French Louis XVI-Style Barrel Back Chair, c. 1950s

Painted Wood Frame • Floral Brocade Upholstery • Carved Neoclassical Details

A refined Louis XVI–style barrel back chair, crafted in the mid-20th century with an elegant, neoclassical silhouette. The curved frame, tapered legs, and carved rosettes at each corner reflect the timeless geometry of late 18th-century French design. Finished in antique cream with soft gilt accents, the chair is upholstered in a luminous floral brocade—a woven pattern of pale gold, blush, and sage tones that evoke understated opulence.

History

The Louis XVI style, first popularized in 18th-century France, reemerged in the 1940s–1950s as a favored motif of European and American interior design. Furniture makers revived its crisp symmetry and classical ornamentation to complement postwar interiors that blended traditional grandeur with modern comfort. This piece captures that revival perfectly—its restrained carving and soft palette bridging the worlds of Old World refinement and mid-century glamour.

Details

→ Period: c. 1950s
→ Style: Louis XVI revival / neoclassical
→ Origin: Continental Europe or American atelier
→ Frame: Painted and carved wood with cream and gilt finish
→ Upholstery: Woven floral brocade with original piping and trim
→ Condition: Excellent vintage condition; minor paint distress and surface wear consistent with age
→ Dimensions: Approx. 29" H × 26" W × 22" D (confirm actual)

Placement & Styling

A statement piece for bedrooms, parlors, or dressing rooms, this chair offers sculptural grace and tactile comfort. Perfect beside a marble-topped vanity, beneath a gilded mirror, or in a moody reading corner, its palette and texture lend balance to both modern minimal and romantic eclectic interiors. Layer with velvet throws or silk cushions to heighten its sense of elegance and patina.