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 Italian Hand-Carved Silver Gilt Wooden Pedestal
Located in Buisson, FR
A rare and highly elegant 18th-century Italian wooden pedestal, dating to circa 1720–1750. This hand-carved piece stands as a beautiful testament to early Italian craftsmanship, orig...
Wood
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
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
$1,248Sale Price|20% Off
H 26 in Dm 21 in
Antique 18th Century Queen Anne Mahogany Candle Stand Pedestal Table Tripod Base
Located in Dayton, OH
A fine and impressive late 18th century candlestand. Made from mahogany with an oval form top over a baluster turned center support leading to a tripod base with cabriole and blocked...
Mahogany
Spanish Baroque Wrought Iron Torchère Floor Lamp, Tripod Base, 1900
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
$895
H 27 in W 10 in D 10 in
20th Century Italian Carved, Painted Solid Wood Figural Tripod Candle Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
20th Century Italian Painted Solid, carced Wood Figural Tripod Candle Stand. Measures 10" in width, 10" in depth and 27" in height. Candle seat is 6" in diameter. Overall top diamet...
Hardwood, Paint
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
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
19th Century Mahogany Pedestal Tripod Candle Stand Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Mahogany Pedestal Tripod Candle Stand Side Table. Measures 20.5" in diameter and stands 29" tall.
Mahogany
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
$1,560Sale Price|67% Off
H 30 in W 13 in D 13 in
18th Century Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Urn Candle Stand Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This 18th Century Antique English Chippendale Mahogany Urn Candle Stand Table is a superb example of Georgian-era craftsmanship and refined design. Made from richly grained mahogany,...
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
19th Century Carved Mahogany Pedestal in Classical Roman Style, 1880
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Tall 19th century carved mahogany pedestal The column has an intricate tulip and acanthus leaf carvings top and bottom with a faceted section between The Torchere is very sturdy...
Mahogany
19th Century English Regency Mahogany Adjustable Candle Stand Pedestal
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Regency mahogany candle stand that adjusts in height from 33 to 43 inches. The rich mahogany stand makes a great pedestal for holding a sculpture or piece of pottery. Or...
Brass
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