Rococo style in the interior: furniture, room

A little historical background

Few people know, but initially the style was used only for decorating garden grottoes. After all, the name of the design plays on the French word rocaille, which has one of the meanings of decoration made of shells and stones. Later, this expression began to denote a rock garden.

Some rocaille artists have become so successful in their activities that particularly successful design elements have migrated from gardens to room interiors. This happened under King Louis XIV. But official recognition for the Rococo style came much later and Jean Meissonnier is considered the inspiration of the movement. It was in his paintings that asymmetrical forms began to appear.

One of the ornamental elements for decoration in Rococo Source Pinterest

In fact, the prologue to the style was the work of Antoine Watteau, who painted his paintings at the very beginning of the eighteenth century. And although from the middle of the century France was swept by the fashion for classicism with its antique symmetrical ornaments, Rococo confidently lasted in some living rooms until the beginning of the new century.

This is because it was not considered a distinct style until the mid-nineteenth century. At that time, many were sure that Rococo was a logical evolution of the ponderous Baroque. Although in essence the monumentality of the latter was simply softened by a lighter and brighter direction. And no matter what they say later, it was not without reason that the Rococo period in France was called the time of Cupid and Venus.

Canvas by Boucher, painted in the Rococo era Source gallart.by

How to decorate a ceiling

The palace style introduced a new element into the ceiling architecture - the holly. This peculiar replacement of the cornice made it possible to gently round the transition from the wall to the ceiling.

To stylize a modern room in the Rococo spirit, roundness is achieved using plasterboard structures.

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At the finish, the ceiling is decorated with stucco, the pattern of which smoothly transitions from the walls to the ceiling plane. For decoration, you can use hand-painted antique or genre themes.

Decorate the center of the ceiling with an elegant chandelier, the horns of which contain stylized candle lamps.

Main features of Rococo

Since the style was nevertheless recognized as completely independent, some features were identified for it. First of all, you need to decide who this design is suitable for. These are dreamy and sophisticated natures who love sophistication in everything.

But in order to bring to life all the royal luxury of the direction, you need to have a considerable fortune. Because a large country house is needed, and materials for decoration in the Rococo style are not cheap. Exclusive furniture alone will be needed for almost an entire museum. And this is not to mention the drapery and individual pieces of art.

Characteristic features of Rococo:

Pastel colors predominate, diluted with white and rich gilding. But there are exceptions that, if implemented successfully, look very good.
Stucco is present on almost everything. It decorates the ceiling and walls. If there are columns in the room, then they cannot do without it. You can even find similar decor on the windows.
Any surface, be it walls, textiles or the surfaces of furniture items, is covered with patterns, ornaments, embroidery, drawings or mosaics.
You need handmade furniture from famous masters of the past. Mostly with expensive patterned upholstery and covered with inlays.
To emphasize the style, you will need multi-layered luxurious textiles.
Stories from myths and pastorals are welcome.
Gilding is almost the main element of decoration. Its trace is present on almost all objects in the room.

Particularly zealous connoisseurs actually have to be restrained. Because after all the transformations, the residential building turns into a museum. And although in the eighteenth century the Rococo style in the interior was valued not only for its luxury, but also for its comfort, in modern realities, living among exhibitions can bring significant discomfort to life.

Bedroom decorated in Rococo Source kakpravilnosdelat.ru

But the direction is convenient in that it does not need to be used in its pure form. It mixes well with some other types. And these days it is more often used to emphasize certain areas in the room. Therefore, it becomes possible not to limit yourself only to a country mansion, and to transfer the style to modern city apartments. Moreover, the current interpretation of stylistics is significantly simplified.

The history of the Rococo style

The term rococo is translated from French as “shell, scroll, rocaille.” This is not surprising, since the most popular Rococo pattern motif is the curl in the shape of an auricle. The term rococo refers to a style in art from the early 18th century. In this style, they decorated the interiors of public and private premises, built magnificent buildings, painted paintings and music, sewed fashionable clothes, composed pastorals and erotic odes. Monumental architectural monuments built in the Rococo style include Amalienburg near Munich and the Chinese Palace in Oranienbaum.

