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.
Pair of Glamorous Louis XV Style Bergeres - Meyer Gunther Martini NYC, 1940's
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of glamorous benchmade Louis XV style carved wood bergere armchairs in nicely aged original soft dry cream white painted surface and original shimmering metallic rich gold and o...
Other
Antique Italian Rococo Louis XV Carved Giltwood Framed Wall Mirror, Circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique Italian Rococo, Louis XV, or Baroque style carved giltwood framed wall mirror Italy, Circa 1900 Measures: 54.75"W x 2"D x 24.25"H. Very good original vintage c...
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair of French Louis XV Style Marquetry Bedside Tables with Three Drawers
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant pair of French Louis XV style bedside tables, finely crafted in wood and decorated with beautiful geometric and floral marquetry. Each table features three drawers with decor...
Bronze
Pair of French Louis XV Style Giltwood Bergère Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Giltwood, Original Upholstery
Upholstery, Giltwood
$3,371Sale Price / set|25% Off
Italian French Style Carved Mahogany & Marble Top Demilune Console Tables - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1979s/80s Italian French Louis XV style carved mahogany and gilt demilune console tables with white marble tops. The marble is marked and white veined. The bases ar...
Marble
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Carved Oak Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French solid oak armoire from the 19th Century, crafted in the Louis XV style with carved floral motifs. Below the jutting cornice is a frieze with flowers and sprawling vines car...
Oak
French 19th Century Louis XV Painted Buffet a Deux Corps
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This 19th-century French buffet a deux corps is elegant in design and made playful by its more recent powder blue paint color. It is crafted in the Louis XV style, which comes throu...
Brass
French Louis XV Style Marquetry Chest of Drawers with Marble Top and Brass Mount
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant French Louis XV style chest of drawers, featuring beautiful floral marquetry decoration and a richly veined green marble top. The piece features two spacious drawers adorned...
Marble
19th Century French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Settee
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant French Louis XV style walnut settee dating from the late 19th century, featuring a beautifully shaped and carved frame with the graceful curves characteristic of the perio...
Walnut, Fabric
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Walnut Breakfront Bookcase, Circa 1930s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style breakfront bookcase, dining cabinet, or bar cabinet By Romweber Retailed by John M. Smyth Co. of Chicago USA, Circa 1930s Carved walnu...
Brass
Pair of Rose Tarlow Melrose House Louis XV Style Walnut Fauteuil Arm Chairs
By Rose Tarlow
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Rose Tarlow Melrose House Louis XV Style Walnut Fauteuil Arm Chairs
Walnut
Large Set 24 Antique French Louis XV style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
An **extraordinarily rare and magnificent set of 24 French Louis XV style dining chairs**, representing a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire a complete and beautifully coordina...
Walnut
Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Bergère Armchair, France 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Elegant French Louis XV style bergère armchair dating from the 19th century, distinguished by its beautifully carved walnut frame and generous, enveloping proportions. The shaped ba...
Walnut
Pair of 19th Century French Louis XV Compass Rose Marquetry Nightstands
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Elegant pair of 19th-century French Louis XV style bedside tables, crafted in walnut and richly decorated with geometric wood marquetry featuring beautiful eight-point compass rose m...
Fruitwood, Walnut
William Switzer Cerused Carved Fruitwood French Louis XV Style Arm Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a cerused and carved French Louis XV style bergere chair by Canadian manufacturer William Switzer. The fabric is vintage and shows some wear. It is marked. The frame can be d...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Italian Early 20th Century Carved Giltwood & Marble Console Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition This pair of Italian early 20th-century console tables showcases the elegance and movement of the French Louis XV style with beautifully carve...
Marble
Baker Furniture Style French Provincial Louis XV Walnut Sofa Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding French Louis XV style sofa In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Mid-20th Century Carved walnut frame, with soft blue velvet upholstery. Measures: 73"W x 36....
