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.
19th Century Single Brass Arm Sconce
Located in New York, NY
19th-Century Single-Arm Brass Wall Sconce, France, early to mid-19th century (circa 1820–1850), Restoration to early Louis-Philippe period. This sculptural sconce is formed as a hori...
Brass
$8,950Sale Price|22% Off
H 24 in W 14 in D 7 in
Pair 19th Century French Empire Figural Bronze 2 Arm Wall Sconces Sothebys
Located in Roslyn, NY
A pair of very fine 19th century French empire doré bronze figural two-arm sconces. The left facing figure is of a woman, and countering her is the right facing man. Provenance to...
Bronze
Pair 19th Century brass candlesticks
Located in Martlesham, GB
A pair of 19th Century brass candlesticks, having turned and shaped columns raised on a square platform base. Circa 1860.
Brass
19th Century American Wrought Iron Candle Sconce
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century American wrought iron two-arm candle sconce is a stunning piece of historical craftsmanship. It features a twisted stem, showcasing intricate blacksmithing skills, ...
Wrought Iron
$1,737 / set
H 13.75 in W 13.75 in D 15 in
Pair of Large French Gilt Bronze Church Two-Arm Candle Sconces, Mid-19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of french church two-arm wall candle sconces, gilt bronze decorated with leaf motifs, beautiful aged patina, France, mid-19th century. For indoor and outdoor use.
Brass, Bronze
French Brass 5-Arm Candelabras, 19th Century, Set of 2
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A stately and elegant pair of five-arm candelabras, crafted in solid brass and likely French in origin, dating to the late 19th century. These pieces capture the grandeur of neoclass...
Brass
19th Century Brass Candlestick Holders
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of polished brass candlestick holders. This pair was found in New England and are in wonderful as found condition.
Brass
Pair of 19th Century Brass Candlesticks
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Light up your life . Brass candlesticks will do it.
Brass
19th Century European Brass Candlestick
Located in Greven, DE
Turned Brass Candlestick with Drip Tray Origin: Probably Central Europe Material: Brass, turned and assembled Date: Early 19th century (c. 1800–1820) Description: A single-light ca...
Brass
Ornate 5-arm Candelabra, Gilded, Circa 19th century
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A striking five-arm antique brass candelabra, richly adorned with intricate scrollwork and foliate detailing. Crafted in the late 19th century, this piece reflects the opulence and g...
Brass
Pair of 19th Century French Wall Sconces
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Pair of 19th Century French coloured glass and metal wall sconces.
Metal
A 19th Century Polish Brass Hanukkah Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A Decorative 19th Century Polish Brass Hanukkah Lamp fashioned in an ornate rococo style. This Hanukkah lamp is cast into the shape of a chaise lounge chair complete with four stron...
Brass
Pair of Early 19th Century Dutch Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning pair of large, brass candle sconces from the earliest part of the 19th century, made in the Netherlands. These immense Dutch fixtures have extraordinary scroll form arms t...
Brass
Large Pair of 19th Century French Brass Church Candelabra
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large pair of 19th century French brass church candelabra, This is a superb pair of brass fixed candelabra, they would have original been fixed to a rail, perhaps on a stair way ...
Brass