in W 16 in D 16 in
Vintage French Country Louis XVI Style Round Seat Carved Vanity Stool Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Country Louis XVI Style Round Seat Carved Wood Cabriole Leg Vanity Stool w/ Distressed White Washed Finish and Green Tufted Plaid Upholstery. Circa Mid 20th Century. M...
Fabric, Wood
On Hold|$1,595
H 17.9 in W 14 in D 14 in
1880s French Napoleon III Gilt Faux Bamboo Stool Gold Carved Wood
Located in High Point, NC
This charming 1880s French Napoléon III gilt faux bamboo stool exemplifies the period’s fascination with exoticism and decorative refinement. Crafted in carved wood and finished in a...
Faux Bamboo, Giltwood
Napoleon III Style Twisted Rope Frame Ottoman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Glamorously Chic Faux Fur Carved Rope ottoman. In the style of Parisian Upholsterer A.M.E. Fournier. Sculptural carved frame has the illusion of kn...
Faux Fur
Set of 8 rope stools
Located in Isle Sur Sorgue, FR
Rare set of 8 Japanese rope and wood stools by Marukatsu. Great design, exotic wood and seagrass rope. Sticker of the editor. Very good condition
Rope
$2,057
H 29.53 in W 41.74 in D 29.53 in
ViNTAGE NAPOLOEN III STYLE ROPE TWIST NAPOLEON III STYLE LOUNGE SOFA SETTEE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Napoleon III style rope twist carved, Linen upholstered lounge sofa Please note: The d...
Upholstery, Wood
$350
H 19.5 in W 13 in D 13 in
Antique American Victorian Cast Iron Wood Pedestal Adjustable Piano Bench Stool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique American Victorian Cast Iron and Wood Tripod Pedestal Base Adjustable Piano Stool. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 19.5"-23" H x 13" Diameter.
Cast Iron
Antique Victorian Adjustable Piano Stool by Charles Parker, USA, 1890s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Victorian Piano Stool, attributed to Charles Parker, features a round, solid wood seat atop a turned central post and four splayed, lathe-turned legs connected by curved stretchers. ...
Glass, Wood
$14,875 / set
H 18 in W 20 in D 15.75 in
Pair of French Modern Neoclassical Benches or Stools, style of Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Modern Neoclassical style benches or stools in the manner of Jean-Michel Frank.The hand made frames have a classic, X-form design typical of JM Frank are in wrought ir...
Iron
19th Century Carved Mahogany George II Stool
Located in London, by appointment only
Nicholas Wells antiques is pleased to present for sale a 19th century stool with bold carved details and ornament around the apron consisting of acanthu...
Mahogany
Sold
H 19.5 in W 23 in D 18 in
A petite Portugese carved walnut foot stool in the Rococo taste. Late 18th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The stool is distinguished by a shaped apron, cabriole legs with floral-carved knees ending in scrolled feet, and the dramatic leopard print upholstery. Perfect for resting your fe...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Antique French Rococo Style Gilt Wood Stools
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of antique French Rococo style gilt wood stools. They were made in France, we would date them to around the 1950-60’s. They are of outstanding quality and are a grea...
Damask, Giltwood
Antique Danish Rococo Style Stools in Birch, 1870s. Set of 2.
Located in Asaa, DK
Antique Danish Rococo Style Stools in Birch, 1870s. Set of 2. Lovely pair of matching stools made in Denmark in the late half of the 19th century. Made from from solid flame birch ...
Birch
Sold
H 17.25 in W 27.5 in D 27.5 in
Swedish 19th Century Rococo Style Painted Upholstered Stool with Carved Shells
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Rococo style painted wood stool from the 19th century, with carved shells and newer upholstery. Created in Sweden during the 19th century, this painted stools features a sq...
Upholstery, Wood
Early 18th Century Italian Carved, Painted & Gilt Fireside Stool
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early 18th century Italian carved, painted & gilt fireside stool. Raised on later 18th or 19th century hoof feet. Superb old layers of paint, gilding & fabric history (stripped to mu...
Muslin, Wood, Paint
Pair Victorian Carved Walnut Foot stools
By King & Sons
Located in Dereham, GB
Pair Victorian Carved Foot stools Walnut Frame , Each with Squat carved Cabriole shaped legs Recently upholstered with Cream Ottoman Pattern Material Re...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage iron vanity stool with tasseled seat pillow, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage painted, in muted teal toned verdigris, iron vanity bench with baroque ivory tasseled seat pillow, 20th century. Dare I say baroque, rococo, ...
Iron
Sold
H 18.5 in W 23 in D 17.5 in
Pair of Midcentury French Rococo Style Oak Stools with Scalloped Aprons
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of French Rococo style oak stools from the Midcentury period, with scraped back finish, scalloped aprons, cabriole legs and new custom linen upholstery. Imbued with the charm ...
Upholstery, Oak
Italian Trompe L'Oeil Carved Wood Rococo Style Vanity/Piano Stool
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a fabulous three legged wooden stool with a wonderful elaborately carved base and faux cushion with piping and tassels on the top. The base is an interesting steel blue with ...
Wood, Paint
Venetian Rococo Carved Walnut Piano Stool
Located in Astoria, NY
Venetian Rococo carved walnut wood adjustable swivel music stool having a shell-shaped seat above three cabriole legs ending with paw feet joined by stretchers, circa late nineteenth...
Walnut
Regency Rosewood X Stool
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
A large late Regency / Early Victorian rosewood X stool of a good original colour and patina: Rococo design with finely carved c-scrolls and handsome turned a...
Rosewood
Pair of 19th Century Italian Inlaid Walnut Stools
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare pair of early 19th century Italian burl walnut stools designed in the style of Rococo. Recent upholstery of the seat can be seen in a blue and cream cut-velvet damask embellis...
Upholstery, Satinwood, Walnut, Burl