BRITISH STYLE -Jacobean Style Furniture -Restoration Style Furniture -Baroque Style Furniture -Palladianism And Georgian Style Furniture -CREDITS- MR. Angad Chauhan -Rococo Style Furniture

1. FURNITURE DESIGN
MEHAK / 2115991523
RADHIKA / 2115991525
MEGHA / 2115991522
SHIVANG / 2115991530
JASWINDER / 2115991517
SUBMITTED TO:
RAMNISH MAM
ANGAD SIR

2. J A C O B E A N S T Y L E ( 1 6 0 3 - 1 6 2 5 )
R E S T O R A T I O N S T Y L E ( 1 6 6 0 - 1 6 8 5 )
B A R O Q U E S T Y L E ( 1 6 8 5 - 1 7 2 5 )
P A L L A D I A N I S M ( 1 7 1 5 - 1 7 6 0 ) &
G E O R G I A N E R A ( 1 7 1 4 - 1 8 2 0 )
R O C O C O S T Y L E ( 1 7 3 0 - 1 7 7 0 )
B R I T I S H S T Y L E

3. The Jacobean furniture term defines the works belonging to the period
between 1603 -1649. In its earlier stages, Jacobean furniture still
displays the heavy enrichment of the Elizabethan carved oak furniture.
With the arrival of the Renaissance, the Gothic ornamentation derived
from the pointed arch disappeared, and, after the close of the 16th
century, no more Gothic details could be identified, except occasional
“linen-fold” panels. During the reign of James I., the furniture and the
home decoration are still similar to those of the Tudor period.
However, the influence of the Low Countries styles, and the
contributions of Inigo Jones will gradually modify the Tudor mixture
of Gothic and Renaissance .The Jacobean period furniture was mainly
made of oak. Lime and cherry were also used, while cypress was
preferred for making chests.
JACOBEAN
FURNITURE
J A C O B E A N ( 1 6 0 3 - 1 6 2 5 ) :

4. Jacobean style furniture is associated with the monarchy of King James I, who reigned in England from 1603 to
1649. During a tumultuous and chaotic time in English history, James I, the son of Mary Queen of Scots, reigned
in Scotland from infancy and inherited the English throne after the death of his cousin Elizabeth in 1603. Early
Jacobean style owes credit to Queen Elizabeth herself, who modified the earlier Tudor style, characterized by
Medieval severity, into a more visually decorative style of her own. This Elizabethan style was marked by steadily
more ornamentation, elaborate scrollwork, classical influences, and liberal use of arches. While the roots are
Medieval, Jacobean style would eventually usher in more Renaissance-inspired design trends. The word
''Jacobean'' takes its roots from the ecclesiastical term for ''James.''
Amid the struggles in England, including religious conflicts, political unrest, and Bubonic plague flares, England
was experiencing a period of wealth and prosperity largely based on increasing colonization of the New World and
the expansion of global trade. A new middle class of wealthy non-nobility was rising in England and elsewhere in
Europe.
T H E H I S T O R Y O F J A C O B E A N
F U R N I T U R E

5. Jacobean style eventually evolved from its early Elizabethan influences to a more
severe and streamlined style popular after James' reign ended. During a period of
English instability after the execution of Charles I, under the rule of Oliver
Cromwell, the Jacobean style evolved, reverting back to a less ornamental style
sometimes, called ''Puritan,'' ''Cromwellian,'' or ''Commonwealth.'' This variation
favored rectangularity and very little ornamentation or flare. In America, this
style prevailed, though its lines were even more utilitarian and simpler due to a
lack of professional cabinet makers in the new colonies.
After the restoration of Charles II in 1660, what is sometimes called the
''Carolean'' period of Jacobean style arose. The ornamentation of earlier Jacobean
designs returned in popularity. In this era, we find Jacobean pieces influenced by
the Flemish Baroque style rising across Europe, which employed more curved,
twisted, and turned legs on chairs and tables, as well as more liberal use of
florals, velvet, and upholstery.

6. J A C O B E A N
F U R N I T U R E V A L U E
One of the special features of Jacobean furniture was the use of upholstery on furniture like
chairs. Gateleg table was a Jacobean invention. These were made either in circular,
rectangular or elliptical shapes. During this period, the embellishment gradually became
simpler and smaller, chests of drawers took the place of chests.
Even the drawers and knobs were carved to give it a new look. A chair known as the
Farthingale chair was made particularly for women. During the late Jacobean, chairs with
leather and embroidered seats were imported from France.

