Restauration Period

Restauration Period denotes the period from 1815 and the fall of Napoleon I to 1830. Also known as the ‘Bourbon Restoration’ the brothers of beheaded Louis XVI were returned to the French throne and ruled as Louis XVIII and Charles X.

The furniture of the period still had many features of the Empire period, but without the Napoleonic motifs. Cabinet makers continued to use the strong geometric patterns of the Empire style, they also introduced elements of fantasy and whimsy to their designs. This included carving small musical instruments on the legs of tables and desks and the marquetry returned using decorative flowers, rosettes and garlands as motifs. The woods used were lighter in both density and colour.

Furniture making was not a priority during this period due to economic uncertainties. Interiors were being designed for comfort rather than show, and seats were now designed to be moved around a room rather than keeping it against the walls in the old fashion.

Smaller furniture items were made with ‘Bateau’ or boat-shaped beds, three-legged tables and gondola chairs becoming important items.