Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference in French Louis chairs?
Hello, my name is Cindy and I am a French chair-oholic!
Yes, it’s true, I feel like I have an addiction to French chairs. At least hubby seems to think so! Which has me wondering lately, if any of you have the same addiction?!?
The French Louis chairs are my weakness, and a quick scroll through any French style magazine leaves no doubt as to the Louis chair’s enduring appeal.
The Louis chair is an icon of French furniture history.
Did you know that there are actually a few different types of Louis chairs?
It took me some time to be able to recognize the difference, so today I’m sharing three styles of Louis chairs, and how you can tell the differences between each one.
By breaking down the key features of each Louis style, it’s easy to know the difference when shopping for a new chair or spotting one at your favorite estate sale.
Once you get the basics, you’ll be able to distinguish a Louis XV chair from a Louis XVI chair with ease!
Louis XIV:
The first Louis chair you should be familiar with is that of Louis XIV.
Louis XIV was known as the Sun King.
Reigning from 1643 to 1715, he was the mastermind behind the decadence of the Versailles palace, feeling that his surroundings should mirror the divine power of the monarchy itself.
Artists and craftsmen replicated this in furnishings that were highly ornate, often gilded, and very dramatic.
Things to look for in a Louis XIV chair:
- Silhouettes are grand and throne like, with high backs.
- Legs will feature H or X shaped stretchers, resulting in a heavier look.
- Armrests extend to the front edge of the seat, and seat backs are straight and upright.
via Architectural Digest
Of the three, the Louis XIV style is my least favorite.
Louis XV:
King Louis XV’s reign was from 1715 to 1774.
It aligned with the Rococo period in European art and design.
This timeframe was one of extreme wealth, and the distance between the classes was monumental.
France was the most powerful nation on Earth during this time, and in keeping with this, the wealthy demanded bigger and better, which was reflected in their love of organic motifs and intricate ornamentation.
Chair styles became curvier and more comfortable.
Things to look for in a Louis XV chair:
- Seat backs on Louis XV chairs are often rounded and feature curved wood frames, typically with carved decorations and design. Chair legs, set at an angle, are often cabriole, or S-shaped.
- Wooden chair frames often feature a gilded finish.
- Seat backs are sometimes angled for increased comfort. Armrests are shortened in length, ending before the edge of the seat.
Louis XVI:
King Louis XVI was in power from 1774 to 1791, the start of the French Revolution.
The reaction to the over the top ornamentation of the Louis XV era favored a clean and crisp aesthetic, dictating a decorative restraint and an emphasis on clear architectural forms.
Things to look for in a Louis XVI chair:
- Clean lines, geometric shapes, and straight legs are featured in the Louis XVI style chairs. Chairs may feature round, rectangular, or shield shaped upholstered backs.
- Decorative carvings reflect classic motifs such as scrolls, fluting, and ribbon details.
- Armrests meet the front edge of the seat, often ending in a graceful scroll.
Though it can sometimes be confusing, the biggest difference between the three Louis styles is the leg design.
More than anything else, this one characteristic can be relied on for identification, and the leg style is what I always look for in recognizing these French beauties.
I have to say that the Louis XV style is my favorite….there’s just something about those curvy legs that get me every single time.
What about you? Which style calls your name?
Cheers, Cindy
You also might love this post on a French Chair Makeover!
Very helpful! I am going to read other pieces you have written here regarding French Louis XVI chairs. Thank you,.
Holly
New Mexico
Thanks for the article on the different styles, I just learned about Louis XV furniture a few hours ago while browsing a local online marketplace and wanted to know more. It seems that most furniture is labeled Louis XV “style.” Is there a particular delineation between actual Louis XV furniture made in the 1700s and modern produce furniture made in the style. My question is basically, how common is real antique furniture and would l be committing a Faux Pas if I find a good looking piece and list it for sale as Louis XV furniture even though it was made in the 20th century? By listing it as Louis XV furniture am I implying it is authentic French-made?
Hi Jorge! There are amazing pieces of Louis XV style furniture that were made in the 1800’s – early 1900’s, as well as even during the mid century, with many of those pieces made in France, England, and America. True, authentic 18th c. Louis furniture made in France is rare to find and the price usually reflects that. True 18th c. Louis XV furniture normally wouldn’t be labeled as such, but can be recognized by the craftsmanship and finishes by which it was made. I would suggest labeling any Louis XV furniture for sale as “antique/vintage Louis XV style”. I hope this helps!
Wow! Super informative. I’ve wondered the differences & this made it very easy to identify. Thank you Cindy. XO-MaryJo
Louis XV is my favorite also…….I have two plus a chaise!!!
I have an old corner chair that I would like to send you
Hi Cindy
Great article thank you, my growing love of ornate French style furniture started with a mirror a friend whom is a framer made for me,the soft beige and chalky white carving very please to the eye
Since moving into a home that has old world charm l have gathered 5 pieces of French styled two being dining chairs
These are the ones l would love you to see repainted ,recovered by a clever English woman l know they are reproductions but so comfortable, beautifully carved
I loved and understand your delight in these charming pleasing to the eyes chairs
Thank you for your enjoyable article
Sandra
PS l have posted a picture to the email you gave below to show ask your comment thank you
Have, just bought a old house, and in the shed were 4 chairs and 2 carvers, have been trying to date them, they look like french louis chairs, in need of repair, could you help me please.
I have come across a chair that looks like a Louis, can you help me?? It looks sort of XIV to me, but I am not sure. Could I send you a picture? Your site gave me a great insight to these wild chairs!
Hi Andrea! I will be glad to help! Send the picture to edithandevelyn@gmail.com.
I love Louis XVI chairs and other furniture. In fact, your first 2 examples of them make my heart go pitter-patter. The other Louis are too over the top for me.
Thank you Cindy for this post… I always wondered the difference. And I am like you, I love the Louis XV era the most, I love the curvy French legs on a chair.
The most interesting and informative post that I have read in a long time. Perhaps because I, too, love the styling of the XV. Oh my yes, the curves are where it’s at!!
I was ignorant as to the differentiations of the styles. Now I understand a bit more about what I love. Thanks, Cindy!!
PS: Please keep us abreast regarding your sale and move and don’t just spring the move on us. We LOVE to be a part of your new life and the transition. 🙂
What a great explanation. Thank you. I think I tend towards the Louis XVI. A little simpler, with a touch of XV…would be perfect!
Those are wonderful, Lina!
I like the Louis XIV which I have in my Family room that are antiques. And I like the Louis XV that I have thru out my house that are antiques. The straight leg chairs are less appealing to me. Like you, the curves and motifs I love. The more ornate the chair the better i love!! You have beautiful chairs in your home!
Thank you, Nancy!
Thank you so much for the lesson,Cindy! I prefer the XV as well, but the XVI is a close second. They are both gorgeous!
Hi Debbie! I agree, the XV is my favorite as well, but I also love the XVI!