The style of 18th-century French furniture was guided by the court. When Louis XV, who reigned from 1715–74, focused royal life on the smaller salons of Versailles rather than its grand chambers, it transformed the aesthetics away from the imposing and angular furniture that characterized the style of Louis XIV. A broader focus on comfort and more delicate forms define antique Louis XV furniture, with nature-inspired carvings, wood inlays, curved cabriole legs, asymmetrical shapes and rounded oval seat backs. The furnishings changed throughout the king’s life, as he ascended to the throne as a child and then grew to establish his own tastes.
Pieces like the bergère, an upholstered armchair with a wide cushion that fit the flowing dresses in fashion at the time, reflected this more informal court. Introduced at the start of Louis XV’s reign, bergère chairs in this style were deeper and broader than other chairs of the period.
Louis XV tapestries and carpets tended to be floral and colorful, and design elements were borrowed from Asia. Dutch-born cabinetmaker Bernard van Risenburgh brought lacquer techniques influenced by Japan and China into his luxuriously made furniture. Along with its fine details, the furniture of the era also featured new innovations including mechanical devices. Jean François Oeben, a royal cabinetmaker, created such intricate pieces as a mechanical table for Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV’s mistress. It involved a sliding top and a writing surface that extended from its marquetry panels.
During the later years of Louis XV’s reign, there was a shift from the ostentatious rocaille style, part of the exuberantly decorative Rococo movement in Europe for which designers such as Nicolas Pineau and Juste-Aurèle Meissonier are known. The style under Louis XVI would return to boxier forms, but with a neoclassical touch inspired by the ancient world.
Find antique Louis XV bedroom furniture, seating, tables and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
French 1750s Faience Oval Shaped Soup Tureen from Bordeaux with Floral Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French faïence mid-18th century oval-shaped soup tureen from Bordeaux with floral decor. Created in Southwestern France during the reign of King Louis XV, this soup tureen features...
Faience
Mid-Century French Hand Painted Corner Desvres Wall Faience Lavabo Fountain
By Desvres
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this elegant ceramic fountain on board from the south of France. Crafted in Desvres circa 1920, the decorative three-piece set is complete with, reservoir with b...
Bronze
Antique Savona Majolica Serving Dishes, Louis XV Style, Italy, 1820
Located in Montreal, QC
Antique pair of Savona Majolica serving dishes. Painted in blue, one depicts a satyr, putti and two young girls, all enjoying the new wine: the other is painted with an allegory of ...
Clay
Early 20th Century French Hand Painted Wall Faience Lavabo Fountain with Stand
By Rouen
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a entry wall or hallway with this elegant antique ceramic fountain. Crafted in Rouen, France, circa 1890, the decorative three-piece set is complete with basin, reservoir wi...
Ceramic, Faience
19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Ewer Vase from Normandy
Located in Dallas, TX
This tall, antique "Aiguiere" (ewer) was sculpted in Rouen, France, circa 1860. This delicate, ornate ceramic pitcher has one large handle, a sloped spout, four feet and an elegant s...
Ceramic, Faience
Mid-Century French Louis XV Hand Painted Faience Oval Jardinière from Rouen
By Rouen
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Rouen, France circa 1940, the antique ceramic planter sits on escargot feet over a scalloped apron. The oblong planter dressed with elegant s...
Ceramic, Faience
19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Jardinière from Normandy
By Rouen
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Rouen, France circa 1890, and oval in shape, the antique planter stands on scrolled feet over a scalloped apron; it features elegant s...
Ceramic, Faience
Set of 12 Saint Amand Faience Plates by Lebacqz Bouchart
By Saint Amand, Lebacqz Bouchart
Located in London, England
This set of 12 Lebacqz and Bouchart plates in Saint-Amand earthenware represents a real treasure for lovers of porcelain and French history. Each plate evokes the kings, queens and f...
Faience
19th Century French Blue and White Faience Ewer with Courting Scene
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring classic European charm to a buffet, console, or dining-room display with this elegant antique French faience ewer, crafted in France circa 1880. Hand-painted in traditional cob...
