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.
$131Sale Price|20% Off
Ewer Early 20th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very nice ewer, carafe from the early 20th century. The body is made of smooth glass while the foot, handle and spout are made of pewter, a very rare element and one of the oldest kn...
Tin
A French late 19th century Louis XV st. Lunéville Faience Porcelain serving set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and most decorative French late 19th century Louis XV st. Lunéville Faience Porcelain serving set. This most attractive fifty-four piece dining is painted on over glaze co...
Porcelain
Pair of French Louis XV-Style Bronze Dore Compotes, 3-Tier Design
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of French Louis XV-style (19th Century) bronze dore compotes with 3 tier round trays on triangular scroll base with top handle. (PRICED AS PAIR)
Bronze
$874Sale Price|25% Off
Christofle, Set of 51 Louis XV Style Silver Plated Flatware
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Part of flatware Christofle collection "Marly" in silver metal. This set of cutlery with rich decoration of plants in the Louis XV style is composed of ...
Metal, Silver
19th Century French Hand-Painted Majolica Charger with Fête Champêtre Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
This colorful antique majolica charger was crafted in France circa 1860 and features a finely hand-painted pastoral scene inspired by the elegant fête champêtre tradition of the 18th...
Faience
Trays Mondrian Style Set of 5
Located in Paris, FR
Mondrian style set of 5 trays with structure and frame in solid wenge, each tray is covered with natural genuine leather, 2 trays in red, 1 tray in b...
Leather, Wenge
Fumé Glass Decorative Plate, Italy, 1970s, Geometric Design, 29.5 cm
Located in Roma, IT
Glass decorative plate is an original decorative object realized in the 1970s. Original art glass. Fumé glass. Made in Italy. The dish is decorated with several geomtrical l...
Glass
19th Century Italian Majolica Charger
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century hand painted Italian charger featuring three cherubs interacting with another lying on a bed of wheat stalks under a scenic skyscape. Beau...
Ceramic, Majolica
19th Century French Faience Server Oyster Henriot Quimper
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Faience Server Oyster signed Henriot Quimper HR. 3 platters servers ( Larger to smaller 13.3" , h 1.6" / 10.5" , h 2.2" / 9.3" , h 2.6"...
Faience
$800 / set
H 2 in Dm 13 in
19th Century Set of Ten French Painted Faience Plates and Dishes from Normandy
By Rouen
Located in Dallas, TX
Colorful set of antique wall dishes from Rouen, France, handcrafted, circa 1880, the set includes two large wall hanging platters, six smaller plat...
Ceramic
Pair of Painted Tin Coasters, Italy, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of painted Tin Coasters is an original decorative object realized in the 1950s. Made in Italy. Dimensions: Ø 11 cm. Fair Conditions. Both the pieces are decorated w...
Tin
$1,150
H 1.75 in W 19.75 in D 12.5 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Silver-Plated Serving Tray with Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, this refined antique silver-plated serving tray showcases the elegant symmetry and ornamental vocabulary of the Louis XVI style. The rectangular board i...
Silver Plate
$560
H 0.5 in W 8 in D 10.38 in
Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...
Silver Plate
18th Century Spanish, Hand-Painted Glazed Ceramic Plate from Triana
Located in Marbella, ES
18th Century Spanish hand-painted glazed ceramic plate from Triana.
Ceramic
19th Century Majolica Aqua Shell Oyster Platter Sarreguemines
Located in Austin, TX
Oversize 19th Century Majolica turquoise aqua oyster platter signed Sarreguemines. The platter have 12 shells between rope pattern and seaweeds.
Ceramic, Majolica
Late 19th Century English Serving Tray
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century oak and silver plate treen tray from England. The tray is very simple and elegant, with silver plate adornments on the corners and a central silver plate plaque. ...
Oak
$876Sale Price|20% Off
H 2 in W 20 in D 30.25 in
Early-20th Century Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Toleware Tray
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Exquisite Early 20th Century hand-painted toleware tray featuring a charming Chinoiserie scene with figures, a pagoda, and lush floral details on a warm Goldenrods background. The sc...