Chinese Palace in Oranienbaum.

For Rococo in the interior, the characteristic features are:

a general color palette based on a combination of pastel shades with white and gold;
an abundance of stucco elements on walls, ceilings, windows and portals;
decorative design of every centimeter of surface, furniture, decor, textiles with patterns, drawings, mosaics, embroidery, stucco, gilding;
Rococo interiors are filled with recognizable handmade furniture, decorated with artistic carvings, inlays, gilding, and upholstered in silk patterned fabric;
active use of multi-layer expensive textiles.

The Rococo style in the interior became widespread in European countries at the beginning of the 18th century - Germany, Spain, France, Bavaria, and Italy. Representatives of the aristocracy and nobility built country houses in this style. It was also customary to decorate the summer residences of rulers in the style of exaggerated baroque - this is how the new rococo style that was emerging at that time was designated.

The nobility wanted to receive guests in richly decorated state rooms, which gradually turned into cozy living rooms and became more feminine and playful. Already in the middle of the 18th century, the refined and flirtatious rococo was replaced by a new rational style - classicism.

An interesting fact is the use of Chinese motifs, paintings, and decorative items, in particular tableware, in Rococo interiors. It was fashionable at the time, but is becoming relevant today. The widespread passion for Chinese food, culture, and martial arts again makes stylized rococo interiors with a Chinese subtheme fashionable. Modern interiors, of course, differ from palace halls, lush basilicas and languid boudoirs. But the Rococo style in them is easily discernible by the characteristic furniture on curved legs, Chinese porcelain and lush curtains with lambrequins.

Modern bedroom in Rococo style.

Modern direction

Without exaggeration, today's version of the Rococo style can be called minimalist. Because the characteristic rocaille (curls) remained only on furniture and accessories, and mostly on mirrors. This abolition is necessary, since the urban orientation is slightly distinguished by the paucity of decoration in contrast to the main one.

Rococo style in today's apartment Source stroyka.ru

Living room in an apartment, decorated in Rococo style Source artsten.ru

The Rococo style is no longer used in its original form, but complements classicism and, in some cases, slightly dilutes the monumental Baroque. Therefore, the direction lost its famous pastel colors. The walls are now finished much brighter, and light furniture contrasts with them.

Modern Rococo sometimes even takes on a black and white appearance. And the classic furniture in it acquired more unusual upholstery, often in bright colors. Parquet in the living room is replaced with laminate, and in the kitchen and bathroom - with ceramic tiles. And the soft skin of an exotic animal on the floor will be a wonderful addition to the classics.

Rococo style living room in an apartment Source dizainazona.ru

A room in an apartment decorated in the Rococo style Source comfortoria.ru

We can say that today Rococo manifests itself only in details. Most often only in furniture and accessories. And only a floor lamp with crystal pendants or candelabra and mirrors trimmed with rocaille can remind you of the previous era of luxury and grace.

What is characteristic of Rococo in the interior?

Many experts viewed the Rococo style as a continuation of the pompous and prim Baroque. This trend had both supporters and opponents, but for three decades now such decoration of premises has been in great demand.

History of origin

The time of appearance of the Rococo style was the period 1700–1780. Historical homeland - France. The etymology of the word "rococo" comes from the French term "rocaille", which means "shell" and symbolizes the asymmetrical patterns and curls. Tree branches, clouds, flowers and sea shells were represented in the form of such bizarre images. It is from these pretentious elements that the Rococo style originates.

Excessive decorativeness, separation from reality, little practicality - such negative opinions regarding this style were expressed by its opponents. But, despite this, the style began its march in other countries of Western Europe; it gained particular popularity among Italian and German artists and interior decorators.

Modern Rococo trends echo historical features:

preference in design - pastel colors;
craving for gold interior elements;
luxury and wealth.

This is what a Rococo room might have looked like in the old days.

