Rococo architecture, also called the late baroque or rocaille style is a vibrant, ornamental, layered and intricate style of architecture that first was developed in the late baroque or early Rococo period of the early French and European periods. It incorporates elements of various art periods and styles. It is distinguished by large courtyards that seem to be continuous, with elaborate gardens. Although the structures are generally large, Chateau de Versailles, that has only a few rooms, is also noteworthy. Rococo architecture is often called French Chateau because of its similarity to French chateaus, palaces and gardens.

Architectural Rococo architecture is distinguished by the unusually high number of intricate details both in the exterior and interior settings. Most buildings were constructed as large courtyards, with huge central fountains, or as massive garden villas. The large murals and statues were used to decorate large outdoor courtyards. The statues were often stylized versions of classic Greek and Roman gods or goddesses. The interiors of buildings are generally light in color and are adorned with soft or muted floral prints. They also use earth colors such as beige grey, ivory, and browns.


Rococo and late baroque structures were brightly colored and served delicious food. There was a wide selection of cuisine, as well as a wide range of beverages available from coffee to fruit juices to chocolate to wine. The music was soft from radios and stereo systems. Rooms were fitted with large mirrors so that people could see themselves from any angle. Bedrooms were fitted with large mirrors with intricately made headboards or footboards. Wall paintings showed scenes of flowers, sea creatures and other subjects.

Dining rooms during the late baroque and rococo periods were also extremely extravagant. They were usually equipped with small grills to roast fish and meat. There were counters and islands to sit down and eat or work on projects. Large tables allowed for gatherings and large dining areas for dining. Each table would have a bench on the side, and the walls on the opposite side of a room would be painted with vibrant black and red stripes or rosy pastels. Sometimes geometric patterns and carvings would be utilized. Fireplace mantels were typically made up of flat and slanting wood pieces, with curly columns.

Other furniture from the late rococo era featured elaborate legs, feet and a decorative iron lever (or rococo lever) as its pedestal. These furniture items could include shelves, chests, drawers, and boxes. Sometimes benches were incorporated with wooden legs of a small size and elaborate tops. One form of decorative ironwork that was found in many homes, was the wall grilles, or wall fans which were actually decorative moldings that were used for the ceiling and walls. These decorative accents were originally designed for the wealthy to embellish their homes. Later, they were used by the poor to add character and charm to their homes.

Rococo architecture is rooted in the late baroque, neoclassical and neoclassical periods. Artists looking for inspiration could look to Spain and Italy for inspiration. Some of the designs he developed to express his artistic ideas were influenced by Spanish Gothic architecture. The style reached its pinnacle during the time of Napoleon III, when it was the most popular. Because so many buildings around the globe are influenced by this style, it is often referred to as the "Rococo Style". A notable building that bears this style's influence is Palacio Real or the Royal Palace of Madrid located in Madrid. It is situated in the Gothic area of the city.

The style of rococo was distinguished through its use of intricate patterns and colors, as in geometric designs. The style was most often to decorate churches, palaces, and other buildings, such as mansions. The most famous artworks are churches and palaces in the rococo style. interior Rococo architecture has greatly influenced the architecture of cities all over the world and resulted in buildings like the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. Other buildings that exhibit an abundance of Rococo-inspired decoration in their architecture are the US House of Congress, the US Grand Canyon, the Science Museum in London, and the Uffizi Museum in Florence.

There are many people who still use ornamental style furniture that has been popular for decades. Many people, who reside in areas where the rococo style is popular, also have pieces of furniture that are similar to the ancient pieces of furniture created in Italy. Today, residents of cities such as Florence or Rome can see examples of the classic furniture designed by the Romans that was imported from Italy.