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.
$28,000 / set
French Louis XV Painted 5-Piece Living Room Set
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 5 French Louis XV style (19th Cent) white and gilt painted living room set with carved back crests and complimentary upholstery (Sofa, 4 armchairs) Condition: (Recently reuph...
Paint
$11,921 / set
H 27.56 in W 35.44 in D 82.68 in
Rolf Benz Vintage Oxred Leather Living room Sofa Ensemble, Germany, 1970
By Rolf Benz
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stunning leather Living suite room sofa ensemble was produced by Rolf Benz an manufactured in Germany. It is a pure 70ties design with timele...
Leather, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood, Beech
$10,729 / set
H 27.96 in W 28.35 in D 34.26 in
Rolf Benz Vintage Modular Living Room Suite Leather Lounge Sofa, Germany
By Rolf Benz
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This 4 stunning Modular sectional leather chairs/ sofa was manufactured by Germany by Rolf Benz . It is a pure 70ties design with timeless modern shape. The leather is a nubuk anil...
Leather, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood, Oak, Down
$23,843 / set
H 28.75 in W 26.78 in D 34.26 in
COR LÜBKE & ROLF Vintage Modular limegreen Living Room Suite Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This absolute unique and gorgeous modular sectional sofa from the 70ties is manufactured by LÜBKE & ROLF from Rheda in Germany ( later was the Name LÜBKE KG). From the same fa...
Mohair, Foam, Latex, Wood, Beech
$7,500 / set
H 31.5 in W 206.7 in D 33.47 in
Mid-Century Modern Leather Lounge Sofa/Living Room Set/7, Switzerland, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern sectional leather lounge sofa/living room set/7, Switzerland, 1970s Mid-Century Modern sectional leather lounge sofa/living room set of seven seats manufacture...
Leather, Beech
Phillip Lloyd Powell Living Room Suite, 1979
Located in Chicago, IL
Phillip Lloyd Powell Living Room Suite, 1979 Hand-carved walnut with butterfly joinery and sculpted horned vertical details. Includes a large removable wood lap surface with adjustab...
Wool, Rosewood, Walnut, Wenge, Oak
$55,000 / set
H 32.68 in W 22.84 in D 27.56 in
Fine French 1930s 5 piece Living Room Set by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu (1883-1961) - A fine French Art Deco five piece living room set - 2 bergere and 3 arm chairs - in solid walnut with rounded, scrolled and fluted details. Stamped "Leleu ...
Walnut, Velvet
$14,306 / set
H 29.53 in W 124.02 in D 72.84 in
Vintage 70ties Togo Living Room Suite Modular Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This rare and striking modular sectional sofa is a pure example of 1970s design, reminiscent of iconic models by Ligne Roset (Togo) and Roche Bobois. The original manufacturer is cur...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
Fine French 1930s 7 Piece Living Room Set by Dominique
By Andre Domin & Marcel Genevriere for Maison Dominique
Located in Long Island City, NY
André DOMIN (1883-1962) and Marcel GENEVRIERE (1885-1967) Maison DOMINIQUE - A fine French Art Deco living room set in solid walnut, comprising one sofa, four arm and two side chairs...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,666 / set
H 46.46 in W 63 in D 25.6 in
Antique French Aubusson Salon Set, Louis XV Giltwood, Early 1800s
Located in Buxton, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale, this exquisite French Aubusson salon set is a stunning piece of antique furniture that will add elegance and charm to any room. The set includes a...
Tapestry, Giltwood
$11,921 / set
H 27.56 in W 27.96 in D 37.41 in
Laauser Vintage Living Room Suite Modular 70s Velvet olive green Sectional Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This modular sectional sofa was manufactured by Laauser in Germany. It is a genuine 1970s design with a timeless, modern shape. The fabric is velvet in a beautiful olive green colour...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam, Wood, Velvet
"Le Blu Lagoon" Hand-painted Three-Piece Sofa
By Fort Makers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by Yves Klein, this hand-painted three piece sofa by Naomi S. Clark features abstract brushstrokes to evoke the choppy Mediterranean sea. As...
Abalone, Canvas, Foam
$38,149 / set
H 28.35 in W 88.59 in D 34.26 in
1970s Modular Living Room Suite Brown Leather Sofa by Ernst Lüthy of De Sede
By De Sede
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This gorgeous and remarkable living room suite modular sofa is manufactured by Ernst Lüthy . He was the founder of De Sede. After his drop out from De Sed...
Leather, Upholstery, Beech
1940s Louis XV Style Sectional or Corner Mohair Sofa
Located in Houston, TX
A chic three-piece vintage Louis XV style white painted and bleached wood sectional corner sofa. This wonderful set is newly upholstered and styled in a camel mohair with white leath...
Leather, Mohair, Wood