Rococo Architecture

Rococo architecture was a variation of baroque. It began in the eighteenth century at Versailles. It was lighter, more graceful, and more subdued than baroque architecture. Rococo got its name from the French word rocaille, meaning rocks and shells. Most of the rococo decorations were natural forms such as tree branches, clouds, flowers, sea shells, surf, coral, seaweed, spray, and scrolls. Many colors that were used were pastels, but they also used lots of gold.

Most rococo rooms were rectangular with rounded corners, and the walls were mostly flat, and smooth. Doors and woodwork had minor carvings, the carvings were not deep like in baroque buildings. The often had decorations and gilding on the walls, doors, and draperies. Windows, wall panels, and doors often went all the way from the floor to the ceiling. Mirrors were also common.

Rococo architecture was common among the French aristocracy. For that reason, it was unpopular among the common people, and did not last long.