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.
18th Century French Bronze Tankard
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous 18th century French bronze tankard. This large tankard is made of a mixture of copper and nickel to make bronze. It has a be...
Bronze, Copper
French 18th Century Large Scale Copper Pitcher
Located in Round Top, TX
A very charming French large scale copper pitcher. A terrific kitchen island oraccessory.
Copper
18th Century Faience Jug
Located in Copenhagen, K
Beautiful German faience jug from one of the Northern German factories.
Faience
18th Century French Hand-Forged Copper Coal Pitcher with Side Handle
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this antique copper pitcher next to the fireplace or entryway as a charming accent piece. Crafted in France circa 1780, the vessel was traditionally used as a coal scuttle and ...
Copper
$2,850Sale Price|55% Off
H 15.5 in W 6.75 in D 9.5 in
19th Century Renaissance Revival Style Britannia Silver Plated WMF Beer-Tankard
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine and Elaborate German 19th Century Renaissance Revival Style Britannia Silver Plated Beer-Tankard by The Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF). T...
Silver Plate
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.25 in Dm 6 in
18th Century Spanish Talavera De La Reina Pitcher Jar Bucaro Botijo Antiques LA
By Artesania Talaverana
Located in West Hollywood, CA
18th Century Spanish Talavera De La Reina Pitcher Jar Bucaro Botijo Antiques LA Centerpiece Rustic. A beautiful 18th-early glazed ceramic pitcher jar made in Talavera de la Reina, Spain known for its ceramic tradition since the Roman times. Also called " búcaro " or botijo. these pitchers were made especially for holding water, or holy water, flowers. Most often they were made for the important homes and for wealthy families and some were made for convents and monasteries, and they would feature crests or coats-of-arms associated with various religious orders. this piece has stunning patterns and colors, the infinity in blie with yellow gold colors with the sun and the stars. Faience, natural clays and enamels , always conserving the traditional method dating back to the 16th century. Not to confuse this beautiful piece with The nice handmade pieces by the artisans from pueblo Mexico...
Ceramic, Pottery, Paint
$1,650
H 11.75 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in
18th Century French Faience Pitcher (Ewer) with Polychrome Decoration
Located in Houston, TX
A charming and highly decorative 18th century French faience ewer, beautifully hand-painted with a lively polychrome palette of cobalt blue, soft greens, and warm ochre tones. The gl...
Earthenware
Antique English Renaissance Pewter Tankard, 20th Century Serveware
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style pewter tankard (measure).
Pewter
$456Sale Price|20% Off
H 12 in W 6 in D 6 in
Kayser Zinn, Fein Zinn Late 19th Century Pewter Tankard and Cup
By Kayserzinn 1
Located in Lomita, CA
The Fein Zinn and Kayserzinn set is handcrafted pewter. The vintage Fein Zinn pewter tankard and cup is probably late 19th Century. Of circular section wi...
Pewter
American Belleek Porcelain Tall Tankard, Blackberry
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Experience the beauty and elegance of this early 20th-century North American white porcelain tankard from Belleek. This stunning piece is meticulously crafted and hand-painted with v...
Gold
Late 18th Century Danish Pewter Tankard Jug with Lid
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Found in a market in Copenhagen, this Danish tankard dates from the Early-19th Century. This jug features a handle as well as a lid. Charming jug standing alone or would make a wonde...
Pewter
Large 18th/19th Century French Faience Pitcher
Located in Bradenton, FL
Monumental 18th/19th Century French Blue and White Faience Pitcher. Large blue and white faience decorated water pitcher / vessel, foliate scroll bands and hunting genre scenes, shap...
Faience
Ewer and Basin Set 18th Century, French, Lille 1767
Located in Lantau, HK
Water jug and basin 1767 Lille, North of France, 1767 Lille manufactory faience Washstand set hand painted with charming French Country side scene, Decorated with a beautiful floral drawings and gold borders. Hand painted marked Lille 1767...
Porcelain
Pair of Ewers with Bronze Decoration in the Louis XV Style
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of ewers with bronze decoration in the Louis XV style, 19th century In celadon porcelain and gilt bronze. Original gilding. The celadon refers...
Bronze
Silver and Crystal Pair of Jugs, Tetard
Located in Paris, FR
Important pair of carafes or jugs in orangeade in blown crystal, cut and twisted. The crystal is set in a silver and vermeil setting. The collar includes a cartouche decor, asymmetrical rocky patterns. The grip in high relief is adorned with a pattern of bunch of grapes and shell. The beak opens on a vermeil plug with handle. The S-shaped sausage is finely chiseled with embossed scrolls. The base resting on a pedestal presents a perforated and asymmetrical decoration of patterns of vine pumice, foliage, rock and a cartouche. Weight: 93.7 oz (2659 g). Measures: H 10.6 in. (27cm). P 19 cm L 15 cm Silver hallmarks: Head Minerva. Master silversmith: Tétard Frères. Numbered at the base 41306. House founded in 1880 by Edmond Tétard (1860-1901) following the purchase of the house of Mr. Hugo. In 1889, he participated in the World Expo and received a gold medal. The house specializes in services and Louis XV style pieces. In 1901, the house was taken over by his three sons, Henri, Jacques and Georges under the name Tétard Frères. From the 1920s, the house works after the models of Valery Bizouard (1875-1945) and Louis Tardy (1881-1978), creators of Avant Garde. Jean Tétard...
Crystal, Silver
Ewer in Silver and Crystal, Late 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Ewer in crystal and cut with gadroons. The crystal is set in a silver setting with a rococo cartel decoration shredded on the body. The handle is divided into two parts and the neck ...
Crystal, Silver
Pair of Cut-Glass Silver-Mounted Decanters, 19th Century, Edmond Tétard
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of cut crystal decanter or ewer engraved with scrolls and floral patterns. The crystal is set in a fine silver setting with pilasters and garlands on the body of each carafe. The top and the handle are decorated with floral patterns and a cartouche. Each carafe rests on a finely chiselled pedestal. Measures: H 12.4in. (31.5 cm) P 78.51oz. (2226g). Silver hallmark: Minerva head. Hallmark: EDT for Edmond Tetard...
Crystal, Silver