by Erin Feith, Coordinator of Research & Visitor Engagement
August 12, 2025
The 19th century saw an international resurgence of classical styles with Rococo Revival and its curved lines and natural motifs proving the most popular in the United States. This renewal of styles from days gone by was paralleled by heightened fears over urbanization and the rise of the Romantic Movement, which prioritized emotion, nature, and a reconnection with the past. However, despite drawing inspiration from early 18th-century Europe, the reimagined Rococo designs were in fact facilitated by modern advancements in technology.
By the mid-19th century, Rococo Revival pieces became a staple in American households. Many from the newly expanded middle class sought to return to an idealized, simpler past, as well as connect themselves with the elegance of European society. Ironically, the ubiquity and affordability of these pieces which graced so many front parlors was made possible by the growth of mass production. Indeed, inventions such as steam-driven carving tools permitted large-scale production at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, examples of the style were widely disseminated in popular pattern books which reached a global audience.
Technological advancements also significantly impacted the appearance of Rococo Revival furniture, making them distinct, even from the style they hoped to imitate. Although they retained the scrolled features, cabriole legs, and naturalistic carvings of the earlier movement, their construction put a new emphasis on comfort. The recently invented coiled inner spring was paired with tufted, abundant upholstery to create a rounded, balloon back to chairs and sofas. Moreover, laminate woods consisting of veneer sheets bound by hot glue were favored as being inexpensive, durable, and easier to carve. Carving also became quite intricate, adding a unique degree of grandeur to Rococo Revival examples.
While Rococo Revival furniture continued to be found in homes across the country, the latter half of the 19th century saw a shift in taste toward innovative, eclectic styles. Furniture manufacturers were replaced at the forefront by trained architects and designers who sought to create something wholly new rather than harken to the past. However, the numerous examples of Rococo Revival pieces that remain today attest that, in the case of furniture, the sequel is just as good as the original.
