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.
Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze and Rock Crystal Sconce by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
Louis XIV style gilt bronze and rock crystal sconce by Gherardo degli Albizzi. This seven lights sconce features a gilt bronze backplate and two branches of arms, respectively with f...
Rock Crystal, Crystal, Bronze
Marble and Bronze Clock with Allegory of Astronomy Representing Copernico
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
Marble and bronze clock with allegory of astronomy representing Copernico The clock measurements: 60 x 48 x 16 cm and Vases: 28 x 15 x 15 cm ...
Bronze
18th Century 'Cuir Bouili' Leather Portrait of Louis XIV
By François Girardon
Located in London, GB
This ‘cuir bouili’ (moulded leather) panel is a truly beautiful and rare piece of early 18th Century art. It is a profile portrait of the French King Louis XIV (1643-1715), depicted at around the age of 50. This image is based on a marble relief sculpture...
Leather, Giltwood
Louis XIV Style Bronze Doré Four-Light Chandelier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming Louis XIV Style bronze doré four-light chandelier with superb gliding and chasing, 19th Century.
Bronze
20th Century Louis XIV Sèvre Pompe Lidded Vase
Located in Berlin, DE
Engraved and patinated bronze mountings, colored representation. (Q-Ks-7).
Bronze
Pair of 18th Century Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette Commemorative Pewter Plates
Located in Central England, GB
A pair of 18th century Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette Commemorative Pewter Plates This rare pair of 18th-century French pewter plates have been ...
Pewter
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Bronze and Marble Chenets / Andirons
Located in Montreal, QC
This pair add an unusual touch to your hearth, the upper section are formed as three graduted compressed spheres, two in brass and the third in rouge griote marble, The bronze trilob...
Marble, Bronze, Iron
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu lamp. The three armed lamp is raised by a fine circular mottled base with large beautiful richly c...
Ormolu
18th Century French Louis XIV Campan Melange Marble Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A period 18th century French Louis XIV Campan Melange marble fireplace. The paneled jambs with scrolls to top, surmounted by frieze featuring carved cartouche to centre. Shaped shelf...
Marble
Set of Four Louis XIV Gilt-Bronze Wall Appliques, French, Circa 1870
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine set of four Louis XIV style gilt-bronze wall appliques. Each applique having a backplate cast with palmettes and fronded acanthus and i...
Bronze, Ormolu
White Marble Fireplace in the Transitional French LXIV / LXV Style
Located in London, GB
A white marble fireplace in the transitional French LXIV / LXV style. The shaped, panelled frieze with heavy inner moulding and elegant, shaped jambs below. Moulded shelf above. Mid ...
Marble
20th Century Louis XIV Black Piano Veneer Cabinet
Located in Berlin, DE
20th Century Louis XIV Black Piano Veneer Cabinet Piano black polished veneer on solid pinewood. The figurines are pronounced and of exceptionally good qua...
Marble, Bronze
Barbedienne French Mantel Clock, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality Louis XVI style French gilded ormolu mantel clock, signed Barbedienne. Having shield and foliate decoration to the top, white enamel roman numerals, a lyre shaped pend...
Ormolu
An Early 18th Century French Rance Marble Fireplace
Located in London, GB
An early eighteenth century French Rance marble fireplace - a transitional Louis XIV/Louis XV surround - the moulded Belgian Black marble shelf above boldly shaped and moulded frieze...
Marble, Belgian Black Marble
Antique cast iron fireback with the French coat of arms 18th century
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This exceptionally large fireback with the French coat of arms was made in the 18th century century. In the centre of a frame are the main arms, azure with three golden fleurs-de-lys...
Iron
A pair of Italian early 19th century Louis XIV burl Walnut grey marble consoles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and most elegant pair of Italian early 19th century Louis XIV st. burl Walnut and grey marble consoles. Each beautiful console is raised by two mottled front legs supporte...
Marble
French Transitional Louis XIV/XV Marble Fireplace
Located in London, GB
A good quality copy of an 18th century French transitional Louis XIV/XV marble fireplace. The shaped frieze with cartouche centre with scrolls and l...
Marble
Louis XIV style giltwood stool
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XIV Style giltwood Stool with foliage baluster feet joined by stretchers with Acanthus leaves Upholstered with a white Coton. Can be recovered with customer own fabric on request
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Writing Table
Located in Rome, IT
An early 20th century Italian writing table, with rectangular top. Measures: 164 x 79 x 50 cm.
French mid 19th century Louis XIV st. Ormolu lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and large scale French mid 19th century Louis XIV st. Ormolu lamp. This wonderful candlestick mounted into a lamp is raised by a hexagonal shaped base with a mottled e...
