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 Pair Large French Louis XIV Revival Walnut Stools 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a very elegant pair of antique French Louis XIV Revival walnut stools, Circa 1880 in date. The freestanding stools feature serpentine shaped seat cushions on carved walnut ...
Fabric, Walnut
Os de Mouton Louis XIV Style Walnut Stool or Bench
Located in Barcelona, ES
Spanish Louis XIV style Ottoman, Beautiful Louis XIV style bench or stool raised on four Os de Mouton hand carved walnut legs with stretcher, Spain, 1930s. This stylish banquette ha...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood, Leather, Walnut
$1,268
French Gilt Window Seat
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Good quality X framed gilt window or duet seat, covered in gold damask, in overall great condition. You are welcome to view this item at our showroom, please phone ahead of visiting...
Gesso
19th Century French Louis XIV Giltwood Stool with Aubusson Tapestry Seat
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a den, living room, or bedroom with this elegant antique French stool. Crafted in Versailles circa 1870, the rectangular bench stands on tapered and fluted legs adorned with...
Tapestry, Giltwood
$2,975Sale Price|30% Off
19th Century French Louis XIV Giltwood Vanity Bench with Tapestry
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Louis XIV Giltwood Vanity Bench with Tapestry is a special find, indeed! Sculpted in the bold scrollwork and prominent carved ...
Tapestry, Giltwood
Louis XIV Style Giltwood Folding Stool Made by La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
Based on a LXV model at Versailles, these versatile folding stools have been crafted with attention to detail. The hand carved stools have been finished with a hand applied leaf that...
Wood
$14,000 / set
Pair of giltwood stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of regency style stools ,gilded wood, one of the most beautiful models of the regency elegant and refined ,cushions on the top decorated with pom-poms the quality and the workma...
Fabric, Giltwood
SECOND HALF OF THE 17th CENTURY PAIR OF TURNED WALNUT STOOLS
Located in Firenze, FI
Refined pair of solid walnut stools, finely carved and turned. This pair of stools is characterized by four elegantly turned legs, with crossed crosspieces in the center from which a...
Fabric, Nutwood
19th Century Stool, Maison Jeanselme
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century stool, Maison Jeanselme, France.
Walnut
Louis XIV-XV Walnut Stool, France, C. 1730
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Fine Louis XIV-XV Stool, France, C. 1730. Walnut, recently upholstered in Belgian linen. 17½ h × 24 w × 19 d in (44 × 61 × 48 cm)
Linen, Walnut
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
Early 18th Century French Louis XIV/Régence Carved Oak Stool or Tabouret
Located in Berlin, DE
Early 18th Century Louis XIV/Régence Carved Oak stool or Tabouret Square and upholstered seat resting on a shaped apron with c-scrolls, leafs and central shell motifs. The four legs are carved as square balusters decorated with flower garland carving and joined by a x-shaped stretcher with curvy braces and a central square with a paterae motif. Carved oak. Upholstered with modern gobelin fabric...
Oak
Louis XIV style giltwood stool
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XIV Style giltwood Stool with foliage baluster feet joined by stretchers with Acanthus leaves Upholstered with a white Coton. Can be recovered with customer own fabric on request
Wood
19th Century Louis XIV Style Walnut Os De Mouton Stool, Upholstered
Located in Montreal, QC
Louis XIV style walnut "os de mouton" stool with recently upholstered seat on serpentine apron over carved legs joined by conforming stretcher.
Fabric, Wood
19th Century French, Louis XIV Painted Stool/Bench with Lion's Paw Feet
Located in Dallas, TX
19th Century French Louis XIV Painted Stool features tailored architecture and masculine adornment, plus an original painted finish that makes it more compatible with today's casual ...
Hardwood
$1,413
French Gilt Duet Stool
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Very nice French gilt duet or footboard stool, with bergere cane top and green silk seat pad, in very good overall condition. 21" high 40" length 15" depth You are welcome to view ...
