The Louis XIV style sofa

Antique furniture in the Louis XIV style is increasingly favored by experts to furnish a home. 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 embellish a home with a piece of furniture.

History of the Louis XIV style

The Louis XIV style is associated with the reign of King Louis XIV between 1643 and 1715. The Sun King was at his peak in 1678, at the Treaty of Nijmegen. Afterwards, France was considered a dominant power in Europe. It succeeded in imposing taste by force in areas such as art, architecture and theater.

France influences the entire European continent in terms of style. Versailles is the symbolic gateway of the era. The castle is characterized by its rich and dazzling furnishings. It is King Louis XIV who dictates all aspects of art and architecture. The king even dictated the clothes of his courtiers.

The Louis XIV model is different from that of its predecessor. Indeed, the reign of Louis XIV is marked by the wealth of furniture. Abundance and luxury are present in painting, tapestries, furnishings and even in gardens. It is during this period that multipurpose furniture is eclipsed by those with singular uses, such as chests of drawers.

During the reign of Louis XIV, the greatest artists of the time were the standard-bearers of the style he wanted to impose. This was the case, for example, of the famous cabinetmaker Boulle in furniture. Goldsmiths such as Delaunay in jewelry. The famous decorator Bérain in the field of decoration. It was during this period that goldsmithing also penetrated 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, into his court. The Louis XIV style is present in silver furniture. 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 deserved to be displayed 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, silverware and medallions.

The Louis XIV style also penetrated the middle class of the time. Pewter or copper tableware was replaced by silver. Leather tapestries were replaced by gilded paneling. Flooring and tiling gave way to parquet floors.

How to 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 the handles and locks. The legs of the sofa are decorated with foliage or even shells. Even the table belts are decorated with a sculpture. 

It is important to recognize the style of living room 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 by its symmetry. In addition, the decorative elements present there are inspired by mythology as well as Antiquity or even flora and fauna, the lines are straight but with turns on the wood unlike a Louis XVI sofa.

It was during this period that the Boulle marquetry technique became very popular. Thus, most Louis XIV style furniture featured solid wood, metal or horn marquetry when sold.

The Louis XIV style is characterized by perfect symmetry. Sofas and chairs have an imposing and well-padded back to ensure comfort. In addition, the legs of the furniture are console or baluster.

Concerning materials, 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 mainly imported from the Far East such as ivory and lacquer.

A Louis XIV sofa is recognizable by its decorative elements. Indeed, the feet or the head of the furniture of the time were regularly decorated with a lion for animal motifs. For flowers, the lily and the acanthus predominate. The presence of shells as an ornament also distinguishes the Louis XIV sofa.

Which Louis XIV armchair should you choose for your sofa?

The armchair is essential, 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 several styles, ranging from old to more contemporary.

The choice of an armchair depends on the desired structure and shape. To accompany the sofa, you have the choice between the Louis XIV style seat and the armchairs. First, the seats are often gilded and carved in wood. The legs are generally square and are connected by spacers. A seat is often well padded and well upholstered with quality fabrics. However, the seat remains less comfortable than that of an armchair.

A Louis XIV style chair is defined according to the social hierarchy. Thus, the simplest, which is the tile, is specific to the lower class. The chair is distinguished from other types of seats by its high console or baluster back.

Armchairs are more comfortable pieces of 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 legs are generally crosswise or baluster. It is also characterized by its imposing back and its slope of about twenty cm. The convenience armchair is considered the ancestor of the Louis XV berger armchair. The armrests are well padded and well upholstered. The backrest is formed by a pair of ears.