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.
Set of Six French Ash Fluted Mutton Leg Dining Chairs or Side Chairs
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This set of six French ash mutton leg side chairs or dining chairs from the mid-twentieth century are constructed using mortice and tenon joinery. Their curved fluted legs are joined...
Upholstery, Ash
6 Baker Louis XIV Style Upholstered and Carved Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 44 in W: 22 in D: 25 1/4 in SH: 19 in Bring the opulence and regal sophistication of the French Baroque period into your home with this exquisite set of six Louis XI...
Upholstery, Wood
$53,000 / set
Set of 6 Jean-Charles Moreux French Iron Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 Jean-Charles Moreux French iron gilt chairs. There are two armchairs and four chairs without arms. The chairs have a nice decorative patte...
Iron
$9,300 / set
Pair Louis XIV Antique Style Oversized Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair Louis XIV antique style oversized chairs. The chairs have the original floral fabric with down seats with carved hardwood frames.
Upholstery, Hardwood
$983Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 20th Century Salon Chair in Antique French Taste, Giltwood, circa 1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage 20th century salon chair in the antique French taste, giltwood dating to circa 1970. Attractive and comfortable salon c...
Giltwood
Pair of Wood and Gold Leaf Armchairs by Maison Forest, France
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and gold leaf armchairs by Maison Forest, France, late 19th century.
Gold Leaf
Pair of Dennis & Leen Louis XIV Os de Mouton Hall Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing near of pair of French Os de Mouton hall chairs or side chairs crafted by Dennis and Leen Hollywood, CA. Known as Louis XIV chairs they feature a whimsical walnut...
Brass
Pair of Chiavari High Back Chairs by Gaetano Descalzi, Italy in Mahogany
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Original elegant early 20th century pair of Chiavari high back chairs, " Chiavarine" , by Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi , Italy, mahogany ebonized. Restored and re-upholstered Measure i...
Mahogany
$43,000 / set
Jean-Charles Moreux Gilt Iron Chairs, Set of 6
Located in New York, NY
Set of six French gilt iron chairs by Jean-Charles Moreaux. All of the chairs have a nice decorative pattern.
Iron
$9,700 / set
Pair of Louis XIV Style Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Louis XIV style armchairs. The chairs have a painted wood, carved frame with an off-white upholstered fabric.
Upholstery, Wood
Stunning Pair of 19th Century Antique French Walnut and Reupholstered Armchairs
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A superb pair of 19th century Antique French walnut reupholstered armchairs, Louis XIV Style, reupholstered in quality orange colour fabric. Shaped arms and supported on elegant shap...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Italian 19th Century Walnut Carved Armchairs
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of elegant Italian 19th century walnut finely carved armchairs with a white striped upholstery. Measures: 130 x 60 x 50.
Wood
Pair of Vintage Sculpted Oak Armchairs by Madison Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern arm chairs feature unique "box" style sides. The beautiful wood grain and floating angled backrest add to the allure. Smooth edges and plush blue upholstery ensure comfort in any modern interior. Made by Madison Furniture Industries...
Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Oak
$1,200Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 37 in W 19 in D 18 in
Versatile Set of 4 Louis XVI Style Natural Wood and Upholstered Dining Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A set of 4 custom Louis XVI style carved wood dining chairs upholstered in lovely neutral ivory material with beige flecks.
Upholstery, Wood
$6,000 / set
H 38.38 in W 26 in D 24.5 in
French Louis XV Style Pair of Armchairs, Caned Seatback, 6 Available
$3,820 / set
H 40.95 in W 25.6 in D 25.99 in
Pair of Louis XVI Style Giltwood Armchairs with Blue Klein Velvet
Located in Miami, FL
Louis XVI style armchair with medallion backrest. Elegantly carved and hand finished in a two tone patina, gilded or ecru, slightly aged. Made using traditional methods and materia...
Velvet, Giltwood
$2,980 / item
H 33 in W 18 in D 18.3 in
Black Arched Mono Side or Dining Chair in Ebonized Ash by Objects & Ideas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Inspired by the patterns drawn by aircraft at summer air displays, and conceived primarily as a functional art piece, one single flowing line twists and turns to form the fluid outline of the Mono chair...
Ash
19th Century French Louis XIV Style Walnut Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French Louis XIV style walnut chair. This stunning antique French Louis XIV style armchair or side chair is both large and comfortable. We have newly upholstered this ch...
Walnut
1940s French Iron Dining Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lovely set of 4 iron outdoor dining chairs from France, 1940s. Beautiful scroll iron design on back with slated iron back and seat. Curule base with 4 legs. Striking and unique shape...
Iron
Suelo Modern Outdoor Side Chair
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This Suelo® outdoor modern side chair is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. This silhouette is simple, modern, and sleek with comfortable back and seat cushions. T...
