Louis Philippe Benches
Known as the “Citizen King,” Louis Philippe reigned from 1830 to the Revolution of 1848 with the support of the upper bourgeoisie. Whereas the monarchs of 18th-century France, including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, dictated aesthetics through the decadence of the aristocratic court, Louis Philippe had a more down-to-earth presence. He could be seen walking the streets like an ordinary person, carrying his own umbrella and shaking hands with subjects. Antique Louis Philippe–style furniture reflects a sense of simplicity and the sovereign’s passion for the country’s history, such as his establishment of a Museum of the History of France at Versailles, which had been mostly disused since the French Revolution.
Middle Ages, Gothic and Renaissance design informed a nationalist style that celebrated this heritage, with the hodgepodge of influences becoming prevalent in the homes of the bourgeoisie. Cabinetmakers Guillaume and Jean-Michel Grohé created reproductions of historic pieces for the king as well as royal houses abroad. Louis Philippe commissioned sculptor François Rude to create patriotic monuments that paid tribute to military heroes, while designs for furniture published by Claude-Aimé Chenavard, an ornamentalist who conceived widely loved objects for the Sèvres manufactory, further helped spread a revival of Renaissance style.
The rounded profiles of authentic Louis Philippe tables and chairs were preferred in the apartments rather than palaces being furnished by the affluent middle and upper classes. Ornamentation was minimal on the finely crafted pieces, such as large rectangular mirrors adorned with gold and silver leaf finishes and subdued carvings. The popular Louis Philippe commodes were solidly made with clean lines that showed off the grain of the wood and were often topped with marble surfaces.
Find a collection of antique Louis Philippe seating, dining tables, bedroom furniture and other items on 1stDibs.
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Upholstery, Walnut
1950s French Vintage Louis Philippe Benches
Velvet
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Linen, Oak
Early 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Linen, Fruitwood, Paint
Late 19th Century Sicilian Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Fir, Lacquer
1840s French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Mahogany, Beech
Mid-20th Century French Louis Philippe Benches
Tapestry, Wood
1870s French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Mahogany
1850s French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Brass
1820s French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Paint, Giltwood, Wood, Muslin, Gesso
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Chestnut
Late 19th Century Sicilian Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Walnut
Early 20th Century American Louis Philippe Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century French Louis Philippe Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
1890s Spanish Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Iron
Late 20th Century American Louis Philippe Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
1880s French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Hardwood
Early 1800s Chinese Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Elm
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Oak
Mid-18th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
19th Century English Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Wood
Early 20th Century French Louis Philippe Benches
Wood
Early 19th Century American Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Rush, Wood, Paint
2010s American Louis Philippe Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Chestnut
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Linen, Oak
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Linen, Walnut
19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Rush, Beech
1830s French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Walnut
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Cane, Walnut
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Fruitwood
Early 20th Century French Louis Philippe Benches
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Fabric, Beech
Mid-19th Century French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Rush, Walnut
1830s French Antique Louis Philippe Benches
Fabric, Mohair, Foam, Polyester, Walnut