Styles in furniture - Baroque

The Baroque style is the style of grand forms and rich decoration. The first signs of the style appear at the end of the 16th century and last until the mid-18th century. The name comes from the Portuguese word 'barroco', meaning natural, rough, imperfect pearl. The origins of the style lie in late 16th-century Italy, where it originated and was supported by the Catholic Church, then spread throughout Europe. This is the period when the Catholic Church encouraged the development of this luxurious style as a reaction against Protestantism.

baroque church in Austria — Church in Baroque style / Austria

Style with intricate decorations, carvings and gold leaf

The Baroque is characterized by the presence of intricate and elaborate decorations, sometimes exaggerated, in the form of flowers, leaves, nymphs, cherubs, angels, caryatids, shepherds. Pieces of furniture are handcrafted from oak or walnut wood of the highest quality. The original finish was transparent, to show the structure and design of the wood. Over time, gold leaf coated or gold or bronze painted wood appeared.

The sofas and chair cushions are covered with high-quality materials - leather, velvet or upholstery. The legs of chairs, tables, consoles or other pieces of furniture are curved, sometimes with lion's paws at the ends. Large, grandiose carvings and mirrors with gilded wooden frames appear around the furniture.

At the same time, monograms and heraldic signs appear on furniture to show membership of the upper strata of society.

It is the style found in palaces and castles. The Palace of Versailles during the reign of the French King Louis XIV is a classic example of Baroque, present in architecture, landscaping, art and furniture.

chest of drawers for Louis XIV's bedroom at the Trianon — Chest of drawers for Louis XIV's bedroom at the Trianon

german baroque sf 17th century — German Baroque of the late 17th century

Modern Baroque

Although it was specific to the 17th century, we find some of the elements of the Baroque style in modern furniture. Modern Baroque has rounded shapes, is rich in decoration, and the colours used are metallic, especially gold, silver and bronze. Jewellery or semi-precious stones are often used as hardware.

It is one of the classic styles that can be found in many places, like the ChippendaleandBiedermeier.

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