Baroque Period Furniture

Ornamentation

• The Baroque furniture era introduced elaborate ornamentation into furniture design. Baroque period furniture is frequently characterized by oversized twisted columns and lofty moldings. According to Dion Design, ornamental details are "related to the entire piece and flow throughout the entire work rather than simply throughout one panel." Symbolic characters, cherubs and sophisticated patterns are featured on many Baroque-inspired chairs and sofas.

Curvature

• Formal linear designs were replaced with curvature and scrolling woodwork during the Baroque era. Many Baroque pieces incorporate curvy camel-back styles and rounded edges into chair and sofa styles. The introduction of curvature into Baroque furniture made furnishings more comfortable and romantic in their overall appeal. Wealthy homeowners used these luxurious pieces to fashion their sitting rooms and parlors.

Walnut Woodwork

• Walnut replaced light-colored woods like oak and pine during the Baroque era. Deep luxurious walnut hues add warmth and beauty to the detailed woodwork so apparent in Baroque design. Darker wood tones tend to make a room feel more mysterious and colossal and draw attention to individual pieces of furniture.

Caning and Cross-Banding

• Unique craftsmanship was incorporated into Baroque furniture. Baroque chairs frequently include caning and cross-banding in their structural design. Dion Design states that the English Baroque style changed the "surface decoration form carving to applied treatments such as veneering, cross-banding, herringbone boarders and inlaid elements such as marquetry."