7. T h e e a r l y J a c o b e a n c h a i r s w e r e s t i l l s i m i l a r t o E l i z a b e t h a n
s t y l e o a k c h a i r s . L a t e r w i t h t h e a r r i v a l o f t h e R e n a i s s a n c e ,
t h e s t y l e s o f c h a i r s s t a r t e d c h a n g i n g a n d t h e p o i n t e d a r c h
s t y l e w a s n o m o r e i n f a s h i o n . T h e J a c o b e a n c h a i r s w e r e
m o s t l y m a d e o f o a k .
C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S
T h e J a c o b e a n c h a i r s i n t h e 1 7 t h c e n t u r y w e r e u s u a l l y
m a s s i v e i n s i z e a n d t h e i n t r i c a t e p a t t e r n s o f d e s i g n s w e r e
u n i q u e . J a c o b e a n s i d e c h a i r s i n c r e a s i n g l y b e c a m e l i g h t e r f o r
e a s i e r u s e . I n t h a t a g e , c h a i r s w e r e u s u a l l y m e a n t f o r t h e
h o u s e h o l d m a s t e r s t o s i t o n l y . A s a s i l t , t h e y w e r e s t i l l
e x p e n s i v e l y m a d e . .
E a r l y J a c o b e a n f u r n i t u r e w a s s o m e w h a t i n w a r d l o o k i n g , n o t
f u l l y e m b r a c i n g e x o t i c i n f l u e n c e s , a n d i t s o r n a m e n t a t i o n
b e c a m e l e s s p r o m i n e n t a n d a p p l i e d i n a l e s s w i l l y - n i l l y ,
m o r e o r d e r e d , f a s h i o n t h a n p r e v i o u s l y , a s c a n b e s e e n i n
p i c t u r e s o f e a r l y c a r v e d f u r n i t u r e .
A h i g h l i g h t o f t h e p e r i o d w e r e J a c o b e a n c h a i r s i n p a r t i c u l a r
t h e F a r t h i n g a l e , a n d a l s o t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f i t s m u l e c h e s t s
a n d l o n g t a b l e s .

8. R E S T O R A T I O N
F U R N I T U R E S T Y L E
The restoration of the monarchy in 1660 ushered in a
period of great opulence in English design. Flowing,
curvaceous forms characterized this style. Elaborate
carving and high relief decoration created a sense of
movement and symmetry. Gold and silver were used
to embellish wood and leather panels. Increasingly
realistic natural motifs, such as the acanthus leaf
became popular. Spirally twisted forms were used to
create supports for furniture and woodwork.
RESTORATION (1660 - 1685):

9. T h e o r n a m e n t a l d e s i g n s i n F r e n c h R e s t o r a t i o n f u s e d t h e
s y m m e t r y a n d g e o m e t r y o f N e o c l a s s i c i s m , t h e s u p e r f l u o u s
e m b e l l i s h m e n t s o f L o u i s X I V , a n d t h e c o l o r s o f R e n a i s s a n c e .
W h i m s i c a l t h e m e s b l e n d e d w i t h t h e g e o m e t r i c a l l i n e s , c r e a t i n g
a s o f t e r v e r s i o n o f t h e E m p i r e s t y l e .
A n o t h e r c h a r a c t e r i s t i c o f t h e F r e n c h R e s t o r a t i o n i s p o l y c h r o m e
o r t h e a p p l i c a t i o n o f l i v e l y c o l o r s i n d e c o r a t i o n s .
C o l o r e d s t o n e , g l a s s , a n d p a i n t i n g s w e r e a l l c o n v e n t i o n a l
p o l y c h r o m e t e c h n i q u e s . T h e G o t h i c r o s e , s t y l i z e d p a l m e t t e s ,
a n d d e t a i l e d f l o r a l d é c o r b e c a m e p r e v a l e n t m o t i f s i n
R e s t o r a t i o n f u r n i t u r e .
M a n y t a b l e a n d c h a i r l e g s h a d m u s i c a l i n s t r u m e n t s c a r v e d i n t o
t h e m . M a r q u e t r y i n l a y b e c a m e m o r e p r e v a l e n t a s w e l l . O f t e n i n
t h e f o r m o f e l a b o r a t e f l o r a l d e s i g n s , i t b e c a m e f a v o r e d o v e r
g i l d e d b r o n z e o r n a m e n t a t i o n , w h i c h b e c a m e r a r e .
C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S O F
R E S T O R A T I O N F U R N I T U R E

