Louis XIV Furniture
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.
19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Brass, Ormolu
19th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Wood
Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Silver
1920s American Vintage Louis XIV Furniture
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Ormolu
Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Furniture
Oak
18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Marble
17th Century Belgian Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Wool, Silk
1960s French Vintage Louis XIV Furniture
Crystal, Bronze
20th Century Louis XIV Furniture
Fabric, Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Bronze
Mid-18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Wood
1710s Italian Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Pine
20th Century Spanish Louis XIV Furniture
Fabric, Velvet, Wood, Leather, Walnut
1880s French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Upholstery, Textile, Wood, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century European Louis XIV Furniture
Giltwood
18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Bronze
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Mother-of-Pearl, Giltwood
20th Century Egyptian Louis XIV Furniture
Ormolu
Early 20th Century American Louis XIV Furniture
Cut Glass
1880s Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Brass
This remarkable antique well-head is an exquisite example of 18th Century craftsmanship. Made from high-quality French limestone, it showcases intricate carvings and timeless elegance in the Louis XIV style. Originating from Paris, France, and dated between 1760 and 1780, this wellhead is a true piece of history and artistry. Its provenance and perfect condition make it an exceptional find for collectors and garden enthusiasts alike.
History of Antique Wellheads...18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Limestone
Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Wool
Early 18th Century Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Leather, Wood
Late 17th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Wood, Walnut
Mid-17th Century Italian Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XIV Furniture
Marble
Late 17th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Walnut
1890s French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Marble, Brass
Late 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Steel
Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Bronze, Iron
Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Stone
Early 20th Century Italian Louis XIV Furniture
Marble
Mid-18th Century Swedish Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Glass, Mirror, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century French Louis XIV Furniture
Oak
1930s French Vintage Louis XIV Furniture
Bronze
18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Wood
1870s French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Giltwood
19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Limestone
19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Brass
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
1980s American Vintage Louis XIV Furniture
Concrete
21st Century and Contemporary American Louis XIV Furniture
Brass
18th Century Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Marble
Late 18th Century Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Walnut
19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Pine
Early 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Marble
Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Limestone
18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Stone, Limestone, Sandstone
19th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Bronze
Early 18th Century French Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Oak
1930s French Vintage Louis XIV Furniture
Brass, Bronze
1890s Belgian Antique Louis XIV Furniture
Brass