Customizable Louis XVI Style Bergère Armchair

A sculptural, French-inspired armchair with a deeply tufted back, sweeping arms, and a carved shell crest—built to be the focal point of a room.

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.

This piece will be fully refinished and reupholstered to your specifications, including your choice of fabric and wood finish (espresso, walnut, ebonized, cerused, etc.).

Style + silhouette

• French-inspired “bergère / club-bergère” vibe (enclosed arms, deep seat, upholstered sides), but in a more relaxed 20th-century revival form rather than a strict antique bergère.
• High, channel-like side wings that sweep up into the back — it creates that “hugging” seat and reads very luxe in a room.
• Tight back with deep diamond tufting (buttons) — classic, tailored, and labor-intensive to redo cleanly.
• Box seat cushion.

Frame + carving details

• The showpiece detail is the carved crest rail with a central shell/scallop motif with scrolls on either side (very Rococo-revival).
• Arms have rolled scroll ends with carved accents.
• Legs are short cabriole-style with small scroll feet — gives it that “French parlor chair” stance.

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.