We explore the elegance of Rococo furniture
Julia Wheatley
2/1/20242 min read
Unveiling the Enchanting Elegance and Charm Rococo Style Furniture
Close your eyes and think delicate curves, intricate carvings, and innovation!
We are going to explore the flirtatiousness of the Rococo style, so let’s have a peek at what was happening in this era:
So, from 1714 – 1830, styles changed rapidly –
After Queen Anne died, the next monarchs were all George’s, and so, in England we entered the ‘Georgian’ era – There were 3 George’s in total (I do wish I had listened a bit more in history at school!!) as now I have had to get my head around it all!
This era goes from 1714 to 1830 and its split into 3 parts: Early, Mid and Late Georgian.
I think what I always got confused about was where all the styles fitted in, I mean there are so many through the ages which is why I chose to concentrate on 1700 onwards.
Where does the Rococo style fit in?
Well, I’ll tell you! It was within the whole Georgian era and peaked around the mid 1700’s . With it came an ornateness (is that even a word?!) Oh well I like it!
What are the main features of the Rococo style?
Key features:
• Delicate curves
• Ornate Carvings
• Soft pastel colour palettes – soft, romantic hues to give a light an airy feel
• Foral, leaves and shells Too! (We like to create nowadays to bring the ‘outside -in’ well so did they! Heavenly!
• Curves, Curves Curves! (Unlike before where straight lines had featured heavily
• Fluid and windy shapes (Like beautiful S curves – fantastical scrolls and cheeky asymmetry
Rococo evokes the sense of a dreamy world where every piece of furniture told a playful story
The style was incredibly indulgent and intricate, yet whilst they were designed to be stunning, they were also made to be practical, with hidden compartments and even secret drawers!
So, that just about sums up the Rococo style; a veritable feast for the eyes, not to mention exquisite craftmanship and artistry. It transports you to a dreamy place and dreams of an era I would love to have been a part of!
So, as we say farewell to the unique 18th century furniture styles, and fast forward back to today; How can we incorporate this style into our own furniture painting?
Well……..we can think about how we might infuse a touch of that historical elegance into our own painting, and there are many ways to do that with colour palettes, decoupage, stencils, adding embellishments and of course finding the right kind of furniture, of course even if it is reproduction! That way you can bring this style into your own home!
As I said in my first blog on this subject, if you come across antique furniture you are looking to upcycle, be very careful and make sure that it is not valuable, as once you take that paint brush to it, the value is gone.
Want to have go with this style in your own furniture painting?!
Why not book onto one of my Join upcoming Furniture Upcycling Workshops and experiment with some of the stunning Rococo styles. Let your creativity flow and turn your furniture dreams into reality! Limited slots available, so reserve yours now.
If you prefer a custom touch? Contact me for Rococo-inspired furniture commissions tailored just for you. Let’s paint your world with style and history!
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