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.
French early 19th century Louis XIV st. Giltwood mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and monumentally scaled French early 19th century Louis XIV st. Giltwood mirror. This impressive double framed mirror, with all original gilding throughout, stands on two ...
Mirror, Giltwood
Excellent Gilt Girondelle Wall Mirror
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Fine C19th gilt girondelle, with bevelled glass plate, original back, candle holders and a small shelf, in overall very good condition. 43" high 26" wide 6" depth You are welcome t...
Gesso
French 18th century Louis XIV Period Giltwood mirror
By Jean Bérain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and monumentally scaled French 18th century Louis XIV Period Giltwood mirror, in the manner of Jean Berain. The central beveled mirror plate of this stunning mirror is...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century French Regence Style Large Carved Giltwood Mirror
Located in Montreal, QC
This highly decorative large mirror has a carved central crested pediment flanked by griffins. The open mirrored side panels, combined with the large central shaped plate give a grea...
Mirror, Wood, Gesso
$2,250Sale Price|24% Off
Important Louis XIV Style Miror with Parecloses
Located in Paris, FR
Large Louis XIV style mirror with mirror bars in blackened wood and rich gilded and embossed copper decoration. The pediment is adorned with a motif of a basket of overflowing flower...
Copper
Carved Giltwood Marginal Frame Mirror
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Louis XIV style carved giltwood marginal frame mirror. This finely carved giltwood and gesso mirror has an oval mirror plate within a beaded surround, framed by finely etched marginal mirror plates, within a re-entrant rectangular frame with acanthus and foliate carving. The mirror is surmounted by a pierced acanthus and 'C'- scroll cartouche flanked by recumbent sphinx...
Glass, Giltwood
Italian 18th Century Louis XIV Period Double Framed Giltwood Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning Italian 18th century Louis XIV period double framed giltwood mirror. The original mirror plate is framed within a carved band in a satin and burnished finish and an elegan...
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique French Louis XIV Style Gold Gilt Mirror with Flower Basket
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Louis XIV-style reproduction mirror in gold gilt beautifully echoes the opulent grandeur of 17th-century French design. The frame, finished in a rich gold gilt, showcases a p...
Glass, Wood, Giltwood
Midcentury French Large Gilded Convex Wall Hanging Mirror
Located in Torquay, GB
Midcentury French convex wall mirror circa 1970s. Large sized, with a gilded cast plaster surround. Shows some nice age patina. Very decorative. Will add a fabulous accent to mos...
Mirror, Plaster, Wood
Italian Piemonte LXIV Period Carved Giltwood & Ebonized Mirror Early 18thCentury
Located in Atlanta, GA
The rectangular ebonized frame having an outer molded edge, the interior adorned with giltwood carvings in circular scroll forms, the inner molding also giltwood, mirror plate is mod...
Giltwood
Northern Italian LXIV Period Walnut and Ebonized Wall Mirror, 1stq 18th cen.
Located in Atlanta, GA
essentially a frame within a frame, the bold moldings of repeating stepped forms at the corners, the frame covered in alternating walnut and ebonized veneers, retaining its antique m...
Walnut
Italian Louis XIV Carved Giltwood Mirror, 1st quarter 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
the frame of rectangular form and having molded edges, all surfaces originally gilded, with carved floral corner accents, now fitted with a 1/4" mirrorplate
Giltwood
Italian Rectangular Carved and Gilded Mirror Louis XIV Style 18th Century
Located in Milano, MI
Gilded Cornice Del 1700, splendid Italian Louis XIV style mirror in carved wood, rectangular shape centered by modern mirror, richly carved with deep scrollwork decorated with folia...
Gold Leaf
Late 19th-C. French Louis XIV Style Carved Giltwood Mirror With Birds
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this mirror because it is so unusual with its carved giltwood garland that concludes with two doves. It is a late 19th century French carved giltwood mirror in very good condi...
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian, Tuscany, LXIV Period Walnut and Ebonized Mirror, early 18th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Of rectangular form and having a series of both convex and concave carved dark walnut and ebonized moldings throughout, now fitted with a modern mirror plate
Walnut
Italian, Emiliana, LXIV Period Carved and Burl Walnut Veneer Mirror, ca. 1715
Located in Atlanta, GA
of rectangular form with deep carvings to the outer and inner edges, the central portion o of the frame covered in thick burl walnut veneers, now fitted with a quarter inch mirror pl...