Velvet, Walnut
antique 19th century Rare French gold leaf gilt elegant Louis Quinze mirror
Located in Casteren, NL
This antique French Louis XV mirror has an exceptionally elegant and slender appearance, with a refined vertical silhouette and a beautifully shaped double-curved crest. The soft, fl...
Gold Leaf
77 Pc Theodore Haviland American New York Vareene Rose China Dinnerware Set
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th Century Theodore Haviland porcelain dinnerware service in the discontinued Varenne pattern. Manufactured primarily between 1936 and 1952, this classic tableware was craft...
Porcelain
John Widdicomb Louis XV Fruitwood & Leather Top Writing Desk with Pull-Out Side
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Conditon This John Widdicomb writing desk is an elegant American interpretation of the Louis XV style, crafted...
Brass
Antique French Louis XV Bombe Commode - Bleached Oak
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A truly exceptional and highly sculptural French Louis XV Bombé commode, circa early 20th century, recently stripped and refinished in a coveted...
Oak
$2,171Sale Price|25% Off
French Louis XV Style Fruitwood & Faux Tortoise Bench Meyer Gunther Martini
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a French Louis XV style carved fruitwood bench attributed to Meyer Gunther Martini. It dates to the 1960s, and the upholstery is new. There is a subtle faux tortoise finish t...
Upholstery, Fruitwood
Antique 19th C. French Louis XV Style Bronze Jewlery Casket Box
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 3 3/4 in W: 5 1/2 in D: 3 1/2 in A beautifully detailed Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Style Bronze Jewelry Casket, this exceptional little box is an exquisit...
Bronze
$1,150 / item
LXV Shelf Handcrafted in Solid Walnut
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In my capacity as a designer I’ve recently become interested in objects made during the period of Louis XV. Furniture of this era made a clean break from the imposing and rigid desig...
Black Walnut
French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Wood Extension Dining Table, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style extension dining table In the manner of Baker Furniture By Weber Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Stunning starburst cherry...
Cherry
Pair Luxury Louis XV Style Bronze Brass Wall Lanterns Faceted Glass Germany
Located in Hannover, DE
Exceptional pair of luxury handcrafted wall lantern sconces in the elegant French Louis XV Revival style. These impressive wall lights were created following the tradition of the finest French bronze lanterns from the late 19th century. The quality of execution, proportions and materials make them outstanding decorative statement pieces. The construction is made of very heavy forged brass or bronze with a beautiful naturally aged patina. Each lantern features exceptionally thick, solid beveled and faceted glass panels, creating magnificent warm reflections and a very atmospheric light when illuminated. Every detail shows the focus on durability, craftsmanship and premium quality: the strong metal frame, hand-finished decorative elements and massive glass construction were designed to last for generations. The extraordinary quality is reflected in the remarkable weight — each wall light weighs approximately 4.4 kilograms. Presumably handcrafted in Germany by a high-end workshop, these sconces combine the charm and elegance of French château lighting...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of Ralph Lauren "Indian Cove Lodge Fauteuil" Armchairs
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant pair of beautifully crafted "Indian Cove Lodge" lounge armchairs, made in Italy and designed by Ralph Lauren. Each fauteuil chair features...
Nickel
French Louis XV-Style Painted and Upholstered Full Bed, ca. 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Having a gracefully shaped and molded painted wood frame with an undulating crest rail and delicate carved floral ornament at the center of the headboard and footboard. The tall upho...
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Pair of French Louis XV-Style Beechwood Bergères in Red-and-White Stripes
Located in Morristown, NJ
A lively pair of French Louis XV-style bergères dating to the first half of the 20th century, combining warm beechwood frames with bold red-and-white striped upholstery. Each chair ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Braid
French 19th Century Louis XV Provincial Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Carmine, TX
Charming set of six solid walnut dining chairs featuring beautifully carved floral motifs, scalloped back splats, graceful cabriole legs, and traditional woven rush seats. A wonderfu...
