French Bergère Chairs – History & Reproductions

One of the most famous pieces of French furniture that are well-known is the Bergère chair. Bergère chairs have a long and rich history, and the stories behind them are fascinating enough to be shared with friends over afternoon tea. There are many Bergère chair replicas you can buy to get this look for cheap.

We immediately think of France when we think of opulence and luxury, especially when it comes to furniture and interior design. The French country decorating style is often characterized by a lavish display of splendor and glamor that continues to inspire the interiors of thousands of homes worldwide.

Who wouldn’t adore the gorgeous pieces of French furniture that Parisian royalty and former French aristocrats had in their homes?

Let’s enlighten you on what you need to know about shopping for modern-day Bergère chairs.

What is a Bergère Chair?

The Bergère chair is a French armchair popularized during the Louis XV period. It is characterized by its soft, rounded backrest and padded armrests. The name of this chair comes from the French word berger, which means shepherdess.

Bergère Chair History

The French Bergere chair is a classic piece of furniture originating in France in the early 1700s.

The first Bergère chairs were made with wood frames and upholstered in fabric. The wood frames were usually made from walnut or cherry wood because of their durability and resistance to insects, such as mites and bedbugs. Artisans often decorated these chairs with tassels, fringes, and embroidery.

The Bergère chair quickly became a status symbol among the upper class because of its luxurious design and comfort. The French often used this type of chair in the homes of French aristocrats and royals. It was also common to see these chairs in public places like waiting rooms and hotel lobbies.

As time went on, the design of the Bergère chair evolved and became more ornate. The chairs were upholstered in richer fabrics such as silk and velvet. They were also often decorated with gold or silver trimmings.

The Bergère chair reached the height of its popularity during the Rococo period. This was a time when furniture was designed to be over-the-top and extravagant. The Bergère chairs fit perfectly into this style and were often seen in the homes of the wealthy during this time.

Louis XV Bergère Chairs

The Louis XV Bergère chair is the original variation of the Bergère chair from the Louis XV period. As the name suggests, this type of chair was favored by King Louis XV.

Its curved backrest and cabriole legs characterize the Louis XV Bergère chair. These chairs often had intricate carvings on the wood frame and were upholstered in luxurious fabrics such as silk and velvet.

Like the Bergère chair, the Louis XV Bergère chair was also a status symbol among the upper class. These chairs were often seen in the homes of French aristocrats and royals.

The Louis XV Bergère chair is still a favored choice for those who want to add French luxury design elements to their home. These chairs are perfect for those who want to create elegance and sophistication in their homes. Don’t confuse these chairs with the equally popular Louis side chairs.

Here is a selection of authentic French Bergère chairs from 1st Dibs:

French Bergère Chair Reproductions

Bergère chairs became popular as a symbol of lavish splendor, a characteristic of the French royal courts back then. Thus, this inspired a lot of furniture makers to create their versions of the Bergère chairs.

Nowadays, there are a lot of French Bergère chair reproductions that are available in the market. These chairs are often made with wood frames and upholstered in fabric. They are also often decorated with tassels, fringes, and embroidery.

The wood frames are usually made from walnut or cherry wood because of their durability and resistance to bugs and other insects that might live on the chair and make the sitting experience uncomfortable.

Recently, these chairs were seen in the houses of famous people such as the Kardashians and other celebrities. This shows that the Bergère chair is still a popular choice for those who want to add a hint of European luxury to their home.

Where to Buy Bergère Chair Replicas

Bergère chairs come in many different styles and there are quite a few variations in the design. You can find Bergère chairs with arms, as a wingback chair, in a distressed look, and in a more Farmhouse style. Here are the best affordable Bergère chair replicas.

Bergère Chair Decorating Ideas

Here are several ways to style a home with Bergère chairs. These accent chairs make for lovely seating in various homes from French country to Farmhouse. The most classic way to use Bergère chairs is in the living room of course, as seen above. Buy two of the same chairs and boom – you’ve got chic French accent seating! Here are a few alternative ways to use Bergère chairs at home!

Vanity Seating

You can use an upholstered French bergère chair for your makeup vanity seating.

Reading Nook

Here is a Bergere chair and matching footrest in a window nook for reading.

Bedroom Seating

Place a French Bergere chair in the corner of your bedroom, near the bed.

Near the Shower Seating in the Bathroom

A Bergère can be used in the bathroom too, as a place to toss your clothes and keep a fresh towel ready for when you step out of the shower.

Girls’ Bedroom Accent Chair

Why not use a Bergere chair in the corner of a little girls’ bedroom design?

Home Office Desk Chair

Bergere chairs make any home office look much more elegant and sophisticated.

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French Bergère chair reproductions are perfect for adding a splash of luxury to their home. These chairs are also perfect for creating an elegant and sophisticated space in their homes. If you are looking for an affordable French Bergère chair, you should check out many beautiful replicas and reproductions available in the market!

Bergère Chair Legacy

Even though the Bergère chair is no longer as popular as it once was, it is still a timeless piece of furniture that exudes elegance and sophistication. The French Bergere chair is a timeless piece of furniture, combining luxury and comfort with classic French style.

I hope this post helped you learn how to decorate with a Bergere chair and why these French chairs are such awesome seating solutions!