The Louis XV period (1715–1774), covering the reign of Louis XV, ushered in one of the most graceful and inventive styles in French decorative arts. Known as Rococo, the style celebrated lightness, movement, and playful elegance, departing from the grandeur and symmetry of Louis XIV’s baroque court.
The Louis XV Style
Furniture and decorative objects of this period are characterised by:
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Curved, flowing lines — cabriole legs, serpentine commodes, and scrolling chair frames.
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Asymmetry — organic Rococo ornament with shells, rocailles, and stylised foliage.
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Delicacy and intimacy — smaller-scale furniture suited to salons and private interiors.
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Exquisite veneers and marquetry — tulipwood, kingwood, and satinwood inlays, often with floral motifs.
The Rococo ideal was one of comfort and refinement, combining opulence with an intimacy suited to private aristocratic life.
Decorative Arts Beyond Furniture
The Louis XV style extended to gilt-bronze mounts, porcelain, and lacquered surfaces, often drawing on Chinese and Japanese inspiration. Tapestries, silks, and gilt mirrors completed interiors of extraordinary refinement.
Enduring Appeal
Louis XV furniture remains among the most desirable in the world of antiques. Its graceful lines, rich veneers, and exquisite craftsmanship continue to captivate collectors and designers, bringing Rococo elegance into both classical and modern interiors.
At Nicholas Wells Antiques, we present exceptional examples of Louis XV furniture and decorative arts, celebrated for their originality, quality, and enduring beauty.