Characteristic signs

The Rococo style, which replaced Baroque, can be called feminine and is defined by the following “signs”:

Rooms decorated in this style are oval, with rounded corners.
Absence of hard, straight lines in all design elements.
Asymmetrical shapes.
Elegance and ornate furniture.
A large number of mirrors.
In textiles there is pomp, lots of draperies, folds, expensive fabrics.
The most used furniture is chests of drawers and secretaries.
There are many floral motifs and fancy patterns in the decor and design.

Patterns and colors

The main idea of the Rococo style is the opportunity to immerse yourself in an illusory, fantastic world. Escape from reality is imbued with youth and femininity, romanticism and sensuality. And although the decoration of the rooms bears the stamp of sophistication, the style is primarily focused on comfort.

Room in light colors, decorated in Rococo style Source bani-nsk.ru

Certain combinations of palettes help achieve this:

white and gold;
light blue and white;
pale pink and light green;
light shades of blue, pink and green;
beige and gold.

Initially, most of the patterns had a rocaille element. The curl of a sea shell and uneven pearls were the main details in almost all ornaments. But over time, garlands with intertwined stems and leaves came to Rococo. And also the splendor of bows and developing ribbons.

One of many patterns used to decorate a room in the Rococo style Source in.pinterest.com

The Rococo style is most often recognized by the following patterns:

shells or shells;
cartouches;
winged cupids;
floral motifs.

Copying the Baroque style, Rococo makes extensive use of artistic painting of walls and ceilings. It may seem that the main storyline is based only on mythology. On the ceilings is the firmament with angels. Fauns and nymphs along with children's figurines. But in the depths lies something purely earthly - a woman and a man, as well as their relationships.

Frescoes with Cupids, decorated in Rococo style Source ar.pinterest.com

Tips from the professionals

Rococo is a mannered style. But when decorating a house, you shouldn’t copy it completely. Stylized design options using authentic accessories and textiles will help you bring to life the desired atmosphere, and not turn your apartment into a museum of exhibits.

This design direction is perfect for transforming any room - bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and toilet.

Windows and doors have a beautiful arched shape, while other silhouettes can create a dissonance of styles. A great solution would be a PVC profile. It will fit perfectly into the decor due to its lightweight design and snow-white finish. At the same time, select high-quality products from large manufacturers.

In order to bring to life the chic palace atmosphere, the floor must be covered with several layers of varnish. At the same time, it is important to use stucco or plaster analogues in the decoration of walls and ceilings.

An even more budget-friendly option will be polyurethane products accented with gold or white paint.

Try not to overcrowd the room. At present, excessive pomp will look unnatural and grotesque. Apartments need to be decorated by specialists with a high sense of style.

To transform your apartment or house, use chic mirrors in gold frames, located asymmetrically throughout the room. The best choice would be oval-shaped products.

The atmosphere of a true boudoir will be brought to life by flowing curtains. Such curtains and screens were extremely common and popular at that time. A wonderful option is antiques or modern pieces made to order.

Wall decoration

The Rococo style in the interior of a room has always been distinguished by lightness and beauty. And this is achieved by surface finishing. The walls bore a touch of luxury and this could be expressed with the help of carved panels and voluminous draperies. Expensive textile wallpaper and trellises in airy shades were also used.

Decorating the walls of a room in the Rococo style Source tourcentrum.ru

Classic wall decoration in the Rococo style Source sanberg.ru

Bedroom

A bedroom in the Rococo style is decorated exclusively in light pastel and warm colors. In the center of the bedroom there is a large bed with an ornate headboard, decorated with a beautiful canopy. It doesn't look massive thanks to its curved legs. Not far from the bed there is a dressing table with a mirror, which is decorated with stucco, various patterns and designs. A chest of drawers made of varnished wood, cabinets, figurines, and candlesticks will fit perfectly into the bedroom interior. The windows in the bedroom are decorated with lambrequins, trimmed with gilding or threads of beads.

Ceiling design

Decorating the top of the room begins with the holly. This is the name for a smooth transition from walls to ceiling. Its main purpose is to smooth corners. The element is richly decorated with stucco and, as a rule, covered with gilding. But if it is necessary to maintain the severity of the atmosphere, then the surface is silvered.

