Known as the “Citizen King,” Louis Philippe reigned from 1830 to the Revolution of 1848 with the support of the upper bourgeoisie. Whereas the monarchs of 18th-century France, including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, dictated aesthetics through the decadence of the aristocratic court, Louis Philippe had a more down-to-earth presence. He could be seen walking the streets like an ordinary person, carrying his own umbrella and shaking hands with subjects. Antique Louis Philippe–style furniture reflects a sense of simplicity and the sovereign’s passion for the country’s history, such as his establishment of a Museum of the History of France at Versailles, which had been mostly disused since the French Revolution.
Middle Ages, Gothic and Renaissance design informed a nationalist style that celebrated this heritage, with the hodgepodge of influences becoming prevalent in the homes of the bourgeoisie. Cabinetmakers Guillaume and Jean-Michel Grohé created reproductions of historic pieces for the king as well as royal houses abroad. Louis Philippe commissioned sculptor François Rude to create patriotic monuments that paid tribute to military heroes, while designs for furniture published by Claude-Aimé Chenavard, an ornamentalist who conceived widely loved objects for the Sèvres manufactory, further helped spread a revival of Renaissance style.
The rounded profiles of authentic Louis Philippe tables and chairs were preferred in the apartments rather than palaces being furnished by the affluent middle and upper classes. Ornamentation was minimal on the finely crafted pieces, such as large rectangular mirrors adorned with gold and silver leaf finishes and subdued carvings. The popular Louis Philippe commodes were solidly made with clean lines that showed off the grain of the wood and were often topped with marble surfaces.
Find a collection of antique Louis Philippe seating, dining tables, bedroom furniture and other items on 1stDibs.
19th Century French Louis Philippe Walnut Rafraîchissoir with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant and highly functional, this antique Louis Philippe rafraîchissoir was originally designed as a refreshing station for chilling and serving wine. Crafted in France circa 1840,...
Marble, Zinc
19th Century French Louis Philippe Walnut Rafraîchissoir with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
A refined example of a traditional French rafraîchissoir, this antique walnut table was designed as a convenient serving station for chilled wine or Champagne. Crafted in France circ...
Marble, Zinc
Louis Philippe Rafraichissoir Table, Mahogany & Marble, France, 1845
Located in Austin, TX
Rafraichissoir table from France in the Louis XVI style. This beautiful antique side table features two metal bucket holders and a small drawer for bar accessories. The mahogany has ...
Carrara Marble
$2,000
H 31 in W 37 in D 17.25 in
Antique French Louis Philippe Provincial Maple Wash Table W/ Carrara Marble
Located in Astoria, NY
A charming late 19th-century French Provincial wash table or vanity, made in the style of Louis Philippe and sourced directly from Provence, France. Beautifully hand-crafted from sol...
Carrara Marble
$3,990
H 27 in W 20.25 in D 20.25 in
French Louis Philipe Walnut, Marble, & Zinc Table de Rafraichissoir, circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
the square top is marble with a zinc ice well used for wine bottles, the top with a raised wooden gallery edge, body of two tiers for accessory and glass storage, raised on turned legs
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Walnut & Glass, Italy
By Cassina, Cesare Lacca
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian bar cart made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed by Cesare Lacca and produced by Cassina, enhanced by detailed wood carvings, in good cond...
Metal, Chrome
$3,070
H 28.85 in W 29 in D 18.25 in
French Louis XVI Rafraichissoir Table, Brass & Marble, Circa 1920
Located in Stockbridge, GA
This wonderful table called "Rafraichissoir" is originally used to put bottles into the brass containers with ice cubes. Very convenient to have it beside a sofa. It can be used as w...
Marble, Brass
19th Century Iron and Marble Top French Pastry Table
Located in San Angelo, TX
A gorgeous 19th century French marble top pastry table featuring old white painted patina on the iron base. This beauty features decorative brass hardware with patina and a white vei...
Marble, Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Walnut & Chrome, 1940s
By Cassina, Cesare Lacca
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian bar cart made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed by Cesare Lacca and produced by Cassina, enhanced by detailed wood carvings,...
Metal, Chrome
$2,495
H 30 in W 30 in D 16 in
20th Century French Louis XVI Walnut Champagne Table, Rafraichissoir, Server
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This mid twentieth century Louis XVI style walnut side table features a marble top surrounded by a bronze gallery. Two removable zinc buckets that rest in the marble top serve to chi...
Marble, Zinc
$2,400
H 29.63 in W 17.75 in D 17.75 in
19th Century French Mahogany Rafraîchissoir Table with Marble Top
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French mahogany and gray marble rafraîchissoir table from the late 19th century. Functioning like a bar cart or dry bar, this occasional table is adapted to keeping beverages cold ...
Marble, Brass
$2,975
H 34.25 in W 30.75 in D 20.25 in
Mid Century French Mahogany and Brass Three Tier Campaign Table/Cart Brass
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elegant mid-century French bar cart featuring three circular mahogany tiers supported by slender brass columns. The top shelf is encircled by a polished brass gallery rail with decor...
Brass
19th Century Louis Philippe Rafraichissoir Side Table
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Louis Philippe rafraîchissoir, or wine cooler, made of walnut with turned legs, lower shelf and a small dovetailed drawer with brass knob. Black marble top with...
Marble, Brass
$4,800
H 28.75 in W 47.75 in D 26.875 in
19th Century Painted French Iron Pastry or Butcher Table with Carrara Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique white painted iron table with marble top was produced in France, circa 1870. Tables such as these would have been used to do disp...
Carrara Marble, Iron
Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Rafraîchissoir Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Louis Philippe rafraîchissoir table in fruitwood with grey marble top, zinc linked wells, a single drawer, and 2 lower shelves. Late 19th Century 29 1/2"h x 18 1/4"w x 18 1/...
Marble
French 19th Century Rafraichissoir
Located in Austin, TX
French antique solid walnut Rafraichissoir, turned legs, gilt brass trim and hardware, side drawer, Sainte Anne marble top has openings for two tin ice buckets with handles. A classy...
Walnut