The style of 18th-century French furniture was guided by the court. When Louis XV, who reigned from 1715–74, focused royal life on the smaller salons of Versailles rather than its grand chambers, it transformed the aesthetics away from the imposing and angular furniture that characterized the style of Louis XIV. A broader focus on comfort and more delicate forms define antique Louis XV furniture, with nature-inspired carvings, wood inlays, curved cabriole legs, asymmetrical shapes and rounded oval seat backs. The furnishings changed throughout the king’s life, as he ascended to the throne as a child and then grew to establish his own tastes.

Pieces like the bergère, an upholstered armchair with a wide cushion that fit the flowing dresses in fashion at the time, reflected this more informal court. Introduced at the start of Louis XV’s reign, bergère chairs in this style were deeper and broader than other chairs of the period.

Louis XV tapestries and carpets tended to be floral and colorful, and design elements were borrowed from Asia. Dutch-born cabinetmaker Bernard van Risenburgh brought lacquer techniques influenced by Japan and China into his luxuriously made furniture. Along with its fine details, the furniture of the era also featured new innovations including mechanical devices. Jean François Oeben, a royal cabinetmaker, created such intricate pieces as a mechanical table for Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV’s mistress. It involved a sliding top and a writing surface that extended from its marquetry panels.

During the later years of Louis XV’s reign, there was a shift from the ostentatious rocaille style, part of the exuberantly decorative Rococo movement in Europe for which designers such as Nicolas Pineau and Juste-Aurèle Meissonier are known. The style under Louis XVI would return to boxier forms, but with a neoclassical touch inspired by the ancient world.

Find antique Louis XV bedroom furniture, seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right panelling for You

Originally made for functional use to reflect sunlight, reduce drafts and create shade, antique and vintage panelling and screens have expanded to be decorative elements.

The earliest known folding screens date back to the Zhou dynasty in China from the 4th to 3rd century B.C. Techniques for decorating leather and cloth turned panels into works of art. Through trade between the West and East, folding screens became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. Screens imported in the 17th century from China and Japan were prized for their exoticism.

Panels today are still as practical as they are beautiful whether in large open spaces or for outdoor use. Screens create a sense of luxury and elegance and can match details like the wood trim of a room for a consistent look. They’re tasteful statement pieces you can use to showcase artwork or an intricate design while conveniently breaking up a room or filling a space that appears empty. Because of their vertical shape, panels draw the eye upward and can create the illusion of a higher ceiling and a more open room.

A vibrant screen can fulfill the same purpose as an accent wall, allowing you to play with color and light. You can use it as a surface to bounce light or add diffuse lighting behind it for a warm effect.

On 1stDibs, we offer screens and panels to help you create private spaces while introducing an object that evokes sophistication. Our modern panels include bold pieces that make strong statements, or you can opt for metal panelling to reflect light. If you’re looking for vintage items, neoclassical panelling is an ornate option.