King Louis XIV also known as Louis the Magnificent or the Sun King was a supreme monarch that ruled France for 72 years during mid 17th century till mid 18th century. During his reign French furniture design flourished and reached its peak. He established Manufacture des Gobelins where artists with all kinds of skills were hired by the state and provided accommodation in the Louvre. They were made to create the most exquisite, magnificent furniture for the monarch. This started the whole new era in furniture design known as Louis XIV style furniture. Louis XIV style furniture has its own beauty and dignity and splendor. They are massive made from good quality wood and heavily ornamented suitable for a palace or stately salons.
Some key elements of Louis XIV style furniture are they are made from the finest quality wood with a balanced combination of curves and straight lines. They are elaborately carved and extremely proportionate with balance and symmetry. Lavish ornamentation using gold, inlays of precious stones or brass, the motifs of scroll, shells, garlands, acanthus, rich upholstery fabrics like velvet, damasks or tapestry, marbles, painting and marquetry give a feel of dignified splendor. Marbles or granite is used as table tops. Louis XIV style furniture is highly decorated furniture. Commodes, cabinets, center tables, clocks etc from Louis XIV era are priceless antique pieces.
Andre Charles Boulle, cabinet maker to the king was the greatest craftsman of the era in ebony furniture. He had mastered the art of decorating ebony furniture by inlaying the wood with shells, stones, brass, ivory and other carved wood pieces or metals. He was skillful in mounting the furniture with layers of carved gilt ornaments made of bronze and shell.
Louis XIV style tables have turned feet or pedestal feet with carved legs. Shapes of the table are round or oblong with marble of granite top. The arm chairs are with railing and have partially upholstered square or curved seats and backs. Arm rests are carved and partially upholstered. Legs are tapering with carved leaf shaped feet. Legs are carved or decorated with gilding and marquetry. Chairs have different style and shape of rails that are richly carved. Cabinets and chests come in many shapes and sizes with inlaid panels. Beds are uniquely designed with canopies partially covering the bed with a roof like structure. Bed drapery is an essential element of Louis XIV style bed. The curtain can be drawn back at the head. Accessories include beautiful mirrors, priceless wall clocks, massive chimney pieces with mantels or mirrors above them, war trophies with mythological themes, elaborately designed window locks and door knobs. Louis XIV style furniture is awe inspiring wonderfully beautiful furniture.
Louis XIV Style Furniture Table
Louis XIV Style Furniture Round Table
Louis XIV Style Furniture Lavish Decorative Furniture
Louis XIV Style Furniture Desk
Louis XIV Style Furniture Commode Chest
Louis XIV Style Furniture Commode
Louis XIV Style Furniture Chair
Louis XIV Style Furniture Chair
Louis XIV Style Furniture Center Table
Louis XIV Style Furniture Bed
