French Louis XVI Armchairs 18th Century

Name: A Pair of 18th Century French Open Arm Chairs
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1183760
Price: 1850 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectArmchairs
Period18th century
StyleLouis XVI
MaterialBeech, Giltwood, Textile
ColourRed and Gold
MotifsOval medallion back, Fluted tapered legs, Carved open arms, Padded manchettes
SizeH 97 cm (38 in) x W 68 cm (27 in) x D 54 cm (21 in)

This pair of eighteenth-century French Louis XVI open armchairs, or fauteuils, is crafted from solid pine and beech wood with a pale green painted finish and distressed gilding. The frames display carved open arms with padded manchettes, oval medallion backrests, and fluted tapered legs. Recently reupholstered in a toile style textile, the seating and backs feature red patterned fabric with green and cream details. Each chair measures 97 cm high, 68 cm wide, and 54 cm deep. Suitable for use in a period living room, formal drawing room, or master bedroom, these seating pieces offer traditional French chateau style. They provide comfortable armchair seating around a fireplace, beside a reading table, or placed symmetrically against a wall. The solid construction and classic proportions suit both traditional interiors and refined modern spaces.

FAQs

Louis XVI seating is defined by Neoclassical design principles, featuring straight lines, symmetrical proportions, geometric seat backs such as oval medallions or rectangles, and fluted, tapered legs inspired by Greco-Roman architecture.

Frames were typically carved from native hardwoods such as beech or walnut, which were then gilded, painted, or polished. Upholstery utilised natural materials like horsehair padding, webbing, and woven silk, tapestry, or printed cotton fabrics.

Authentic period pieces display hand-carved joinery with wooden pegs, subtle irregularities in hand-cut frame symmetry, natural shrinkage marks in the timber, and historical paint or gilding layers within deep carvings.

Pairing a structured French fauteuil alongside contemporary minimalist sofas creates balanced visual contrast. Placing a pair of open armchairs across from a fireplace or as statement seating in a bedroom suite adds architectural interest and historical context.

Dust wooden frames gently with a dry, soft microfibre cloth, avoiding harsh chemical polishes that strip historical gilding or paint finish. Keep textiles away from direct sunlight to prevent fibre degradation and color fading.

Christine Kavanagh Antiques

A Pair of 18th Century French Open Arm Chairs