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.
Vintage Monumental 20 Seat Venetian Rococo Gilded Hand Painted Capodimonte Style
Located in Chicago, IL
Bring unmatched grandeur and European artistry into your home with this monumental, custom-made-in-Italy, 20-seat Venetian Rococo–style dining set. Designed on a truly spectacular sc...
Wood
Asnaghi “Eubea” Dining Table and 12 Chair Suite in Harwood, Gilt and Silk
Located in Barrowford, GB
Asnaghi make pieces of furniture that are far more than just that. They create real works-of-art of intrinsic value, Peerless in design and execution, and expected to become heirloom...
Wood
18th Century Gustavian Swedish Rococo White Washed Dining Chairs Table, Set of 5
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this exquisite matching set of 4 side chairs and breakfast table carved in the Rococo style. 3 armless chairs and one with arms. All identical but...
Wood, Paint
Table Swedish Gustavian 18th Century Original Paint Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Table Swedish Gustavian 18th century original paint Sweden. A side table made during the 18th century in Sweden. Original reddish finish and paint. Tape...
Wood
Italian Rococo Painted and Gilded Console
Located in San Francisco, CA
An Italian giltwood and ochre painted console, with doe foot detail. Fabulous flamboyant carving indicative of the Italian Rococo period. Very good faux marble top. Consoles of thi...
Paint, Giltwood
$3,950
H 27.75 in W 35.25 in D 26.75 in
18th Century Swedish Rococo Tilt-Top Table with Original Black Back
Located in Atlanta, GA
An authentic 18th-century Swedish Rococo tilt-top table, notable for its sculptural form and original construction. The round scalloped top rests on a baluster-turned pedestal, suppo...
Wood, Pine
18th Century Swedish Gustavian Console
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Well carved 18th Century Swedish Gustavian console. Decorative carved detailing around three sides, carved and turned legs and repainted in soft blue. Circa 1780.
Wood
Lovely Dining Set, Four Chairs and a Dining Room Table
Located in New York, NY
This set includes a dining room table that includes an attachment. The table is approximately 53 inches long, but the extension adds 16 inches, making it nearly 70 inches in length. ...
Wood
$1,795
H 18.5 in W 21 in D 33.5 in
Early 20th-C. Hand Painted Venetian Rococo Style Chinoiserie Coffee Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely early twentieth century Venetian coffee table with a hand painted chinoiserie scene. The painted finish is distressed in a manner typical of antique Venetian pieces,...
Poplar
$4,250 / set
H 39.5 in W 23.5 in D 21 in
Vintage Chinese Harwood Chinoiserie Dining Room Set Table 8 Chairs - 9 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Harwood Chinoiserie Dining Room Set Table 8 Chairs - 9 Pc Set. Listing includes (1) 24" leaf, (2) armchairs, (6) side ch...
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Fine 18th Century Swedish Rococo Desk
Located in Bozeman, MT
Fine 18th century Swedish Rococo desk / console table with one drawer and in Its original colour. Ca 1770 Sweden.
Pine
Late 18th Century Swedish Rococo Side Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Provincial rococo table from the late 18th century. The table can be used as either a side table or a window table or wherever it fits best. Ma...
Pine
18th Century Gustavian Swedish Wood Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Late 18th Century Gustavian Era Swedish Wood Side Table. Crafted in solid wood that has patinated nicely into a blue-gray over time. Side table...
Wood
$447,226 / set
H 157.49 in W 157.49 in D 157.49 in
18th Century Renaissance Palladio Dining Room Set in blackening wood of walnut
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Monumental and important Renaissance Palladio dining room set all in solid hand-carved walnut from a Palladian Palace in Vicenza of a Venetian patrician family. The back of the showcase was rebuilt again at the end of the 800 first 900 with the application of damask fabric The table can be extended up to 4-6 meters The large sideboard and the display cabinet are in the process of conservative restoration and have therefore been disassembled, as seen from the last photos. Measures in cm: Sideboard H 240 x L 315 x D 70 Display cabinet H 240 x L 230 x D 60 Table H 78 L x 230 x D 140 Extendable to 4-6 meters Notes: The architectural design of Andrea Palladio...
Glass, Pine, Walnut
French 18th century Farmhouse Dining Table
Located in MILL, NL
Beautiful French farmhouse dining table / monastery table. Made from solid oak. Circa 1800. Very sturdy and solid. One drawer at the end and one on the side. Beautiful colour and pa...
Oak