Smoothing corners on the ceiling, used in the Rococo style Source dizainvfoto.ru

The design of the ceiling itself is carried out in two versions. In the first case, the surface is decorated with bright frescoes. Often mythological in theme. In the second, the monochromatic ceiling contains fancy stucco elements and the crown of the decor is a luxurious chandelier.

The latter can be of elegant design with intricate crystal pendants. But the imitation of a cascade of candles also looks fantastic. Such chandeliers are well suited for a living room in the Rococo style. When it comes to bedrooms, you need to use a luxurious but smaller model.

Classic design of the ceiling in the bedroom in the Rococo style Source superpokupka.ru

Room decoration

It has already been said about the need to think through all the decoration of the room down to the smallest detail before starting finishing work. To decorate wall surfaces, their entire area is divided into sections, each of which is filled with a certain type of decor. Segments can be separated from each other by molded motifs.

There are many options for wall decoration:

painting walls with pastel matte water-based paints;
velor wallpaper with patterns and patterns of suitable design;
photo wallpaper, decoupage - will help create an imitation of painted walls;
the modern trend is airbrushing, with which you can recreate unique images reminiscent of historical Rococo painting (the design is covered with several layers of varnish, which makes it durable).

Plaster rosettes, cornices, and stucco elements can be replaced with modern lightweight materials. To separate segments and highlight decorative paintings, you can use golden moldings.

The technique of horizontal division of the wall is often used - the bottom is decorated with wallpaper, paintings, tapestries, and mirrors in carved frames are placed in the upper segment.

Black color in the interior design of a bedroom in the Rococo style

Rococo style house design

Historical Rococo decorated not only the walls, but also the ceilings exquisitely. To design them you can use:

painting in light pastel shades or white;
decoration - patterned cornices and fillets are attached around the perimeter, and a rosette is placed in the center, on which a richly decorated crystal chandelier is placed.
division into sectors, painting, airbrushing - traditional motifs: sky, angels.

High ceilings are decorated with paintings and various stucco moldings. There should be a lot of stucco elements - both in the center and around the perimeter of the room. They divide the ceiling into sections, hide the transition from walls to ceiling, and decorate the center.

Don’t forget about the required elements – shells, cartouches, curls. Gilded convex decorative elements on walls and ceilings are appropriate. Stucco molding can be used to decorate door and window openings, columns, and arches.

For the floor choose parquet and tiles. An important requirement is gloss, shine. Suitable for living rooms, large halls and offices, and carpets on the floor in the bedroom.

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Light colors in Rococo interior design

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Floor decoration

Like everything in style, the flooring must certainly be catchy. The classic design option is parquet. This natural material is reliable and extremely durable. It has a beautiful texture that creates an artistic pattern and brings a feeling of comfort to the room.

Finishing floors with parquet for the Rococo style Source liveinternet.ru

Wise choice of textiles

Multi-layering and abundance of fabrics is one of the important components. Therefore, the more intricate the design covering the window, the better. Lambrequins and ruffles, fringe and finishing cords, as well as braid, garters and tassels. All these are indispensable attributes of window drapery in a room in the Rococo style.

Magnificent curtains in the living room in the rococo style Source horosho-doma.ru

The key to success will be the use of materials that are not as heavy and dark as in Baroque. Natural silk curtains that fall freely to the floor look best. If a canopy is used on the bed, then the materials and colors must be selected in unison with the window draperies.

The bedspread is quilted, with openwork embroidery and fringe. You need to find pillows to match it. If there is a large table in the dining area and you want to decorate it with a tablecloth, then you need to choose a material that matches the upholstery of the chair seats.

Drapery of a bed and windows in a bedroom decorated in the Rococo style Source horosho-doma.ru

Lighting

You can’t do without a luxurious chandelier with crystal pendants in the Rococo style. But it performs its direct functions extremely rarely and serves mainly as a chic decor for the ceiling and the entire room. The main accents in room lighting are given to wall sconces. After all, style often requires intimacy and the creation of a little twilight.

