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.
Torchere or Candlestand, 17th Century, Italian, Baroque, Walnut, Floor-Standing
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
The metal pricket and drip-tray surmounding the baluster, ring and barley-twist turned stem which is supported by and elaborate acanthus-leaf and scroll carved base terminating in lion-paw feet. Excellent original color and patina. Provenance: Private Collection, purchased Derek Green...
Walnut
Italian 19th Century Baroque Pair of Candelabre
Located in palm beach, FL
Spectacular pair of gilded bronze candelabre. Seven candles can go on each candelabra, the decorations delicat of flowers with stones of colors in glass, gives all the charms of the ...
Bronze
Spanish Baroque Wrought Iron Torchere Floor Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
Spanish Baroque style wrought iron torchère floor lamp with black patina. Beautifully hand wrought and turned shaft supported by a tripod base. This date from the early 20th century, a time when Italian and Spanish Baroque furniture...
Wrought Iron
19th Century Mahogany Wood Pedestal Table
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Early 19th century mahogany wood Regency style pedestal stand / table. The pedestal features hand carved design details resting on a squared based. The pedestal table is in good anti...
Mahogany
$2,050
H 47.75 in W 16.5 in D 18 in
Hard-to-come-by Wrought Iron + Rattan Floor Candelabra by Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kensington, MD
- This single Wrough Iron floor candelabrum by Arthur Umanoff has four candle stems forming a double “U”, the outer two of which are wrapped in cane. - The base is composed of an ups...
Iron
An Unusual Baroque Torchere now Mounted as a Floor Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
An Unusual Baroque Torchere Now mounted as a Lamp Height 72 in. With a lamb skin shade
19th Century Torchere Wrought Iron Floor Lamp
Located in Dallas, TX
Forged from solid iron and still showing traces of its original painted finish that has achieved a Fine patina, this 19th century floor lamp was originally designed for a candle, and...
Wrought Iron
19th Century Victorian Mahogany Tripod Pedestal Candle Stand
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of Victorian elegance to your home with this exquisite 19th Century Mahogany Tripod Pedestal Candle Stand. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and built to last, ...
Mahogany
Italian Giltwood Standing Floor Lamp
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage classical style Italian painted and giltwood floor lamp has a red undertones. The lamp is wired and takes a single bulb. The dimensions provided are for the lamp itself....
Giltwood
$9,501Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 69 in Dm 14 in
Pair of Italian 17th Century Hand Made and Forged Wrought Iron Floor Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of Italian 17th Century Baroque standing lamps with a detailed symphony of hand-wrought iron work in every part that aims to delight the eye and soul. These are masterw...
Wrought Iron
$59,500 / set
H 82 in W 25.5 in D 19.5 in
pair of Italian 18th century Baroque st. Giltwood Torchière floor lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and high quality pair of Italian 18th century Baroque st. Giltwood Torchière floor lamps. Each freestanding fifteen light torchière is raised by a square tapered base w...
Giltwood
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 82.5 in W 22 in D 19 in
Antique Italian Figural Standing Candelabra Floor Lamp, Early 20th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Italian Figural standing candelabra floor lamp. It features a standing figure on a plinth with a candelabra stemming from his head. Additional information: Materials: Li...
Wood
19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand
Located in Southampton, NY
19th Century Federal Stained Cherry Candlestand The warm, reddish-brown finish on the wood suggests it may be cherry, common choices during that period. The table features a simple,...
Wood
Pair of French 19th Century Marquetry Inlaid Large Pedestals
Located in Rome, IT
This elegant pair of French 19th century marquetry inlaid pedestals with a green marble top , base with finely carved giltwood decoration ter...
Wood
Italian 19th C. Richly Carved Walnut Round Table Supported by a Young Satyr
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This unique Italian figural table dating to around 1870 features a round nail head trimmed needlepoint top with carved walnut banding. The top is supported by a carved statue of a yo...
Textile, Walnut
Early 19th Century Console Black Marble Table Walnut
Located in Buggiano, IT
Console table in ebonized walnut, with black marble, completely antique Coming from a Florentine villa Shaped marble, rarity Size: 42 x 98 x 78 H.
Marble
Early 18th Century Italian Walnut Candle Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 18th c. Italian walnut candle stand. Cupped and oval shaped top from shrinkage. Twist turned shaft on a good shaped base. Three small ball feet replaced. Good original surface ...
Walnut
Late 19th Century Italian Fruitwood Occasional Table
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine table of triangular form is made from carved walnut legs topped with sectioned fruit wood veneering on the top The carving is simple but good and the wood selection is supe...
Walnut, Fruitwood