Rococo Interior Design: What Is it & How to Get This Look
The Rococo revival is here.
First made popular by the 18th century French court, Rococo interior design is for more than just royals. Keep reading to learn the characteristics of this opulent yet playful style and how you can incorporate it into your interior design.
What Is Rococo-Style Interior Design?
Rococo is a French design style that originated in the early 18th century. It was a style often seen in the interior of homes of French royalty and nobility – think Palace of Versailles. Rococo was a style not only of interior design, but art, fashion, and architecture as well. The style is known for its light playful interiors and romantic design themes.
Tip!
Falling in love with French-style interiors? Learn more about French Rococo’s down-to-earth cousin, French-Country style.
Key Characteristics
Often confused with the darker, more serious Baroque style, Rococo has some key characteristics that set it apart from similar styles.
1. Wall & Ceiling Details: Rococo style walls feature detailed and ornamental plasterwork, which depict floral elements, ornate curved lines, and sometimes cherubs. This plasterwork technique creates depth and is sometimes adorned with gold leaf, adding to its opulence. Walls and ceilings showcase ornate molding and sometimes feature murals of Rococo-style art as well.
2. Ornate Details & Patterns: Many light yet ornate patterns are found in Rococo-style interiors, which contribute to the themes of the style. Floral chinois, toile, and patterns with mythical beings like cherubs, gods, and goddesses are popular themes found in wallpaper, fabric patterns, and artwork in Rococo interiors. Seashells, acanthus leaves, scrolls, and sweeping curved lines are details often found in Rococo-style molding and carvings.
3. Luxurious Fabrics: Furniture upholstery, window treatments, bedding, and area rugs are made of luxurious high-quality fabrics like velvet and silk.
4. Traditional Furniture: Rococo-style interior design prioritizes traditional-style pieces with wood or gilded frames and legs, and upholstery. Rococo furniture often includes intricate carvings, soft rounded seating, and curved leg shapes.
5. Pastel Colors: Light pinks, blues, creams, and white make up the bulk of the Rococo color palette. These colors, especially when incorporated in Rococo-style patterns, contribute to the airy, playful themes that the style is most known for.
Is it possible to get this look in your home without turning your space into a miniature Versailles? Absolutely! There are several ways you can easily incorporate this playful style into your home and we have a few tips to get you started.
1. Embrace Rococo Wallpaper Patterns: Choose wallpaper patterns like toile, damask, or traditional florals to give your home an instant Rococo revival. Use 3D-embossed wallpaper with floral and scroll designs as an affordable alternative to the detailed plasterwork of classic Rococo. Stick with light or pastel colors to truly embrace this romantic and playful style.
2. Choose Ornate Antique-Style Furniture Make a big impact on your space with ornate traditional furniture. Choose pastel upholstered sofas and accent chairs with curved wooden legs to create a Rococo-style living room. Upgrade your bed to an ornate traditional-style upholstered bed and include a wall- or ceiling-mounted canopy for added opulence.
3. Upgrade to Luxurious Fabrics: Replace bedding and throws with luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, and velvet for a Rococo look and feel.
4. Decorate With Rococo-Style Wall Art and Decor: Adorn walls with classic Rococo style artwork and ornate gold frames. Add a large gold-framed mirror with intricate detailing to any room to give it a Rococo feel and to add depth. Choose decorative objects like floral-patterned vases or sculptures depicting mythological figures. Focus on ornate lighting to add function and style to your Rococo space – traditional crystal or gold chandeliers are perfect for this style.
