How do I identify Louis XV and Louis XVI styles?

Louis XV pieces exhibit asymmetrical curves, cabriole legs and flowing floral carvings without straight lines. Louis XVI designs introduce geometric symmetry, fluted straight legs and oval or shield-shaped backs. Studding the overall silhouette helps separate the exuberant curves of the mid-eighteenth-century rococo phase from the neoclassical restraint of the later period.

Are these chairs suitable for daily seating?

Historic frames provide sturdy support, though nineteenth-century and eighteenth-century joints benefit from professional inspection before heavy daily use. Many examples retain traditional webbing and stuffing that offer firm support. Placing them in low-traffic areas or utilising them as accent seating preserves fragile antique textiles and delicate giltwood surfaces.

What is the difference between an armchair and a bergere?

Standard armchairs feature open wooden sides between the armrest and the seat rail. Bergères enclose the sides completely with upholstered padding framed in exposed wood. This enclosed construction gives bergères a heavier silhouette and a more insulated seat than open-frame counterparts.

How should I care for antique giltwood frames?

Giltwood requires dusting with a dry, soft brush and protection from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid liquid cleaners or chemical polishes that strip gold leaf. Maintaining stable indoor humidity prevents the underlying gesso and wood from cracking or lifting the metallic leaf.