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.
Renaissance Stained Glass Window, Louis XVIII - 19th Century
Located in Porto, PT
Renaissance Stained Glass Window, Louis XVIII - 19th Century. Renaissance stained glass window, Louis XVIII style, 19th century, in colored glass, depicting a knight using grisaille ...
Glass
Set of 4 Baccarat crystal glasses signed - France - Sevigne model Louis XV style
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Set of 4 Baccarat crystal glasses, so-called Sevigne model, composed of : - 1 water glass - American format (16.9cm high) (rare format) - 1 red wine glass (cm high) - 1 white wine gl...
Crystal
Set of 5 Vintage French Baccarat Style Crystal Champagne Flute
By Baccarat
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 5 Vintage French Baccarat Crystal Champagne Flute Set of 5 Baccarats champagne flute stems with panel cut sides. These pattern is retired and hard to come by. The delicate...
Crystal
$3,733 / set
H 16.54 in Dm 3.55 in
Set of 6 Green Overlay Baccarat Crystal glasses, 1 Decanter, Saint Louis
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, set of 6 high-end glasses by Baccarat and 1 carafe by Saint Lois in green double-layered crystal with a beautiful carved decor. 1. Wine glasses Baccarat: H 7.6...
Crystal
French 19th Century Flat Lidded Glass Jar
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Petite, clear glass jar with lid. This sweet little jar is raised on a short pedestal and is crowned with a flat lid. The lid overhangs the jar and has a ‘t...
Glass
Baccarat Credited Vintage Crystal Bottles Set of Four
Located in Roma, IT
Baccarat Credited Vintage Crystal Bottles Set of Four Beautiful and rare set of four crystal bottles entirely hand-cut in the purest Baccarat ...
Crystal
French 19th Century Glass Cheese Dome
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French hand blown dome used for covering cheese or pastries, most likely for display in a mercantile shop. Be sure to view the detailed images of this culinary antique.
Blown Glass
French 19th Century Glass Fly Catcher
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique handmade fly catcher, mouth-blown from clear glass and dating to 19th century France. The basin at the bottom of the glass cone is meant to be filled with a small amount of ...
Glass
$3,967 / set
H 7.49 in Dm 3.15 in
Set of 6 Deep Blue Overlay Baccarat Crystal glasses and Decanter, 1940, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, set of 6 high-end glasses and 1 carafe in deep blue double- layered crystal by Baccarat with an beautiful carved decor. Height wine glass 19 cm Diameter 7,5 ...
Crystal
Early 19th Century Irish Cut Glass Compote
Located in Long Island City, NY
Early 19th century Irish cut glass compote
Glass
$3,383 / set
H 11.42 in Dm 2.25 in
Set of 6 Exquise Multi Color Baccarat Flute Crystal glasses, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, set of 6 high-end glasses in multi-colored crystal by Baccarat. The pure and clean bowl contrast with an angular and tactile stem. The result of this union is a...
Crystal
$2,858 / set
H 0.04 in Dm 0.04 in
Baccarat - Set of Dom Perignon Crystal Champagne Water Wine Glasses - 40 Pieces
By Baccarat, Cristalleries De Baccarat
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Set of 40 glasses "Dom Perignon" made in crystal by Baccarat in 1960s Stamped signature under each glass. Set for 10 people including: - 10 champagne glasses - 23,5 cm high - 10 wat...
Crystal
Complete Set of 36 Baccarat Crystal Drinking Glasses, France, c.1960
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A stunning set of crystal drinking glasses made by the world renowned glass manufacturer Baccarat, France around the middle of the 20th century. This stunning set comprises of twelve...
Glass
French 19th Century Glass Cheese Dome
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French hand blown dome used for covering cheese or pastries, most likely for display in a mercantile shop. We believe this item to be in good antique condition considering its age,...
Blown Glass
Box Forming Box For Aperitif Glasses, Crystal Sèvres Glasses
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box forming box for aperitif glasses, crystal Sèvres glasses, box decor forms 3 books on the history of France, a drawer on the lower part. Measures:...
Crystal
Box Forming Box For Aperitif Glasses, Crystal Sèvres Glasses
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Box forming box for aperitif glasses, crystal sèvres glasses, box decor forms 3 books on the history of France, a drawer on the lower part. Measures:...
Crystal
Louis XV Style French Crystal Carved Chandelier
Located in Valladolid, ES
Impressive and unusual crystal carved chandelier in the style of Louis XV. With 24 lights. French crystal with floral design
Crystal, Sterling Silver