Rating and value of Louis XVI furniture (consoles, desk, armchairs)
Key takeaways
- Louis XVI furniture sells for between €20 and €150,800 depending on the type and condition, with desks commanding the highest prices.
- A royal armchair stamped “Georges Jacob” fetched €117,000 in 2021, illustrating the importance of provenance and the craftsman.
- The Louis XVI style is characterized by simple, geometric forms inspired by antiquity, rejecting the rocaille style of the Louis XV period.
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
Type of furniture | Result |
|---|---|
Louis XVI period cabinet | From 150 to 65 000€ |
Louis XVI period desk | From 200 to 150 800€ |
Armchair Louis XVI period | From 20 to 49 450€ |
Louis XVI period chest of drawers | From €20 to 117,000 |
Half-moon period chest of drawerslune period Louis XVI | From €250 to €114,280 |
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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.
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Frequently asked questions
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What are the main characteristics of Louis XVI furniture?Louis XVI furniture is characterized by a return to classicism and a rejection of the rocaille style found in the Louis XV style. It features strict geometric forms inspired by ancient architecture, with fluted legs and square columns, while retaining natural motifs such as flowers and foliage. Seating is more understated, and this period saw the emergence of new types of furniture such as guéridon tables, cylinder desks, and half-moon chests of drawers.
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What is the price range for Louis XVI furniture, depending on the type?Prices for Louis XVI furniture vary considerably depending on the type and quality. Armchairs range from €20 to €49,450, wardrobes from €150 to €65,000, desks from €200 to €150,800, chests of drawers from €20 to €117,000, and half-moon chests of drawers from €250 to €114,280. These price variations depend on factors such as condition, provenance, rarity, and the presence of a mark by a renowned craftsman.
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How can I get a free appraisal of a Louis XVI piece of furniture at Auctie's?Auctie's offers a free, no-obligation appraisal of your Louis XVI furniture. Simply fill out the online form on our website, and a member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an accurate estimate of your piece’s market value within 48 hours. This appraisal takes into account the age, provenance, condition, and rarity of the item.
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How does a hallmark affect the value of a piece of Louis XVI furniture?A maker's mark (the signature of the cabinetmaker or workshop) can significantly increase the value of a piece of Louis XVI furniture. The value depends on the craftsman's reputation, the prominence of the workshop, and the date of manufacture. For example, an armchair stamped “Georges Jacob” can fetch very high prices, as evidenced by auction results.
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Is this the right time to sell a piece of Louis XVI furniture?Yes, now is a good time to sell a piece of Louis XVI furniture. These pieces remain highly sought after in the auction market and are prized by collectors for their elegant simplicity, practicality, and classical inspiration. Auctie's supports sellers from the appraisal stage through to the auction, taking market trends into account to secure the best possible price.
