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.
Louis XV Style Leopard Print Walnut Swivel Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Louis XV Style Leopard Print Upholstered Walnut Swivel Chair, the frame ornately carved with shell and foliage motifs and atop casters. 42" H x 27" W x 23.5" D; seat: 20" H. Proven...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage French Louis XV Style Swivel Vanity Stool in Blue Chevron Fabric
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Louis XV style swivel vanity stool with raised back. Newly upholstered in Blue Clarence House Chevron fabric. It features a low, crescent shaped cushioned backrest paired wi...
Wood, Fabric
Pair of French Louis XV Style Walnut & Caned Swivel Armchairs
Located in Montreal, QC
A Pair of French Louis XV style walnut swivel armchairs, the caned seats and back are in excellent condition. These are a wonderful and quite comfortable pair, with a curved back bac...
Walnut
Industrial Swivel Stool
Located in Vosselaar, BE
1930s industrial swivel stool. The adjustable beech sit has a nice patina as well as the green paint remains on the iron supports. The height m...
Metal
$3,200
H 25 in W 19.25 in D 20 in
Chrome and Olive Green Leather Swivel Vanity Stool by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Glamorous 1970’s swivel polish chrome vanity stool, part of the “Ball Line” by American renowned designer Charles Hollis Jones. Out of an Arthur Elrod Desi...
Chrome
French Louis XV Style Vanity Chair
Located in Houston, TX
French Louis XV Style Vanity Chair. This lovely antique French Louis XV style chair was created as a vanity chair or dressing table chair however it would work perfectly in a living ...
Velvet, Wood
$2,100 / set
H 41.25 in W 16.75 in D 17 in
Three Vintage Modern Arthur Umanoff Style Swivel Bar Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking midcentury set of three bar stools that boast slatted wood seats and backrests. The sturdy iron rod base tapers down to splayed feet showing quality construction. A conven...
Iron
$6,000 / set
H 38.38 in W 26 in D 24.5 in
French Louis XV Style Pair of Armchairs, Caned Seatback, 6 Available
French Louis XV Style Caned Bergère Armchair
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Rare early 19th century caned Louis XV bergère armchair in very good condition featuring graceful curves and hand carved. The graceful walnut frame is complimented with caning on all...
Wood
1960s Petite Milo Baughman Walnut Base Rocking Swivel Chair
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, swivel rocking chair you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful chair is statement piece...
Faux Leather, Wood
Vintage Pair of Milo Baughman Style Swivel Chairs
By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin
Located in Roanoke, VA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style swivel chairs in textured leopard upholstery with fabric-wrapped bases. Chairs are very comfortable and swivel nicely, heavy and and g...
Textile
$3,095
H 31.5 in W 25.25 in D 25.75 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Walnut Swivel Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury walnut swivel chair. This chair measures: 25.25 wide x 25.75 deep x 31.5 high, with ...
Metal
Pair of Milo Baughman Style Swivel Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of eccentric green swivel chairs in vibrant Asian-themed silk-like fabric. These chairs are unsigned. Swivel works perfectly—not too fast. ...
Fabric
Custom Vanity Stool in Pink Shearling with Burgundy Trim
By Paul Frankl
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Say hello to "Cupcake" - your new best friend. This vanity stool is a modern girl. She'll always be there to make you comfortable when prepping for the day or for that special night, and she'll keep all your secrets. She'll celebrate with you on good days, and cheer you up on those days you just want to forget. A true Lady-In-Waiting. And she couldn't be any sweeter. Every inch of this vanity stool invites you to run your hand over it. Pink shearling - the softest of sheepskin - dressed with burgundy shearling piping details. Baby soft. Cushioned back and seat are perfectly filled to provide support and comfort. White Chocolate lacquered legs and crossbar. And no need to pull the stool back and forth to have a seat - swivel in or out and away you go. What's not to love? We also offer customization - buyer may select hide or fabric of choice, color for crossbar and legs, and stool height to adjust for differing counter or vanity dimensions. Create your very own. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Photographed with our Paul Frankl Nightstands & Paul Frankl Vanity...
Wood, Hide
$977Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 32.29 in W 25.2 in D 22.05 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Swivel Armchairs, 1960s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of armchairs, typical Italian design of the 1960s, is upholstered in eco-leather and the swivel base is in aluminum.
Aluminum
Louis XV Carved And Gilt Swivel Vanity Chair
Located in Norwood, NJ
Louis XV style carved wood and silver gilt swivel low chair. Silver gilt with darker antique finish shading. The back of the chair sweeps around the sides creating shallow arms.
Upholstery, Giltwood
Sold
H 24.5 in W 18 in D 18 in
2 Frontgate Chapman Backless Swivel Bar & Counter Stools Leather Louis XV French
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Dayton, OH
"Chapman bar and counter stools are the epitome of elegant seating. Features 180° return swivel, carved detailing along the fluted legs and apron and hand-applied nailhead trim aroun...
Leather, Hardwood
Louis XV Leather Swivel Bar Stool
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Louis XV style hand carved scoop back swivel bar stool, the padded scoop back and upholstered tooled leather seat and back, with scroll arms...
Leather, Wood
Luxurious Swivel French Louis XV Style Leather Desk Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful early 20th century Louis XV style oak desk chair with ivory leather. Great shape and on casters. Spins! Measures: H seat 18.5” H arm 27” #2012.
Leather, Oak
20th Century Louis XV Style Swivel Vanity Chair with Cane
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
20th century Louis XV style swivel vanity chair with cane. Finished in our signature oyster white finish, with subtle distressed edges, and antique patina. The cane is a medium brow...
Linen, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 37 in W 21 in D 25 in
French Country Louis XV Style Swivel Vanity Chair Cane Back Boudoir Seat Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French country / Louis XV style revolving vanity chair or stool. Item features a solid carved wood frame, shapely cabriole legs terminating at carved feet, cane back and seat...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Sold
H 37 in W 21 in D 25 in
French Country Louis XV Style Swivel Vanity Chair Cane Back Boudoir Seat Walnut
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Country / Louis XV style revolving vanity chair or stool. Item features a solid carved wood frame, shapely cabriole legs terminating at carved feet, cane back and seat...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
A Louis XV Style Maison Jansen Swivel Stool
Located in Stamford, CT
A pretty petite Louis XV style piano swivel stool. The fine white washed frame finely carved. The back and seat caned. The seat accompanied by a silk cushion. By Maison Jansen
Sold
H 19 in Dm 15.5 in
Antique French Louis XV Style Carved Walnut Adjustable Vanity Stool - Piano Seat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Amazing Antique French Louis XV Style Deeply Carved Walnut Adjustable Height Vanity Bench with Stretcher Base, Carved Finials, Deep Shell Carvings throughout and Shapely Carved Cabri...
Metal
Revolving Louis XV Style Barrel Back Chair by Don Ruseau Inc.
By Don Ruseau
Located in Dallas, TX
a Louis XV style revolving tub chair, tripart caned back and carved frame, black leather cushion and arm rests (see Image 6) stamped DON RUSEAU Inc. NEW YORK CITY
Wood, Leather, Upholstery
Sold
H 28.75 in W 22 in D 22.5 in
Amazing Vintage French Louis XV Style Swivel Vanity/Dresser Stool by Danby
Located in Highwood, IL
Stylish, practical and very classy, this fine ladies dressing stool offers all these attributes and more. Retaining it's original upholstery, this stool still looks pretty good given...