As opposed to the styles that would follow from the other 18th-century French kings, Louis XV and Louis XVI, antique Louis XIV furniture is rigid and imposing. It expresses opulence — even its armchairs, with their upright backs, straight legs and lavish ornamentation, look like thrones. Authentic Louis XIV sofas, a then newly emerging iteration of seating, are fully upholstered and often feature decoratively carved frames of walnut, chestnut or oak.
When French King Louis XIV established his royal court at Versailles in 1682, he transformed what was once a hunting lodge into a palace that declared his wealth and power through its design. Until his death in 1715, he reigned with a spirit of excess and absolute political dominance. The “Sun King,” as he called himself, believed that France revolved around him as planets do the sun. Louis XIV adopted the sun as his emblem, decorating the grounds with symbols of the sun and Apollo, the Greek god of the sun. As he stated, “There is nothing that indicates more clearly the magnificence of great princes than their superb palaces and their precious furniture.” He was a child when he became king in 1643, only shaping his style after he became absolute monarch in 1661.
Reflecting trends in French Baroque art, Louis XIV furniture characteristics included exuberant decoration. There were gilded bronze details including shells, suns, grotesques, lions and classical references like acanthus leaves. The years of growth in the country’s manufacturing, such as the tapestries and cabinets made at Gobelins, led to design innovations. The commode replaced the chest as a storage device, with drawers and a surface that could double as a desk.
The materials were luxurious, such as the popular tortoiseshell veneer technique that leading cabinetmaker Pierre Golle used in his designs. André-Charles Boulle, who became royal cabinetmaker in 1672, was a masterful artist of marquetry, using inlays of ebony, exotic woods and mother-of-pearl.
Find a collection of antique Louis XIV bedroom furniture, chairs, tables and other pieces on 1stDibs.
Antique French Carved Gilt Wood Settee
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique French carved gilt wood settee. This was made in France, it dates from around the 1890-1910 period. It is of amazing quality, with beautiful and intricate carving...
Cotton, Cane, Giltwood
French Louis XIV Three-Seat Walnut Sofa
Located in Troy, NY
A settee of small size, elegant lines and understated details, triple-arch-back, open scrolling arms, the seat supported by four turned front legs connected by turned center stretche...
Upholstery, Walnut
Louis XIV Antique Style Tufted Loveseat
Located in New York, NY
Louis XIV antique style tufted loveseat. The loveseat has solid walnut legs, a down cushioned seat with gold upholstery.
Upholstery, Walnut
Fine French Carved Walnut Gold Shipped Upholstery Fabric Sofa MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine French Carved Walnut Gold Shipped Upholstery Fabric Sofa MINT!
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,742
H 28.94 in W 69.69 in D 38.39 in
ViNTAGE HAND DYED BROWN LEATHER ART DECO THREE SEAT SOFA FEATHER FILLED SEAT
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage hand made in England Art Deco style reddish brown leather sofa with overstuffed feather ...
Leather
$3,750
H 30.75 in W 64 in D 28 in
Danish 1950s Settee or Loveseat in Green Wool in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the early Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt made circa 1950. Back and seat nice and firm and frame on Cuban mahogany legs r...
Wool, Mahogany
Danish 1940's Loveseat with Open Wooden Armrest and Green Striped Wool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very charming loveseat from the 1940's in the style of Alfred Christensen. Maker and Designer is unknown but the style is very similar to designs by Fritz Hansen and Alfred Christens...
Wool, Beech
$18,372
H 35.44 in W 72.84 in D 41.34 in
Vintage George Smith Kilim Upholstered Three Seat Couch or Sofa Feather Cushions
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original George Smith three seat sofa with the period Kilim upholstery and feather filled cushions A stunning sofa which is one of G...
Upholstery
$2,713
H 29.93 in W 66.93 in D 26.38 in
French Louis Philippe Bench Seat Wood Sofa or Banquette French 19th Midcentury
Located in Labrit, Landes
Louis Philippe banquette or sofa on wheels Carved with floral decorations and canelures. France circa 1840 Good seating with springs. The fabric can be...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,082
H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, Hardwood Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery
Located in London, GB
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, with Mahogany Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery with Leather Trim. Usable condition. Bespoke quote ca...
Leather, Wool, Hardwood
Antique Wicker Loveseat by Larkin & Co., Arts and Crafts Style, USA
By Larkin & Co.