10. O n e o f t h e b e s t e x a m p l e s o f R e s t o r a t i o n i n t e r i o r d e s i g n i s t h e C h a r l e s X
m u s e u m i n s i d e t h e L o u v r e , d e s i g n e d f o r t h e a n n u a l S a l o n o f a r t i s t s .
T h e c o m p a r t m e n t a l i z e d c e i l i n g s c o n t a i n p a i n t i n g s a n d e x t r a v a g a n t
o r n a m e n t a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g c o r n u c o p i a s , c o l u m n s , a n d p i l a s t e r s .
T h e R e s t o r a t i o n p e r i o d s a w t h e r i s e o f t h e n e o - G o t h i c s t y l e , w h i c h a r o s e i n
i n t e r i o r d e s i g n d u r i n g t h e 1 8 2 0 s .
I t m i r r o r e d e l e m e n t s s e e n i n g o t h i c c a t h e d r a l s , s u c h a s a r c h e s a n d r o s e
w i n d o w s , w h i c h b e c a m e v e r y p o p u l a r f o r F r e n c h s a l o n s a n d g a l l e r i e s .
A n o t h e r e x a m p l e i s t h e C h a p e l l e e x p i a t o i r e . T h e r e s t r a i n e d e x t e r i o r a n d
l a y o u t o f t h e b u i l d i n g e m b o d y t y p i c a l N e o c l a s s i c d e s i g n s .
T h e i n t e r i o r o f t h e d o m e , h o w e v e r , c o n t a i n s p r o f u s e o r n a m e n t a t i o n , s u c h a s
r o s e t t e s , h i g h - r e l i e f s c u l p t u r e s , s t y l i z e d c r o s s e s , f l e u r - d e - l i s , a n d r o s e s .
A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e f l o o r s f e a t u r e t h e s a m e m o t i f s i n i n t r i c a t e p o l y c h r o m e
s t o n e d e c o r a t i o n .
E X A M P L E S O F R E S T O R A T I O N
I N T E R I O R S

11. R E S T O R A T I O N F U R N I T U R E
R e s t o r a t i o n f u r n i t u r e w a s d e s i g n e d t o b e l i g h t w e i g h t a n d
p o r t a b l e , a n d s o s m a l l e r p i e c e s f o r m o r e i n t i m a t e r o o m s
b e c a m e t h e n o r m . T r e n d s f r o m t h e E m p i r e p e r i o d c o n t i n u e d ,
s u c h a s g u e r i d o n s a s e n d t a b l e s i n d i n i n g r o o m s a n d b o a t
b e d s . T h r e e - l e g g e d t a b l e s b e c a m e m o r e f r e q u e n t .
S E A T I N G
C h a i r b a c k s a r c h e d , w i t h f r o n t l e g s e i t h e r l i n e a r o r s l i g h t l y
f l a r e d . T h e b a c k l e g s o f m o s t c h a i r s t u r n e d m o r e p r o m i n e n t l y
t h a n t h e f r o n t . C o m f o r t b e c a m e j u s t a s i m p o r t a n t a s s t y l e , a n d
s o c h a i r s f r o m t h i s p e r i o d o f t e n h a d p a d d i n g o n t h e a r m r e s t s
a n d b a c k r e s t s . U n d e r C h a r l e s X , t h e á l a C a t h e d r a l , o r
C a t h e d r a l c h a i r , b e c a m e a f a s h i o n a b l e p i e c e o f f u r n i t u r e . T h i s
c h a i r ’ s b a c k m i r r o r e d t h e s t r u c t u r e o f a G o t h i c s t a i n e d g l a s s
w i n d o w . A n o t h e r t y p e o f s e a t i n g , t h e V o l t a i r e a r m c h a i r , h a s
s a b e r - c u r v e d l e g s a n d a t a l l , r o u n d e d b a c k .

