Louis Philippe
Louis Philippe furniture — produced during the reign of France's last king (1830–1848) — is the bourgeois expression of French cabinetmaking: simplified forms of the earlier royal styles, in figured walnut and mahogany, with less gilt ornament and more emphasis on the natural beauty of the wood itself. Practical, well-made, and deeply embedded in 19th-century French domestic life, Louis Philippe furniture appears frequently in Texas estates with Louisiana and French Creole connections. Austin Auction Gallery has sold nearly 700 Louis Philippe lots.
What it's Worth
Louis Philippe commodes in good condition with original or replaced marble tops typically bring $500–$2,500. Pairs of fauteuils or bergères in Louis Philippe frames bring $600–$2,000 per pair. Armoires with original mirrored doors and good figured walnut bring $800–$3,000. Secrétaires and bonheurs du jour bring $500–$2,500 depending on quality and condition. Lit à bateau beds in matched sets with original marble-topped commodes bring $1,000–$4,000 for the set. The marble top is an important value component: original uncracked marble adds substantially; cracked, replaced, or missing marble reduces value.
Commodes $500–$2,500; seating pairs $600–$2,000; armoires $800–$3,000