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.
$11,793Sale Price|50% Off
19th Century Rococo Style Ladies' Desk from Royal Collection
Located in London, GB
19th Century Rococo style ladies' desk inlaid with light wood in the form of flowers and foliage, cabriole legs with attached brass fittings, frame with drawer. At the bottom with fi...
Hardwood
Spectacular Wood Desk, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Exceptional and spectacular French Art Deco wood desk. Two drawers in facade, circa 1930.
Chrome
Royal Empire Desk/Bureau Plat, Gilt Bronze, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Royal Empire Desk/Bureau Plat, Gilt Bronze Mahogany with gilded bronze fittings in the form of female figures, incense burners, acanthus decoration and garlands. Rectangular plate w...
Bronze
Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Writing Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined Swedish 19th-century Gustavian style writing desk, defined by its elegant simplicity and beautifully weathered black-painted finish. The rectangular top rests above two ree...
Pine
$10,805 / item
H 29.14 in W 63 in D 29.93 in
Geometric modern cream oak & polished brass handmade Utopia desk by InsidherLand
By Joana Santos Barbosa, InsidherLand
Located in Maia, Porto
The utopia desk is designed in the likeness of the architectural scale that suggests a crossing through the structures of a utopian city, organized by the principles of symmetry and ideal forms. The imposing design combines cream oak and polished brass. As a futuristic project, two brass blades stylize the cream oak top, curving it with an Avant Garde detail. Surprisingly, a pencil drawer is hidden in one brass blade. At the base, the open shape of two blocks suggests a passage between two identical metal arches...
Brass
19th Century Rococo Walnut Six Drawer Desk from Denmark
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century rococo desk crafted in walnut with veneer and darker trim detailing along the desk top edge. The desk is freestanding, with finished presentation on the reverse; there a...
Walnut
Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century This charming Italian Rococo Style painted writing desk, likely dating back to the late-19th century, showcases a delicate flor...
Wood, Paint
$7,125Sale Price|25% Off
H 30 in W 75 in D 28 in
19th Century Antique Louis XV Style French Oak Desk from Pierre Deux
By Pierre Deux
Located in Chicago, IL
19th C. Antique Louis XV Style French oak desk with two drawers and original hardware. Its carved back and side aprons and sabre legs lend a regal standing to this piece. Additio...
Oak
$2,487Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 37.41 in D 20.48 in
Rosewood Ladies' Desk by S.& H. Jewell From the Late 19th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Rosewood Ladies' Desk by S.& H. Jewell From the Late 19th Century A piece of furniture veneered with rosewood, dating to the late 19th century. The rectangular form includes four sm...
Brass
French 19th Century Directoire Style Ebonized Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century Directoire style leather-topped desk with hidden extensions on each side to add surface area, in a dramatic ebonized finish over the wood. The olive green leat...
Brass
$22,900
H 31 in W 95 in D 31 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Brutalist Desk, Galvanized Metal, 1950-1970
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A silver-grey, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Brutalist writing, office desk made of hand crafted galvanized metal, designed by an unknown artist from Milan, in good condition. T...
Metal
Louis XIV Style Desk 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful 19th century Louis 14 desk. Beautiful solid wood, whose legs are carved in a baluster and are joined by an "H" brace. There is also a drawer a...
Wood
$33,210Sale Price|30% Off
H 41.5 in W 43.25 in D 22 in
Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Tulipwood and Ormolu-Mounted Ladies Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine French 19th century tulipwood, mahogany and ormolu-mounted Bureau de Dame Lady's secretary desk, in the manner of Maison Millet. The s...
Bronze, Ormolu