2. Meet the French Royal Style: Louis XIV
The Sun King and the Era of Golden Excess
Ah, Louis XIV—aka Le Roi Soleil. The original master of branding. With a reign that outlasted most empires (72 years, darling!), Louis didn’t just rule France—he orchestrated it. Think theatre, pageantry, power... and of course, perfectly toned dancer’s legs. He was that guy.
Louis loathed the grit and grumble of Paris so much that he packed his bags (and half the nobility) and moved into his architectural fantasy: the Palace of Versailles. A gold-drenched stage where he played Apollo the Sun God in ballets and daily life. And yes, the mirrors, chandeliers, and corridors were designed as much to reflect his divine glow as to impress the court.
His legs—trained by a lifetime of ballet—were a national treasure. He flaunted them in full-length portraits like a proto–Instagram model with calf envy. It’s said he believed “L'État, c'est moi”—“I am the State.” Honestly, same energy as someone naming their WiFi network after themselves.
Louis XIV Furniture Style: Baroque with a Capital B
Baroque wasn’t just a style—it was an era-defining mood, and Louis XIV was its biggest fan. This furniture doesn’t whisper luxury—it sings it in Italian, while wearing gold brocade and sipping champagne at noon. Think:
- Monumental scale—chairs with more presence than some heads of state
- Architectural symmetry, with strict right angles softened by lavish curves
- Swirling marquetry in contrasting exotic woods—Boulle work at its boldest
- Gilded bronze mounts, sculptural flourishes, and mythological motifs everywhere
And let’s not forget marble tops, cabriole legs, and heraldic bling—from monograms to royal fleurs-de-lis, his furniture was basically Versailles in miniature. Upholstery? Brocade, velvet, damask—nothing subtle, ever.
It was a time when even a footstool had a sense of grandeur. Functional furniture? That’s cute. We’re here for art you can sit on.
Furnishings are characterised by weighty brocades of red and gold. Until 1680, furniture was massive, decorated with sculpture and gilding. Thanks to the development of the craft of marquetry, the furniture was decorated with different colours and different woods. This technique added a new dimension to the visual appeal of the furniture. The most prominent creator of furniture in this period was André Charles Boulle, a renowned ébéniste (cabinetmaker) and sculptor. His works, characterized by elaborate marquetry and gilded bronze mounts, are considered iconic representations of this style.
Louis XIV furniture drew inspiration from classical antiquity, incorporating motifs from ancient Greek and Roman art. This influence is evident in the use of columns, pilasters, and classical ornamentation. While symmetry was emphasized, Louis XIV furniture also featured curved forms and Rocaille motifs.
Why it Still Matters
Louis XIV furniture is statement-making elegance. It’s theatrical, powerful, and unapologetically royal. Whether you’re channelling a modern-day Versailles or just want a piece that demands attention (and knows its worth), the Sun King's style has you covered.
Ready for your own taste of royal opulence? Browse our baroque beauties and let your interiors shine with a little je ne sais quoi... and a lot of gold.
Images sourced via Rijksstudio from the Rijksmuseum.
