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 French Rococo Style Mahogany Nesting Side Tables - Set of 3
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Rococo Style Mahogany Nesting Side Tables - Set of 3. Item features 3 nesting tables, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved details, cabriole le...
Mahogany
Antique Burr Walnut nest 3 tables, French cabriole legs
Located in Dereham, GB
Antique Burr Walnut & carved nest 3 tables, with French cabriole shaped legs, circa 1930s, Burr walnut veneer on tops, Carved decoration around tops, Carved detail on front of smal...
Walnut
$1,357 / set
H 22.45 in W 22.05 in D 15.85 in
Bevan Funnell Burr / Burl Oak Nest of Tables Absolutely Stunning
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this stunning brand new Bevan Funnell burr oak nest of tables These are...
Oak
Antique French Inlaid Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French inlaid nest of tables. This was made in France, it dates from around the 1930’s. The quality is fantastic, this is beautifully made with gorgeous inlays on...
Brass, Ormolu
1920's Art Deco Figured Walnut Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A superb original Art Deco period figured walnut nest of tables, these were made in England and date from around the 1920-30’s. They are of amazing quality and have a very stylish d...
Walnut
Antique Edwardian Lacquered Chinoiserie Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Edwardian lacquered chinoiserie nest of tables. They were made in England in the oriental style, they date from around 1900-1920. They are of lovely quality and ...
Wood
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
Barbara Barry for Baker Mahogany Nesting Tables - Set of 3
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Mahogany Nesting Tables - Set of 3 The top table measures: 14.5 wide x 14.5 deep x 28.75 inches high The middle table measures: 12.25 wide x 14.5 deep x 25.2...
Mahogany
$3,427 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.05 in D 14.97 in
Antique Set of French Japonisme Art Nouveau Nesting Tables 1890 table side table
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & Rare! This set of French Art Nouveau nesting tables in Japonisme minimalist style 1890 with gorgeous inlaid wood displaying birds , butterflies & floral motives. The set...
Wood
$4,854 / set
H 17.72 in Dm 31.5 in
Handmade Nesting Tables, Set Side Coffee Tables Handcrafted by French Designer
Located in LANGUEUX, FR
The beauty and high quality of handmade concrete and metal tables made in France are unparalleled in the world of furniture. The blending of these two materials results in pieces tha...
Concrete, Metal
$4,718 / set
H 17.72 in Dm 31.5 in
Handmade Nesting Tables, Set Side Coffee Tables Handcrafted by French Designer
Located in LANGUEUX, FR
The beauty and high quality of handmade concrete and metal tables made in France are unparalleled in the world of furniture. The blending of these two materials results in pieces tha...
Concrete, Metal
Vintage Set of 3 Japanned Nesting Tables
By Peter Engel Inc. 1
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage set 3 Japanned nesting tables Set of three nesting tables with inlaid glass. Hand painted "Japanese" scene motif, with gold pin stripes on the legs. Measures: 14.5"...
Wood
$2,600 / set
H 22.63 in W 22 in D 14.17 in
20th Century Nest of 3 Giltwood and Carved Side Tables with Cabriole Shaped Legs
Located in Miami, FL
This stylish nest of 3 giltwood side tables feature slender cabriole shaped legs and handmade green paintings. Measures: Depth 14.17in, width 21.65in, height 22.83in Depth 12.59i...
Wood
$1,480
H 20.08 in W 22.05 in D 16.15 in
Vintage 1970s set of 3 Nesting / Stacking Oak Tables, style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Presenting a rare and complete set of three solid oak nesting tables, each bearing the unmistakable stylistic imprint of Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf. In remarkable condition, th...
Oak
Venetian Rococo Style Nesting Tables, 3
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Venetian Rococo Style gold and white painted nesting tables, three, shaped rectangular tops with gold decoration and borders above gilded cabriole legs on modified volute feet...
Wood
Gilded Nesting Wooden Tables, Set of Three
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three gilded nesting wooden tables from Italy, circa 1960. A rococo silhouette features cabriole legs and an upturned, scalloped table profile. Green highlights in a rich op...
Hardwood, Giltwood, Paint
Sold
H 22.45 in W 16.15 in D 14.57 in
Spectacular Three-Piece Set of French Stone Inlay Nesting Tables
Located in Den Haag, NL
Three spectacular French stone inlay nesting tables. I have recently removed the old discolored finish and given it a brand new clear cote so now it's nice and clear again. Love this...
Onyx