🏛️ Key Characteristics of Baroque Furniture

1. Ornate Carvings

• Lavish, deep carvings featuring:
  • Acanthus leaves
  • Cherubs and angels
  • Scrolls and shells
  • Mythological or biblical scenes

2. Bold, Heavy Proportions

• Furniture is large, solid, and imposing.
• Legs and arms are thick and often twisted (Solomonic) or scroll-shaped.

3. Symmetry and Grandeur

• Designs are highly symmetrical and balanced.
• Emphasis on drama and theatricality—meant to awe the viewer.

4. Rich Materials

• Dark woods like walnut, ebony, and rosewood.
• Gilding (gold leaf), marquetry, and inlays with ivory, tortoiseshell, or brass.
• Velvet or brocade upholstery in deep reds, golds, and purples.

5. Architectural Influence

• Furniture often mimics architectural elements:
  • Columns, pediments, and cornices
  • Paneling and pilasters

🪑 Common Baroque Furniture Types

• Throne-like armchairs with high backs and elaborate carvings
• Cabinets and commodes with curved fronts and gilded mounts
• Console tables with marble tops and ornate bases
• Canopy beds with heavy drapery and carved headboards

🧑‍🎨 Notable Designers

• André-Charles Boulle (France): Master of marquetry and ormolu.
• Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Italy): Architect and sculptor whose influence extended to furniture design.