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.
French Rococo Liquor Cabinet Tantalus with Bronze Mounts, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Rococo or Louis XV style Liquor Cabinet or Tantalus / Cave à liqueur, circa the 1920s, made of precious wood veneers and decorated with bronze mounts. Set contains a ...
Bronze
Art Deco Spanish Recipes Cocktail Shaker “the Barman“, France, 1920s
By Ghiso
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco cocktail shaker “The Barman" France These shaker where sold by Ghiso. Art Deco metal cocktail shaker “The Barman". It has the paper recipe too. A v...
Brass
Pair of Gilt Bronze Candlesticks, Empire Period XIX
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Pair of gilt bronze candlesticks. Empire period XIX.
Bronze
$2,929
H 5.2 in W 8.7 in D 5.7 in
Very Cool French Early 1900s Stack of Leather Books Tantalus Liquor / Drinks Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique stack of leather books design tantalus with hidden 'shot glasses' & decanters. If you are looking for the most interesting and worldly gift for yourself, a friend or a loved ...
Gold Leaf
$595
H 4 in W 4.5 in D 1.88 in
French Art Deco Tortoiseshell and Butterscotch Bakelite Cocktail Pick Set
Located in Nantucket, MA
French Art Deco cocktail picks and stand. Eight chrome plated forked picks with translucent red cherry tops in a faux tortoise Bakelite stand w...
Chrome
Art Deco Rare Novelty Cocktail Stick Set, French, c1930
Located in Devon, England
A rare novelty 1930s Art Deco cocktail stick set in the manner of a wishing well, to include picket fence and chrome bucket. Features multi coloured colored Bakelite cocktail sticks ...
Chrome
$2,432Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 10.83 in W 14.77 in D 11.82 in
19th Century Walnut and Glazed Liquor Cabinet or Tantalus
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Step into the elegance of 19th-century France with this magnificent antique liquor cabinet, likely crafted from fine walnut wood. Known for its ...
Crystal, Brass
Napoleonic Tantalus Liquor Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Presenting an exquisite antique French Tantalus liquor cabinet that transports you back to the elegance of the mid to late 1800s. This remarkab...
Brass
Moser Aesthetic Enameled Cordial/ Liquor Set, 15-Pieces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Moser Aesthetic enameled Cordial/ liquor set,15-pieces. Subtle olive green glass, with naturalistic enamel work with gilt highlights. Consisting of two handled decanters with stopper...
Glass
$676
H 3.94 in W 4.14 in D 1.97 in
Art Deco Comical Golfer Man With Caddy Cocktail Sticks By Sudre, French c1930
Located in Devon, England
Original 1930s French novelty cocktail stick set unsigned by SUDRE with 6 green bakelite and chrome cocktail sticks. Depicts an man in full golfing attire. These sets are rare and hi...
Aluminum, Chrome
$3,712Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 10.5 in W 13 in D 10.5 in
TANTALUS 1860 French Napoleon IIII Liquor Cabined In Precious Woods And Glass
Located in Miami, FL
A French Napoleon III liquor tantalus box. This is a fantastic liquor tantalus cased-box for liquors created in Paris France during the Napoleon III period, back in middle of 1860. ...
Crystal, Gold, Brass
Art Deco Novelty Cocktail Sticks, French, 1930's
Located in Devon, England
Original French wonderful novelty cocktail stick set. Features 6 chrome picks with cherry red bakelite handles. There are twelve in total creating a radial effect. The stand is waln...
Chrome
Four French Art Deco Old Fashioned Glasses with Playing Card Graphics
Located in Nantucket, MA
Art Deco set of 4 old fashioned or rocks glasses with a playing card motif. Two have spades and clubs alternating around the top half with a red check band ...
Glass
Puiforcat French high class Lunch plates 18 pieces
By Puiforcat
Located in Paris, FR
Very refined lunch set made by the French luxury silversmith Puiforcat. This gorgeous set in solid silver is composed of 18 plates with scalloped edges decorated with foliage. The p...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 5.91 in W 25.99 in D 14.97 in
Puiforcat French high class Lunch plates + fork Sterling Silver Set of 18 guests
By Puiforcat
Located in Paris, FR
Very refined lunch set made by the French luxury silversmith Puiforcat. This gorgeous set in solid silver is composed of 18 plates with scalloped edges decorated with foliage and 18...
Sterling Silver
19th Century French Silverplate Duck Lobster Press
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand 19th century French silver plate duck press or lobster press. Features a lovely aged nickel patina with a large wheel press on top. The frame has d...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Important 19th Century Baccarat French Ruby Thumbnail Tantalus
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Baccarat Ruby thumbnail oval Baccarat tantalus. Original four bottles and Baccarat crystal liquor glasses. Gilt bronze accents finest qu...
Pre WWII Le Mieux China Service for Eight
Located in Asheville, NC
This Le Mieux China Luncheon Set includes eight cups with saucers, eight luncheon sized plates, one cake plate and a pair of salt and pepper shakers. Th...
Porcelain