Ormolu
A Magnificent Pendant featuring the head of Apollo
Located in Atlanta, GA
Apollo Pendant, A Magnificent Pendant depicting the head of Apollo "The Sun God" surrounded by 32 crystal rays. 8 lights. Louis XV Style. Europe, Modern...
Crystal, Composition
Louis XIV Style Silvered Bronze and Crystal Chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi
Located in Florence, Tuscany
Louis XIV Style Silvered Bronze and Crystal Chandelier by Gherardo Degli Albizzi: birdcage chandelier in silvered bronze with rose...
Crystal, Bronze
Stunning Pair of 19th Century Antique French Walnut and Reupholstered Armchairs
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A superb pair of 19th century Antique French walnut reupholstered armchairs, Louis XIV Style, reupholstered in quality orange colour fabric. Shaped arms and supported on elegant shap...
Upholstery, Walnut
Exquisite Pair of Louis XIV-Style Armchairs - Late 19th Century
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Exquisite Pair of Louis XIV-Style Armchairs - Late 19th Century, Walnut This magnificent pair of Louis XIV-style armchairs from the late 19th century exemplifies the grandeur and cra...
Walnut
$5,735 / set
Pair of Louis XIV Style Side Tables
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of Louis XIV marquetry inlaid, ormolu-mounted side tables, having inset marble tops, three drawers, raised on cabriole legs, united by an inlaid shelve below.
Kingwood
19th Century Louis XIV Style High Back Armchair, Throne, Hand-Carved Giltwood
Located in Madrid, ES
This regal, throne-like high back 19th century Louis XIV style upholstered armchair reminds us of to a time when the size of a person's chair reflected their social status - the bigg...
Fabric, Hardwood, Giltwood
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
Italian 18th Century Louis XIV Period Walnut Inlaid Bombée Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very impressive Italian 18th century Louis XIV period walnut inlaid bombée commode. The commode is raised on curved legs with elaborately scrolled frieze with bone inlay. Above are...
Walnut
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Ormolu Cartel Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive and high quality French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu cartel clock. The clock is raised on its original wall mounting stand with a lovely foliate bottom finial ...
Ormolu
$19,665Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Revolving Mantel Clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful late 19th century French Annular Louis XVI style gilded ormolu revolving mantel clock, depicting putti representing the arts and music, either side of a rotating tole urn...
Ormolu
Large Putti Sculpture In Lacquered Wood, Italy, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large sculpture in cream lacquered carved wood, representing 2 putti on a large vase, celebrating a bacchanal: one of them has a head surrounded by a crown of flowers and brandishes ...
Wood
18th Century Italian Polychrome Console Table
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very elegant Italian console table, entirely hand-painted with a marble trompe-l'œil. The top is of trapezoidal shape, with the corners jutting out. The square, tapering baluster leg...
Pine, Paint
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Oak and Sarrancolin Marble Center Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome French 19th century Louis XIV style oak and Sarrancolin marble center table. The rectangular center table is raised by Fine topie shaped feet below handsome square tapered...
Marble
$922Sale Price|25% Off
Tropical Island Solid Wood Linen Bench, Louis XIV Style, 1970s
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can usually ship it for less and get it to you faster. Click on "Ask The Seller" and send us your zip code for a quote. Offering One of our recent Palm Beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a newly reupholstered shabby chic tropical island...
Linen, Hardwood
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
Antique Chandelier, Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
Versailles style lantern of gilt bronze and crystal.
Crystal, Bronze
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Giltwood and Grand Antique Marble Console
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and large scale French 19th century Louis XIV st. giltwood and Grand Antique marble freestanding console. The console is raised by fine square foliate feet below block res...
Marble
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Kingwood, Walnut, Ormolu and Marble Side Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and extremely decorative French 19th century Louis XIV st. Kingwood, burl Walnut, ormolu, and Brèche marble side table. The table is raised by impressive square tapered le...
Marble, Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu Chandelier, Attributed To Vian
By Henry Vian
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most unique French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu chandelier, attributed to Vian. The six arm chandelier is centered by a beautiful and richly chased floral finial leading up to acanthus leaves encasing the body. The six elegantly scrolled square arms display lovely hexagonal bobeches with wrap around beaded bands and charming candle cups. At the center is a stunning and unique pineapple shaped support with a most decorative lattice...
Ormolu
Italian 18th Century Louis XIV Period Giltwood and Marble Roman Console
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most handsome and stately Italian early 18th century Louis XIV period giltwood and marble Roman console. The freestanding octagonal console is raised by handsome robust legs, with ...
