Louis-Philippe style

From 1830 to 1850.

After King Charles X was overthrown in the July revolution of 1930, Louis-Philippe d’Orléans became king, struggling some what to impose himself and create a stable monarchy. The revolt of 1848 in Paris overthrew Louis-Philippe who fled to England and the Republic was proclaimed.

Dark collared woods such as mahogany, oak and walnut were preferred over the light collared ones favoured in the Charles X style. Bright mahogany from Cuba was used in veneering, and blackened woods that would become very fashionable in the Napoleon III style made their appearance. Ornamentation was minimal and the use of bronze discreet.

The straight dresser with a tulip shaped curved top drawer is emblematic of the Louis-Philippe style, along with the bed with tall header and footer, cupboards with mirror doors, the Voltaire armchair, the small armchair covered with tapestries and the chairs with a pretzel shaped back.

Among the propagators of the style, let us note Jacob-Desmalter and Bellanger, most appreciated by Louis-Philippe who participated in many international fairs.

Important workshops were opened and became famous, before reaching the peak of their glory in the Second Empire, among them: Grohé, Fourdinois, and Froment-Meurice. At the end of this era the Neo-Renaissance movement emerged.

• photo: Louis-Philippe period bedroom.