12. BAROQUE
FURNITURE
B A R O Q U E ( 1 6 8 5 - 1 7 2 5 ) :
T h e e x u b e r a n t B a r o q u e s t y l e o r i g i n a t e d i n I t a l y a n d
i n f l u e n c e d t h e e n t i r e c o n t i n e n t . I t w a s c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y a
s e n s e o f d r a m a a n d a l o v e o f t h e o r n a t e . O b j e c t s w e r e
d e c o r a t e d w i t h a p r o f u s i o n o f p l a n t l i f e . C h u b b y i n f a n t s ,
" p u t t i " , c a v o r t i n g a r o u n d s c r o l l i n g f o l i a g e a n d g a r l a n d s o f
f l o w e r s w e r e c o m m o n . T h e d e c o r a t i v e u s e o f m o n o g r a m s ,
u s u a l l y p e o p l e ' s i n i t i a l s , w a s a n o t h e r s t y l e f e a t u r e .
H e r a l d i c c r e s t s w e r e a l s o i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t o d e s i g n s a s
s y m b o l s o f s t a t u s a n d o w n e r s h i p . S e a t f u r n i t u r e w a s r i c h l y
u p h o l s t e r e d a n d g i l t w o o d f u r n i t u r e i m i t a t e d g o l d .
M a r q u e t r y b e c a m e p o p u l a r . F u r n i t u r e r e m a i n e d h e a v y , b u t
w i t h m o r e c a r v i n g a n d f i n e d e t a i l . L o c a l l y g r o w n o a k w a s
t h e b a s i c w o o d f o r c o u n t r y p i e c e s , b u t l a t e r , w a s o f t e n
v e n e e r e d w i t h E n g l i s h w a l n u t o r w a l n u t i m p o r t e d f r o m
F r a n c e o r V i r g i n i a .

13. Baroque furniture was in vogue during the late 17th Century. Italian baroque architects Gianlorenzo
Bernini and Francesco Borromini had showcased their innovative designs in Rome. By this time, the
baroque design was only on the surface of the furniture, but later towards the last quarter of the
century, a lot of changes were introduced into the design.
At this time, ‘caryatids’ and the scroll patterns were introduced. Using the caryatid and scroll
patterns in baroque designs means the use of female figures along with scroll-shaped and spiral-
turned legs to support the structure of the furniture. By the end of the 17th Century, baroque
architecture had been transformed to structures with curved fronts and was first used on wardrobes
and chests of drawers. Chairs were designed with high back and rich carvings. Even the cane chairs
had high backs with beautifully turned parts in place of the carved areas. These chairs were elegant
and exquisite.
T H E H I S T O R Y O F B A R O Q U E
F U R N I T U R E

14. Baroque style was evident in furniture from the 16th century onwards,
and is still in demand today in homes where the owners have a penchant
for period styles. Chairs and beds made in the Baroque style were heavily
carved and featured intricate detail, such as foliage and even human
forms, while cabinets would be equally ostentatious and also feature
glass fronts.
Baroque designs often incorporated elements of Louis XIV style, which
combines grandeur and elegance, and you’ll find this combination of
design across an array of furnishings, from dining sets and sideboards to
bookcases and armchairs.
C O M M O N T Y P E S O F B A R O Q U E
F U R N I T U R E

15. Baroque furnishings have a timeless appeal as a result of their intricacy and grand appearance. If you’re
keen to create period elegance in your home, Baroque items can help you achieve this ambience.
original furnishings are rare and can be costly – especially if they are in good condition, but you’ll find
plenty of replica furnishings available that are such good quality that it’s difficult to discern whether
they have been recently made or are, in fact, hundreds of years old..Often made from rich mahogany
wood, Baroque items that are well made can last for years, making them a great investment.
Whether you want to create a running theme throughout your property or are simply looking for a focal
point for a single room, Baroque items won’t disappoint.
Glass-doored cabinets are ideal for displaying ornaments in the lounge, while ornate sideboards can be
useful for storing dinner services in the dining room.
W H A T M A K E S B A R O Q U E F U R N I T U R E
S O S P E C I A L ?