Marble
Antique French Louis XIV Carved Walnut Wall Decoration with Marble Inset
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XIV Carved Walnut Wall Decoration with Marble Inset will make a splendid accent piece, especially over the mantel, a cased opening, or over a large doorway or wi...
Marble
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
Italian Early 18th Century Louis XIV Period Walnut, 2-Door and 2-Drawer Commode
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome Italian early 18th century Louis XIV period walnut commode, from the Pietmont region. This two-door and two-drawer commode are raised on an ebonized fruitwood moulded...
Walnut
French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Ormolu Three-Piece Garniture Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extraordinary and high quality French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu three piece clock and candelabras garniture set. Each raised by square tapered fluted feet with fine acanth...
Ormolu
A French 19th century Louis XIV st.. ormolu chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome and high quality French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu chandelier. The eight arm chandelier is centered by a striking bottom inverted foliate acorn finial below ...
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu Chandelier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive and large scale French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu chandelier. The twelve arm chandelier is centered by a striking bottom foliate finial below the reeded and eleg...
Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XIV Style Ormolu Three Arm Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A handsome pair of French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu sconces. Each beautiful three arm sconce is centered by a wonderfully executed pieced backplate with an impressive beaded ...
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu Chandelier, Signed Vian
By Henry Vian
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and most unique French 19th century Louis XIV st. ormolu chandelier, signed Vian. The six arm chandelier is centered by a beautiful and richly chased floral finial leading...
Ormolu
Pair of Italian 17th Century Louis XIV Period Console/Center Tables
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very handsome and unique Italian 17th century Louis XIV Period walnut consoles/center table from Florence. The consoles may be displayed seperately or when placed back to back may ...
Walnut
A Pair of Louis XIV Style Gilt-Bronze Twin-Light Wall-Appliques
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Pair of Louis XIV Style Gilt-Bronze Twin-Light Wall-Appliques. Each modelled as a cherubic herm emerging from bracket with foliate swags and holding an 'S'-shaped branch. Wired fo...
Bronze
Set of Three Italian 19th Century Louis XIV Style Giltwood Bras de Lumieres
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking and large scale set of three Italian 19th century Louis XIV style giltwood Bras de Lumière sconces. The sconces displays fine hammered back plates and an elegantly S-scrolled central arms, with richly carved foliate designs. Each arm displays their original wrought iron candle spikes.
Giltwood
20th Century Antique Louis XIV Style Palisander Tulipwood Chest of Drawers
Located in Berlin, DE
Chasedt bronze are distinctive and of exceptionally good quality. High-right corpus. In the articulated front, there are two wide doors with an infill filled...
Wood
Italian Turn of the Century Louis XIV Style Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most decorative Italian turn of the century Louis XIV style patinated faux painted marble and polychrome coffee table. The table is raised by hand...
Glass, Wood
Rosso Verona Louis XIV Marble Fireplace
Located in London, GB
An elegant antique Louis XIV fireplace in Rosso Verona marble, which has a beautifully mottled appearance. The fireplace is of the French Baroque style, w...
Marble
20th Century antique Louis XIV Style Palisander Tulipwood Cabinet bronzed
Located in Berlin, DE
Chasedt bronze are distinctive and of exceptionally good quality. High-right corpus. In the articulated front, there are two wide doors with an infill filled...
Wood
$11,191Sale Price|20% Off
White French Limestone Fireplace Mantel
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
18th century french limestone fireplace Mantel. It features a rectangular shelf above and frieze with decorative flower on both side...
Limestone
18th Century Louis XIV Limestone Fireplace Mantel
Located in Zedelgem, BE
Louis XIV Limestone Fireplace dating from the 18th century. Inside dimensions : 117cm wide & 98cm high Depth : 27cm ; Side depth : 58cm
Limestone
Antique Louis XIV Regency Chimneypiece in Red Levanto Marble
Located in London, GB
Antique Louis XIV Regency Chimneypiece in red Levanto marble Depth: 17 1/2? – 44.4 cm External Height: 43” – 109.2 cm External Width: 53 1/4?...
Marble
Coffre dit de "mariage" d'époque Louis XIV
Located in PARIS, FR
Coffre en placage de bois de violette de forme rectangulaire. Il est orné de rinceaux feuillagés en laiton et repose sur un piètement à six pieds dont quatre sont terminés par des pa...
Brass
Fine quality French Louis XV style Sarrancolin fireplace reproduction
Located in Brussel, BE
Fine quality French Louis XV style Sarrancolin "Framboisié" fireplace
Marble