Baroque, Art Nouveau, Chesterfield: how to recognise the styles
When furnishing a living room, one often faces the question of which furniture style suits best. Baroque, Art Nouveau and Chesterfield are three classic directions that may appear similar at first glance, but have quite different characteristics. How can you recognise the differences? Which details are typical? This article shows what you should look for when making your selection.
Baroque: curves, gold and lavish ornamentation
Baroque furniture originated in the 17th and 18th centuries and is characterised by curved forms, rich carvings and often gilded surfaces. Typical features are curved legs ending in volutes or scroll shapes, as well as elaborate ornaments of foliage, shells or cherub heads. The upholstery is usually lavish, the covers consist of velvet, brocade or silk in strong colours such as red, gold or dark blue. Baroque furniture appears representative and magnificent, requiring space and high ceilings to unfold its effect.
Art Nouveau: organic lines and floral motifs
Art Nouveau shaped the period around 1900 and relies on flowing, asymmetrical forms reminiscent of plants or waves. Instead of symmetrical carvings, you will find curved lines, stylised blossoms, tendrils or dragonflies. The legs are often slender and slightly curved, the backrests high and elegant. Wood is usually stained dark, upholstery is more subtle than in Baroque, often in muted green, brown or beige tones. Art Nouveau furniture suits period apartments with stucco well and appears less pompous than Baroque pieces.
Chesterfield: buttoning and clear British elegance
The Chesterfield style originates from England and is particularly common in Sofas and armchairs. The most important feature is the buttoning, meaning the evenly distributed buttons that divide the leather or fabric into diamonds. The armrests are the same height as the backrest, the feet usually low and made of dark wood. Chesterfield furniture is almost always covered with genuine leather, classically in brown, black or oxblood. The form is straight and symmetrical, without carvings or floral motifs. This style suits modern as well as classic rooms and appears timeless.
Differences at a glance
The three styles can be distinguished by a few characteristics:
- Baroque: curved, often gilded legs, rich carvings, lavish upholstery, velvet or brocade
- Art Nouveau: flowing, asymmetrical lines, floral motifs, slender legs, muted colours
- Chesterfield: buttoning with buttons, armrests and backrest of equal height, leather, no ornamentation
Which style suits which room?
Baroque furniture requires space and high ceilings, working best in period apartments or generous rooms from 25 square metres onwards. Art Nouveau also suits period buildings, but also comes into its own in smaller rooms if the proportions are right. Chesterfield is the most flexible, functioning in modern lofts as well as in classic studies. If you wish to combine different styles, you should pay attention to similar colours or materials in Armchairs so that the overall appearance remains harmonious.
What you should look for when purchasing
Pay attention to the workmanship: genuine carvings are a quality feature in Baroque and Art Nouveau furniture, whilst even buttoning is decisive for Chesterfield. Check whether the legs are firmly attached and whether the wood is solid or veneered. For upholstered furniture, you should test the seat height, which usually lies between 42 and 48 centimetres. Leather ages over time on Chesterfield furniture and develops a patina, which is desired. For Baroque and Art Nouveau, fabrics should be high quality and colourfast.
Related items: Dining Tables, Garden Furniture, Stoves and Decoration, Garden Decoration. baroque mirrors. The complete range: Baroque furniture.
Related categories: Dining Tables, Garden Furniture, Stoves and Decoration, Garden Decoration. The full range: Baroque Furniture.
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