Ceramic, Faience
French Desvres Faience Lavabo
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French Desvres faience Louis XV style lavabo with traditional colorful hand painted decoration. The lidded urn and large deep basin rest on a whitewashed chestnut wall mounted corner shelf...
Chestnut, Faience
Early 20th Century French Desvres Faience Jardinière on Pedestal
By Desvres
Located in Dallas, TX
This impressive early 20th century antique French faience jardinière on pedestal, dating to circa 1920, was produced in Desvres, one of France’s most important centers for decorative...
Ceramic, Faience
Large Pair of 19th Century French Desvres Faience Urns with Twisted Handles
By Desvres
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console, sideboard, or enfilade with this charming pair of hand-painted French faience urns from Desvres. Crafted in northern Francecirca 1880, each large baluster-form ve...
Ceramic, Faience
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Faience Jardinière with Paris Coat of Arms
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table or mantel with this elegant antique Louis XV style jardinière, crafted in northern France circa 1920. Oblong and gently bowed in form, the vessel stands on four scro...
Ceramic, Faience
French Faience Jardinière by Veuve Perrin
Located in Pembroke, MA
A lovely, highly-detailed French faience soup tureen, with handles, feet and nicely-sculpted vegetable decorated cover (18th century). The top cover has a radish, carrot and scallion. The painted decoration on the sides includes a shield with fleur-de-lis. The piece is marked underneath, "VP 1777" (mark for Veuve Perrin...
Ceramic
French Faience Cache Pot, 19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A white glazed French Faience “Cache Pot” with handles, circa 1870.
Faience
$695
H 18.5 in W 8 in D 4 in
French Desvres Faience Figural Cat Wall Pocket Vase or Bouquetière by Geo Martel
By Émile Gallé, Quimper Faience Pottery, Desvres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine French faience wall pocket / vase. By Geo Martel, founder of the Gaëtan Level ceramics factory in Desvres starting circa 1900. In the form of a cat climbing with floral mark...
Faience
Large Antique Italian Majolica Platter, Bacchus and Ariadne
Located in Dallas, TX
At over two feet in diameter, this stunning majolica platter or charger, is particularly large. The painted scene painted was taken from a ceiling fresco known as the Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne...
Majolica
Antique French White Ironstone Lidded Soup Tureen
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique French white ironstone lidded soup tureen, circa 1900. No maker's mark. This fine soup tureen has a decorative finial and lovely ornate handles. It displays beauti...
Ironstone
19th Century French Faience Floral Plate
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely antique late 18th-century to early 19th-century French faience plate with beautiful hand painted flowers and a scalloped rim. It would look fabulous displayed on a wall or s...
Faience
Ceramic Koi Wall Fountain and Lavabo on Wood Panel
Located in Stamford, CT
A fabulous vintage ceramic wall fountain from the 1970s on a wood panel. This is a great indoor three piece fountain, lava bowl with spigot in the shape of a...
Ceramic, Wood
Antique French White Ironstone Lidded Soup Tureen
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous antique French white ironstone lidded soup tureen, circa 1900. No maker's mark. This fine soup tureen has a decorative finial and lovely ornate handles. It displays beauti...
Ironstone
$2,140 / set
H 11.03 in W 14.38 in D 8.86 in
19th c. French Porcelain Soup Tureen with Tray, Paris Vierzon
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exceptional porcelain soup tureen with its matching tray is a fine example of 19th-century French tableware, produced by the distinguished manufactory Lehailleux & Pepin, based ...
Porcelain
French Faience Tureen Desvres, circa 1900
By Desvres
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience Tureen attributed to Desvres Circa 1900. Inspired by Rouen manufacture. Signed Arromanches.
Faience
$272Sale Price|45% Off
H 1 in Dm 9.13 in
18th Century Faience Earthenware Plate - A hand painted, French circa 1780
By Faience Manufacturing Company
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative French Faience plate dinner plate made from tin-glazed earthenware (pottery) which we date to the late 18th century. The plate has a pan shaped base with n...
Earthenware
White Ironstone Soup Tureen with Lid
Located in Bradenton, FL
Elegant 19th Century White Ironstone Soup Tureen with Lid. Tureen features a graceful pedestal base, delicately molded side handles, and a...
