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Louis XIV Furniture

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: Coduri of Lyon, France
Marble and Bronze Clock with Allegory of Astronomy Representing Copernico
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Marble and bronze clock with allegory of astronomy representing Copernico The clock measurements: 60 x 48 x 16 cm and Vases: 28 x 15 x 15 cm ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Marble and Bronze Clock with Allegory of Astronomy Representing Copernico
Marble and Bronze Clock with Allegory of Astronomy Representing Copernico

Marble and Bronze Clock with Allegory of Astronomy Representing Copernico

Large Gilded Bronze Clock with Louis XIV Figure, 18th Century
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Large gilded bronze clock with Louis XIV figure. Mechanism working with a pendulum and original key End 18th century beginning 19th century...
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Large Gilded Bronze Clock with Louis XIV Figure, 18th Century
Large Gilded Bronze Clock with Louis XIV Figure, 18th Century

Large Gilded Bronze Clock with Louis XIV Figure, 18th Century

Important Cartel in Green Horn Veneer Gille L Aine 18th Century
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Important Cartel in green horn Veneer Gille L Aine 18th, gilded bronzes and brass inlays chiseled with foliage of flowers and natural patterns. The dial i...
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Important Cartel in Green Horn Veneer Gille L Aine 18th Century
Important Cartel in Green Horn Veneer Gille L Aine 18th Century

Important Cartel in Green Horn Veneer Gille L Aine 18th Century

Table Clock in Patinated and Gilded Bronze from the 18th Century
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Table clock in patinated and gilded bronze from the 18th century with religious scene Size 44 x 25 x 14 cm 1450 euro very good condition.
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Table Clock in Patinated and Gilded Bronze from the 18th Century
Table Clock in Patinated and Gilded Bronze from the 18th Century

Table Clock in Patinated and Gilded Bronze from the 18th Century

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19th Century Gilded Ormolu and Bronze Mantel Clock
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Boulle ta Table Clock in Wood and Brass from the Second Half of the 20th Century
Boulle ta Table Clock in Wood and Brass from the Second Half of the 20th Century

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Chiseled and Gilded Bronze Clock
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Chiseled and Gilded Bronze Clock

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Late 19th Century Italian Walnut Burl Inlaid Louis XIV Secretary Drop Leaf Desk
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Late 19th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Furniture

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Late 19th Century Italian Walnut Burl Inlaid Louis XIV Secretary Drop Leaf Desk
Late 19th Century Italian Walnut Burl Inlaid Louis XIV Secretary Drop Leaf Desk

Late 19th Century Italian Walnut Burl Inlaid Louis XIV Secretary Drop Leaf Desk

H 40.75 in W 39 in D 20.5 in
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A fine and rare French 19th century Louis XIV style mahogany and brass inlaid drop-front freestanding secretary desk in the manner of André-Charles Boulle. The slender mahogany body ...
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French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Mahogany & Brass Inlay Secretary Boulle Desk
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Mahogany & Brass Inlay Secretary Boulle Desk

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MID-18th CENTURY WOODEN WRITING DESK LOUIS XV
MID-18th CENTURY WOODEN WRITING DESK LOUIS XV

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Previously Available Items
Important French Table Clock, Louis XIV, 18th Century
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Important French table clock, Louis XIV. 18th century wooden box covered with marquetry "de Boulle". Applications in cast, chiseled, relie...
Category

18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture

Materials

Wood

Important French Table Clock, Louis XIV, 18th Century
Important French Table Clock, Louis XIV, 18th Century

Important French Table Clock, Louis XIV, 18th Century

H 44.1 in W 28.75 in D 24.81 in

Louis Xiv furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XIV furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XIV furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include La Maison London, Towle Silversmiths, Coduri of Lyon, France, and OMBRES ET FACETTES. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $65 and tops out at $1,176,864 while the average work can sell for $4,995.

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