Floor lamps and table lamps for the Rococo style Source vorota-ryazan.ru

This is necessary to activate the play of light and shadows to evoke a romantic and illusory environment. For these purposes, floor lamps are often used, as well as candelabra with real candles. By placing them close enough to the mirrors, you can achieve a striking visual effect.

Candelabra in front of mirrors in a Rococo style living room Source archidom.org

Characteristic signs

This style, which originated in the 18th century, has a number of characteristic features. Among them, the following stand out:

The color palette is predominantly a combination of pastel shades and white, with gilding required.
Wherever possible, there is stucco: on the walls, ceiling, window frames, doorways.
Multilayer textiles are used.
Every centimeter of space is decorated with a high decorative sense. This applies to furniture and textiles. Drawings, mosaics, gilding, stucco molding, and embroidery are used.
In such interiors, handmade furniture is a must-have. It is decorated with carvings and inlays. Silk fabrics with thematic patterns are used as upholstery.
Interior items are located evenly throughout the room; there should not be one point in the room with a high concentration of things, otherwise it will look like a museum.

Spacious living room in Rococo style

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Rococo style furniture

All furniture of that time had elegant shapes. And unlike classicism, with which the style developed in parallel, they had smooth lines. The best and most expensive types of wood were used to make them.

Rococo style chest of drawers Source wearefound.com

For furniture in the Rococo style the following were used:

Red tree;
rosewood;
maple;
nut;
lemon.

The furniture was upholstered with brocade, velvet or silk. But besides the high cost and high quality, the craftsmen of that era literally put their soul into every thing. And since all the furniture was only handmade, it often became on a par with objects of art. And any respectful city dweller from a wealthy class was simply obliged to have such an environment in his home.

Living room in Rococo style with magnificent furniture Source cvetamira.ru

Upholstered furniture in the Rococo style with original upholstery Source tiu.ru

Low-slung armchairs and stools, as well as sofas with great depth, were in fashion. These items were united by a common feature. They had curved legs and backs of a similar configuration. The surface was often decorated with openwork carvings. And the seat upholstery either contained romantic scenes or was decorated with floral patterns.

All furniture in the Rococo style had figured legs, which were variously decorated either with inlays and carvings, or with bronze overlays. In addition, the surfaces were generously covered with gilding. Such legs supported couches, chests of drawers, and a large number of various benches.

Bench with bent legs in Rococo style Source mebel-liberty.ru

All cabinets have lost their simple rectangular shape. Now their contours became streamlined, and their surfaces were decorated with wavy lines and thin lace patterns. All furniture was carefully varnished. And inlay with ivory and gems was considered especially chic.

A special bed was selected for the Rococo style bedroom. This is a spacious place to sleep, most often located under a canopy with carved columns. And, as a rule, it had a skillfully made headboard, which was also large in size.

Carved bed for a bedroom in the Rococo style Source aredi.ru

The Rococo era is also famous for giving the world secretaries and cantonnieres. This is what cabinets for important papers were called in those days. Another important detail that the Rococo style could not do without was the screen. Her presence was common not only in the boudoirs of noble ladies, but also in all living rooms. It was usually used to fence off certain areas of a large hall. For example, a place to play cards.

Desk for papers in Rococo style Source remont.boltai.com

Screen in a bedroom decorated in Rococo style Source natural-rattan.com

Types of furniture and features of each of them

All Rococo furniture has certain characteristic features. Since the style appeals to the fairer sex (their inner world, pleasures, worries), the furniture was specially created for their convenience. A slight fit was used in seating products. They suited those with high hairstyles. The creation of paired furniture (sets) was designed for a specific interior; sometimes wheels were attached to them. All items are filled with elements of grace, sophistication, lightness, gilding, and fine carving. The shapes of small objects are curved. They are distinguished by their mobility. The object itself and its details are created in a holistic form: back, armrests, legs.

Among the most commonly used designs are:

secretaries;
chests of drawers;
consoles;
the Bureau;
sofas;
armchairs;
sun loungers.