Walnut
Italian, Veneto, Late LXIV Period Shaped Giltwood Mirror, circa 1700
Located in Atlanta, GA
robustly sized and having graduated moldings, largely retaining its original gilded surfaces, the frame tightened and braced and now fitted with a modern 1/4" mirroplate
Giltwood
Red Painted & Parcel Gilt Louis XIV Style Mirror
Located in Kent, Dover
A French Mid-Century red painted and parcel gilt mirror in the Louis XIV style.
Fruitwood
Large Antique Carved Gilt Wood Mirror, Louis XIV Style, circa 1965
Located in Paris, FR
Large antique French mirror of Louis XIV style, circa 1965. Antique carved gilt wood frame (width: 8 cm / 3.14 in.) with French decor Louis...
Gold Leaf
Antique French Giltwood Mirror, 17th Century Style Ornaments, circa 1930
By Berain
Located in Paris, FR
Antique French mirror, circa 1930. Giltwood frame with ornaments in the "Berain" style, famous French 17th century ornamentalist (Jean Berain, 1640-1711). Re-gilding to the leaf pati...
Mirror, Giltwood
Rare Small Antique French Mirror in Carved Giltwood, Louis XIV style, circa 1760
Located in Paris, FR
Rare small antique French mirror in carved lime wood gilded with fine gold (original gilding), in the Louis XIV style, circa 1760 (late 18th century). Antique frame decorated with fo...
Mirror, Wood
19th Century French Louis XVI Oval Giltwood Mirror
Located in Stamford, CT
A exquisite 19th Century French Louis XVI oval giltwood beveled mirror. With beautiful carvings and a great size this mirror makes an impressive statement. Perfect over a fireplace o...
Mirror, Wood
Napoleon III Ormolu Boulle Mirror
Located in Tarrytown, NY
In the Louis XIV style, circa 1860. Rectangular beveled mirror with Boulle frame. In 1999 the identical mirror sold at Christies in London for $ 7573. In 2007, again the identica...
19th Century Antique French Wall Mirror, Louis XVI Style
Located in COLMAR, FR
A fabulous, antique wall mirror sourced in France offering a majestic visual impact. The frame is made of solid wood and molded, gilded stuck. It is decorated with striking, voluptuo...
Plaster, Hardwood
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Large Gilt Mirror / Looking Glass with Double Frame Louis XIV St. France Xxth
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Gorgeous Louis XIV style glazing bead mirror in golden wood. In the style of Italian mirrors, baroque style. Decor of intertwined foliage and flowers. Pediment decorated with shells....
Mirror
Italian, Piemonte, Rococo Period Carved Giltwood 2-Piece Mirror, 1stq 18th cen.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Of ornate design this mirror is in a fantastic state of preservation and features an inner rectangular frame with a series of moldings and the outer mirrored surface punctuated by gi...
Giltwood
French Painted and Gilt Figural and Cherub Beaded Trumeau Mirror, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
French painted and gilt figural trumeau mirror with a caved molded cornice oval beading and adorning cherubs. Mirror retains the original glass and wood backing. Late 18th century
Mirror, Giltwood, Paint
A Late 18th Century or Early 19th Century Regence Style Giltwood Mirror.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A late 18th century or early 19th century Regence style giltwood and carved mirror. A late 18th century or early 19th century gilt and carved wood Regency style mirror. Dimensions ...
Giltwood
18th Century Regency Carved Oak Frame Wall Mirror, Louis XIV Style
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Regency Carved Oak Frame, 18th Century
Giltwood
Antique Louis XIV Style Mirror in Carton-Pierre, circa 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Rare, french antique Louis XIV style mirror, late 19th century. Antique frame Louis XIV style in carton-pierre (Pulped paper and glue invented in 19th century as a substitute for stu...
Wood, Mirror
$7,800Sale Price|20% Off
Louis XIV Style Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique giltwood mirror in the Louis XIV style, dating from the 19th century, with flowers and detail encircling the frame and two angels on the bottom and two on top.