16. Baroque furniture shares some characteristics with other artistic mediums during this period, the most
distinctive being the elaborate ornamentation.
Furniture pieces had plenty of details, and the designs featured an exuberant and sometimes exaggerated
decoration. In Baroque designs, decorative elements were never too much.Despite the elaborate
ornamentation, Baroque compositions had a delicate balance and a harmonious integration of all
elements. The furniture pieces were usually symmetrical, and all the details were replicated on both sides,
with very small variations, if any.
The general layout often included twisted columns, which incorporated plenty of curves for giving a sense
of dynamism. In most tables, cabinets, armoires and tall furniture, pedestal feet were common, usually
diagonally interlaced. The four legs were usually the only elements to touch the floor.
Heavy moldings were used to decorate not only the uppermost part but also the top of each section where
there was an important change in size, like on top of the pedestals and lower drawers. For decorating the
crown moldings, a wide variety of elements were used, from pediments to sculptures.
S T Y L E & C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S

17. A reaction against the extravagance of the Baroque style, and a desire
to return to the basic principles of classicism, led to this uniquely
British style based on the forms and ornaments of ancient Roman
buildings, transmitted through the work of the Italian Renaissance
architect Andrea Palladio and British architect Inigo Jones. Designs
were symmetrical with decorative features, such as columns and
pediments, derived from architecture. Terms, bust figures on the top
of a pillar, were popular. Masks and shells were common motifs.
Under the reigns of George I, the mid Georgian period was renowned
for the fine furniture produced by the country's most talented
craftsmen. The late Georgian period is synonymous with neo-
classicism.
PALLADIANISM (1715 - 1760) &
GEORGIAN ERA (1714 - 1820):

18. P a l l a d i a n i s m w a s a n a r c h i t e c t u r a l s t y l e
f a s h i o n a b l e i n B r i t a i n b e t w e e n 1 7 1 5 a n d 1 7 6 0 . I t
w a s b a s e d o n t h e d e s i g n s o f t h e 1 6 t h - c e n t u r y
V e n e t i a n a r c h i t e c t A n d r e a P a l l a d i o ( 1 5 0 8 – 8 0 ) ,
w i d e l y c o n s i d e r e d t o b e o n e o f t h e m o s t
i n f l u e n t i a l i n d i v i d u a l s i n t h e h i s t o r y o f
a r c h i t e c t u r e . P a l l a d i o w a s i n s p i r e d b y R o m a n a n d
G r e e k a r c h i t e c t u r e , p r i m a r i l y b y M a r c u s V i t r u v i u s
P o l l i o ( a b o u t 8 0 – 7 0 B C – a b o u t 1 5 B C ) a n d h i s
i d e a s o n p e r f e c t p r o p o r t i o n . I n t u r n , B r i t i s h
d e s i g n e r s d r e w o n P a l l a d i o ' s w o r k t o c r e a t e a
c l a s s i c a l B r i t i s h s t y l e c h a r a c t e r i s e d b y p l a i n
e x t e r i o r s b a s e d o n r u l e s o f s y m m e t r y , p e r s p e c t i v e
a n d p r o p o r t i o n .
P A L L A D I A N I S M
F U R N I T U R E
P A L L A D I A N I S M ( 1 7 1 5 - 1 7 6 0 )

19. P A L L A D I A N I S M S T Y L E
F U R N I T U R E
O n e s u c h c a b i n e t m a k e r w h o t o o k t o t h e u s e o f
m a h o g a n y w a s W i l l i a m K e n t . K e n t , l i k e m a n y o f t h e
e a r l y G e o r g i a n p e r i o d h a d g o n e o n t h e G r a n d T o u r t o
R o m e , a n d t h e r e h a d t a k e n u p t h e I t a l i a n a t e
a r c h i t e c t u r a l i d e a s o f A n d r e a P a l l a d i o , a n I t a l i a n
a r c h i t e c t o f t h e s i x t e e n t h c e n t u r y , c a l l e d P a l l a d i a n i s m .

