Louis XVI Chair: Medallion Dining Chairs with and without Arms
The Louis XVI chair is the calm, architectural answer to the curves that came before it. Its back forms an oval or a neat rectangle, its legs stand straight and are often fluted like small columns, and its carving is restrained. That clarity makes it the most versatile dining chair in our range of baroque furniture.
Barockgroßhandel supplies Louis XVI dining chairs to restaurants, hotels, event venues, interior designers, retailers and private homes. All chairs are newly made reproductions in the Louis XVI style, not antiques. They are built for regular use at the table, with firm seats and upholstery that can take daily wear.
The medallion chair explained
A medallion chair takes its name from the oval back, framed like a portrait medallion. The frame is usually carved with a fine bead or ribbon and topped by a small bow, rosette or leaf crest. The upholstered panel inside the oval shows off the fabric, so the choice of textile becomes part of the design.
Rectangular backs are the second classic form. They look slightly more formal and suit long dining tables where many chairs stand side by side. Both versions share the defining detail of the style: straight, tapered legs, often fluted, sometimes finished with a small turned foot.
How Louis XVI differs from Louis XV
The easiest test is the leg. A Louis XV chair stands on curved cabriole legs and has a flowing, asymmetric crest. A Louis XVI chair uses straight legs and a symmetrical back. Where Louis XV feels soft and playful, Louis XVI feels orderly and light.
That lightness is why king louis chairs of the later style work so well in dining rooms. They take up less visual space, they line up neatly around a table, and they combine with both classic and modern interiors. For deep lounge armchairs, look to Louis XV. For dining and side chairs, Louis XVI is usually the better fit.
Dining chairs with and without arms
Louis XVI side chairs have no arms and slide close to the table. They suit long rows and tighter rooms. Louis chairs with arms are wider and more comfortable for long dinners; they often sit at the head and foot of the table, or in a salon as occasional seating.
A common plan is two armchairs and four or six side chairs in the same finish. Sizes in our range lie around 50 to 58 cm wide and 95 to 103 cm high, with salon chairs with arms at roughly 65 x 65 cm. Always check the arm height against your table apron before ordering.
Colours, fabrics and finishes
Frames come in white, antique white, gold, black and mahogany tones. A white Louis chair with white velvet gives a fresh, bright dining room. A black Louis dining chair looks crisp and graphic, especially against pale walls. Gold frames add ceremony to evening dining.
Upholstery ranges from plain velvet in grey, light green or pale turquoise to patterned fabrics in gold or bordeaux and bold stripes in black and white. For a more daring table, a leopard print set makes a striking statement. Patterned fabrics hide traces of use better than plain light colours, which matters in restaurants.
Sets of 4 and 6 for the dining room
Several models come as sets of six handmade dining chairs, with or without arms. Sets keep finish and fabric consistent, which is important when chairs are photographed or seen together in a long room. Our dining chair sets list all current combinations.
For a complete room, pair the chairs with a table that echoes their straight lines. The baroque dining room page shows how tables, sideboards and chairs work together. Add a venetian mirror above the sideboard to bounce candlelight across the table.
Louis XVI chairs in restaurants, hotels and homes
Restaurants value Louis XVI style dining chairs because they combine a recognisable look with a compact footprint. Event venues use white and gold medallion chairs for weddings and gala dinners. Hotels place pairs in suites, at dressing tables or in breakfast rooms.
At home, a pair of medallion accent chairs works beside a fireplace or at a French style dressing table. Mixed with a modern glass table, the chairs bring a touch of classic style without overwhelming the room. For a wider choice of seating, browse our baroque chairs and the full range of baroque chairs in the shop.
Price range and practical advice
Single Louis XVI dining chairs start at around €250. Salon chairs with arms and complete sets reach up to roughly €5,200, depending on carving, finish and fabric. Hotels and restaurants furnishing several rooms should plan chair numbers and fabrics early.
Before you decide, measure the table. Allow about 60 cm of table edge per side chair and a little more for chairs with arms. Check that the seat height of around 45 to 48 cm matches a standard dining table of 75 to 78 cm. In rooms with hard floors, felt pads under the legs protect both the floor and the finish.
For a coherent interior, combine the chairs with other ornate furniture in the same colour family, or with lighter French style furniture for a softer mood.
Our selection: Louis XVI Chairs
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Frequently asked questions
What is a medallion chair?
It is a Louis XVI style chair with an oval back that frames the upholstery like a portrait medallion. The legs are straight and often fluted. It is a classic dining and salon chair.
Are these Louis XVI chairs reproductions?
Yes. All chairs are newly crafted in the Louis XVI style. They are not antiques. This means stable frames and fresh upholstery suited to daily use.
Do you offer Louis XVI chairs with arms?
Yes. Several models come with arms, others as side chairs without arms. Many clients combine two armchairs with four or six side chairs at one table.
Can I buy the chairs as a set?
Yes. Some models are offered as sets of six handmade dining chairs. A set keeps finish and fabric consistent around the table.
Which colours are available?
Frames come in white, antique white, gold, black and mahogany tones. Fabrics range from grey, white and light green velvet to gold, bordeaux, striped and leopard patterns.
Are Louis XVI dining chairs suitable for restaurants?
Yes. Their straight lines save space and they line up neatly. For heavy use, patterned or darker fabrics are the most practical choice.
How should I clean the upholstery?
Vacuum velvet regularly with a soft brush. Treat spills at once by dabbing with a damp cloth, never rubbing. Dust carved and gilded frames with a dry, soft brush.
Can Louis XVI chairs be combined with a modern table?
Yes, and it is one of the most popular ways to use them. The straight legs and symmetrical backs sit comfortably next to glass, marble or lacquered tables. White or black frames make the mix especially easy.
The baroque world of Barockgroßhandel
- French Style Beds
- French Style Bedroom
- French Style Wardrobes
- French Chest of Drawers
- French Dressing Tables
- French Style Furniture
- Louis XV Chairs
- Louis XVI Chairs
- Rococo Furniture
- Venetian Mirrors
- Ornate Furniture
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