Rush, Walnut
$2,356Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of French Louis XV Style Armchairs, Mid 20th-Century
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant pair of Louis XV style bergère armchairs dating from approximately the 1950s, featuring graceful cabriole legs, flowing scroll arms, and generously upholstered seats and back...
Upholstery, Hardwood
French Louis XV Style Marquetry Two-Drawer Kidney Shape Nightstand, Brass Rail
Located in Plainview, NY
An elegant French Louis XV-style marquetry nightstand or side table, featuring a graceful kidney (bean) shaped top edged with a delicate pierced brass gallery rail. The top is beauti...
Brass
$3,671Sale Price / set|25% Off
Antique French Louis XV Style Walnut Bergere Chairs In Blue & White - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely pair of large scale antique French Louis XV style bergere chairs newly upholstered in a blue and white linen blend buffalo check. The cabriole legs finishes to hoof ...
Upholstery, Walnut
French Louis XV Style Marquetry Commode with Marble Top, Late 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French commode, crafted in the Louis XV style and dating from the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900 during the Napoleon III period, beautifully reflects the revival of ...
Breccia Marble, Bronze
French Louis XV Style Walnut Bergère Armchair, circa 1900, Floral Fabric
Located in Morristown, NJ
A generously proportioned French Louis XV-style bergère armchair dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. The exposed walnut frame has a gracefully shaped crest rail, molded...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Antique Louis XV Style Chaise Lounge Daybed W Nancy Corzine Matelassé Fabric
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Louis XV Style Chaise Lounge Daybed W Nancy Corzine Matelassé Fabric
Wood, Down
Set of 4 French Provincial Oak Chairs with Rush Seats, Circa 1900
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This charming set of four French Provincial dining chairs, dating to circa 1900, beautifully captures the warmth and authenticity of rural craftsmanship. Made from solid oak, the fra...
Oak, Rush
Antique French Louis XV Style Giltwood & Aubusson Tapestry Canapé Sofa
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique French Louis XV Style Giltwood & Aubusson Tapestry Canapé Sofa.
Textile, Giltwood
Exceptional Furstenberg Lidded Vase with Flower Bouquet Vintage Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing glazed hand painted lidded vase made in Germany by Furstenberg Porcelain, a well known Manufactory for extraordinary items. This is a heavy vase but you can also use it as...
Porcelain
19th Century French Louis XV Style Walnut Chevet Table Signed G. Durand
Located in Houston, TX
19th-Century French Louis XV style walnut chevet table signed G. Durand, featuring marquetry, brass ormolu, a single drawer, and elegantly curved legs.
Brass
Baker Furniture Louis XV Oak Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style secretary desk with bookcase hutch By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Carved oak, with leather writing surface, and original brass...
Brass
$2,076Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant French Style Writing Desk
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant French style writing desk with Louis XV lines in blond wood with silver leaf-painted table edge and feet. 3 drawers. Fitted g...
Wood
Rare Antique 1901 Steinway Model B Rosewood Grand Piano Louis XV Rococo Restored
Located in Dayton, OH
Fully Restored 1901 Steinway & Sons Model B Louis XV Baroque Rococo Grand Piano – Serial Number 99151, Full 88 key keyboard. The most exquisitely d...
Fruitwood, Rosewood
$1,121Sale Price|25% Off
Early French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Bench / Ottoman In Zebra Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a nice early 20th century American bench with French styling. The tonal zebra velvet is a recent additional and free of wear. The frame appears to be a carved walnut. It is ...
Walnut
French Painted and Carved Louis XV-Style Daybed, C. 1940.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French Louis XV-style daybed, or lit de repos, circa 1940, featuring a beautifully carved and painted wood frame upholstered in leather. The graceful, flowing silhouette and scroll...
