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Louis XIV Seating

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
Creator: Unknown
Antique French Louis XIV Style Carved Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 38”H x 59.50”W x 30.25” D Seat Height 18.25” Materials: Mahogany, Original Upholstery
Category

1930s Vintage Louis XIV Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Louis XIV Period 17th Century Armchairs
Located in Middleburg, VA
Pair of French Louis XIV Period 17th Century Armchairs. Made of Richly Patinated Circassian Walnut with a deep lustrous color. Arched Backs over elegant carved sweeping arms. Be...
Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Seating

Materials

Linen, Walnut

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 Seating

Materials

Fabric, Giltwood

Pair of Italian Giltwood & Linen Arm Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Luxurious, pair of early 20th century Italian carved giltwood armchairs in the Louis XIV style. These exquisitely carved chairs have been newly upholstered in a linen fabric which is soft to the touch and rich in texture. Antiqued brass nailhead trim...
Category

20th Century Italian Louis XIV Seating

Materials

Fabric, Giltwood

Small French Provincial Circassian Walnut Footstool with Modern Upholstery
Located in Middleburg, VA
Small French Provincial Circassian walnut footstool with modern upholstery Rest your wary feet like royalty with this rare Louis XIV period small Fr...
Category

Late 17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Seating

Materials

Walnut

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A French Louis XV style painted and carved sofa circa 1900.
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Previously Available Items
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Louis Xiv seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV seating made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Jean-Charles Moreux, La Maison London, Fratelli Boffi, and John Widdicomb. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $396 and tops out at $75,000 while the average work can sell for $3,850.

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