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Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

LOUIS XV STYLE

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.

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Style: Louis XV
Period: 1980s
French Louis XV Style Desk or Writing Table by Baker
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A fabulous Louis XV style desk which boasts elegant cabriole legs, four drawers, the left being a double height drawer, with wonderful oak grain and charming carved details. The desk...
Category

1980s American Vintage Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

White Distressed Painted French Louis XV Style Ladies Vanity Writing Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautifully done shallow depth French Louis XV style American made ladies vanity or writing desk. The piece can be used as a desk because the...
Category

1980s American Vintage Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Brass Bound Leather Top Louis XV Bureau Plat Baker Collector's Edition Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1980s American Vintage Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Baker Collector's Edition Brass Bound Leather Top Louis XV Bureau Plat
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1980s American Vintage Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

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French Louis XV Rococo Style Walnut Writing Desk Table Circa 1960s
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Late 19th Century French Louis XV Style Hand Carved Walnut Desk or Writing Table
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French Louis XV Baker Furniture Louis XV Secretary Desk Collector's Edition
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a rare item from Baker furniture. It's a French Louis XV style secretary desk in walnut with a mesh grill set for the doors. The desk measures 89 tal...
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Louis XV Style French Kingwood Parquetry and Gilt Bronze Bureau Plat 'Desk'
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Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
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Gorgeous French Louis XV Style Ebonized Writing Executive Desk
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This is a gorgeous superb quality desk. The desk features incredible bronze ormolu and mounts and a rich leather top. The desk Measures 43.5 wide x 27 deep x 30 tall. Dates to the 19...
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Boulle Writing Desk
Located in New York, NY
Well-proportioned French black lacquer and Boulle writing desk with metal gallery raised back. Writing surface covered in leather, and drawers with...
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Boulle Writing Desk
Boulle Writing Desk
H 38 in W 31 in D 20 in
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French Louis XV Style Distressed Painted Desk Writing Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your deliv...
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Located in Charleston, SC
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Previously Available Items
Red Baker Collector's Edition Leather Top Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bronzed accents, hardware and foot caps. Leather top. 3 dovetailed drawers. 30 1/2" h x 66" w x 29" d. Condition Scratches. Finish loss. Wear to leather top. Oxidation.
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Bronze

Rare Andre Boulle Brass Inlaid Faux Tortoise Shell Writing Table or Center Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a stunning figural bronze brass inlaid center table with faux tortoise shell and the best bronze ormolu. The table can be used as a writing table or even as a center table as...
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1980s French Vintage Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

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French Louis XV Painted Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Vintage French Louis XV Desk is made out of solid wood and has been newly painted in an off gray color with a beautiful hand-done distressed finish. The desk features a solid be...
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French Louis XV Painted Desk
French Louis XV Painted Desk
H 31 in W 60 in D 31 in
Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Decorated Desk
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Louis XV style chinoiserie decorated desk made by Kargas, circa 1980.
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1980s North American Vintage Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Louis Xv desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Louis XV desks and writing tables 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 desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Louis XV desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include François Linke, Baker Furniture Company, Alfred Emmanuel Louis Beurdeley, and L. Cueunieres Ebeniste.. 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 desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $486 and tops out at $1,000,000 while the average work can sell for $6,433.

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