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.
Meissen porcelain holster plate, Neu Brandenstein motif
Located in Vicenza, IT
Finest white porcelain holster plate made by the famous Meissen manufactory, decorated exclusively with a rich relief pattern known as Neu Brandenstein, introduced around 1744. The b...
Porcelain
18th c. French Louis XV Chantilly Porcelain Dinner Plates in Blue & White Sprig
By Chantilly
Located in Litchfield, CT
Set 8 antique 18th century French Louis XV Chantilly porcelain dinner plates, circa 1760. Decorated with underglaze blue sprig on a bright white ground; the rims nicely scalloped. Ea...
Porcelain
19th Century French Blue & White Faience Dinner Plate Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French blue and white faience dinner plate signed "Francois" Sarreguemines.
Ceramic, Faience
Seletti "Hybrid-Ipazia" Dinner Plate in Porcelain
By Seletti
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Porcelain
Seletti "Hybrid-Eusapia" Dinner Plate in Porcelain
By Seletti
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Porcelain
Set of 13 plates Blue and White 18th Century China
Located in New York, NY
A set of 13 porcelain plates of excellent quality med in China during the Qing dynasty Qian Long 1736-1795. Richly decorated on both sides.
Porcelain
19th Century French Blue & White Faience Dinner Plate Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French blue and white faience dinner plate signed "Francois" Sarreguemines.
Ceramic, Faience
$1,200 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 9.06 in
Meissen, Germany. Set of six antique porcelain dinner plates. Ca 1800
Located in København, Copenhagen
Meissen, Germany. A set of six antique porcelain dinner plates. Hand-painted with polychrome floral motifs. Dating: circa 1800. Marked...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Dinnerware Service for 12 People
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful German Meissen dinnerware service for twelve people with serving pieces. The dinnerware service is in great condition. Just exquisite & ve...
Gold
Meissen, Germany. Six antique porcelain dinner plates. Ca 1800
Located in København, Copenhagen
Meissen, Germany. A set of six antique porcelain dinner plates. Hand-painted with polychrome floral motifs. Dating: circa 1800. Marked...
Porcelain
$1,810 / set
H 0.99 in Dm 9.65 in
20th Century Limoges Porcelain Set of 12 Dinner Plates with Roses Motif
By ULIM Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite set of porcelain dinner plates, made in Limoges, France, is a timeless example of French craftsmanship and elegance. Adorned with a delicate hand-painted pink rose mot...
Porcelain
$1,019 / set
H 1.38 in Dm 8.78 in
Set of 3 Antique Chinese Porcelain Kangxi/Yongzheng Blue White Dinner Plates 18C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated SET of 3 dishes from the 18th century. landscape scene. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 18th century Ch...
Porcelain
$7,500 / set
H 1.13 in Dm 9.25 in
Set of 12 Antique Meissen Porcelain 'Old Ozier' Pattern Cabinet or Dinner Plates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 antique, 18th century German porcelain plates. By the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. In the Old Ozier pattern. Each ...
Porcelain
$840 / set
H 1.19 in Dm 9.45 in
Meissen, a set of six deep porcelain plates hand-painted with flower motifs
Located in København, Copenhagen
Meissen, a set of six deep porcelain plates hand-painted with flower motifs in purple. Gold decoration on the rim. Circa 1930s. In perfect condition. Third factory quality. Marked. D...
Porcelain
Antique French Blue and White Ironstone Dinner Set by Hautin Boulenger & Cie
By Hautin, Boulenger et Cie 1
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A delightful 33-piece dinner service in traditional blue and white antique French ironstone, made by the famous French faience manufacturer Hautin, Boulenger & Company (HB & Cie) of ...
Ironstone
A Set of 12 French Hand Painted Porcelain Luncheon Accent Plates, Circa 1890
By Limoges
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A set of 12 hand painted floral and gilt decorated luncheon accent plates, the 8.5 inches plates with elegant borders and center medallion, late 19th Century, marked Haviland Limoges...
Porcelain
Orchies French Faïence Majolica Louis XV Style Asparagus Plate, circa 1880
By Orchies
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Majolica glazed French faïence barbotine asparagus plate, Orchies, circa 1880. In the style of Louis XV with dimensional mold work and unusual glazing in pink, green and auberg...
Earthenware
Late 19th Century Silver Flatware Service in Louis XV Style
Located in Paris, FR
Important 111-piece silver flatware service in Louis XV style. The set includes an array of sumptuous serving pieces. The service boasts beautiful naturalistic motifs such as plants,...
Silver
Orchies French Faïence Majolica Louis XV Style Asparagus Plate, circa 1880
By Orchies
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Majolica glazed French faïence barbotine asparagus plate, Orchies, circa 1880. In the style of Louis XV with dimensional mold work and unusual glazing in pink, green and auberg...
Earthenware
12 Floral French Faience Plates from the Estate of Paul & Bunny Mellon
Located in Hudson, NY
This set of plates made in France by Atelier De Sergies / Moustiers and sold thru the Musee Des Arts Decoratifs in Paris are all fully marked and dated 1981. Forming part of the extensive table...
Ceramic