As we moved into the late 16th century, the Baroque furniture style started to penetrate Europe; Rococo furniture started to appeared later towards the early 18th century - they were both grandiose and lavish in design. It was seen as an antidote to the rather staid Mannerist period that preceded it; people soon favoured the Baroque and Rococo furniture pieces for their showy opulence.
King Louis XIV was a real champion of Baroque furniture. During his reign the French empire was rapidly expanding and the King wanted a style to mirror his own very strong and dramatic leadership. He had the Louvre and the Versailles Palace extravagantly decorated with grand examples of Baroque style furniture, imposing and dramatic French mirrors, ornate French beds and towering bedroom wardrobes.
Fantastic Furniture
We're seeing a marked move back towards this kind of extravagant French Baroque furniture in modern homes, with many interior designers looking for good quality examples of French wardrobes or cabinets (known as armoires), chests of drawers, beds and chairs. Baroque furniture appeals to those who love symmetry in their pieces; the furniture is crafted from the finest materials - oak and mahogany - and then decorated with intricate veneers.
Baroque furniture and the later Rococo furniture styles will enhance any home today. The detailing in the handles and knobs, usually curved in a black or metallic finish, will serve to delight you time and time again.
During the later reign of Louis XV the styling changed and Rococo furniture started to make its mark. It took some of the elements of Baroque, but Rococo furniture differed in some key areas. You'll notice much less symmetry in the Rococo style furniture on items such as French beds and cabinets and the designs were toned down a touch to be slightly less on the theatrical side. Whilst still remaining beautiful crafted, Rococo furniture could be considered more subtly elegant than the more extravagant Baroque furniture pieces.
One thing is clear, if you're looking for a bold statement, opt for Baroque furniture - if you want something a little more low-key, then Rococo furniture is the choice for you. You could even mix and match, choosing a focal piece of Baroque furniture to really make an impact, then softening the effect with some smaller Rococo furniture items. The options open to us from the vast store of French style furniture means we'll never be bored of this fantastic style.
French Furniture - Baroque And Rococo Style Furniture
More information is available on a range French furniture in the Rococo and Baroque styles including French beds, armoires and mirrors.
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