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.
$1,050
French Convex Mirror
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This French 19th century convex mirror is on a black wood base, surrounded by a wide ornate brass ring. The eye with a rope pattern is also in brass. The whole convex mirror has a v...
Brass
Antique English Convex Mirror
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Mirror
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Ebonized bull's-eye mirror.
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French Giltwood Sunburst Starburst Convex Mirror
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Stylish hand carved gold leaf giltwood Hollywood Regency sunburst mirror with convex glass, France, 1930s. This elegant sunburst mirror has carved decorations on its rays, gold leaf...
Gold Leaf
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Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
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Mirror
French Giltwood Sunburst Convex Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
French giltwood sunburst convex mirror. This stunning French carved gilt wood sunburst mirror has a warm aged patina and good scale. Beautiful aged convex mirror.
Giltwood, Mirror
$7,534
H 59.06 in W 59.06 in D 4.73 in
The Convex Mirror Company - Ferrara Carbonne Convex Mirror 150 cm/59"
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The Ferrara Carbonne is a highly decorative convex wall mirror that creates a focal point and adds elegance to any room. The mirror itself is silvered using traditional methods and...
Mirror
The Convex Mirror Company- 52" Ferrara Nero Convex Wall Mirror
Located in Farnham, GB
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$4,113
H 39.38 in W 39.38 in D 3.55 in
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Located in Farnham, GB
The Ferrara Carbonne is a highly decorative convex wall mirror that creates a focal point and adds elegance to any room. The mirror itself is silvered using traditional methods and...
Mirror
The Convex Mirror Company - Sassari Convex Mirror 100 cm/39"
Located in Farnham, GB
The Sassari grey is a highly decorative convex wall mirror that creates a focal point and adds elegance to any room. The mirror itself is silvered using traditional methods and fab...
Mirror
The Convex Mirror Company -Ferrara Convex Wall Mirror 47"/120cms
Located in Farnham, GB
Ferrara Convex Wall Mirror by The Convex Mirror Company Elegant, sculptural, and impeccably detailed, the Ferrara is a beautifully crafted convex wall mirror designed to introduce a...
Mirror
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.6 in W 25.6 in D 3.15 in
Midcentury gilt bronze convex mirror “Witch mirror” France
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding circular “witch mirror” convex mirror features a gilt bronze frame. Made in France around 1950, the frame has a diagonal cross-shaped structure, with each arm adorned wit...
Bronze
French 1950s Brass Starburst Convex Mirror
Located in Westport, CT
French circa 1950s Starburst convex brass leaf and ribbon design mirror.
Brass