Giltwood
Italian, Emiliana, Late Louis XIV Period Carved Giltwood MIrror, ca. 1740
Located in Atlanta, GA
carved in the early rococo style and covered in gold leaf, now fitted with a modern 1/4" mirrorplate
Giltwood
French Mahogany Paladin Ormolu Cheval Mirror. Circa 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
French mahogany paladin cheval mirror with gilt ormolu mounts, side columns, and terminating on scrolled legs with the original brass casters, Late 18th Century. Mirror retains the ...
Brass, Ormolu
Italian, Emiliana, Louis XIV Period Faux Marble Painted Mirror, early 18th cen.
Located in Atlanta, GA
of rectangular form with a molded edge and retaining its original faux marble painting, now fitted with a modern mirroplate
Paint
pair of Roman early 18th century Louis XIV Period Giltwood mirrors
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of Roman early 18th century Louis XIV Period Giltwood mirrors. Each wonderfully unique mirror is set within a richly carved Giltwood frame with pierced bottom support...
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century French Giltwood Octagonal Mirror in Louis XIV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
Mirror with glazing ornaments in wood and octagonal gilded stucco. The pediment with broad plume of acanthus flowers. The reserves of mirrors staples lined with gordons. Louis XIV s...
Giltwood
French 17th century mirror in olive wood
Located in PARIS, FR
A nice French 17th century mirror in olive wood and peer wood Old restaurations
Fruitwood
19th Century French Louis XVI Cushion Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous French Louis XVI octagonal cushion mirror with lovely gilt and gesso finish. Having amazingly detailed hand-carved cherub form cartouche, original beveled and etched mirrore...
Gesso, Giltwood
Italian 17th century Louis XIV Period Giltwood mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and most elegant Italian 17th century Louis XIV Period Giltwood mirror. This stunning double framed mirror displays a finely carved foliate frame with a fluted design. Ce...
Mirror, Giltwood
18th Century, Large Italian Rocaille Lacquered and Giltwood Mirror
Located in IT
18th century, large Italian lacquered and giltwood mirror with rocaille motifs The large mirror in finely carved wood, gilded and lacquered, was made in the northern of Italy (Ven...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Louis XIV Giltwood Mirror
Located in London, GB
A wonderful French early 18th Century Regence giltwood mirror. The heavily foxed original mercury glass plate with a soft shallow bevel. The carved frame with foliate strapwork and...
Mercury Glass, Mirror, Giltwood
Super French Parcel Gilded Mirror
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very attractive 19th century pier mirror, having original bevelled edge mirror with some foxing in gilded and painted frame with centre crest to the top, all in wonderful home read...
Gesso
Antique Giltwood Louis XIV Style Mirror
Located in London, GB
The frame of this fine, Italian, antique giltwood mirror references a style that was often used in designs for marquetry that was popular late in the reign of Louis XIV and pioneered...
Wood, Giltwood, Glass
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Polychrome and Giltwood Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A superb French 19th century Louis XIV st. polychrome and giltwood mirror. The original beveled mirror plate is framed within a most decorative twisted rope designed band and Fine mo...
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian 18th Century Louis XIV Period White Gold Mecca Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very unique Italian 18th century Louis XIV period white gold mecca mirror. The two scrolled feet are joined by a pieced acanthus leaf garland. The original mirror plate is framed w...
Mirror, Wood
Large Louis XVI Carved Trumeau Mirror
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Large Louis XVI period pale gray painted and parcel-gilt finished trumeau with upper central carved wood panel; "trophy of amour," showing a crossed basket of quills and flamed torch...
Italian 18th century Louis XIV Period Baroque st. Giltwood mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A truly impressive and high quality Italian 18th century Louis XIV Period Baroque st. Giltwood mirror. This wonderful mirror with its original mirror plate and gilding is framed with...
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian 18th Century Louis XIV Period Giltwood And Silvered Mecca Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful Italian 18th century Louis XIV period Giltwood and silvered Mecca mirror. The mirror is raised on pierced tapering triangular shaped feet decorated by leaves and scrolled...
Mirror, Giltwood
Italian 19th Century Louis XIV Style Patinated and Gilt Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking Italian 19th century Louis XIV st. patinated and gilt mirror. This mirror has a mottled frame with gilt borders and fitted with the original mirror plate. At the pierced t...
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Italian 17th Century Louis XIV Period Rectangular Mirrors, circa 1680
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most attractive pair of Italian 17th century Louis XIV period rectangular mirrors, circa 1680. The mottled frames have a stately egg and d...
Mirror, Giltwood