Welcome to Huff Harrington's Antiques 101, where we do a quick dive into some of our favorite antique styles, shapes and makes.
Up today: all things Louis XVI.
For a little historical context, Louis XVI was the last king before the fall of the French monarchy during the French Revolution and ruled from 1774 to 1792. During his reign, furniture styles were influenced by neoclassicism and elegance. Lines were simple and subtle and any adornment came in the form of classical motifs, like leaves, wreaths and cornocopias. You'll see fluting, rosettes, mouldings and painted or gilt wood. If there's marble (we love marble!), it's usually gray, white or even pink or rose-toned.
We have a fun mnemonic that helps us remember the most recognizable feature of this period: “straight sixteen". We came up with this as a way to tell the difference between the two Louis’s. Louis XV pieces are rococco: more ornate with curvy lines. We kiddingly call that “flirty fifteen.” Louis XVI pieces always feature a straight leg or line in its construction, or “straight sixteen”.
Louis XVI-style armchairs are also easy to spot because their backs will be either square, rectangular or even oval and the legs will be straight, simple and maybe fluted.
We're drawn to the style of Louis XVI furniture because the lines are so elegant and refined - and easy to design with. We find that Louis XVI-style pieces work well with many different interior design styles. For example, you can pair it with abstract art and mid-century chairs, which is one of our favorite looks. It looks great in traditional rooms, transitional rooms, formal and informal.
Bottom line: while this style of furniture went out of fashion with Louis himself (that didn't end well for him or Marie Antoinette), it remains a classic, sophisticated and ultimately versatile look that still works beautifully in interiors designed more than 200 years later.
Take a peek at some of our Louis XVI faves from here at the store. Gotta love the Louis!
