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.
18th Century Northern Italy Polychrome Lacca Povera Wood Antique Table Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique Italian hand painted lacca povera tabletop cabinet. circa 1775 Northern Italy, 18th century, likely used in a wealthy merchant or noble's country villa as a vargueñ...
Gesso, Wood, Pine, Paint
Exceptional Flemish Baroque Collectors Cabinet on Stand, Mid-17th Century Chic..
Located in Buchanan, MI
An exceptional flemish baroque collectors cabinet on stand, Circa 1640, walnut and palisander marquetry on an ebonized base. Note: Depth ...
Palisander, Walnut
$4,763 / item
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 8.67 in
21st Century Marcantonio Apothecary Cabinet Wood Inlay Scapin Collezioni
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Tezze sul Brenta, IT
First-Aid Box, design by Marcantonio for Scapin Collezioni First-Aid Box is produced in limited edition of eight pieces. The external, exclusively inlaid with ramage pattern, is enriched with an iconic detail such as the blood drop...
Wood
$2,633Sale Price|24% Off
H 57.88 in W 53.55 in D 19.3 in
Antique French Oak Apothecary Cabinet, Early 20th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This oak apothecary cabinet with brass hardware was made in the early 20th century in France and was used in a hardware store. It is very well made and it remains in a good restored ...
Oak
$5,266
H 79.53 in W 81.11 in D 18.9 in
Large Antique German Pine Apothecary Cabinet / Vitrine early 20th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This stunning rustic apothecary cabinet was made in Germany around the turn of the century. It was very well made and retains a nice patina and colour. The cabinet has been restored ...
Pine
19th Century Oak Coin or Collectors Cabinet
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century oak coin cabinet, the moulded top above panelled body, the two front doors opening to reveal fitted interior of twenty two lined drawers terminating on platform base.
Oak
$4,090
H 31.89 in W 65.36 in D 24.02 in
Antique French Oak & Fruitwood Apothecary / Filing Cabinet, Early 20th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This apothecary cabinet was made in the early 20th century in France from oak and fruitwood. It features 9 large drawers with ornate cast iron handles. The interior dimensions of the...
Oak
Vintage Brutalist Geometric Wood Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This distinctive cabinet is a hallmark of the celebrated "Staccato" line by Lane Furniture, a collection renowned for its architectural Brutalist influence and bold three-dimensional...
Oak
$5,846
H 42.52 in W 85.83 in D 10.24 in
Antique Hardwood Apothecary Cabinet / Bank of Drawers, England, 19th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This apothecary bank of drawers was designed and made in England, late 19th century. It is made from solid wood with hand-painted labels and wooden knobs. The cabinet has retained a ...
Wood
$3,000
H 34 in W 47 in D 22 in
Early 20th Century Antique Pine Apothecary Store Counter Cabinet Kitchen Island
Located in Round Top, TX
Fun and function abound in this free standing pine kitchen island with 24 drawers. This delightful pine apothecary originally served as a shop counter or storage cabinet. Counters si...
Wood, Pine
Antique Dutch Ochre Drawer Cabinet, Early 20th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This painted cabinet was made around the early 20th century in the Netherlands. The paint has wear and retained a rich patina over the years.
Pine
Early 20th C. Antique Dental Cabinet
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this beautiful and amazing cabinet built for the medical field, specifically dentists. 11 drawers with a 3 door cabinet up top with glass. Beautiful patina. All drawers open...
Pine
18th C Style Italian Old Fir 12 Drawer Pharmacy Cabinet To Order
Located in Encinitas, CA
Classic Italian pharmacy 12 drawer counter cabinet constructed in Old Fir with rustic forged drawer pulls. Antique reproduction with custom size available and a variety of options by quote. Note the difference in drawer sizes. Floor model measures: 78.5” L x 21.25” D x 33” H Floor model available for immediate delivery; contact us for a delivery quote. Save this listing to receive our Private Offer for this item only: $7,490.00 Our Tuscan style credenza line is available in custom size, configuration of doors and drawers and interiors by quote - and in all of our solid aged wood finish & color options. Please inquire. Expedited shipping options. Bellini’s Old World Collection...
Fir
9FT Antique Early 20th Century Apothecary Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
9FT Antique Apothecary cabinet Fantastic cabinet from a Texas University Pharmacy College. One piece with 3 sections and 36 drawers. Hand carved details. Retains original category l...
Oak
Sold
H 45.69 in W 24.82 in D 18.5 in
18th c. Swedish Baroque Period Black Painted Spice Cabinet on Stand
Located in Wichita, KS
A rare find. A black painted Swedish spice cabinet on stand from the Baroque period. All original hand-forged hardware. The cabinet is raised upon a stand with a carved cross stretch...
Iron
Oratory Portuguese, 19th Century in Carved Brazilian Rosewood
Located in Madrid, ES
Oratory Portuguese, 19th century, in carved Brazilian rosewood. Decoration with plant motifs. Glazed doors and sides. Painted and gilded interior. DIM.: 160 x 72 x 34 cm.
Rosewood
Sold
H 43 in W 122 in D 29 in
Rare Antique Schmitt Co Mahogany Mercantile Jewelry Display Curio Showcase
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and impressive monumental American Victorian mercantile retail showcase or display cabinet by Schmitt & Co, circa 1890s. Made of mahogany featur...
Mahogany
Sold
H 51.78 in W 37.21 in D 17.64 in
Baroque Mahogany Swedish Cabinet on Stand, Stockholm, Sweden, Circa 1740-1770
Located in New York, NY
A fine Baroque Scandinavian cabinet on stand, circa 1740-1770, origin: Stockholm, Sweden, interior fitted with smaller spice drawers with bottom d...
Brass, Pewter
Italian Baroque Style Walnut Parquetry Jewelry Cabinet on Stand
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This unusual early 19th century Italian jewelry cabinet features a pair of parquetry doors (retaining original key) opening up to an inter...
Walnut
17th Century Spanish Vergueno
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Spanish Baroque tortoiseshell and ebonized ribbon carved wood cabinet - Vergueno with carved baluster and corinthian columns, brass mounts and bun feet.
An 18th c. Monastery Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
An 18th century Monastery cabinet of stained and ebonized wood. Two exterior doors conceal twenty two drawers and a single, central door with a ...
Wood