French chairs are made in styles and designs popular in France, generally during the 16th and 17th century. Many of these are traditional styles such as a French occasional chair, which is similar to an armchair. Popular styles of French chairs also include the Louis design. This is a vintage style named after King Louis of France. French dining chairs generally feature upholstery in Chantilly or other fabrics and are constructed of durable wood, such as cherry.
Antique French chairs may be bought at estate sales or auctions. One type of antique French-style chair is known as a Louis Philippe style. This style was named for the King of France who reigned during the mid 1800s. This type of French accent furniture may feature antique styled upholstery and mahogany or cherry wood. Often, the upholstery on these French chairs are made of burlap.
Other types of antique French chairs include the Belgian Vintage Louis XVI style and the French vintage Napoleon III style. Both of these are wing accent chairs. The Napoleon style was designed in the late 1800s. The seat height on this style of chair is about 15 inches (38 cm).
Some of the French style dining chairs feature a nail head design. These chairs are typically made as arm chairs with a high back design. The nail heads generally frame the seat and back portion of the chair, reminiscent of the French accent furniture of the 17th century.
Modern styles of French chairs are often designed with ladder backs. A ladder back chair has more of a country motif design and is typically seen in French farmhouses and country villas. Reproductions of these styles may feature variations of upholstery styles.
A famous designer of the 1920s named Le Corbusier created a style of French chaise lounge chair that was named after him. The Le Corbusier style is made of chrome and typically seen in a black finish. With an extended seat made for reclining, this style is often used in sitting rooms or occasionally as garden furniture.
The Rococo chair features French aristocratic styling. Its unique design features more width and room than the typical arm chair design. The French Rococo design was created during the 1700s and revived in America during the 19th century.
Other types of French chairs include those from the art deco period. Furniture from the 20th century art deco era include mahogany armchairs with velvet seats, and the more plush style of club armchair. These styles of French chairs were generally popular during the 1920s and 1930s.