The style of 18th-century French furniture was guided by the court. When Louis XV, who reigned from 1715–74, focused royal life on the smaller salons of Versailles rather than its grand chambers, it transformed the aesthetics away from the imposing and angular furniture that characterized the style of Louis XIV. A broader focus on comfort and more delicate forms define antique Louis XV furniture, with nature-inspired carvings, wood inlays, curved cabriole legs, asymmetrical shapes and rounded oval seat backs. The furnishings changed throughout the king’s life, as he ascended to the throne as a child and then grew to establish his own tastes.
Pieces like the bergère, an upholstered armchair with a wide cushion that fit the flowing dresses in fashion at the time, reflected this more informal court. Introduced at the start of Louis XV’s reign, bergère chairs in this style were deeper and broader than other chairs of the period.
Louis XV tapestries and carpets tended to be floral and colorful, and design elements were borrowed from Asia. Dutch-born cabinetmaker Bernard van Risenburgh brought lacquer techniques influenced by Japan and China into his luxuriously made furniture. Along with its fine details, the furniture of the era also featured new innovations including mechanical devices. Jean François Oeben, a royal cabinetmaker, created such intricate pieces as a mechanical table for Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV’s mistress. It involved a sliding top and a writing surface that extended from its marquetry panels.
During the later years of Louis XV’s reign, there was a shift from the ostentatious rocaille style, part of the exuberantly decorative Rococo movement in Europe for which designers such as Nicolas Pineau and Juste-Aurèle Meissonier are known. The style under Louis XVI would return to boxier forms, but with a neoclassical touch inspired by the ancient world.
Find antique Louis XV bedroom furniture, seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
19th Century French Louis XV Walnut Display Armoire
Located in Dallas, TX
Graceful lines, warm walnut, and original beveled glass give this late 19th century French Louis XV display armoire a refined presence rooted in classic French craftsmanship. The ser...
Glass, Walnut
Walnut Louis XV Bookcase with Glass Doors, circa 1890
Located in Evergreen, CO
Elegant in every way, this late-19th century, Louis XV bookcase is as stunning as it is practical. The beautiful, tight grain of walnut, finished in a medium stain is showcased on th...
Glass, Walnut, Oak
Early 19th Century French Country Louis XV Style Painted Buffet Duex Corps
Located in Birmingham, AL
An early 19th century French Country Louis XV painted buffet deux corps from the south of France, dating to the early 1800s. Graceful in form and generous in scale, this charming pro...
Walnut, Paint
18th Century Oak Corner Library Cupboard
Located in Vosselaar, BE
This mid-18th century oak corner cupboard originates from the Prebysterie (living quarters of a pastor) of the small Normandy village of Foie, now part of Normanville. It was reputed...
Oak
Henredon Dutch Louis XV Oak and Burl Wood Lighted Bookcase Cabinet, Circa 1960s
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Dutch Louis XV style lighted breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet By Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Carved oak and burl wood, with glass front doors and sides, and original...
Brass
Large Solid Oak French Louis XV Style Breakfront Bookcase Vitrine, circa 1980
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This impressive French Louis XV style breakfront bookcase vitrine, crafted in solid oak circa 1980, is a striking example of fine European craftsmanship. The substantial design featu...
Oak
Louis XV Bookcase by Pierre Garnier with Inlay Wood and Marble Top, circa 1750
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb inlaid bookcase / vitrine / showcase with very thick marble top, feet decorated with bronze and double mesh door. 3 shelves present. In excellent general condition. Key present, the lock works perfectly Louis XV style and period, France, 18th century, around 1750. By the cabinetmaker Pierre Garnier...
Marble, Bronze
Romweber French Provincial Louis XV Burl Wood Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, 1920s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style breakfront bookcase cabinet or dining cabinet By Romweber USA, Circa 1920s Gorgeous book-matched exotic burled acacia wood, with mu...
Brass
French 18th Century Louis XV Style Provincial - Country French Armoire Bookcase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Tall French 18th-19th Century Louis XV Style Provincial - Country French Carved Walnut Armoire - Bibliotheque - Bookcase. The twin-door vitrine or book cabinet with three wooden sh...
