By Gabriele
From the Court of Louis XV to the 20th Century.
The Bergère armchair made its debut in the court of Louis XV in the mid-eighteenth century; it quickly became popular in the most elegant and renowned salons of French nobility, establishing itself as a symbol of elegance and taste that has yet to see a decline.
Characterized by a high backrest upholstered with fine fabrics, a low and wide seat that can hold a cushion, and armrests that are relatively slender to highlight the wooden craftsmanship, this armchair was used not only as a reception seat but also as a dining chair. In its earliest appearances, it had a majestic appearance and an imposing shape, designed to accommodate the voluminous garments typical of the era.
Thanks to the reinterpretations and minor adaptations it has undergone over the centuries, this armchair has remained a highly appreciated piece of furniture, transforming into a perfect and comfortable reading chair for our living rooms or an elegant seat suitable for a cozy setting, such as a bedroom.
Starting with its two variations — the bergère en confessionnel, with “ears” on the backrest to support the head, and the cabriolet model, with a more enveloping shape typical of the French Régence style — designers have been able to play with colors, materials, and finishes to modernize it and make it suitable for any decor style.
From 1940 onwards, many notable designers, including Gio Ponti and Ico Parisi, renewed and breathed new life into the Bergère armchair. It became a highly imitated model and a classic of mid-century modern design.
The more dated features were abandoned to embrace new needs and fashions; armrests were padded to increase comfort, and floral upholstery was replaced with colorful velvets and modern leather and faux leather finishes.
If you, too, are captivated by the timeless charm of this wonderful model, take advantage of the ongoing promotion on our website! A wide selection of antique and vintage armchairs on sale until February 28!
