Louis Philippe Desk Sets
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.
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Siena Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Brass
Late 19th Century German Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Bronze
19th Century European Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Marble, Bronze
1890s French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Crystal
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Bronze
Mid-19th Century Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Bronze, Enamel
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Desk Sets
Bronze
