Louis XVI woodwork: the timeless elegance of a Royal Style

Antique wood paneling embodies the refinement of French decorative arts through the centuries. The Louis XVI style stands out for its references to classicism and symmetry. It transcends time without ever losing its charm. Discover, through a few examples, some emblematic characteristics of the Louis XVI style that may inspire you to incorporate them into your own projects, thanks to the elements offered by Rémy Motte.

Historical context: a return to antiquity

The Louis XVI style emerged around 1760 and came into full bloom during the reign of King Louis XVI (1774–1792). It marked a break from the Baroque style by establishing the codes of Neoclassicism. After the exuberance of the Rococo style (Louis XV), artists rediscovered balance, geometry, and the purity of lines inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art.

This aesthetic renewal was encouraged by major archaeological discoveries of the time (such as Pompeii and Herculaneum), which fascinated the European elite and greatly influenced decorative arts, architecture, and of course, wood paneling.

Decorative features of Louis XVI woodwork

Louis XVI wood paneling is easily recognizable by a few characteristic motifs:

• Medallions: Often oval or round, they may contain a portrait, an antique profile, or a floral motif.

• Ribbon bows: Delicately carved ribbons tied in loops frequently adorn panels or overmantels.

• Laurel garlands: These wrap around moldings or decorate panels.

• Stylized vases: Often placed on pedestals or within medallions, they echo the aesthetics of antiquity.

• Small daisies or sunflower blooms: Discreet and symmetrical, these often embellish friezes or corners.

• Greek key moldings (entrelacs): Interwoven patterns that refine the outlines with elegance.
  
  

• Pearl friezes: Even rows of small sculpted pearls framing panels or highlighting major moldings.

• Heart-and-Dart moldings

• Rows of pearls and ovolos
  
  

These decorative elements are often paired with a soft color palette: pearl gray, ivory white, and rosy beige, often enhanced with gold leaf gilding.

Discover our YouTube videos on the Louis XVI style

Classic elegance in contemporary interiors

Incorporating Louis XVI wood paneling into a contemporary interior creates striking contrasts. These wood elements fit seamlessly in a reception room as well as in an office, bedroom, or library.

At Rémy Motte, we support you in integrating these historical pieces by offering authentic antique wood paneling, carefully selected and restored using traditional techniques. We can also reproduce them through traditional cabinetmaking, hand-carved by skilled artisans.

 Browse our available wood paneling for sale:
 → View our online catalog
  Discover our expertise and collections:
 → Page dedicated to wood paneling
  Explore our website devoted to antique woodwork:
 → www.boiserieancienne.fr