How do I recognise a genuinely 18th century piece of furniture?

Look for the ébéniste's guild stamp struck beneath the piece or on the back of a drawer. Check the quality of the mercury-gilded bronze mounts, the natural patina of the wood, and hand-cut dovetail joints. Slight irregularities in drawer fit and consistent wear on the feet are all positive signs of age.

What furniture styles are typical of 18th century France?

The century divides broadly between Louis XV — flowing curves, cabriole legs, floral marquetry — and Louis XVI, with its straight lines, fluted columns and return to classical antiquity. The Régence style bridges the two, while the Directoire period anticipates the Empire style that followed.

What should I expect to pay for an 18th century antique?

Small decorative objects and period prints typically start from £200–£800. A quality side chair or small commode might range from £1,500 to £8,000, while a stamped piece by a major ébéniste or a fine mantel clock can reach well into five or six figures at auction or through specialist dealers.

How should I care for 18th century furniture?

Avoid direct sunlight and sudden changes in humidity. Feed the wood with natural beeswax twice a year. Never attempt to restore marquetry, gilding or bronze mounts yourself — always entrust such work to a qualified conservator-restorer with experience in period furniture.

Can 18th century antiques be shipped internationally?

Yes. Most professional dealers arrange specialist art-transport packaging and shipping across Europe and beyond. For high-value pieces, request a condition report before dispatch and ensure the item is covered by specialist fine-art insurance during transit.

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French Regency

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Medieval

Modern Art

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-Corner cupboards

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-Small cupboard

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High cupboards

Antique jewelery

Antique mirrors

Mercury mirror Murano mirror Trumeau venitian mirror

Antique Photography

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Card Table Consoles Farmhouse tables Low tables Monestry tables Occasional tables Pedestal table Round tables

Antique tapestry

Antique textiles

Lacework

Antique wheapons

Antiquites industrielles

Architectural elements

Bathroom elements Doors Fire places Flooring Garden furniture Stairs Tiles Wood panelling

Bedroom suites

Beds Bedside tables

Billiard

Lighting

Bookcases

Bronze

Animal bronzes

Cabinets

Cartonnier

Ceramics

Chinaware earthenware Pottery Азиатская фаянсовая посуда

Chest of drawers

Commode arbalete Commode sauteuse Commode tombeau Military chests Pine chests of drawers

Chests

Clocks

Clocks Wristwatch

Decorative furniture

Decorative objects

Dressers

Dressing tables

English furniture

English chests of drawers English wardrobes

Fairground art

Fishing-Hunting

Glassware

Glazed cabinets

Hallstand

Kitchenelia

Miscellaneous

Advertising aeronautica Miniatures Musical instruments Old tools Sport memorabilia Taxidermy Vineyard antique

Nautical antiques

Model boats Objects

Oeuvres d'art

Primitive Art Sacred art

Old documents

Antique Drawings Livres anciens

Old Frame

Old toys

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Desks Oriental cupboards Seating

Oriental objects

Painted furniture

Paintings

Pens & writting

Writting box

Pewter

Posters

Advertising posters Cinema posters

Pottery

Scientific instruments

Antique barometers Chronometers Globes Octants Sextants

Sculptures

Seating

Armchairs Chairs Chaises longues Fauteuil bergère Fauteuil cabriolet Fauteuil chesterfield Fauteuil crapaud Fauteuil dagobert Fauteuil voltaire Leather armchairs Sofas Stools

Shop fittings

Sideboard

Silverware

Argent massif Métal argenté

Tableware

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Vintage luggage

Wardrobes

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18th Century Antiques

966 objects found

Condition

Period 1

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16th century and before 17th century 18th century 19th century 20th century

Style

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Art Déco Art Nouveau Contemporary Design Directoire Empire French Regency Gothic Louis XIII Louis XIV Louis XV Louis XVI Louis-Philippe Medieval Modern Art Napoléon III Orientalist Renaissance Restauration Transition

18th century furniture and decorative arts from professional antique dealers

966 objects found