Leather, Wood, Paint
French Louis XV Style Slant Front Secretary Desk with Leather Writing Surface
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant French secretary desk in Louis XV style, featuring a graceful slant-front form raised on slender cabriole legs. The fall-front opens to reveal a fitted writing interior with ...
Bronze
Raynaud Limoges 23-Piece Porcelain Tea & Coffee Service with Gold Trim
By Limoges
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This 23-piece tea and coffee service by Raynaud & Cie embodies the elegance and artistry for which Limoges porcelain is renowned. Each piece is crafted from fine, translucent por...
Porcelain, Paint
French 18th Century Louis XV Solid Walnut & Inlay Armoire
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This French Provincial armoire from the 18th century is absolutely breathtaking in every detail. Stylistically the armoire reflects Louis XV taste, with a number of unexpected featu...
Steel
19th Century French Chinoiserie Louis XV Style Bureau Plat
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century French chinoiserie Louis XV style bureau plat writing desk composed of ebonized wood, brass ormolu, an embossed leather top, glass top and three drawers. The center draw...
Brass, Ormolu
Pair of French Louis XV Style Painted & Parcel-Gilt Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of French Louis XV Style Painted & Parcel-Gilt Armchairs Country: France Materials: Gilt-wood, Velvet Condition: Newly Reupholstered Style: French Louis XV Year: 1920’s $7,...
Velvet, Wood
French Louis XV Style Oak Commode Chest of Drawers, circa 1940
Located in Labrit, Landes
Commode in the Louis XV style, French chest of drawers, circa 1940 Oak and wrought ironvegetal and floral Carved ornamentation surrounded by patterns of hearth, typical of the clas...
Oak
Pair 1920's Directoire Bronze Rams head Marble Top Gueridon Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exceptional pair of Louis XV style bronze guéridons, dating to the 1980s, beautifully captures the elegance and grandeur of eighteenth-century French design while offering the d...
Marble, Bronze
Set of 6 Louis XV period chairs – Solid walnut – Deer feet
By Salle A Manger
Located in NAVILLY, FR
Set of six chairs in Louis XV style in solid figured walnut, with entirely original structure. The openwork backrest features a crossbow motif composed of interlaced scrolls, charac...
Fabric, Wood
$2,254 / item
The 'Jonchet' Hurricane Light
Located in London, GB
The Jonchet hurricane light is based on an Eighteenth Century French Louis XV original. The base is foundry cast in England, available finished in brass, bronze, and silver finishes...
Brass
John Widdicomb French Louis XV Red Lacquered Leather Top Bureau Plat Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk By John Widdicomb USA, 1981 Carved red lacquered and gold gilt cherry wood, with bronze ormolu mounts, and emboss...
Bronze
A Pair of Vintage French Style Solid Timber Wingback Chairs
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of Vintage French Style Solid Timber Wingback Chairs Description: This striking pair of French-style wingback armchairs features bold, black-and-white zebra-patterned upholst...
Wood
Antique Gilt Metal and Beaded Crystal 18-Light Two-Tier Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Antique gilt metal and hand-beaded crystal chandelier with 18 lights in two tiers. A cascade of light and cut crystal, gilded and hand-beaded, the kind of piece a room organizes its...
Crystal, Metal
Pompadour fireplace in pale yellow marble, around 1900
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Pompadour fireplace in pale yellow marble, around 1900 fireplace dimensions: 85 x 95 cm
Marble
$1,871Sale Price|25% Off
19th-Century French Louis XV Style Fold Top Mahogany Game Table / Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th-century French Louis XV style Fold top Mahogany game table / Console table. Style and Era: Designed in the ornate Louis XV style, featuring curved "cabriole" legs and intrica...
Mahogany
19th Century French Louis XV Style Walnut Table
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century French Louis XV Style Walnut Table. Offered is a versatile mid 19th century French Louis XV style walnut farm table, console table or dining table with peg construction,...
Walnut
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
A field guide for anyone who wants to brush up on their knowledge of French antiques