Carved Oak/Beech Frames • Cabriole Legs • Leopard Velvet Upholstery
Make a statement with this glamorous pair of mid-century Louis XV–style fauteuils—classic French lines reimagined for 1950s interiors. Each chair features a serpentine crest rail, pierced scrolled arms with padded rests, and elegant cabriole legs flowing into shaped seat rails. The frames are hand-finished oak/beech with a warm natural tone; seats and backs are upholstered in a bold leopard-pattern cut velvet with gimp trim for a chic, decorator look.
Why they matter
During the 1950s, American and European ateliers revived 18th-century French forms for modern living—what decorators now call “Hollywood Regency” and “French Provincial.” Makers looked to Louis XV for its sensual curves and comfort, then updated proportions and construction for post-war homes. This pair captures that era perfectly: the romance of the Rococo silhouette, built with sturdy mid-century joinery and fitted with plush upholstery. Think Maison Jansen, Dorothy Draper, and jet-set apartments from Paris to Palm Springs.
Details
→ Period: Mid-century (circa 1950s)
→ Style: Louis XV / French Provincial revival
→ Wood: Oak or beech, carved and hand-finished
→ Upholstery: Leopard-pattern cut velvet with gimp edging; padded armrests
→ Construction: Solid wood frames with comfortable, deeper mid-century seating proportions; tight seats over webbing/springs
→ Condition: Sturdy and ready to place; light, tasteful patina to the wood consistent with age
Placement & styling
→ Use as a salon pair flanking a marble or brass side table
→ Layer into eclectic rooms—black lacquer, smoked glass, gilt mirrors—for Hollywood Regency drama
→ Perfect for boutique entries, dressing rooms, or a bedroom seating vignette
Provenance & history (concise)
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Inspired by 18th-century Louis XV fauteuils prized for their curvilinear frames and comfort.
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Reinterpreted in the 1950s by American and European workshops when traditional French forms surged back into vogue.
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Leopard textiles became a mid-century fashion staple (think Dior and Schiaparelli), migrating from couture to interiors for a bold, cosmopolitan touch.