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Os de Mouton: Word of the Week

Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Regence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergere or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles.

OS DE MOUTON

os de ​mou·ton [ os duh moo-ton ] 
noun [ os duh moo-ton ] bone of mutton
Furniture. refers to sinuous stretchers that are the quintessential element of Louis XIII furniture.

Also called sheep bone
Origin: 1940–45; < French: literally, mutton bone.


From sheep bone to stylish seating — an 18th-century anatomical illustration showing the inspiration behind the distinctive “sheep bone” curve that gives French Louis XIII style Os de Mouton chairs their name.
 

Timeless Appeal

I love chairs — especially Louis chairs! And Louis XIII os de mouton dining chairs are among my favorites. Essential in design, chairs add color, texture, pattern, and a strong visual focal point to any room. Some antique chairs can be too fragile for daily use, but not the os de mouton chair. Instantly recognizable by its graceful S-curve that alternates in opposite directions, this sturdy French chair with curving legs mimics the "mutton bone" or "sheep bone," creating a flowing rhythm. Pairs of legs are often joined by a matching curved stretcher, reinforcing the design and adding visual weight. The effect is at once elegant, sculptural, and substantial — giving the chairs a timeless appeal.

Set of 12 19th Century French Louis XIII Style Os de Mouton Dining Chairs / Item #LOPM189 / Lolo French Antiques et More
 

Spotting the Style

First appearing during the reign of Louis XIII (1610–1643) and continuing into the Louis XIV period (1643–1715), os de mouton became one of the defining features of French Baroque furniture. The bold silhouette reflected the grandeur of the French court, emphasizing both structure and decoration. Os de mouton chairs served as a symbol of classic French style, initially gracing the grand dining rooms of châteaux and grand manor homes. 

 

The chairs often featured tall backs — sometimes with the classic chapeau de gendarme crest — nailhead trim, and luxurious fabrics like damask or velvet. The form was revived during the Régence and Louis XIV revivals, and by the late 19th century found its way into the dining rooms and salons of the emerging middle class. 

 

Fit for Kings (and Dining Rooms)

Besides their shapely, sinuous silhouette, os de mouton chairs have presence. The best known innovation from the Louis XIII period, these stately, quintessential French chairs add a touch of courtly drama to any dining room. Paired with small, large, or even the largest of dining tables, the style continues to endure as well as impress — perfectly balancing practicality with panache! Whether used around a grand table or as extra seating in a Parisian salon, os de mouton chairs maintain an opulent and elegant look.

 


New Orleans designer @melissarufty showcases a "flock" of os de mouton dining chairs around a beautiful 19th Century French trestle dining table. 
 

Every Chair a Throne

A single os de mouton chair can inspire an entire room’s décor. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely observed:

With its noble stance, elegant curves, and enduring sturdiness, this classic French chair is still a throne in any setting — whether at your dining table, in a cozy corner, or as a statement piece. 


Pastoral elegance at its best — set of six bleached oak Louis XIII style os de mouton dining chairs with floral tapestry backs and seats .
 


Set of eight 19th century French Louis XIII style os de mouton dining chairs upholstered in a floral damask with high chapeau de gendarme backs and nailhead trim.
 


Pair of 19th century French Louis XIII style walnut os de mouton fauteuils upholstered in neutral velvet with scrolled arms and sinuous stretchers.
 


A 19th century French Louis XIII style os de mouton walnut settee upholstered in bold red and green striped velvet, with gracefully curving sheep bone legs and classic nailhead trim.
 


Set of six 19th century French Louis XIII style os de mouton walnut chairs in striped upholstery, perfectly complementing a rustic bleached oak Provençal trestle table..
 


Gold damask grandeur — a regal set of twelve 19th century Louis XIII style os de mouton dining chairs paired with a Louis XVI style polished mahogany oval banquet table for a look both regal and timeless.
 

Still Baaad to the Bone 

For centuries, os de mouton chairs have kept their place at the table — proving great design never goes out of style. From royal palaces to cozy farmhouses, from bold damasks to rustic stripes and bleached oak frames, they've been reimagined in countless ways, continuing to charm designers and collectors alike. Whether paired with polished mahogany dining tables, farmhouse trestles, or bleached oak refectory tables, these sheep bone classics remain “baa-rilliantly” relevant.

 

Á Bientôt!

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Mimi Montgomery

When this self-described Francophile is not reading or writing about all things French, she's dreaming up charming new ways to showcase Lolo French Antiques et More or traveling to France with Lolo to buy delightful treasures for their store. Mimi, Lolo, and their French Bulldog, Duke, live in Birmingham, AL.

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