20. T h e G e o r g i a n s t y l e i s h i g h l y v a r i a b l e , b u t m a r k e d
b y s y m m e t r y a n d p r o p o r t i o n b a s e d o n t h e c l a s s i c a l
a r c h i t e c t u r e o f G r e e c e a n d R o m e , a s r e v i v e d i n
R e n a i s s a n c e a r c h i t e c t u r e . O r n a m e n t i s a l s o
n o r m a l l y i n t h e c l a s s i c a l t r a d i t i o n , b u t t y p i c a l l y
r e s t r a i n e d , a n d s o m e t i m e s a l m o s t c o m p l e t e l y
a b s e n t o n t h e e x t e r i o r . T h e p e r i o d b r o u g h t t h e
v o c a b u l a r y o f c l a s s i c a l a r c h i t e c t u r e t o s m a l l e r a n d
m o r e m o d e s t b u i l d i n g s t h a n h a d b e e n t h e c a s e
b e f o r e , r e p l a c i n g E n g l i s h v e r n a c u l a r a r c h i t e c t u r e
( o r b e c o m i n g t h e n e w v e r n a c u l a r s t y l e ) f o r a l m o s t
a l l n e w m i d d l e - c l a s s h o m e s a n d p u b l i c b u i l d i n g s
b y t h e e n d o f t h e p e r i o d .
G E O R G I A N 1 7 1 4 - 1 8 2 0

21. G E O R G I A N
S T Y L E
F U R N I T U R E
( 1 7 1 4 - 1 8 2 0 )
D e s i g n s g e n e r a l l y f e a t u r e d s t r a i g h t f o r m s
w i t h i n t r i c a t e l o w - r e l i e f o r n a m e n t a t i o n .
E a r l y G e o r g i a n s t y l e r e f l e c t s a
c o n t i n u a t i o n o f Q u e e n A n n e b u t w i t h a
h e a v i e r a n d m o r e r i c h e r a p p r o a c h l i k e
g l i d i n g a n d l a v i s h u p h o l s t e r y .

22. M A T E R I A L S
T h e f i r s t t h i n g t o l o o k f o r i s w h a t w o o d h a s
b e e n u s e d . G e o r g i a n p i e c e s a r e l i k e l y t o u s e O a k
a n d M a h o g a n y . M a h o g a n y c h a r a c t e r i s t i c a l l y i s a
h a r d w o o d , d a r k r e d d i s h - b r o w n i n c o l o u r w h i c h
w i l l d a r k e n o v e r t i m e a n d p o l i s h e s t o a r e d d i s h
s h e e n . O a k a g a i n i s k n o w n f o r i t ’ s h a r d n e s s , i t
a l s o c a n h a v e v e r y a p p e a l i n g g r a i n m a r k s a n d i s
f o u n d i n b o t h r e d a n d w h i t e v a r i e t i e s .
D E S I G N
K e y G e o r g i a n f u r n i t u r e p i e c e s i n a r e a s o f
e n t e r t a i n m e n t w o u l d h a v e b e e n s i d e b o a r d s ,
c o n s o l e t a b l e s w i t h m a r b l e t o p s , K n e e h o l e d e s k s
d r i n k s c a b i n e t s , c a r d t a b l e s a n d g l a s s f r o n t e d
b u i l t i n b o o k c a s e s . I n t h e b e d r o o m s a n d
d r e s s i n g r o o m s ; c h a i s e - l o n g u e s , w o o d e n f o u r
p o s t e r b e d s a n d w a s h s t a n d s .

23. ROCOCO
FURNITURE
R o c o c o ( 1 7 3 0 - 1 7 7 0 ) :
H a v i n g a l r e a d y e m e r g e d i n F r a n c e , R o c o c o
f l o u r i s h e d i n B r i t a i n b y t h e f o l l o w i n g
d e c a d e . I t w a s f r e e o f a r c h i t e c t u r a l
r e s t r i c t i o n s a n d w a s a s t y l e o f e x t r a v a g a n t
f o r m s a n d m a r k e d a s y m m e t r y . T h e k e y
e l e m e n t s w e r e C - a n d S - s c r o l l s ,
n a t u r a l i s t i c m o t i f s , s u c h a s f r u i t a n d
f l o w e r s , a n d a n o r n a m e n t a l f o r m k n o w n a s
r o c a i l l e , w h i c h r e s e m b l e s t h e i r r e g u l a r
e d g e s o f r o c k s a n d s h e l l s , a n d a c a n t h u s
l e a v e s . T h e d e s i g n s o f T h o m a s
C h i p p e n d a l e ' s D i r e c t o r y o f 1 7 5 4 r e f l e c t t h e
E n g l i s h v o g u e f o r t h e F r e n c h , C h i n e s e a n d
G o t h i c t a s t e s a n d t h e m o v e t o w a r d s f a n t a s y .

