Early 17th century onwards, during the reign of King Louis XIII, lifestyle in France was luxurious. Trade with Eastern Asia generated wealth among all the strata of society. There was a demand for elegant and stylish home furniture, fabrics and accessories. Expensive silk was brought from the Asian countries through Cape of Good Hope passage. France also produced different varieties of fabric such as velvet, damasks, taffeta, wool, cotton, poplin, fabrics with gold threads etc. Fabric designs had the influence of the Renaissance era. The motifs in fabric design included birds, flowers, fruits, bouquets, garlands, serpentine curves, leafy branches, birds and hounds, spiral curves etc. The influence of oriental motifs was also clearly visible. Drapery was very important during this time. Furniture was covered with braided or laced curtains. Framework of bed was totally covered by the drapes. Similarly tables were also covered by generous size table clothes. Heavy mirror frames were fashionable.
Arabian style influenced French style furniture greatly during Louis XIII era. It was also known as Arabesque style. Another great influence was that of Jesuit style furniture design. Louis XIII style French furniture was more artistic with scroll and shell carvings. It was more refined and elegant compared to the French Renaissance furniture popular during late 16th century. French Renaissance style furniture had bold curves with coarse and heavy ornamentation. The furniture was inlaid in ivory, ebony, metal and exotic woods and inspired by Gothic or Romanesque spirit. Louis XIII style furniture looked more elegant with finely carved arabesque scrolls, shields, half man and half animal figures, twisted columns, spiral legs and curved pediments. Ebony furniture and painted furniture with Jesuit influence were also popular during Louis XIII era.
During Louis XIII period, a large range of day to day furniture was introduced for domestic use. You can see many forms and designs in Louis XIII style chairs and sofas. Cane was newly introduced for chair seats. Chairs were heavily upholstered in brocade, velvet, tapestry or needlework. Leather was also used for upholstery. Chairs became more comfortable with upholstery. Divan, console tables, reception beds were introduced during Louis XIII era. Table covers was a new introduction during Louis XIII period. Bedroom furniture was lavish and luxurious with decorated bedroom walls. Canopied beds with draperies were in fashion. Decorative friezes were fixed above paneled wainscots in bedrooms. Large furniture pieces such as china cabinets, wardrobes, bedsteads had elaborately carved wooden pediments. Furniture design during the reign of Louis XIII flourished and reached a new level.
Louis XIII Style Furniture Ebony Chest
Louis XIII Style Furniture Dressoir
Louis XIII Style Furniture Chest
Louis XIII Style Furniture Chair
Louis XIII Style Furniture Chair
Louis XIII Style Furniture Chair
Louis XIII Style Furniture Sofa
