Rating and value of Louis XVI furniture (consoles, desk, armchairs)

Do you own a piece of Louis XVI furniture and would like to determine its value? Our specialists offer a free 24-hour appraisal of your Louis XVI piece, providing you with an estimate of its cost on today's market and then guiding you through the process of selling it at the best possible price. They take into account factors such as the age, provenance, state of preservation and rarity of the object to provide an accurate, well-documented estimate.  

Rating and value of Louis XVI furniture

Louis XVI furniture is highly prized on the auction market. It is even more sober than Louis XV furniture, yet at the same time sophisticated. The price at which it sells on the art and auction market ranges from €20 to €150,800, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to your Louis XVI period furniture. In 2021, a Louis XVI period royal armchair in carved and gilded wood, with a green back with acanthus leaf motifs, and stamped Georges Jacob, having belonged to the Comte d'Arthois sold for €117,000.

Order of value of Louis XVI furniture from the most basic to the most prestigious 

Characteristics of Louis XVI period furniture

Louis XVI period furniture is characterized by a return to classicism. It began at the beginning of the reign of Louis XVI, and was a continuation of the Transition style. After the rediscovery of the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the return to Antiquity began. It appeared at Court with the Comtesse du Barry, Louis XV's last mistress, who already had a strong taste for classicism.

The Louis XVI style rejects the rocaille found in the Louis XV style. It is characterized by rigorous geometric forms inspired by ancient architecture. These include fluted legs and square columns. The style is almost minimalist, although nature-inspired motifs such as flowers and plants are retained. Ribbon bows and drapery make their appearance.

Seating has been redesigned, still with the cabriolet backrest, but more sober than before. Writing tables were popular, as were pedestal tables and cylinder desks. The half-moon chest of drawers appeared at this time. 

Reasons to auction Louis XVI furniture

Louis XVI furniture is appreciated by collectors for its sobriety. Gilding is still present, but less so than in earlier styles. Compared to the Louis XV style, furniture is more practical. Aesthetics are still important, however, notably with the half-moon consoles, which are designed to be stuck to the wall and add cachet to the room. The Far Eastern influence has completely disappeared in favor of antique inspiration, which appeals to some bidders.

The stamp

A stamp on a piece of furniture can considerably increase its value, depending on the artist who made it, the workshop and the date of manufacture.

Appraising Louis XVI period furniture

If you own a piece of Louis XVI furniture or any other piece of cabinetry, please feel free to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. 

A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your piece. If you are considering selling your piece of cabinetry, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price for your work, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each item.