The antique furniture in the Louis XIV style is increasingly favoured by experts to furnish a house. Indeed, the vintage style allows to bring a certain taste and value to the interior decoration. With the purchase of a louis XIV sofa and period armchairs, it is an investment that allows to beautify a fireplace with a piece of furniture.
History of the Louis XIV style
The Louis XIV style was associated with the reign of King Louis XIV between 1643 and 1715. The Sun King was at its peak in 1678, during the Treaty of Nijmegen. Subsequently, France was considered a dominant power in Europe. She succeeded in imposing taste by force in fields such as art, architecture and theatre.
France influences the entire European continent in terms of style. Versailles is the symbol of the era. The castle is characterized by its rich and vibrant furnishings. It was King Louis XIV who dictated all aspects of art and architecture. The king even dictated the clothes of his courtiers.
The Louis xiv model is a departure from that of its predecessor. Indeed, the reign of Louis XIV is marked by the richness of the furniture. Plenty and luxury are present in painting, tapestries, furnishings and gardens. It was during this period that versatile furniture was overshadowed by single-use furniture, such as dressers.
During the reign of Louis XIV, the greatest artists of the time were the standard-bearers of the style he wanted to impose. This is the case, for example, of the famous cabinetmaker Boulle in the furniture. Goldsmiths such as Delaunay in jewelry. The famous decorator Bérain in the field of decoration. It was during this period that silverware also penetrated the furniture through furniture that was designed in silver.
Upon his return to the throne of England, King Charles II introduced this French style, which was characterized by luxury in his court. The Louis XIV style is present through the silver furniture. The Louis XIV furniture inspired many pieces of the styles that followed.
During the reign of Louis XIV, the greatest figures of the time had priceless collections of works of art that have their place in a museum. This is the case of Cardinal Mazarin, whose wealth is currently estimated at 100 million euros. These collections are composed of lots of candlesticks, tables, noble fabrics, jewelry, furniture or silverware, medallions.
The Louis XIV style also penetrated the middle class of the time. Tin or copper dishes are replaced by silver dishes. Leather tapestries are replaced by gold panelling. The paving and tiles make way for the floors.
How do I recognize a Louis XIV sofa?
The Louis XIV sofa is easy to recognize, thanks to the presence of bronze. Indeed, this material is present on handles and locks. The feet of the sofa are decorated with foliage or shells. Even the table belts are adorned with a sculpture.
It is important to recognize the style of salon furniture you want to buy, it would be a shame to confuse a used Louis XVI sofa to an old Louis XIV seat.
As with other furniture, a Louis XIV sofa can be recognized for its symmetry. In addition, the decorative elements that are present are inspired by mythology as well as antiquity or even fauna and flora, the lines are straight but with turns on the wood unlike a Louis XVI sofa.
It was during this period that the Boulle branding technique met with great success. For example, most Louis XIV-style furniture has a solid wood, metal or horn mark-up for sale.
The Louis XIV style is characterized by perfect symmetry. The sofas and chairs have an imposing and well-padded back to ensure comfort. In addition, the feet of the furniture are consoled or balustre.
As far as materials are concerned, wood is the preferred material for Louis XIV-style furniture. It comes in several species such as mahogany, almond, beech or walnut. Some furniture is still made of animal materials. These materials are mostly imported from the Far East such as ivory and lase.
A Louis XIV sofa is recognizable by its decorative elements. Indeed, the feet or head of the furniture of the time were regularly adorned by a lion for animal motifs. For flowers, lily and acanthus predominate. The presence of the shells as an ornament also distinguishes the Louis XIV sofa.
Which chair Louis XIV choose for his sofa?
The chair is unavoidable, it goes hand in hand with a sofa. It even occupies a privileged place. This room in the living room is appreciated for its comfort. The armchairs come in a variety of styles, ranging from the old to the more contemporary.
The choice of an armchair depends on the structure and shape. To accompany the sofa, you can choose between the Louis XIV-style seat and the armchairs. First, the seats are often gilded and carved out of wood. The feet are usually square and are connected by braces. A seat is often well padded and well stocked with quality fabrics. However, the seat remains less comfortable than that of an armchair.
A Louis XIV-style seat is defined according to the social hierarchy. Thus, the simplest, which is the tile is clean of the lower class. The chair differs from other types of seats by its high console or baluster backrest.
The armchairs are more comfortable furniture to accompany the sofa. The Louis XIV-style armchair comes in two categories. The classic model is distinguished by its sheep bone armrest. The feet are usually cross or balustre. It is also characterized by its imposing back and its discharge of about twenty cm. The convenience chair is considered the ancestor of the Louis XV shepherd's chair. The armrests are well padded and well lined. The folder is formed by a pair of ears.