Secretaries

When creating new furniture, the interests of women were taken into account, first of all. The new secretary included folding boards that were located at an angle. New bedside tables with round, often rectangular shapes. Among the variety of items that came into fashion, special attention was paid to ladies' secretaries. Interesting models of coffee tables, desks and sewing tables. The legs of all types of furniture were made in cabriole shapes: curves, usually in the form of a hoof or paw of an animal, decorated at the bottom with cylinders or balls. They are characterized by the presence of a convex bend in the upper part and a concave bend in the lower part.

To decorate the women's office, they suggested a model of a cabinet for storing papers and a dressing table with a folding mirror function.

Secretaries are one of the popular pieces of furniture. This furniture accessory was in demand among both ladies and men, and it was used as a desk, wardrobe and safe. It has numerous hidden compartments, locked with clever locks. The Rococo era is known for its love of sentimental memoirs and letters. They were kept in such compartments. Today it has changed somewhat, but even now the secretary is created in the form of a cabinet, where there are drawers and a folding shelf, which is used as a work surface.

Dressers

The most fashionable product is considered to be a chest of drawers, the name of which comes from the French word “commodite”, which means “comfortable”. Its shape was borrowed from the oriental style, but with more curved and flexible lines. There are no straight planes in the chest of drawers. Flat, but with wavy edges, they created only the top cover. Usually marble was used for its manufacture. The walls are characterized by bends in all directions, which is why they looked swollen. There were 2 types of bends:

bombs (horizontal direction);
serpentine (vertical direction).

Regardless of the design of the furniture, decorative elements were present on all its surfaces. Usually there were 2 drawers in a chest of drawers, often even 3. The applied ornamentation made it possible to make them invisible. Porcelain inserts, which were initially delivered from Eastern countries, looked like a single piece.

Consoles

One of the important components of the interior in the Rococo style is the table, and in particular the console. You can not only benefit from using this furniture accessory. This stylized stand is considered by many to be a decorative piece of furniture. But still, the console performs the important and necessary functions of a table, pedestal, shelf where vases, souvenirs, hats and other items of use can be stored.

With the help of a console table, a special atmosphere is created in the interior. Here you can harmoniously place many useful and beautiful items. This modern rococo style furniture will suit any room in the home. For the living room it serves as a souvenir table, in the hallway - a place to store keys and hats, in the bedroom - a cosmetic or dressing table.

To furnish a room, many people use a free-standing console. This accessory fully performs its functions, but differs in its small width. It can be wall-mounted or located near the sofa.

The Bureau

No less popular among connoisseurs of antiquity are bureaus in the Rococo style. This is one of the types of tables with a superstructure. A tall piece of furniture with an asymmetrical finish. This modern furniture is a multifunctional type of furniture, just like the secretary, only the latter is more functional. But thanks to its small size and compactness, the bureau will fit perfectly into the interior.

Sofas

Furniture for relaxation and seating has also acquired elegant and comfortable forms. New types of functional products have been created that fulfill their actual purpose. Among them it is worth highlighting the canape sofa. This is a product for use by one person, made in the form of three chairs connected to each other.

Armchairs

No less popular are bergères—chairs of sufficient depth with soft curved armrests. They are characterized by a high back height. To increase ease of use, the chairs, standing separately from each other, were equipped with widely unfolding armrests. The “Marquise” type of chair is no less popular.

Sun loungers

The favorite piece of Rococo style furniture of the royal court during the reign of Louis XV was the chaise longue - the “long chair”. It was made with a rounded back, soft upholstery, comfortable armrests, and curved cabriole legs. The model called “duchess brize” (broken duchess) in the form of a modular design with two chairs facing each other was the most popular. One of its versions was supplemented with a pouf in the middle.

In the other two versions of the basic model, all the elements were combined into one and a chair and a banquette were combined, which is still widely used today. Chinese pagoda elements were used by craftsmen to create canopy beds. Completely new types of forms are characteristic of couches, armchairs, and chaise lounges.

The famous Rococo furniture maker Thomas Chippendale created chairs in the form of a sophisticated and elegant violin and a vase, distinguished by their curves. For the bookcases, he used glazing resembling a diamond grid.