Metal
Sold
H 3 in W 20.75 in D 11.5 in
19th Century French Louis XV Silverplated over Bronze Mirrored Plateau "Surtout"
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique bronze silver plated "Surtout de table" (table platter) was crafted in France circa 1880. Oval in shape with intricate side handles, the tray stands on four smal...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Sold
H 3 in W 21 in D 12 in
19th Century French Louis XV Silverplated Bronze Mirrored Plateau Table Surtout
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique bronze silver plated "Surtout de table" (table platter) was crafted in France circa 1880. Oval in shape with intricate side handles, the tray stands on four smal...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Sold
H 39.38 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
"Escalier de Cristal" world Famous Limoges 63 pcs Dinner Service 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Paris, the second part of the 19th century "Escalier de Cristal" store world-famous was recognized as the best place to find the most refined pieces. Their selection would include the best artists and the perfect manufactories and master craftsmen. Sometimes it is quite difficult to make perfect the most simple, and they would succeed. Everything would be done to get beauty not only for the eye but also the pleasure to use (not too heavy, delicate, or fancier, thought for each moment of life to make it precious and memorable. This service is done with the finest white china from Limoges, with a delicate arabesques relief followed in the same spirit by a hand-painted decoration in fine 24 carats gold. It includes: 36 dinner plates D 24.5 cm 12 soup plates D 24.5 cm 1 round large soup terrine...
Gold
Silver Metal and Mahogany Tray
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver metal and mahogany tray, 20th century. Measures: H 4 cm, W 56 cm, D 36 cm.
Metal
Sold
H 2.5 in W 24.5 in D 17.5 in
19th Century French Louis XV Stamped Silver Plated Tray with Repousse Decor
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique tray was created in France, circa 1880. The silver plated serving piece features two handles with intricate scroll work, repousse motifs in each corner including...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 31 in W 23.75 in L 31 in
Early 20th Century Louis XV Walnut Marquetry Chest with Silverware, 145 Pieces
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, Louis XV antique walnut commode is an essential for entertaining. Created, circa 1920, the chest is outfitted with a complete menagere flatware set with an impressive 145 pieces. The traditional four-drawer chest is not only a beautiful piece of furniture, but also keeps your flatware organized and well-preserved between uses. Each drawer compartment is outfitted with bronze handles, and is upholstered with a luxurious red velvet fabric on the interior. The cabinet has four cabriole legs, bronze mounts over the feet, a nicely scalloped apron and is further decorated with bronze mounts on the sides. The marquetry top surface is embellished with a sophisticated parquet top design. The chest holds a complete set of flatware of 145 silver plated eating utensils. The set includes the following: First drawer: 12 oyster forks, 12 cheese forks...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Sold
H 31.5 in W 30 in D 19.25 in
French Walnut Chest of Drawers with Complete Silver Plated Flatware 184 Pieces
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique Louis XV commode with complete menagere flatware set was created in France, circa 1920. The traditional five-drawer chest is an entertaining essential that keeps your flatware organized and well-preserved between uses. Each drawer compartment with bronze handles, is upholstered with a luxurious red velvet fabric. The cabinet sits on four cabriole legs with bronze mounts over the feet, under a beautiful scalloped apron. The top surface is embellished with a parquet top design. The chest hosts a complete set of flatware of 184 silver plated pieces. The set includes the following: First drawer lined with luxurious red velvet is empty to allow additional storage if needed. Second drawer: 12 large knifes, 12 cheese knifes, 6 serving pieces. Third drawer: 12 crab forks, 12 fish forks, 12 fish knifes, 12 oyster forks, 3 serving pieces. Fourth drawer: 12 mocha spoons, 12 ice cream spoons, 12 coffee spoons, 12 cheese forks...
Silver Plate, Bronze
18th Century Delft Polychrome Charger
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful and colorful Dutch delft charger, circa 1750. Basket with flowers.
Delft
Silver Flatware Service by Edmond Jamet, Paris
Located in Paris, FR
Silver flatware crafted by the Edmond JAMET (French silversmith actif in Paris from 1831-1847). The set includes 122 sumptuous serving pieces in a wooden box with its original key. T...
Silver
Old Christofle "Trompe l'oeil" Chestnuts Dish, Silver Plated, 1880-1881
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Very special dish for roasted chestnuts created by world-famous silversmith Christofle is so elegant and original, decorated on the lid with two folded damask napkins...
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century French Rococo Bronze Dore Table Mirrored Plateau
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique Louis XV gilt table tray was created in Paris, France, circa 1920. Oval in shape, the bronze plateau stands on four acanthus leaves feet over a scalloped edge de...
Bronze
Sold
H 1.5 in W 26.5 in D 15.5 in
Large 19th Century French Louis XV Silver Plated and Mirrored Table Plateau
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique silver plated "Surtout de table" (table platter) was crafted in France circa 1860. Oval in shape, the tray stands on four small scrolled feet and features a merc...
Silver Plate