24. THE HISTORY OF
ROCOCO
FURNITURE
B a r o q u e f u r n i t u r e w a s t h e s t y l e o f
f u r n i t u r e d u r i n g t h e r e i g n o f L o u i s X I V .
D u r i n g t h e r e i g n o f t h e n e x t k i n g , L o u i s
X V , b e t w e e n 1 7 2 0 - 1 7 3 0 , B a r o q u e
f u r n i t u r e w a s r e p l a c e d w i t h F r e n c h
R o c o c o f u r n i t u r e .
D u r i n g t h e r e i g n o f L o u i s X V , F r e n c h
a r i s t o c r a t s b e g a n s p e n d i n g m o r e t i m e
e n j o y i n g l i f e a t t h e i r p r i v a t e e s t a t e s ,
w h i c h w a s r e f l e c t e d i n t h e i r n e w f o r m s
o f a r t . T h e R o c o c o w a s o n e f o r m o f n e w
a r t , a n a r t f o r m o f l e i s u r e .
I t w a s a n a r t i s t i c m o v e m e n t d u r i n g t h e 1 8 t h c e n t u r y t h a t r e p r e s e n t e d a n
a e s t h e t i c r e j e c t i o n o f t h e B a r o q u e e r a i n a r t . T h e a r i s t o c r a t s r e j e c t e d t h e
o r n a t e r e g a l B a r o q u e s t y l e f o r a l i g h t e r , s o f t e r , d e c o r a t i v e a e s t h e t i c . T h i s
p e r i o d o f t h e R o c o c o i s c o m m o n l y v i e w e d a s t h e h i g h e s t p o i n t i n F r e n c h
f u r n i t u r e d e s i g n .

25. CHARATERISTICS
Rococo style furniture had a lot of distinct
characteristics. Many of the furnishings had a strong
use of curves and counter-curves. They use C scrolls, S
scrolls, and scroll feet.
Rococo furniture was visually light, making use
of lighter woods, light pastels, or white shades.
It was characterized by an airy weightlessness,
as the legs on the furnishings were commonly
cabriole legs.
Rococo was defined by asymmetrical spirals,
ornamentation, elegance, intricate details, and
frequent use of mirrors. Other common features
include organic motifs (plants, vines, leaves,
flowers), seashells, and other natural forms in
furniture decorations.
ROCOCO FURNITURE

26. Aristocratic life in the Rococo was
focused on leisure and entertainment.
The Rococo furniture reflected this, as
items like sofas and chairs became
more comfortable, lavish, and
important. In fact, these Rococo sofas
and chairs were commonly used to
entertain guests of the aristocrats at
private parties at their estates for
hours at a time.
S o f a s w e r e c o m m o n i n
p u b l i c r o o m s s o g u e s t s
c o u l d s i t a n d c h a t f o r
l o n g p e r i o d s . T ê t e - à - t ê t e
s o f a s w e r e p r e v a l e n t f o r
t h e s e p u r p o s e s . A t ê t e -
à - t ê t e i s a t y p e o f t w o
s e a t s o f a . I t h a s t w o
b a c k r e s t s a t e a c h e n d
w h i c h a r e c u r v e d t o f a c e
o n e a n o t h e r .
The purpose for chairs was due to
individual needs and the social
occasion. There were many different
types of chairs, each tailor made for a
specific purpose. For instance, there
were chairs for napping, eating,
reading, and gambling. Chair design
elements included large armrests,
ballooning backs, and frames with
curves.

27. The commode features curved,
tapered legs, which are called
‘cabriole’ legs. These kinds of legs
can be found in lots of pieces of
Rococo style furniture, and as
time went on they became taller,
more slender and daintier in
contrast to the large, bulbous
shape they support.
A n o t h e r f e a t u r e o f t h e
R o c o c o t h a t b e c a m e
p o p u l a r w a s a s y m m e t r i c a l
e l e m e n t s i n f u r n i t u r e a n d
d e s i g n . P i e c e s a i m e d f o r a
h a r m o n i o u s ‘ b a l a n c e ’ t h a t
i s m o r e o f t e n f o u n d i n
n a t u r e r a t h e r t h a n
r i g o r o u s , s y m m e t r i c a l
p e r f e c t i o n .
Specifically, Rococo made greater
use of organic motifs and had a
greater preference towards lighter
woods and other materials.

28. THANKYOU