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Louis XIV Sofas

LOUIS XIV STYLE

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.

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Style: Louis XIV
Antique French Louis XIV Style Carved Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Vintage Condition Materials: Mahogany, Original Upholstery
Category

1930s American Vintage Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Italian Gold-Leaf Carved Giltwood & Linen Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Luxurious and early 20th century Italian carved giltwood sofa in the Louis XIV style. These exquisitely carved sofa has been newly upholstered in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Giltwood

17th Century Italian Baroque Louis XIV Lacquered and Parcel Gilt Sofa
Located in Firenze, IT
This extraordinary Italian Louis XIV sofa embodies the zenith of late 17th-century Neapolitan craftsmanship. This antique seating piece masterfully blends elegance and comfort, showcasing the refined taste of 1600s baroque period through its sinuous form and intricate detailing. The wooden frame of this luxurious couch is a testament to the artisan's skill, featuring a lustrous ivory-colored lacquer base beautifully accented with gold leaf detailing. The sophisticated "mecca" technique has been employed, involving the application of gold leaf over a red bole ground to create a warm, rich golden hue. This meticulous process results in a depth and luminosity that surpasses simple gilding, adding a luxurious dimension to the piece. The graceful silhouette of this antique settee is quintessentially Louis XIV, with a shapely backrest delineating three distinct, rounded seat areas. Elegant cabriole legs enhance the overall sense of movement and refinement. The curved armrests are particularly noteworthy, not only providing exceptional comfort but also serving as a canvas for the artisan's prowess. Each armrest is adorned with an intricately carved scroll motif, centered by a deeply carved rosette finished in radiant gold leaf. Every surface of this Baroque seating furniture is embellished with exquisite hand-carved details. Floral and foliate motifs adorn the frame, showcasing the woodcarver's mastery. A double band of gold leaf frames the entire perimeter of the settee, adding a final touch of luxury and definition to the piece. The upholstery complements the frame's opulence, featuring an antique green velvet with a sumptuous damask pattern. Green passementerie trims the edges, which, despite minor wear consistent with its age, remains in good overall condition. This Louis XIV canape is versatile enough to enhance various settings. In a grand entryway or corridor, it would create a stunning first impression. Placed at the end of a bed in a master suite, it would add a touch of regal elegance. In a formal living room or study, it could serve as a centerpiece, anchoring the room's design. Even in a professional setting, such as a high-end law office or executive suite, it would lend an air of established prestige. The value of this antique Italian seating stems from its exceptional provenance, superior craftsmanship, and the use of sophisticated techniques like "mecca" gilding. Its excellent state of preservation and the quality of the antique upholstery fabric...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Gold Leaf

Rare Seven-Piece Louis XIV Style Giltwood Salon Suite from France, circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
This majestic giltwood Chateau salon suite is from France and dates to circa 1880. There are four side chairs, two armchairs (fauteuils), and a canapé. All have square baluster legs and volute x-stretchers. All the wood has been richly sculpted and gilded, and motifs include scrolls, foliage, rinceaux, palmettes, beading, acanthus leaves and more. The armrests of the fauteuils and canapé are supported by large lion muzzles. The side chairs and canapé are all supported by cross stretchers, while the bright yellow upholstery is more recent, attached by large brass nailheads. The motifs are musical trophies encircled by foliate and floral motifs. French furniture of this style would have been first produced during the reign of Louis XIV, toward the end of the 1600s. A magnificent 19th century suite...
Category

1880s French Antique Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Textile, Wood, 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...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Louis XIV Style Walnut Loveseat
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful French carved frame, tufted loveseat / sofa. Has a goose-down loose cushioned seat.
Category

1950s French Vintage Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Wood

Louis XIV Style Sofa
Located in New York, NY
Louis XIV style sofa. Sofa has a painted black and gold frame, caned sides and back with linen upholstery. Has a loose cushioned seat. Back cushions ar...
Category

1960s Vintage Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Linen, Wood

19th Century Louis XIV Style Giltwood Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
19th Century French Louis XIV style giltwood sofa. With elegant sweeping armrests terminating in scroll front supports. Upholstered in hessian. Please note this piece features wear c...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Sofas

Materials

Giltwood

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French Louis XVI Style Sofa - John Elgin Woolf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Located in London, GB
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Previously Available Items
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Located in Charleston, SC
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Located in Antwerpen, BE
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Located in Altrincham, GB
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Located in Essex, MA
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Located in Stockbridge, GA
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Louis Xiv sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV sofas for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $19,200 while the average work can sell for $6,495.

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