Louis XV furniture reproduction, Louis XV Furniture Price, Difference between Louis XIV and Louis XV furniture, Louis XV Furniture for sale, Louis XV furniture history, Louis XVI furniture characteristics, Louis XVI furniture style, Louis XV Chair Upholstery
Learn to easily identify genuine Louis XV bedroom furniture with expert tips on style, materials, and craftsmanship.
Nearly 150 years of amazing history have passed since the reigns of three French kings, Louis, from 1643 to 1791. These were Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis, three successive rulers whose influence was beyond politics into art, architecture, and furniture design. For keen history enthusiasts, distinguishing between the reigns of these monarchs and their contributions is second nature.
However, to the less historically engaged, knowledge of these kings is merely a series of names associated with different styles of furniture and architecture. Louis XIV’s grandeur with opulence, Louis XV’s curvaceous elegance, and Louis XVI’s neoclassical refinement define each of their eras. To modern homeowners seeking a touch of this timeless elegance, incorporating pieces inspired by these styles into bedroom furniture packages is a harmonious blend of history and sophistication. However, the nuances between the details of each Louis-style chair or bed are a challenge that design aficionados delight in.
Knowing Louis XV’s Style
To distinguish authentic ones, it is very important to know what Louis XV’s furniture looks like. Louis XV’s style came about during the early years of the 18th century and was at its peak when King Louis XV ruled. The time frame was also known for being one of departure from the strict symmetrical styles that were seen during the early Baroque years, moving on to more fluid, organic forms. Louis XV is characterised by the rococo influence, which is light, airy, and has curvaceous, organic lines. The furniture is softer, more gracious in shape, and more delicate in ornamentation than the bold, heavy designs of the preceding period.
Features of Louis XV furniture
- Soft curved lines of chairs, tables, and beds.
- Cabochon shapes curves used mostly for chair backs.
- Carvings in flower and leaf shapes, frequently on wood surfaces
- Ornate details, like gilt accents, as well as inlays
- Dainty, slender feet, which tend to appear in the shape of cabriole legs
Inspect Craftsmanship and Materials
Authentic Louis XV bedroom furniture is of the finest craftsmanship and materials, often exemplifying the high standards of French artisans during the 18th century. Original Louis XV pieces were built by the finest craftsmen using the finest materials.
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Wood:
Louis XV furniture is predominantly made from very fine woods, including oak, walnut, or rosewood. Intricate carving adorns most pieces, while other pieces incorporate expensive inlay work that may use a variety of marquetry techniques that involve wood inlays in contrasting colours and grains.
Carvings:
The most indicative features of originality are the carvings. Louis XV’s original furniture boasts delicate and elaborate carvings with intricate designs featuring floral motifs, shell shapes, and scrolls. Carvings must be smooth to the touch and free of any sharp edge or appearance of unfinished workmanship.
Gilding:
Many Louis XV pieces are highly ornamented and gilded with the gilding present along the legs, frames, and in ornate design areas. If the gilding appears too bright or uniform, then it could be a reproduction because original pieces always have a patina or aged over time.
Inspect the Form and Pattern
Louis XV furniture is easily identifiable by its signature curved, flowing shapes. In contrast to earlier, more angular designs, true Louis XV furniture is characterized by rounded edges, arched backs, and soft, curvilinear forms.
Beds:
Louis XV beds often have swooping, curved headboards and footboards, usually adorned with beautiful carvings of flowers, leaves, or scrolls. The legs of the bed are often cabriole-style, which curve outward before tapering inward.
Chests of Drawers and Dressers:
These pieces typically feature an asymmetrical shape with sweeping curves. Drawers are often decorated with intricate brass or gilt hardware, and the body of the furniture may include floral or rococo-inspired carvings.
Inspect the Joinery and Construction
Authentic Louis XV furniture is built using traditional joinery techniques that require great skill and attention to detail. Look for the following signs:
Dovetail Joints:
Dovetail joints characterize fine craftsmanship as connecting very strong and resilient hardwood units. Those should be well-made, even, and nicely fitted into place.
Glued, not Nailed:
Louis XV furniture was done by glueing together, not using nails. Where a few minimal nailing took place, proper items shouldn’t exhibit visible nails at all. Be suspicious of anything having visible metal fasteners because this is very often a good sign of a fake.
Signatures:
Most genuine Louis XV products had their manufacturers sign them. The higher and exclusive products, particularly the hand-made ones, often have notable craftsmen’s marks or signatures on the backs of chairs or on the drawers.
Inspect the Upholstery and Textiles
Upholstery in Louis XV bedroom furniture can be the best clue for identification. Use these clues to assess if the upholstery is genuine:
Fine Fabrics:
Louis XV furniture was upholstered with rich fabrics such as silk, damask, or velvet. The fabric should be soft and smooth to the touch.
Detailed Stitching:
Authentic upholstery has intricate stitching, often with a button-tufted design or piping around the edges.
Fabric Condition:
The real ones may have some signs of wear, like slight fading or gentle creases, but the fabric should not look too modern or out of place.
Provenance and Documentation
It is always wise to check the provenance of Louis XV bedroom furniture when buying. Authentic pieces are always associated with some form of proof of their origin. This could be in the form of a certificate of authenticity, historical records, or details on the original maker. These are usually provided by antique sellers in cases of high-value pieces.
Conclusion:
Identifying authentic Louis XV bedroom furniture requires more than just looking at the piece’s aesthetics. It requires attention to craftsmanship, materials, design, and joinery. These factors can distinguish authentic pieces from reproductions. The fluid, graceful lines, intricate carvings, and luxurious finishes that define Louis XV furniture make it a timeless choice for collectors and those looking to add a touch of historic elegance to their bedrooms.