Mahogany
$4,400
H 36.5 in W 22 in D 40 in
Unusual Sculptural Iron Garden Lounge Chair Manner of Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual sculptural iron garden lounge chair manner of Jean-Charles Moreux, wonderful design, whimsical sculpture! welded iron frame, metal sling seat. Hand delivery avail to New York...
Metal, Iron
$760Sale Price|20% Off
H 49.38 in W 30 in D 30.5 in
Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Style Carved Walnut Throne Chair, c1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Italian Renaissance Revival tall back throne chair offers walnut frame having shaped back and scroll form arms surmounting seat raised on balustrade legs with carved folia...
Upholstery, Walnut
$7,500 / set
H 42 in W 25 in D 21 in
Beautiful Pair of Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Carved Wood Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Beautiful Pair of Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Carved Wood Arm Chairs High backs with high wavy arms, fine floral and foliate carved motifs on the back, arms and bottom. Detail...
Fabric, Wood
$4,444Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 37.8 in W 24.02 in D 25.99 in
Pair Antique French 19th Century Louis XV Style Giltwood Salon Chairs C.1870
Located in London, GB
Pair Antique French 19th century Louis XV Style Giltwood salon chairs A superb pair of Louis XV-style gilt wood salon chairs. c.1870, France. Each...
Upholstery, Giltwood
Late 19th Century Louis XIV Style Set of 4 Continental Side Chairs
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Louis XIV style set of 4 Continental Side Chairs, late 19th century. Superb construction - bold, sturdy & stout. Original rich brown finish. The striking scrolled x-stretcher has a c...
Upholstery, Wood
French 19th Century Os De Mouton Tapestry Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A pair of French 19th century os de mouton carved walnut side chairs in colorful needlepoint upholstery held by large brass studs. The handwoven fabric depicts lush imagery of dense ...
Wool, Walnut
Set of 14 Louis XIV Style Dining Chairs in Solid Lacquer Finish
Located in North York, ON
Set of 14 Louis XIV Style dining chairs in Solid Lacquer Finish. Italy, circa 1970’s, restored in a rich Benjamin Moore black bean soup satin lacquer finish. Upholstered in champagne...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Set of 2 Louis XVI Period French Blue Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 2 Louis XVI period French blue chairs: Louis XVI style refers to the style defined by the period in France under the reign of King Louis X...
Wood
Set of Six Louis XIV Style Carved Walnut High Back Dining Side Chairs
Located in Birmingham, AL
A beautifully carved set of 6 French Louis XIV style dining side chairs having walnut frames with high chapeau de gendarme backs and square section seats, circa early 1900s. Supporte...
Walnut
Sold
H 40 in W 19.5 in D 20 in
Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Style Needlepoint Side Chair or Desk Chair
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Louis XIV style oak side chair has scrolling mutton legs joined by an X stretcher. The seat and back feature their original needlepoint and petit ...
Tapestry, Oak
Sold
H 36.62 in W 16.54 in D 18.12 in
Pair of Caned Dining Chairs or Side Chairs Louis XVI Style French
Located in Labrit, Landes
Set of three French dining chairs late 19th century The chairs are caned and in exotic wood. If you wish, we have a third chair which can be sold with the pair. The "cannage" is in p...
Cane, Wood
Antique French Louis XIV Needlepoint Fauteuil Armchair, circa 1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Louis XIV fauteuil armchair offers walnut frame with foliate carved crest over needlepoint tapestry upholstered back, seat ...
Velvet, Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 34.25 in W 24 in D 24.25 in
Antique French Louis XIV Carved Walnut & Needlepoint Fauteuil, 19th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Louis XIV fauteuil armchair offers carved walnut frame with needlepoint upholstered arms, back and seat, raised on cabriole...
Upholstery, Walnut
Set of 12 Italian Lxiv Style Wooden Dining Chairs from the 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Each chair having a shaped and arched backrest atop a fitted seat with shaped apron and raised on shaped tapering legs joined by a carved h-form stretcher.
Walnut
Sold
H 34 in W 18.5 in D 14 in
Antique Ornate French Louis XIV Carved Giltwood and Needlepoint Side Chair
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Louis XIV style ladies side chair offers ornately carved giltwood construction with stylized balloon back having central panier de ...
Tapestry, Upholstery, Giltwood
Sold
H 46 in W 18.5 in D 17.5 in
Set 4 Antique French Carved Oak Dining Side Chair Louis XIV Renaissance Tall
Located in Choudrant, LA
Direct from France, a set of 4 large antique French carved arm chairs with beautiful carved features and elegant silhouette!~ ~High open carv...
Fabric, Oak