Brass, Bronze
Pair of French Louis XV Style Yellow and White Painted Bookcases
Located in Dallas, TX
A large pair of French Louis XV style bookcases in a yellow and white painted finish. These wonderful cabinets are handcrafted and hand...
Iron, Wire
Louis XV Style Bibliotheque or Book Case
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis XV Style Bibliotheque or Book Case - a large and substantial piece and a compliment to any large room which needs sophisticated stora...
Brass, Wire
18th Century French Louis XV Small Marquetry Bookcase or Vitrine
Located in Berlin, DE
18th century French Louis XV small Marquetry bookcase or Vitrine Rectangular vitrine or bookcase standing on four cabriole feet, front and sides slightly curved, the angles pointe...
Breccia Marble, Bronze
French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Mahogany and Ormolu Mounted Vitrine
By Georges-François Alix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and large French 19th-20th century Louis XV style mahogany and ormolu-mounted Vitrine cabinet with its original Veined Mint green marble top, attributed to Georges-François Alix...
Marble, Ormolu
Late 19th Century Louis XV Style Trumeau Shelf
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Rare trumeau shelf in Louis XV style. Late 19th century and later. Solid oak, skilfully carved with ornamental, floral and rocaille motifs. Trumeau was originally just the name for ...
Oak, Plywood
19th Century French Hand Carved Four Shelves Open Bookcase in Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
French walnut hand carved four shelves open bookcase in Louis XV style. Massive and stable in very good condition. France, circa 1890.
Walnut
French Louis XV Style Oak Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Large French Louis XV style oak bookcase with adjustable shelves and chicken wire in doors.
Wire
19th Century French Kingwood and Ormolu Revolving Bookcase
Located in London, GB
A French revolving library bookcase Constructed in kingwood, amaranth and goncalo alves, and dressed with high quality gilt bronze work; rising from quadripartite swept and hipped...
Bronze
Baker Furniture Louis XV Oak Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style secretary desk with bookcase hutch By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Carved oak, with leather writing surface, and original brass...
Brass
Pair of Marble Top Bookcases with Brass Gallery and Mountings
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A pair of ebonized Louis XV style bookcases circa 1940, with a coral tone marble top and brass gallery and ormolu mountings to feet and apron.
Marble, Brass
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Fine Hammered Brass by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louis XV-Style Vitrine with Marquetry Decoration, 19th century
Located in Paris, FR
Louis XV-style vitrine crafted of veneered rosewood, amaranth and satinwood. Elegantly set upon cabriole legs, the showcase is distinguished by a luxurious marquetry decoration featu...
Rosewood, Satinwood
Karges Style French Regency Louis XVI Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful French Regency Louis XV style breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet In the manner of Karges USA, Circa 1960s Carved cream lacquered walnut, with gold gilt trim. Meas...
Glass, Walnut, Giltwood, Lacquer
French 18th Century Louis XV Transition Period Cube Marquetry Vitrine or Library
Located in Berlin, DE
French 18th century Louis XV Transition period cube marquetry vitrine showcase or library A fine small 18th century Louis XV/Transitional period vitr...
Bronze
French Bookcase, Louis XV Style 19th century.
Located in Leimen, DE
Step back in time with this captivating Napoleon III Bookcase from France, dating back to the 1850-60's. Its charming design features a slightly curved front with two doors, boasting...
Marble
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Style Kingwood Bronze Mounted Open Bookcase
Located in Middleburg, VA
Mid-20th century French Louis XV style Kingwood bronze mounted open front bookcase. Beautiful inlay work on the sides. France, circa 1940. Measures: 34.25" H, 40" W, 10.5" D.
Bronze
Vitrine French 2 Door with Marble Top, Ormolu Mounts, Louis XV Styling
Located in Toronto, CA
A vitrine in the Louis XV French styling, with 2 glass doors and a marble top. The case is veneered in Walnut with tulip wood and rosewood and the ormolu mounts give it a formal char...
Tulipwood, Walnut
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Tulipwood and Ormolu Bibus
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant French 19th century Louis XV st. tulipwood and ormolu mounted Bibus, stamped F.Durand FILS. The Étagère is raised by Fine cabriole legs with beautiful wrap around ormolu s...
