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

Do you own a piece of Louis XVI period furniture and would like to determine its value? Our specialists graciously offer a 24-hour appraisal of your Louis XVI furniture, provide you with an estimate of its cost on the current market and then guide you in making a sale at the most advantageous price possible. They take into account factors such as the age, provenance, state of preservation and rarity of the object to provide an accurate and 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 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 backrest 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 begins at the beginning of the reign of Louis XVI and follows on from 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 pronounced taste for classicism.

The Louis XVI style rejects the rocaille, present 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, however, make their appearance.

Seats are redesigned, we still have the cabriolet back, but they are more sober than before. Writing tables are popular, as are pedestal tables and cylinder desks. The half-moon commode appears at this time. 

Reasons to sell Louis XVI furniture at auction

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.

Have a Louis XVI period piece of furniture appraised

If you own a Louis XVI piece of furniture or any other piece of cabinetry, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling out our online form. 

A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of your piece's market value. 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 object.