Giltwood
Louis XIV Style Giltwood folding stool made by La Maison London
By Francois I Foliot
Located in London, Park Royal
Giltwood Folding stool (Ployant) in the manner of Foliot . the original is a model found in Versailles . We have pairs available if needed.
Giltwood, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Turned French Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century oak stools from France with newly upholstered tops in linen finished with a single welt. The frames have hand-turned barley twist legs, joined by matching stretc...
Linen, Oak
19th Century French Walnut Stool
Located in High Point, NC
19th century walnut stool from France with a wonderfully thick top which has a handle design cutout of the top and a multi-level beveled edge, following down to a lovely hand scallop...
Walnut
19th Century English Oak Window Seat
Located in High Point, NC
19th Century oak window seat from England. This piece has lovely hand carved decorated arms attached to the seat, which is made from a single board. Th...
Oak
Modern Leather and Steel Sling Stool or Bench
Located in East Hampton, NY
Great looking modern polished steel and leather sling stool or bench.
Steel
Arts and Crafts Carved Oak Window Seat, Hall Bench
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts carved oak window seat, hall bench This is a good piece of Arts and Crafts Country Furniture, it has a very thick solid Oak s...
Oak
$4,500 / set
H 20.5 in W 18 in D 17 in
Pair of Enrique Garcel Bone-Clad Stools or Benches, Karl Springer Style, 1980s
By Karl Springer, Enrique Garcel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stylish pair of Enrique Garcel tessellated bone benches. Use them in the living room, or a bedroom. Separate them and use one in a foyer and another in the ...
Bone, Fabric, Resin
19th Century French Louis XV Style Giltwood Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French Louis XV style giltwood bench. This stunning antique French gilt wood bench has excellent patina and has been profess...
Giltwood
19th Century Gothic Revival Oak Stool
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century Gothic revival oak stool, the shaped rectangular top above Gothic supports and stretcher, circa 1860.
Oak
Pair of giltwood stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of regency style stools ,gilded wood, one of the most beautiful models of the regency elegant and refined ,cushions on the top decorated with pom-poms the quality and the workma...
Fabric, Giltwood
19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Curule Stool
Located in Forney, TX
A exceptionally carved Italian Renaissance Revival figural curule stool. Born in Italy during the late 19th century, hand-crafted of warm, rich, finely carved solid walnut, finished in medieval Henry II style / Italian Empire taste, featuring X-frame with curved armrests ending in ornate stylized lion's head / griffin grotesques, having an upholstered seat cushion adorned with nail head trim, rising on foliate carving turned stretcher-joined richly detailed acanthus leaf accented legs, terminating in finely sculpted lion paw feet. A wonderful example of functional art, the impressive antique, circa 1880, having beautifully aged patina over the whole, retaining original antique character throughout, worn smooth, naturally distressed patina that does not detract from the overall display, but only adds to the elegant rustic warmth, historical depth and European old world charm. Dimensions: (approx) 25.5" High, 34" Wide, 16" Deep Seat height: 16" Great antique condition. Presents well, having nicely aged patina. Later antique metal plate...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Upholstered Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century walnut stools from France with newly upholstered seats in linen, and finished with a single welt. The seats are supported on lovely walnut frames, which have wo...
Linen, Walnut
Louis XV Style, Giltwood Long Bench
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XV Style Bench: Expertly hand-carved by master craftsmen and finished with an antique gilded patina, created using traditional techniques and materials. Customers Own Material ...
Giltwood, Wood
Sold
H 17.72 in W 25.99 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Carved Walnut Stools in Louis XIV Style, Paris, Circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important pair of carved walnut stools, Louis XIV style Paris, Faubourg Saint-Antoine, in the style of Fourdinois circa 1870–1890 This important pair of finely carved walnut stools r...
Beech
Antique French Carved Giltwood Stool
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning antique French carved gilt wood stool of the highest order. This was made in France, it dates from around the 1880-1900 period. It is of amazing quality, with...
