In the 18th century, the seats were directly inspired by classical forms. Art lovers have a special esteem for these elegant and refined seats. They are also very practical, as they are affordable and can decorate a contemporary-style living room.

The different types of seats Louis XVI

Currently, there are still many Louis XVI-style seats. This type of furniture is easily recognizable by their structures and ornaments. The value of these Louis XVI chairs and armchairs depends on their shapes, the balance of their proportions and their decorations.

A Louis XVI piece of furniture, if it is well preserved and still has its original gilding or with its original tapestry has more value than another already retyped. This will give it an undeniable added value of up to double the price on the market.

Louis XVI Chair

There are different versions of Louis XVI furniture. The medallion chair is the most appreciated of all. When it has an oval back, it is called a "d'Artois" chair. This is also the case with its circular seat. It takes the name of the person who commissioned it: the Count of Artois who is the brother of Louis XVI. He built this model in 1776.

The Louis XVI chair

This kind of furniture has cuffs. For the royal furniture store, the cabinetmakers of the time produced golden versions. The convertible voltaire is light with a bent back. As for the queen's chair, it is more imposing with a flat back. If the backrest is padded at arm height, the Louis XVI chair is named the "English-style"-filled chair.

The shepherdess is a large, very comfortable chair with a lower seat. His back is more tilted backwards and his cheeks are always well stocked. Its back is both rounded and padded. Sometimes it is equipped with optional ears. He also has headlines from time to time.

Fauteuil Bergère Louis XVI époque 18 e

It is possible to buy an old chair, but also a new one, for savings and a purchase at the best price, the used Louis XVI armchair is a great choice if you're a handyman.

A mobile tile or cushion made of damask cloth that is decorated with stripe covers the seat of this large armchair. Its bottom is quite low and strapped. There is a version of this seat that is mounted from a niche cloth. It's the shepherdess with the hood. There is also the shepherdess in confessional whose arms go up to the top of her file.

This model appeared in 1772 when the chairs became more comfortable and left their wall-backed seats to cluster around the fireplace. In the 18th century, during the reign of Louis XVI, this chair quickly became very popular. Its curved shapes straighten to become more and more square, but still retain their dimensions.

The Louis XVI sofa

This furniture from this period takes up the squares and ovals of the armchairs as well as the chairs. Characteristics include trapezoidal seating, open arms, flower and garland patterns, etc. It has a light appearance due to the absence of intermediate feet. Generally, this type of furniture is still difficult to sell, except for small models such as the marquee or the Ottoman.

The phases of the Louis XVI style

There are two types of Louis XVI styles for chairs and armchairs.

There is the "Greek-style" design which is heavy. He successfully takes up the classical repertoire in the decorations of posts, oves, acanthus sheets, etc. These chairs are characterized by the arched armrest console.

The "Etruscan" or "Roman" style appeared after the coronation of Louis XVI in 1776. The structure is both more elegant and lightweight. For this style, the armrest of the chair is straighter and in the shape of a fluted balustre.

Decorations, dressings and materials of Louis XVI chairs

The chairs and armchairs of this period use a lot of padding and tiles (mobile cushions). For the design of the seat, the trim fully follows the contour of the wood and must be solid in order to avoid unsightly deformations. The chairs of the time are covered with Beauvais tapestry, printed canvases, striped fabrics, or Goblins and Aubusson with country motifs.

Light shades are chosen from fabrics, lampas and embroidered satins to accentuate the colour of beech wood. Around the end of the 18th century, mahogany, which is associated with leather lapels, appeared in England. This led to the disappearance of the cannage except for the armchairs of the offices as well as the chairs of the dining room.

The musée Baron Martin, you can discover a magnificent Louis XVI-style lounge, it is composed of several seats and sofas, in addition you can discover 18th century furniture of high quality.