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.
19th Century Victorian Rococo Style Carved Mahogany Rolling Sewing Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Victorian Rococo Style Carved Mahogany Sewing Table on wheels with a compartmented top drawer and large storage lower drawer. Very good antique condition.
Mahogany
French Sewing Table, Manner of Alphonse Giroux Paris, 19th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
French Sewing Table, manner of Alphonse Giroux, Paris, 19th century. This pretty small sewing table has a beautiful birds eye maple veneer and its...
Birdseye Maple
Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Country Work Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish country work table in gustavian style from the early 1800s, most likely from the years between 1810 and 1820. The table is from Northern Sweden and is a strong piece with a s...
Pine
English 19th Century Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This stunning work table has a thick 1 ¾” thick pine top and would make a gorgeous kitchen island. Crafted from solid pine and oak, it remains incredibly sturdy and level. The brilli...
Wood, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century Shaker Style Work Bench Table
Located in North York, ON
An extraordinary example of utilitarian craftsmanship, this 19th century Shaker-style work bench table is a rare and authentic collector’s piece. Composed of solid oak with a rich da...
Metal
19th Century French Bistro Table
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
French bistro table, made of iron, wonderful aged patina, circa 1920.
Steel
19th Century Victorian Period Burr Walnut Davenport Desk
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A stunning 19th century figured burr walnut Davenport desk. The piano top fall lifts to reveal 2 burr walnut veneered drawers and a pull out and ...
Walnut
Victorian Wicker Sewing Stand
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Part of a large collection of ornate Victorian wicker that was collected over the years by a Senator's wife. Rectangular in shape, this Victorian wicker sewing...
Wicker
19th Century German Biedermeier Sewing Table, Mahogany
Located in Belmont, MA
Original 19th century Biedermeier sewing table, mahogany veneer. This unique exquisite table comes from Northern Germany. The locking, hinged lid raises to reveal nine compartments,...
Mahogany
19th Century French Patisserie Table
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th Century French patisserie table. A rare model with decorative rams heads and its original marble top. Circa 1860.
Marble, Iron
19th Century General Store Table
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Store table from Rooker's General store in Gadsen, TN. Rooker's opened for business in 1862. These tables were used for displaying wallpaper rolls. Perfect...
Wood, Paint
French 19th Century Butcher's Table
Located in Round Top, TX
A wonderful later 19th century Butcher's Table from the South of France. Beautifully constructed in the Papillon style - butterfly - with a cast iron base and its original marble top...
Marble, Iron
Victorian Walnut Sewing Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice earl Victorian Burl walnut sewing stand and work table in very good condition. This unique piece has a fold out writing or work surface under...
Walnut