Customizable Louis XVI Style Bergère Armchair

A classic, tailored armchair with gorgeous proportions—perfect for a reading nook, bedroom corner, or a polished office moment. This piece features an exposed wood frame, a scalloped crest rail, and refined nailhead detailing that gives it that “collected, old-world” look without feeling fussy.

The Bergère chair emerged in 18^th-century France during the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods. Unlike the fauteuil, which has open sides, the Bergère (French for shepherdess) is characterized by being fully upholstered between the arms and the seat, designed specifically for comfort and to shield the sitter from drafts in grand estates. This particular example is a high-quality 20^th century revival in the Louis XVI taste, featuring the cleaner lines and decorative nailhead trim popular in mid-century traditional interiors.

At Seat of Wisdom Studio, this chair is offered as a made-to-order restoration: you choose the fabric and wood finish, and we handle the full transformation—refinishing the frame, rebuilding comfort as needed, and upholstering it in your chosen textile for a truly one-of-a-kind result.

Fabric and shipping are additional; local pickup in Philadelphia area available.

How Ordering Works

This chair is restored and finished to order, tailored to your style from start to finish. Turnaround is approximately 4 to 6 weeks once we finalize your selections and I have your fabric in hand.

1. Choose your look
   Pick your upholstery fabric (and any finish preferences for the frame). If you’re not sure, I’m happy to help you narrow options so it fits your space and lifestyle.
2. Send your fabric or have me source it
   I gladly accept Customer’s Own Material—you can ship or drop off your fabric. Prefer that I source it? I can do that too (fabric costs are separate).
3. Restoration + upholstery
   I’ll refinish the frame per your preferences, rebuild the seat as needed for comfort and longevity, and upholster everything with a clean, tailored finish.
4. Pickup or shipping
   Local pickup in Philadelphia is available. White-glove shipping can be arranged at additional cost.

Customer’s Own Material Guidelines

• Please send upholstery-weight fabric suitable for seating (I can confirm before you purchase).
• Yardage depends on pattern repeat and fabric width—message me your fabric link or a photo and I’ll tell you exactly what you need.
• Turnaround begins when the fabric arrives.

Pricing Note

Fabric and shipping are additional. Your final quote will be confirmed once we select fabric/finish details and any seat rebuild needs are assessed.