Louis XV Chair and Armchair: Curved Elegance for Salon and Suite
A Louis XV chair is recognised at a glance: a back that swells into a soft curve, legs that bend outwards and then tuck in, and a carved crest that looks almost like a shell or a wave. It is the most relaxed form of court seating, made for conversation rather than ceremony. In our range of baroque furniture these chairs sit between the grand throne and the lighter salon piece.
Barockgroßhandel supplies Louis XV armchairs to hotels, restaurants, interior designers, retailers and private clients. Every piece is a newly made reproduction in the Louis XV style, not an antique. That means sound joints, fresh upholstery and a finish chosen for daily use, while the silhouette stays true to the period.
What defines a Louis XV armchair
The signature element is the cabriole leg. It curves out at the knee, narrows towards the ankle and ends in a small scroll or leaf. There are no straight lines on a true Louis XV frame: the seat rail, the arms and the back all flow into one another.
The crest rail usually carries rocaille carving, the shell and scroll ornament that gave rococo its name. Arm supports are set back from the front of the seat, a detail that once made room for wide skirts. Today it simply makes the chair easier to sit in sideways, which is why a king louis armchair feels so natural in a lounge.
Louis XV, Louis XIV and Louis XVI compared
A Louis XIV chair is upright, square in outline and heavily carved, with straight or baluster legs joined by stretchers. It speaks of power and symmetry. The Louis XV armchair relaxes all of that: stretchers disappear, the back lowers and curves, and carving turns asymmetrical and playful.
The following reign went the other way. A Louis XVI chair returns to straight, fluted legs and an oval or rectangular medallion back, inspired by classical architecture. If you like movement and softness, Louis XV is your style. If you prefer calm geometry, look at Louis XVI. Both belong to the wider family of French style furniture, but they should not be confused when you plan a room.
The bergère and other Louis XV seating
The Louis XV bergère chair is the deep, enclosed version. Its sides are upholstered down to the seat, and a loose cushion makes it an ideal reading chair. The open fauteuil, with visible arms, is lighter and suits a salon or a dining room with conversation in mind.
Settees and sofas follow the same rules. A Louis XV sofa or settee has a serpentine back and several carved legs, so it pairs neatly with two matching armchairs. Our salon set with a bench and two armchairs in cream and gold is a good example of a coordinated group that furnishes a whole seating area in one step.
Frames, gilding and upholstery
Our Louis XV style chairs are built on carved wooden frames. Finishes range from white and gold or grey and cream to black and gold, with gold leaf effect on the carving. Several models carry sparkling crystal buttons in the backrest for an extra touch of glamour.
Upholstery comes in velvet, damask and striped fabrics. Classic colours include blue, green, brown, cream and grey. A white Louis XV chair with gold carving brightens a dark panelled room, while a velvet armchair in deep blue gives a pale interior weight and warmth. Dimensions vary by model, for example around 86 x 71 cm with a height of 94 cm for a salon armchair.
Planning a room around Louis XV armchairs
Two armchairs facing a sofa across a low table remain the most elegant arrangement. Allow at least 60 to 80 cm between seats so that the curved arms can breathe. A pair of armchairs either side of a fireplace or a console creates instant symmetry.
Combine the chairs with rococo furniture such as a curved commode, and hang a venetian mirror above it for reflected light. Keep walls calm when the chairs are richly coloured. One statement piece per wall is usually enough.
Louis XV chairs in hotels, restaurants and villas
In a hotel lobby, Louis XV armchairs set a welcoming, residential tone. In suites they turn a corner by the window into a reading nook. Restaurants and bars use them for lounge areas and private dining rooms, where comfort matters as much as the look.
For larger projects we can supply matching sets in one finish. Designers often mix Louis XV armchairs with more imposing pieces from our baroque armchairs range, keeping the grander chairs for reception and the softer curves for the guest areas. For a single statement, a throne from the baroque throne chairs selection completes the scene.
Price range and choosing the right model
Our Louis XV armchairs start at around €1,000 and reach roughly €8,700 for the most elaborate hand carved models. The difference lies in the depth of carving, the gilding and the fabric. The full collection of baroque armchairs in the shop shows every current model.
When choosing, check the seat height against your tables, the width of the arms for your space, and the fabric for the level of use. For hotel and restaurant seating, a robust velvet or a patterned fabric is the practical choice. The collection pairs easily with other ornate furniture in the same colour family.
Our selection: Louis XV Chairs
View all items: Baroque Style Armchairs
Frequently asked questions
Are your Louis XV chairs antiques?
No. They are newly made reproductions in the Louis XV style. You get the historic silhouette with a stable frame and fresh upholstery. That makes them suitable for daily use at home and in hospitality.
How can I tell a Louis XV chair from a Louis XVI chair?
Look at the legs first. Louis XV legs are curved cabriole legs, while Louis XVI legs are straight and often fluted. Louis XV backs curve softly, Louis XVI backs are usually oval medallions or rectangles.
What is a bergère?
A bergère is an armchair with upholstered, closed sides and usually a loose seat cushion. It is deeper and cosier than an open armchair. It is ideal for reading corners and bedrooms.
Which colours are available?
Frames come in white and gold, grey and gold, black and gold or cream and gold. Fabrics include blue, green, brown, grey and cream velvet as well as striped and patterned designs. Some models carry crystal buttons in the backrest.
Can I order matching chairs and sofas?
Yes. Several models are available as a set with a settee and two armchairs. Matching finishes make it easy to furnish a complete seating area.
Are Louis XV armchairs suitable for hotels?
Yes. They are popular in lobbies, suites and lounges. For heavy use we recommend robust velvet or patterned fabrics in darker tones.
How do I care for velvet and gilded surfaces?
Vacuum velvet gently with a soft brush attachment and treat stains promptly with a damp cloth. Dust gilded carving with a dry, soft brush. Avoid water and cleaning agents on gold surfaces.
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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