The French chair is the quintessential accent piece of interior design. Whether it’s a regal bergère or a delicate fauteuil, these chairs introduce a sense of je ne sais quoi that balances the clean, often clinical lines of modern architecture.

At The Crown Collection, we specialise in hand-picked antique French chairs, offering a curated selection that spans centuries of craftsmanship, from the gilded opulence of the Rococo era to the refined restraint of Neoclassicism.

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1. Understanding the Silhouettes

To find the chair that is just right for your space, you must first understand the primary movements in French furniture design.

To find the chair that is just right for your space, you must first understand the primary movements in French furniture design. 

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2. Iconic French Chair Types

Beyond the period style, the chair’s type dictates its role in your decor story.

The Bergère (The Enclosed Armchair)

A bergère is characterised by its upholstered sides (between the arms and the seat). It is deep, wide, and designed for maximum comfort.

• Modern Use: Perfect as a reading chair in a main suite or as a pair of anchors flanking a fireplace.

The Fauteuil (The Open Armchair)

Unlike the bergère, the fauteuil has open sides. It feels lighter and more airy, making it ideal for smaller apartments or as occasional seating.

• Modern Use: Use a pair of Louis XVI fauteuils to create an intimate conversation vignette at the foot of a bed or alongside a contemporary coffee table.

The Giltwood Chair (The Jewellery Piece)

Often featuring a golden patina, gilded French chairs act as the Little Black Dress of interior design. They add a touch of bling and sophistication to neutral, grey, or white colour schemes.

Modern Use: A single gilded chair in an entrance hall next to a modern console creates an instant high-fashion statement.

3. Customising Your Antique French Chair

One of the greatest advantages of an antique French chair is its ability to be reimagined. At The Crown Collection, our in-house restoration team can transform a 19th-century frame to suit your specific brief:

• Bleaching & Stripping: Provide a raw, natural wood finish that fits the French Country or Scandi-Chic aesthetic.
• Hand-Gilding: Adding silver or gold leaf to elevate a plain frame into a masterpiece.

4. How to Style French Chairs in Modern Spaces

• The Power of Pairs: Use a pair of identical Louis XVI chairs to create symmetry in a larger room.
• The Solo Protagonist: Place a single, dramatically carved French chair next to a large-scale modern artwork to enhance the characteristics of both.
• The Textural Layer: Pair a weathered Provincial chair with a modern rug or a sleek metal desk to ground the contemporary space with aged authenticity.

Find Yours at The Crown Collection

With over 280 antique chairs on display, The Crown Collection is South Africa’s premier emporium for French flair. Shop our curated range online or visit our Bryanston showroom to find a piece that brings history, beauty, and bespoke charm into your home.

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Top FAQs About French Chairs

Q: What is the difference between a Louis XV and a Louis XVI French chair? The primary difference lies in the legs. Louis XV chairs feature curved, feminine cabriole legs and ornate, asymmetrical carvings. Louis XVI chairs are Neoclassical, featuring straight, fluted legs and symmetrical, geometric designs inspired by ancient Rome and Greece.

Q: What is a French Bergère chair? A bergère is a French armchair with closed, upholstered sides. It usually features a separate seat cushion and is designed for deep, comfortable lounging, unlike the fauteuil, which has open sides.

Q: Can you customise antique French chairs? A: Yes. Antique frames are remarkably sturdy. Techniques like wood bleaching, French polishing, and bespoke upholstery allow you to modernise the look of a French chair while preserving its historical value.