Style Icon: the Louis Chair

It’s classy, classic, versatile, well-designed, and comfortable – what more could you possibly want from a chair? The Louis chair is a wildly popular style, and it’s no wonder: it fits in with virtually every decor scheme.

What some may find confusing is that there are distinct types of Louis chairs, and it may be difficult to distinguish them from one another. However, each style is stylish and attractive, so it’s hard to go wrong, but we’re here to show you the differences between the most popular types – and just how beautiful the chair can be.

There’s the Louis XVI chair, with Greek and Roman inspiration evident in its column-shaped legs and geometric carvings. This is the most modern-looking of the Louis chairs. Louis XVI chairs have straight, often fluted legs, clean, delicate lines, and a rectangular or oval back.

The Louis XV chair is the Louis XVI’s more romantic and ornate cousin. They’re often gilded and are curvier, with S-shaped legs, scrolling, and an angled back.

The earliest Louis chair is the Louis XIV chair, created during – who else? – Louis XIV’s reign, and inspired by his powerful monarchy. It resembles a throne with its upright back, sturdy frame (also often gilded, like the Louis XV chair), long armrests, and fully upholstered back.

Eloquence One of a Kind Antique Carved Louis XIV Armchair

More recently, the Louis chair inspired Phillipe Starck’s modern take on it: the Louis ghost chair, a transparent version of the classic seat. This chair virtually disappears, adding no visual clutter to a room for a cleaner look.