Louis XV furniture was not only luxurious but also versatile, easily adapting to the needs of different classes, from royal courts to provincial homes. Great attention was given to comfort, with meticulous upholstery work ensuring maximum relaxation. Armchairs, known as bergères, featured fabric covered panels between the arms and seats for added comfort.
The period also saw the rise of ladies' furniture, such as vanities and dressing tables, along with the introduction of roll-top desks, writing desks with fold-out flaps, and wooden paneling. Dining tables were typically draped with floor-length tablecloths, while multi-functional furniture became a hallmark of the era. Ingeniously designed tables could transform into toilets, writing desks, reading tables, or sewing tables through complex locking mechanisms.
Bronze doré mounts, a prominent feature of Louis XV furniture, were often combined with lacquer work, veneering, marquetry, and parquetry, adding a touch of opulence. The era’s fascination with secrecy led to the creation of furniture with hidden compartments and spring-loaded mechanisms, allowing for discreet storage.
From 1743 to 1790, members of the Parisian guilds were required to stamp or sign their names on pieces of furniture, typically beneath the marble tops of commodes or under the frames of chairs and tables, ensuring authenticity without detracting from the furniture’s appearance.