Located in Southampton, NJ
American Victorian natural wicker woven roll design high back loveseat with spindles and bobbins on back and apron. The settee features new Arts &am...
Brass
Semi Antique Sheraton Style Carved Mahogany Settee
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A three seat settee with curved back sections. Each with fluted supports and arms. The backs with carved lotus flowers flanking open X supports. The arms with turned supports. Raised...
Fabric, Mahogany
Victorian Carved Wood Settee
Located in San Francisco, CA
C. 20th century Victorian carved wood settee w/ light blue ribbed velvet.
Velvet, Wood
$2,990Sale Price|35% Off
H 34 in W 46 in D 21.5 in
19th century French LXVI Style Gilt-wood Settee in Aubusson Tapestry Upholstery
Located in Charleston, SC
Charming small 19th century gilt wood Settee richly upholstered in hand-woven Aubusson tapestry.
Tapestry, Giltwood
French Louis XV Style Carved-Wood & Upholstered Settee
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XV style sofa from the mid-19th century. This antique settee from France upholstered features a gently arched top rail at back, carved acanthus leaves decorated the sk...
Upholstery, Wood
$24,500
H 29 in W 59.25 in D 29.25 in
Pair of French Louis XVI Style Carved-Wood Cream-Lacquered Settees, Jansen Attr.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Pair of French Louis XVI Style Carved-wood Cream-Lacquered Settees, probably by Maison Jansen. The rectangular shaped Love Seats, each with scr...
Fabric, Satin, Silk, Wood
Antique French Louis XIV Style Highback Settee c. Late 19th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
This Antique French Louis XIV Style Highback Settee, dating back to the late 19th century, is a stunning example of neoclassical design. The settee’s high, curved back provides a sta...
Walnut
Super French Curved Sofa
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very nice French deep buttoned walnut curved sofa with feather filled cushions, in original very good condition. You are welcome to view this item at our showroom, please phone ah...
Walnut
Sold
H 35.75 in W 70.5 in D 27 in
Early 20th-C. French Louis XIV Style Carved Walnut Caned Settee W/ Down Cushion
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century French Louis XIV style carved walnut settee with caned back and seat. The down cushion is vintage but in decent shape and about 5” thick. It has a nice ...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Louis XIV Bench Base In Carved And Molded Sheep Bone Walnut
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Louis XIV Bench Base In Carved And Molded Sheep Bone Walnut. 17th Century. Top seat upholstered in velvet and large nails.
Wood
Antique Louis XIV Mahogany Settee W Fortuny Fabric
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Louis XIV Mahogany Settee W Fortuny Fabric
Fabric, Wood
19th C. French Gilt Wood Louis XIV Style Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century French Louis XiV style gilt wood settee depicting carved wood angels, flowers, cartouches, acanthus leaves and more. The settee is newly upholstered in a cream velvet wi...
Velvet, Giltwood
Sold
H 47 in W 74.25 in D 30.5 in
French Louis XIV Style Distressed Paint Decorated Settee With Floral Upholstery
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 47in W: 74 1/4in D: 30 1/2in SH: 21 1/2in This is an amazing piece of Louis XIV style furniture the distressed finish looks re...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 40 in W 88 in D 38 in
Antique Louis Style Carved Ornate Parlor Set Newly Upholstered - 2 piece set
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Louis Style Carved Ornate Parlor Set Newly Upholstered in a High End Purple Mohair - 2 Piece Set This beautiful set includes a settee and armchair...
Mohair, Wood
French Louis XIV Settee
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible 17th century French Louis XIV period settee with a wide perfectly pitched square back, eight turned legs carved with acanthus leaves wit...
Wood
19th C. French Gilt Wood Louis XIV Style Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century French Louis XiV style gilt wood settee depicting carved wood angels, flowers, cartouches, acanthus leaves and more. The settee is newly upholstered in a cream velvet wi...
Velvet, Giltwood
Louis XIV Style French Hand Carved Gilt Upholstered Settee
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Nice hand carved Giltwood settee from the 1960's in the Louis the 14th style. Chair has been reupholstered. 36 inches wide by 32 inches high.
Upholstery, Giltwood
Sold
H 36.5 in W 76.5 in D 35 in
Antique French Louis XIV Carved Walnut Button Back Upholstered Recamier, 19th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Louis XIV recamier offers carved walnut frame in serpentine form having carved foliate crest over button back upholstered back, raised on cabriole legs terminating ...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut