Reflecting the final era of royal opulence before the upheaval of the French Revolution, antique Louis XVI furniture features more angular shapes than the Rococo curves of the Louis XV style, harkening back to the imposing grandeur of Louis XIV.
Dating between 1750 and 1800, an era that overlapped with the last king of France whose reign was cut short by the guillotine, Louis XVI furniture, known as the goût grec, is emblematic of the neoclassical revision that French furniture underwent during the second half of the 18th century.
Authentic Louis XVI furniture characteristics include clean lines and carved details such as scrolls and acanthus flourishes that were inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. This was informed by a burgeoning interest in antiquity in the 18th century, owing to new archaeological excavations at sites including Pompeii and Herculaneum. It largely eclipsed the more East Asian–influenced ornamentation of Louis XV for something more geometric and symmetrical.
The Louis XVI style was defined by what was being created for the palatial rooms at Versailles and Fontainebleau, particularly for the queen, with cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener being a favorite of Marie-Antoinette’s for his luxurious pieces accented with gilded bronze and marquetry. Furniture maker Jean-Baptiste-Claude Sené was also a major designer of the period, with his pieces for the royal residences adorned with giltwood and neoclassical touches like tapered columns for chair legs and laurel leaf carvings. Cabinetmaker Adam Weisweiler occasionally incorporated into his furniture porcelain panels produced by Sèvres, a popular manufacturer of European ceramics that served the crown with serveware, vases and other decorative objects.
Find a collection of antique Louis XVI seating, tables, cabinets and other furniture on 1stDibs.
French Oak Merchant Transaction Table with Two Drawers, Circa 1800
Located in Duxbury, MA
French oak transaction table dating to circa 1800, featuring two drawers and a sturdy trestle style base. Traditionally used in shops and merchant counters, transaction tables provid...
Oak
Louis XVI Mahogany Table d'Architecte / Mechanical Desk, France 1780
Located in SEDLEC-PRČICE, CZ
This Louis XVI mechanical mahogany architect table is a rare museum-quality masterpiece crafted in France circa 1780 during the late Enlightenment period. To someone who has not seen...
Mahogany
Original 1800s Articulated Dental Wall Table
Located in Peekskill, NY
These floating dental tables are almost impossible to find and its one of my favorite items. I've been hunting them down for over 30 years. A Dentist would pull the wall bracket and ...
Oak
$9,000
H 27.75 in W 17 in D 13.25 in
English Regency Satinwood Outset Corner Hinged Sewing Stand, Circa 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
English Regency serpentine satinwood hinged sewing stand with outset corners, book matched lid, marquetry inlaid skirt, fitted compartmentalized interior with lift off tray, centered...
Brass
Industrial oak work table, circa 1950
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This robust industrial work table, crafted from solid oak and dating from circa 1950, combines functionality with an authentic appearance. The tabletop displays a beautiful weathered...
Oak
French Oak Two Tier Work Table
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French, 19th century work table in two tiers, formerly used in a winery. The tall and large surface area is ideal for any creative pursuit, from the artist's studio to home baker–p...
Oak, Paint
Italian Architect's Oak Table / Desk Made with a Slant, circa 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An Italian Architect's desk made with a slant, supported by an oak base and with a black glass top, circa 1960.
Oak
$3,250
H 31.5 in W 78.5 in D 31.25 in
Late 19th Century Rustic Blue Painted Work Table with Two Metal Drawers
Located in Round Top, TX
Rustic pine work table with base in old blue paint and two large metal drawers. The natural wood top bears deep gouges, stains, cracks, and holes from long use, with plank separation...
Metal
$4,000
H 34.18 in W 53.75 in D 34.97 in
Japanese Antique Two-Sided Work Table with Drawers & Sliding Doors, Taisho era
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This substantial Japanese work table dates to the Taisho period (1912–1926) and is designed to be used from both sides, a configuration that is rarely encountered. At the center of ...
Wood
French Iron Garden Table, Industrial Console Table Circa 1900
Located in Darien, CT
An antique French iron table, circa 1900, with a clean, utilitarian form and a timeworn surface that feels equally at home indoors or out. It...
Iron
Oak carpenters workbench, circa 1920
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This oak workbench from circa 1920 combines craftsmanship, character, and functionality. The robust construction is crafted from solid oak and displays a beautiful, weathered patina ...
Oak
$1,279
H 24.81 in W 47.25 in D 22.84 in
19th-Century "Lagerbank" Cradle Table in Fir and Larch with Two Drawers
Located in Pont-Saint-Martin, IT
An authentic 19th-century **Lagerbank** table, handcrafted in solid fir and larch wood according to the Alpine furniture-making tradition. Also known as a **cradle table**, this inge...
Fir
French Vintage Mid-Century Architect’s Drafting Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A monumental architect’s drafting table from Paris, circa 1950, the UNIC brand is a class of its own for the quality of materials and intuitive features. The broad work surface of ma...
Iron
$4,800
H 30.5 in W 87 in D 21 in
19th Century French Oak Carpenter’s Press Console Table with Bottom Shelf
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring rustic architectural character to an hallway, den, or covered patio with this narrow antique carpenter’s press work table. Crafted in France circa 1860, the oak table measures ...
Oak
Sold
H 29.5 in W 139.5 in D 38.25 in
French Louis XVI Style Draper's or Work Table in Pinewood, ca. 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
Very long table in two sections the top having a molded edge and straight apron, raised on tapering fluted legs ending in shaped feet
Pine
18th Century French Louis XVI Kitchen Prep Table
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Large Louis XVI kitchen prep table. France, c. 1760. Oak wood with 2 inlaid slabs of bluestone. This unique freestanding work table was made for ...
Stone
Sold
H 31.25 in W 35.5 in D 23 in
French Louis XVI Period Walnut Metamorphic Drafting Table, 18th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
the rectangular hinged top raising to accommodate two adjustable iron rods which alter pitch, a wrought iron button on one corner raises two posts with steel teeth which in turn rais...
Sold
H 56.25 in W 57 in D 25 in
Maison Jansen Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat Cartonnier with Lighted Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully detailed Louis XVI style bureau plat desk with side cabinet by Maison Jansen. Fabricated from walnut with reeded legs, embossed tooled black leather writing top and turret corners. This elegant desk also has three slim drawers on one side and a hutch at one end with mesh doors, three slender drawers underneath and two mounted sconces. The sconces come with two pairs of petite shades in both black and white that are included in the sale, allowing for you to change things up according to your mood. While this particular example is not stamped Jansen, we have images of another identical example that is stamped Jansen. Photos available upon request. The time honored design makes this desk appropriate for a number of locations, from Classic and contemporary homes to elegant executive offices to hip startups. It would also be great in a hospitality, retail or corporate location, such as a boutique hotel lobby, cocktail bar, members club, workspace studio, executive office or in a luxe clothing emporium. Also consider for an upscale restaurant Hostess table...
Gold Leaf
Sold
H 30.5 in W 34.25 in D 19.5 in
Louis XVI Brass-Mounted Mahogany Architect's Table, Late 18th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The top lays flat or can be raised as a slant top. There are pull-out inset leather slides on each side the central drawer with compartments for ink.
Mahogany
French Louis XVI Style Antique Bureau Plat Writing Desk c. 1920-40
Located in Shippensburg, PA
This is an outstanding find for the interior designer or anyone passionate about Neoclassical forms true to the spirit of Louis XVI furniture. A French Louis XVI Style Antique Writin...
Fruitwood, Leather
Important French 19th c steel safe Louis XVI design
Located in Dallas, TX
important Signed French Louis XVI steel safe with parquetry design detail and bronze appliques.
Steel
Sold
H 30.5 in W 26.75 in D 16.25 in
French Burl Walnut and Ebonized Column One Drawer Side Table, Circa 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
French Burl Walnut one drawer side table with a book matched reeded edge top, compartmentalized fitted interior, internal lock with key, flanking ebonized ringed columns, and resting...
Brass