Fabric, Giltwood
French 19th Century Oak Tapestry Stool
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Outstanding French 19th century Louis XIV style bench (or footstool) with needlepoint upholstery, raised on four Os de Mouton legs with stretcher...
Natural Fiber, Wood, Walnut
19th Century French Louis XIV Carved Walnut Stool with Silk Fabric
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a den, living room or master bedroom with this elegant antique stool. Crafted in southern France circa 1870 and almost square in shape, the elegant ottoman stands on turned ...
Silk, Walnut
A French 19th Century Pair of Louis XIV Style Stools
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A French 19th Century Pair of Large Rectangular Stools natural and carved wood. The 4 sheaths feet carved and linked by a stretcher. Louis XIV Style Napoléon III Period Circa 1880 Used Petit Point Tapestry Upholstery If the stool played a great role at the court of Louis XIV, it was also the pretext of a war... that of the stools precisely, recounted by Saint-Simon. The Duchesses fought and the Duchesse became a seat with very curious forms. There were benches and chairs, then armchairs, not to mention stools. A seat dear to the duchesses. Some fought for one, to sit in the presence of the queen. Standing, while others, sometimes cousins, were seated, was intolerable. The Duke of Saint-Simon was pleased to recount the «war of stools». This one was provoked by Mme de Chevreuse who sat, without any way, before Queen Anne of Austria...
Beech
Sold
H 23 in W 17 in D 17.5 in
Mid-Century French Hand Carved Chestnut Piano Grotto Stool with Shell Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
This carved antique fruitwood grotto stool was created in France, circa 1950. Perfect as a piano stool or simply a statement piece, the bench, built of chestnut wood, stands on cabri...
Chestnut
Louis XIV Oak Stool
Located in Essex, MA
D shaped seat with turned legs and conforming D shape stretcher.
Oak
French Louis XIV Kingwood & Satinwood Inlaid Stool with Tapestry Seat 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
A French Louis XIV stool offers floral needlepoint upholstered seat with kingwood frame having satinwood marquetry and raised on cabriole legs, 20th century Measures - 19"height x...
Upholstery, Kingwood, Satinwood
Antique French Carved Oak "Os De Mouton" Tabouret Stool, circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
Easily recognized by its highly shaped legs and stretchers, os de mouton is an elegant style of carving that was first seen during the reign of Louis XIV. Although typically used for chair frames, it was not uncommon to find tabouret stools, such as this oak one from France (circa 1900), carved in the same manner. Four concave legs with scrolled feet are joined by an H-shaped stretcher with arbalete-like curves. The wood has a rich patina that is accentuated by a highly colored upholstery affixed with numerous iron nailheads. Golden and cream flowers with red, brown, green, and orange leaves can be seen amongst the gray and beige background arranged in a geometric pattern. Our os de mouton tabouret...
Metal
Sold
H 21.5 in W 29 in D 17.5 in
Pair of Early 20th Century French Carved Giltwood Stools with Cross Sword Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
Embellish your formal living room with this elegant pair of antique curule stools. Crafted in France circa 1920, these stools feature an ornate carved base decorated with two hand carved crossed swords ending with scroll leaf feet. The seats are dressed with a blue silk upholstery, further embellished with decorative trims and fringes around the perimeter. Both stools are in excellent condition commensurate with age and use and adorn a rich patinated gilt finish. Use these 'one of a kind benches...
Fabric, Giltwood
Sold
H 17.5 in W 20.5 in D 18 in
Pair of 19th Century French Dagobert Black Leather Carved Walnut Curule Stools
Located in Dallas, TX
Embellish your formal living room with this elegant pair of antique curule stools. Crafted in France circa 1860, these stools known as "Dagobert" st...
Leather, Walnut
Antique French Carved Gilt Wood Stool
Located in London, GB
A beautiful little antique French stool in carved gilt wood, dating from around the 1910-20’s. This is very well made and has a gorgeous design...
Giltwood, Fabric