Rococo Style Cabinet Hardware

The Rococo period in France, which began around 1720 and ended around 1770, was characterized by its opulence, lavishness, and gracefulness. During this period, the French court of King Louis XV became the center of artistic creativity, and many masterpieces were created in painting, sculpture, architecture, and furniture.

One area of furniture that received a lot of attention during the Rococo period was cabinet hardware, which was designed to adorn and enhance the beauty of cabinets, chests, and other storage furniture. Cabinet hardware was an important part of the Rococo style, as it was used to express the ornamental and intricate designs that were typical of the period.

The Rococo style was characterized by the use of asymmetrical shapes, S-curves, scrollwork, and foliage. The hardware was designed to reflect the intricacy and delicacy of the furniture, and was often made from expensive materials such as gold, silver, and bronze.

The purpose of this article is to explore the history of cabinet hardware during the Rococo period in France. We will examine the different types of hardware that were used, the materials that were used to create them, and the design elements that were typical of the period.

Types of Cabinet Hardware: 

Cabinet hardware during the Rococo period in France was typically made up of a variety of different pieces that were used to adorn and enhance cabinets and other storage furniture. Some of the most common types of hardware that were used included:

1. Escutcheons – Escutcheons were decorative plates that were used to cover the keyhole of a lock. They were typically made from highly polished brass, bronze, or pewter and featured intricate designs that were typical of the Rococo style. Escutcheons were often shaped like a shield or a square and served both a functional and decorative purpose.

2. Knobs – Knobs were one of the most common types of hardware used during the Rococo period. They were often made from a variety of materials such as porcelain, glass, brass, or bronze, and featured intricate designs that were typical of the Rococo style. Knobs were used to provide a grip for opening and closing drawers and were an important part of the overall design of the furniture.

3. Pulls – Pulls were another common type of hardware used during the Rococo period. They were typically made from brass or bronze and were used to open and close drawers and doors. Pulls were often designed with scrollwork, foliage, and asymmetrical shapes that were typical of the Rococo style.

4. Hinges – Hinges were an important part of the overall design of cabinets during the Rococo period. They were typically made from brass or bronze and were designed to be both functional and decorative. Hinges were often shaped like a butterfly or a leaf and featured intricate patterns that were typical of the Rococo style.

Materials Used in Rococo Cabinet Hardware: 

During the Rococo period, cabinet hardware was typically made from a variety of different materials, depending on the function and the design of the piece. Some of the most common materials that were used included:

1. Brass – Brass was one of the most common materials used for cabinet hardware during the Rococo period. It was often used because it was malleable and could be shaped into intricate designs that were typical of the period. Brass was also highly polished, which gave it a reflective surface that was prized for its beauty.

2. Bronze – Bronze was another popular material used for cabinet hardware during the Rococo period. It was often used because of its durability and its ability to withstand wear and tear. Bronze was also a popular material for sculptures during the period and was often used to create intricate designs for cabinet hardware.

3. Porcelain – Porcelain was a popular material used for cabinet hardware during the Rococo period because of its delicate and translucent appearance. It was often used to create knobs, and its delicate appearance made it highly sought after for its beauty.

4. Glass – Glass was also a popular material used for cabinet hardware during the Rococo period. It was often used to create knobs and pulls and was prized for its translucent and reflective appearance. Glass was often cut and polished to create intricate designs that were typical of the Rococo style.

Design Elements of Rococo Cabinet Hardware: 

The Rococo period was known for its ornate and intricate designs, and cabinet hardware was no exception. Hardware during this period was designed to enhance the beauty of the furniture and to provide a decorative element that was both elegant and functional. Some of the most common design elements that were used during the Rococo period included:

1. Asymmetrical Shapes – Asymmetrical shapes were a hallmark of the Rococo period. They were often used to create an organic and flowing design that was typical of the period. Asymmetrical shapes were used in escutcheons, knobs, pulls, and hinges, and served as a way to express the fluidity and gracefulness of the furniture.

2. Scrollwork – Scrollwork was another common design element used during the Rococo period. It was often used to create a sense of movement and to enhance the overall design of the piece. Scrollwork was often seen in escutcheons, pulls, and hinges, and was prized for its ability to create a sense of flow and gracefulness.

3. Foliage – Foliage was a popular design element used during the Rococo period. It was often used to create a sense of nature and to enhance the organic and flowing design of the furniture. Foliage was often seen in escutcheons, knobs, pulls, and hinges and was prized for its intricate and delicate appearance.

Cabinet hardware during the Rococo period in France was an important part of the overall design of cabinets and other storage furniture. It was prized for its beauty, elegance, and gracefulness, and was designed to enhance the overall aesthetic of the piece. The hardware during this period was made from a variety of materials, including brass, bronze, porcelain, and glass, and featured intricate designs that were typical of the Rococo style. Whether it was escutcheons, knobs, pulls, or hinges, cabinet hardware during the Rococo period was a testament to the artistic creativity and beauty of the period.