What is Rococo style?
Rococo furniture is inspired by the sumptuous French 18th century Rococo period. A graceful style that celebrates curving forms and ornamentation, Rococo style showcases antique exuberance at its finest. Asymmetrical details, lacquered finishes, and gilded accents all have a starring role.
Rococo design also possesses Eastern influences. As trade routes opened up in the 18th century, Asian design themes became more common. As a result, Chinoiserie traits are apparent in many Rococo pieces. Eastern design also influenced the style’s wood choices. The movement’s favored woods included mahogany, rosewood, and walnut.
Because the Rococo period coincided with the availability of inexpensive glass in Europe, Rococo mirrors are among the movement’s keystone pieces. Featuring highly ornamental frames, Rococo mirrors are still a favorite of interior decorators today.
How is Rococo Style Different From Baroque Style?
Intended to be lighthearted and whimsical, Rococo style is stands in stark contrast to Baroque, the more austere aesthetic that proceeded it. With pieces upholstered in rich velvet or painted in gold, Baroque furniture is extremely lavish. In contrast, Rococo is more informal. At the time of its inception, Rococo style was a backlash against the Baroque era’s solemnity. Rococo unabashedly prioritizes comfort over opulence.
When Was the Rococo Revival?
Although the Neoclassical era eventually replaced the Rococo age, Rococo style resurged in the 1840s. This time around, the trend caught on in both Europe and America. It’s worth noting that most Rococo furniture pieces you encounter at auctions or antique stores today are actually Rococo revival pieces. Curved lines and nature-inspired carvings all made a comeback during this revival phase. New elements that were integrated include slim cabriole legs and chairs with balloon backs.
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Lead image: Design by Sasha Bikoff / Photo by Patrick Cline
