Customizable Louis XVI Style Bergère a Oreilles Chair

This elegant French-style wingback armchair features a carved walnut frame, a tall, flared back, and a fully upholstered profile designed to look beautiful from every angle.

This style of armchair, knowns as a “bergere a oreilles” or “shepherdess with ears” originated in 18^th-century France. It was designed for comfort and warmth, the “ears” or wings were intended to protect the sitter from drafts and trap heat from a nearby fireplace. This specific piece is a high-quality revival from the late 19^th or early 20^th century, echoing the neoclassical symmetry popularized during the reign of Louis XVI.

This piece will be professionally refinished and fully reupholstered in your choice of fabric and wood finish, including the inside back, seat, arms, and outside back, with optional nailhead customization for a tailored final look.

Perfect for a library, bedroom sitting area, entryway moment, or as a refined accent chair—this silhouette shines in velvet, mohair, leather, or a statement jacquard. 

Shape + style reads

• Tall, flared back with that distinctive “butterfly / shield” outline (narrower at the waist, wider at the shoulders). This is a classic parlor-chair profile that feels formal and architectural.
• Open arm/wing-ish form: it’s not a true wingback (no full wings down to the seat), but it has that embracing, enclosed back vibe.
• Exposed wood frame in a warm reddish-brown stain (reads like mahogany/cherry tone), with carved crestingat the top center and carved arm-scroll details near the front of the arms.
• Decorative nailhead trim (dark/black nails) outlining the inside back/arms and continuing around the apron line—this is a premium detail and gives it a tailored look.

Legs + frame details

• Tapered legs with a more refined, delicate stance (not chunky).
• The front legs read slightly shaped and traditional rather than modern straight legs—again, formal parlor chair energy.
• The wood rails and edges are shaped; this isn’t a “basic frame” build.

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 [time] 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.