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XV St. Kingwood, Tulipwood, Ormolu and Marble Étagère
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and very high quality French 19th century Louis XV st. Kingwood, Tulipwood, ormolu and Brèche marble Bibus/étagère, stamped G.DURAND. The bookshelf is raised by five most ...
Marble, Ormolu
French Louis XV 18th Century Walnut Vitrine Display Cabinet with Glass Door
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petite French Louis XV period walnut vitrine display cabinet from the 18th century, with single glass door and richly carved floral-themed motifs. ...
Glass, Walnut
18th Century Italian Louis XV Carved Walnut Sideboard Plate Rack
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Beautiful 18th century Italian Louis XV walnut sideboard plate rack, original brass hinges, key escutcheon plates and pulls, fine carved door, shaped apron, elegant front legs ending...
Walnut
French Louis XV Period Dome Top Oak Bibliothèque, circa 1750
Located in valatie, NY
This gracious dome top country French bibliothèque is made of carved golden oak. It has two arched top removable doors with inset scrolled panels and scrolled openings with traditional inset chicken wire. This beautiful piece has its original brass rooster head hardware. The doors open with no centre post to an interior lined in gold damask trimmed...
Oak
Louis XV Dome Topped Walnut Bibliotheque, c1750
Located in valatie, NY
This beautiful French Louis XV bookcase has a single molded domed top and two arched doors with screened openings. The bibliotheque is carved with wheat, grapes, flowers, leaves and ...
Mesh, Walnut
Superb Quality French Louis XV Walnut and Bronze Magazine Music Canterbury Rack
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This superb quality French Louis XV walnut and bronze magazine or music Canterbury rack is a finely crafted piece that blends elegance with functionality. Fashioned from rich walnut,...
Bronze
Maison Jansen French Louis XV Style Red Lacquered & Gilt Trimmed Bookcase
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (1940s) red lacquered and gilt trimmed bookcase with 2 drawers above 3 shelves with a shaped top and bronze sabot feet. (Stamped: JANSEN)
Giltwood, Wood
Rare Kingwood & Mahogany Louis XV Style Bookcase
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Exceptional Quality Louis XV Style Bookcase in Kingwood and Mahogany parquetry, with thick 1-3/4″ marble top. With original ormolu mounts and hardware, this is a truly fine and rare ...
Marble
Bibliotheque by Paul Sormani with Gilt Bronze and Brèche d'Alep Marble Top
By Paul Sormani
Located in New York, NY
This Sormani bookshelf is made of kingwood and bois satine with a brèche d'Alep marble top. The center panel holds an open shelf with adjustable shelf and a section with sliding tamb...
Bronze
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Smooth Copper by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Library /Secretary in Marquetry by Chevrie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Superb furniture in marquetry and bronze in the louis XV louis XVI transition style executed by A.Chevrie famous parisian cabinetmaker of this time. The furniture at the top opens ...
Bronze
Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bibliotheque, Attributed to François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted bibliotheque, attributed to François Linke. This bookcase is lavishly mounted with ormolu, notably the busts of soldiers to the angles which are known as 'têtes des guerriers antiques'. The doors are quarter veneered with a diamond pattern in precious timber and enclose three adjustable shelves. French, Circa 1890 This impressive bookcase reprises the work of the celebrated Ancien Régime...
Bronze
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Mid. Hammered Copper by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Mid. Hammered Antique Bronze by P Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Mid. Hammered White Bronze by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Fine Hammered Copper by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Fine Hammered White Bronze by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Cupboards in Fine Hammered White Bronze by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Fine Hammered Antique Bronze by P Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Smooth White Bronze by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Smooth Antique Bronze by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Louise Credenza Art Deco Bookcases in Smooth Brass by Paul Mathieu
By Stephanie Odegard Collection
Located in New York, NY
Louise Credenza from our Louise Collection. The renowned designer Paul Mathieu chose the name “Louise Credenza” when he created his more feminine version of Louis XV (1730-1760) furn...
Metal, Sheet Metal