Characteristics and history
Baroque in the interior is similar to Rococo, an offshoot of the classic style of the early 18th century, which focuses on ornamentation, mythological themes, and an abundance of decorative elements. The baroque interior is characterized by contrasting colors, jewelry and graceful gold inserts, decoration.
Features of the baroque interior:
- the presence of paintings, frescoes;
- gold trim and accessories, complex patterns and molding;
- solid wood furniture;
- large space;
- expensive and bulky textiles;
- symmetrical arrangement of furniture.
Choosing a color palette
The colors are selected based on the size of the room, but nevertheless, preference is given to shades of burgundy, emerald, blue in combination with gold and silver in the decor. White and beige are also the main colors of the interior, which are combined with an additional shade.
Baroque is characterized by a contrast of colors, therefore, in a moderate size, you can combine warm and cold colors against a background of light tones with gold trim. Plain wallpaper is also appropriate, you can use floral patterns or ornaments.
Materials and finishes
Tapestries are used for the walls (decorative textiles for the walls), and wallpaper can also be used for modern baroque interiors.
Fabric wallpaper, non-woven or vinyl wallpaper will do. Fabrics are most similar to tapestry, and modern printing allows you to embody a variety of patterns. Non-woven and vinyl wallpaper can hide the unevenness of the walls, which is a plus. The color scheme of the selected wallpaper should match the color scheme of the Baroque style.
Dark laminate or parquet flooring, as well as marble, are suitable for flooring. A vaulted or flat ceiling is decorated with a large chandelier, painting, gilding, plaster molding depicting grapes and leaves, frescoes.
The choice of furniture and its features
For the manufacture of furniture, a type of wood is chosen that can be polished and decorated with carvings, for example, walnut. For decoration, ivory, tortoise shell, gilding, bronze are used.
Baroque interior is distinguished by upholstery made of solid fabric, fringe, curved lines, high legs. The sofa is complemented by paired armchairs, the table is decorated with carvings or mosaics, and chairs always have carved backs. A large bed is chosen, a two-door wardrobe, a sideboard and ottomans by the armchairs.
Decor, textiles and accessories
In baroque interiors, tapestries or fabric wallpaper, brocade in upholstery, velvet fabrics, tassels and fringes are often used.
- The baroque is characterized by the presence of niches in the walls, which are decorated with statues and other decor.
- Of the paintings, preference is given to painting and works of the Renaissance.
- In a large room, you can make a false column, a false fireplace or pilasters.
- The floor is decorated with a patterned carpet that takes up a smaller part of the room.
The Baroque interior is recognizable by the luxurious drapery of the fabric, which is conveyed by the textiles on the windows, garters, ties and tassels. A soft fluffy lambrequin in a contrasting color with gilding will decorate a living room or bedroom. Velvet is used for curtains, brocade, satin, jacquard. If there are no doors in the room, then the opening can be decorated with curtains.
Interior lighting
The light should be diffused, soft. Previously, only candles were used, today they are imitated using electric lamps in the form of candelabra and candlesticks. The main lighting is provided by a suspended crystal chandelier. It is imperative to have a large window or multiple windows that provide sufficient natural light. For more effect, mirrors can be used.
Photo in the living room, bedroom and kitchen
To create an interior in the Baroque style, you cannot use standard furniture; it must be a luxury set with natural upholstery.
Living room
In the living room, you need to choose furniture on carved legs, with curved armrests, deep backs. From the color, you can choose a combination of gold with green, beige or ruby. For wall decoration, fabric or liquid wallpaper is suitable. Abundant ceiling decoration is appropriate if it is high enough. Ornaments and sculpting patterns can move from wall to ceiling, erasing the border.
For the floor, parquet with a large carpet is suitable, the ornament of which corresponds to the interior in the Baroque style. For a small living room, it is important to choose a light shade of finishes and textiles, as well as a glossy floor. From the decor, it is worth giving preference to paintings with frames, mirrors, vases, classic brocade or velvet curtains with garters and draperies.
Kitchen
For the kitchen, it is worth choosing wall decoration with paint or plaster; for the floor, ceramic tiles are suitable for parquet or marble. White kitchens with gold trim look the most attractive. The kitchen set should be massive oak, chestnut, ash, decorated with carvings and varnished. Cabinets can be with glass inserts.
The dining table can be placed in a separate dining room or in the kitchen, it should be round or rectangular. Chairs with carved legs and covered with brocade. The work surface should be made of stone. Porcelain dishes with a gold border, antique clocks and candlesticks are suitable for decor.
Bedroom
The interior of the bedroom in the Baroque style is characterized by luxury and large space, inside which the royal apartments are located. For walls, plain wallpaper of a dark or light palette with a spectacular border of gold or other rich colors is suitable.
The main point of attention is the wide legged bed with a luxurious headboard. A canopy can be hung over the bed. From furniture, an armchair with an ottoman, a dressing table, a chest of drawers on legs are also appropriate.
A crystal chandelier, floor lamps are suitable for lighting. Heavy materials with bulky drapery and lambrequin are suitable from textiles. Of the colors, preference should be given to beige, light brown, gold, green and blue.
Baroque in a modern interior
When creating a baroque style in a modern interior, you need to remember that:
- this is one of the most expensive interiors that does not tolerate counterfeiting and requires elaboration;
- it is difficult to implement it to the end in small rooms and a small apartment, for the baroque you need space;
- modern finishing materials are inappropriate here, such as wallpaper, linoleum or modern stretch ceilings, PVC film;
- kitchen appliances, TV and other household appliances must be hidden after use or masked with front doors;
- you can create a compromise style of modern baroque, which coexists well with modern elements of everyday life.
Baroque is one of the most demanding styles, but even in a small room, you can recreate it using not all pieces of furniture, but only elements. The characteristic decor and textiles will accentuate the interior and set the mood for the guests of the house.
Photo gallery
Below are photographs reflecting the main features of the Baroque style in premises for various purposes.