Ironstone
Early 20th Century French Hand-Painted Faience Terrine from Rouen
By Rouen
Located in Verviers, BE
The designs on this French faience group is typical of pottery made in Rouen. Early 20th century French hand-painted Faience Terrine from Rouen. Marking on the bottom: "Rouen Fait...
Faience
Sold
H 12.5 in W 7 in D 6 in
Pair of 19th Century French Blue and White Delft Vases with Pastoral Scenes
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring color and character to a living room, dining room or entryway with this striking pair of antique French Delft vases. Crafted in France circa 1870, each tall vessel features an ...
Ceramic, Faience
Pair of 19th C. French Blue and White Desvres Lidded Vases in Delft Style
By Desvres
Located in Dallas, TX
This striking pair of faïence vases was crafted in France circa 1880 in the Delft style and features hand-painted blue and white decoration on a finely reticulated ground. Each balus...
Ceramic, Faience
Pair of 19th C. French Blue and White Desvres Lidded Vases in Delft Style
By Desvres
Located in Dallas, TX
This striking pair of faïence vases was crafted in France circa 1880 in the Delft style and features hand-painted blue and white decoration on a finely reticulated ground. Each balus...
Ceramic, Faience
Sold
H 12 in W 5 in D 4 in
Pair of 19th Century French Blue and White Faience Delft Vases with Parrot Lids
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
These Classic antique Delft vases were created in France, circa 1860. Each elegant porcelain jar is decorated with finely painted, romantic scene medallions and embellished with flor...
Ceramic, Faience
Sold
H 12 in W 17 in D 2.5 in
18th Century French Blue & White Hand Painted Faience Platter from Normandy
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a kitchen wall with this colorful antique platter. Created in Normandy circa 1780, this ceramic wall plate dish is oval in shape; called "Cul Noir" (the underside is painted...
Faience
Sold
H 16 in W 9 in D 7.5 in
18th Century French Louis XVI Blue and White Faience Vase with Courting Scene
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
This important antique vase was crafted in France circa 1780. Octagonal in shape with a flared neck and gadrooned lower body, the large potiche features exquisite hand-painted blue a...
Ceramic, Faience
Sold
H 15.5 in W 21.5 in D 15 in
Mid-Century French Louis XV Hand Painted Faience Cache Pot from Rouen
By Rouen
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Rouen, France circa 1940, the antique ceramic planter sits on escargot feet over a scalloped apron. The round planter dressed with elegant side leaf form handles, features...
Ceramic, Faience
18th Century French Blue and White Hand Painted Faience Delft Potiche with Lid
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
This important antique vase was crafted in France, circa 1780. Round in shape with gadrooned body style, the elegant potiche features hand painted decor of figural medallions divided with high relief leaf and shell motifs; each painted medallion depicts sailboat on water and courting people scenes in the traditional blue and white Delft palette. The tall ceramic vessel...
Ceramic, Faience
Plate « Trompe-L’oeil » Presenting a Dish of Quince, France, 18th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Plate « trompe-l’Oeil » presenting a dish of quince Faience, fine glazed pottery 18th century Diameter : 23 cm; Height : Round dish with relief decoration trompe l’oeil of ...
Faience, Pottery
Trompe L’oeil Footed Dish, Faenza, 17th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Faenza Maiolica trompe l’oeil footed dish "alzatina" Faenza, second half of 17th century Faience, fine glazed pottery diameter : 24 cm ; High : 8cm Rare footed dish, the upper ...
Faience, Pottery
Plate « Trompe-L’oeil », Nevers, 18th Century
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Plate « trompe-l’Oeil » presenting a dish of apricots Nevers, 18th century Faience, fine glazed pottery Diameter 25 cm Rare earthenware bowl decorated with naturalistically-mod...
Faience
Sold
H 9 in W 25.75 in D 14.25 in
19th Century French Hand Painted Faience Oblong Jardinière with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in Normandy, France, circa 1890, the large ceramic bombe planter sits on four scroll feet decorated with acanthus leaves. The shallow, detailed planter dressed with elegant s...
Ceramic, Faience