Known as the “Citizen King,” Louis Philippe reigned from 1830 to the Revolution of 1848 with the support of the upper bourgeoisie. Whereas the monarchs of 18th-century France, including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, dictated aesthetics through the decadence of the aristocratic court, Louis Philippe had a more down-to-earth presence. He could be seen walking the streets like an ordinary person, carrying his own umbrella and shaking hands with subjects. Antique Louis Philippe–style furniture reflects a sense of simplicity and the sovereign’s passion for the country’s history, such as his establishment of a Museum of the History of France at Versailles, which had been mostly disused since the French Revolution.
Middle Ages, Gothic and Renaissance design informed a nationalist style that celebrated this heritage, with the hodgepodge of influences becoming prevalent in the homes of the bourgeoisie. Cabinetmakers Guillaume and Jean-Michel Grohé created reproductions of historic pieces for the king as well as royal houses abroad. Louis Philippe commissioned sculptor François Rude to create patriotic monuments that paid tribute to military heroes, while designs for furniture published by Claude-Aimé Chenavard, an ornamentalist who conceived widely loved objects for the Sèvres manufactory, further helped spread a revival of Renaissance style.
The rounded profiles of authentic Louis Philippe tables and chairs were preferred in the apartments rather than palaces being furnished by the affluent middle and upper classes. Ornamentation was minimal on the finely crafted pieces, such as large rectangular mirrors adorned with gold and silver leaf finishes and subdued carvings. The popular Louis Philippe commodes were solidly made with clean lines that showed off the grain of the wood and were often topped with marble surfaces.
Find a collection of antique Louis Philippe seating, dining tables, bedroom furniture and other items on 1stDibs.
Pair of Walnut and Gilt Stucco Alcoves, Empire Style
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This pair of Restoration style alcoves date back to the Louis-Philippe era at the beginning of the 19th century. These are elements of a paneled room , real elements of architecture allowing to redesign the space. In a beautiful hue of walnut, these alcoves are composed of four panels separated by Corinthian pilasters...
Bronze
Pair of Antique French Painted Boiserie Panels
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant pair of antique French boiserie panels featuring beautifully carved Rococo-inspired ornamentation and a softly aged painted finish. The long, narrow proportions make the p...
Wood
Pair of Antique French Painted Boiserie Panels
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant pair of antique French boiserie panels featuring beautifully carved Rococo-inspired ornamentation and a softly aged painted finish. The long, narrow proportions make the p...
Wood
$70,309Sale Price|20% Off
H 120.87 in W 787.41 in D 3.94 in
Italian Painted and Parcel-Gilt Japoneserie Boiserie Panels
Located in Rome, IT
A very fine early 20th century Italian “japoneserie” painted and parcel-gilt Boiserie panels with a black painted canvas insert. Modular panels create a complete room with an amazin...
Wood
$99,605
H 101.19 in W 137.8 in D 19.3 in
19th Century Walnut Pair of Bookcases Boiserie de Bibliothèque
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A rare pair of heliocodal French Directoire library bookcases in solid walnut. This type of bookcases is also known as 'boiseries de Bibliothèque' a...
Walnut
Pair of Vintage Amber and White Stained Glass Window Panels
Located in Seattle, WA
This pair of vintage stained glass panels features a bold geometric design crafted with rich amber-colored textured glass and opaque white glass accents. Each panel is framed in lead...
Glass
Pair of Antique Decorative Oak Church Panels
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This pair of antique carved oak church panels would’ve once formed part of a rood screen, separating the nave from the chancel. Dating from the late 19th c...
Oak
$1,874Sale Price|20% Off
H 67.33 in W 39.38 in D 1.58 in
Vintage Pair of Lacquered and Painted Doors, Art Nouveau, Liberty, Early 1900s
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Vintage pair of lacquered and painted doors, painted with floral motifs typical of the art noveau - liberty style, from the early 1900s, handmade in Italy. They have pull hinges, so...
Wood
$9,374
H 100.79 in W 25.99 in D 2.37 in
Elegant Pair of 18th Century Italian Painted and Gilt-Wood Doors
Located in Rome, IT
Magnificent Italian finely finely carved paneled gilt wood doors from the 18' century. The lower panel is decoratively painted with a centered crest . The doors feature a single...
Wood
$11,275 / set
H 54 in W 108 in D 2 in
Chinese Eight-Panel Lacquered Screen with Gilt Calligraphy and Carved Decoration
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese two-part eight-panel screen from the 20th century, featuring low-relief carvings, gilt-painted calligraphy, and a rich brown lacquer finish. Composed of two sections with f...
Wood
Early 19th Century Italian Panel in Carved Walnut and Oak
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 19th Century Italian Panel in Carved Walnut and Oak. Beautiful architectural element would make a great head board for a king-sized bed or top for a unique console table.
Walnut, Oak
Pair of Antique Silver Giltwood Regency Style Pilasters
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of tall slender tapered pilasters, silver gilt, 8ft 8 inches tall, finely carved in the typical shallow relief manner of the Régence period. Gorgeous patina on silver gilding.....
Silver Leaf
Pair of Reclaimed Carved Mahogany Pilasters
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A handsome pair of late 19th/early 20th century reclaimed carved mahogany pilasters with French polish finish. These are just two of a series of architectural elements reclaimed from...
Wood, Mahogany