It's the French term for a settee or sofa with a carved, exposed wooden frame. The form took shape in 18th-century France as salon furniture. In listings the word is used much like sofa. Fifty-two titles on Sellingantiques carry canapé or a shortened spelling of it.

Are these sofas usually two-seaters?

Two seats is the default. Seat and seater terms appear in eighty-nine titles, and "three" shows up in only nine. Sizes skew small generally. The word "small" appears about as often as "large" across the category.

Which woods and finishes turn up most?

Walnut leads, in about a fifth of titles, often carved. Giltwood, gilt wood and gilt cover roughly a tenth, and painted frames a little less. Mahogany and ebonised frames appear on the Empire and Napoleon III side. Species such as beech, cherry, rosewood and fruitwood surface only a few times each.

Does Louis XVI mean the sofa is 18th century?

Not on its own. Much of what carries a Louis XV or Louis XVI label is described as style or revival, made during the 19th or early 20th century. Genuine 18th-century claims are scarce, appearing in eleven titles out of 532. Louis XVI alone accounts for forty-one titles.

Do any of these carry a maker's name?

No. Across 532 listings, not one maker's name emerges. French seat furniture in this category is sold on style, timber and date. Only one piece carries a named house provenance, a giltwood canapé from Humewood Castle.

How many come up for sale each year?

Around fifty-two a year, and 128 different dealers have listed one. That spread tells you it's a category almost every general furniture dealer touches at some point, rather than the preserve of a few specialists.

Home > Sofas > French Sofas > Page 5

Antique French Sofas

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A French canapé or settee is a two-seat upholstered bench with its carved wooden frame left on show, made for the salon rather than for slumping in.

Elegant Regency French Empire-style Sofa, Circa 1820

19th century

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Elegant Regency French Empire-style Sofa, Circa 1820

From WelshAntiques

£640

FOR SALE

sofas

Large Regency Gilt Frame Three Seater Settee

19th century

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Large Regency Gilt Frame Three Seater Settee

From Harrison Antique Furniture

£2,450

FOR SALE

sofas

1900 - 1920

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Two Seat Settee

From D J Green Antiques

£1,850

FOR SALE

sofas

1900 - 1920

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20th Century Sofa

From Dean Antiques Ltd

£1,650

FOR SALE

sofas

19th century

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Mid 19th Century French Canape

From Claire Langley Antiques

£1,950

FOR SALE

sofas

19th century

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Large 19th Century Reception Salon Chaise in Green Velvet

From Elmgarden

£1,950

FOR SALE

sofas

French Cream Painted Louis XVI Style Sofa, Circa 1900

1900 - 1920

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French Cream Painted Louis XVI Style Sofa, Circa 1900

From Patrick Moorhead Antiques

£3,800

FOR SALE

sofas

Superb Antique Carved Walnut Antique Cameo Settee

19th century

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Superb Antique Carved Walnut Antique Cameo Settee

From David Wolfenden Antiques

£2,200

FOR SALE

sofas

A Large English Early Xix Century Giltwood Settee

19th century

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A Large English Early Xix Century Giltwood Settee

From Ebury Trading

£2,800

FOR SALE

sofas

Large French Louis XV Style Carved Upholstered Walnut Sofa

1900 - 1920

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Large French Louis XV Style Carved Upholstered Walnut Sofa

From Burgett Langfield Decorative Antiques

£1,895

FOR SALE

sofas

The rarest origins in the French sofa archive on Sellingantiques aren't French at all: a Viennese enamel-mounted sofa, a Swedish Gustavian settee, a Swedish Empire giltwood settee.

19th century

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Miniature French Empire Style Chaise

From Youlls Antiques

£1,700

FOR SALE

sofas

1900 - 1920

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Superb Inlaid Two Seat Sofa

From Fernyhough Antiques Ltd

£795

FOR SALE

sofas

19th century

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A Stylish Walnut Settee, Ca. 1840-60

From Marlborough Antiques & Interiors

£1,950

FOR SALE

sofas

18th century

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Swedish Gustavian 18th Century Settee

From Sussex Antiques and Interiors

£1,400

FOR SALE

sofas

19th century

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