Louis XIV Style Hardware & Bronzes
The magnificence and splendor of the Grand Siècle
Sublimate your furniture and interiors with our collection of Louis XIV-style hardware and bronzes faithful to the spirit of this sumptuous era.
The Louis XIV Style: The Splendor of the Great Century
The Louis XIV style, also known as the French Classical style or French Baroque, was born under the reign of the Sun King and established itself as the artistic expression of monarchical grandeur. This style embodies the power, majesty, and refinement of the court of Versailles.
The Louis XIV style is distinguished by:
- Rigorous symmetry and majestic proportions
- Massive and sculpted ornaments: mascarons, acanthus leaves, shells
- Motifs inspired by ancient mythology Apollo, the sun, laurels
- A generous use of gilded bronze on precious woods (ebony, tortoiseshell)
- The Boulle marquetry technique combining tortoiseshell, brass, and pewter
Recognizing Louis XIV Style Furniture
- Imposing and architectural shapes: perfect symmetry, majestic proportions
- Straight or slightly curved lines with softened angles
- Precious woods: ebony, ebonized pearwood, exotic woods
- Boulle marquetry: tortoiseshell, brass, pewter, copper
- Gilded bronze fittings: macarons, espagnolettes, imposing drops
- Characteristic legs: sheath legs, console legs, claw sabots
Recognizing Louis XIV Style Bronzes
Louis XIV style bronzes are distinguished by their opulence and exceptional quality of execution. Each piece of hardware testifies to the craftsmanship of the bronzesmiths of the Great Century.
01. Royal symbols
Radiant sun, fleurs-de-lis, crowns, royal monogram
02. Masks and figures
Mascarons (faces), lion heads, ram heads, female heads
03. Botanical & antique motifs
Acanthus leaves, foliage scrolls, flower garlands, oak leaves, shells, palmettes, egg motifs, Greek keys
04. Mythological Figures
Apollo, Hercules, sphinxes, dolphins, chimeras
05. Architectural Elements
Twisted columns, capitals, pediments, consoles
06. Finishes
Mercury gilding, Gold leaf gilding, Matte chased bronze, Burnished chased bronze, Patinated bronze
Our Collection of Louis XIV Style Hardware
Our shop in Saint-Ouen, located in the heart of the Antiques District near the Paris Flea Market, brings together more than 2,500 references of period-style hardware and bronzes, including a selection dedicated to the Louis XIV style for furniture, interior fitting, and architecture. Since 1970, we have been supplying cabinetmakers, antique dealers, decorators, and individuals passionate about antique furniture.
Louis XIV Furniture Hardware
Give your Louis XIV furniture the authenticity it deserves with our selection of antique hardware and style bronzes faithful to the Great Century.
Louis XIV Keyhole Escutcheons
- Gilt bronze macaron escutcheons
- Acanthus leaf decor escutcheons
- Shell and scrollwork escutcheons
- Escutcheons for Boulle furniture
Louis XIV Central Mounts
- Female figure mounts
- Gilt bronze mask mounts
- Acanthus leaf mounts
- Large armoire mounts
Louis XIV Corner Mounts & Drops
- Acanthus leaf corner mounts
- Imposing drops and spine mounts
- Shell corner mounts
- Gilt bronze decorative appliques
Louis XIV Handles & Pulls
- Ring pulls on decorated backplates
- Foliate drop handles
- Gilt bronze bail pulls
Louis XIV Sabots & Rings
- Gilt bronze claw sabots
- Acanthus leaf sabots
- Scrollwork decorative rings
- Caps for tapered legs
Louis XIV Galleries & Moldings
- Moldings
- Acanthus leaf friezes
- Openwork scroll galleries
- Moldings for Boulle framing
Louis XIV Architectural & Interior Hardware
For your Louis XIV style interior decoration projects and period building renovations, we offer a selection of adapted antique hardware.
- Louis XIV door handles
- Push plates adorned with foliage scrolls and shells
- Cremone bolts and window accessories from the Grand Siècle era
- Louis XIV style wall ornaments
- Decorative elements for woodwork, paneling, and doors
Finishes for Your Louis XIV Style Bronzes
All our period-style bronzes can be given a Louis XIV-style finish in our workshop. The Khephren workshop is skilled in all surface treatments, enabling us to faithfully reproduce period finishes or create custom designs according to your wishes.
24-Carat Gilding
Polished Varnished Gold
Polished Varnished Patinated Gold
Light Medal Bronze
Medium Medal Bronze
Dark Medal Bronze
Bright Polished Brass
Satin Polished Brass
Our services for your Louis XIV style projects
Bronze Reproduction
Our bronze artisans master both traditional and modern techniques to create faithful reproductions.
Bronze Restoration
Have your Louis XIV style ornaments lost their luster? The Khephren workshop restores life to your pieces.
Custom Creation
Have a specific project in mind? Our artisans can create custom-made pieces in the purest Louis XIV style.
Frequently Asked Questions about Louis XIV Style Hardware
Which finishes are authentic for Louis XIV style bronzes?
Mercury gilding (or fire gilding) is the most authentic finish of the Louis XIV period. It produces a dense, thick, and luminous gold with a characteristic slightly granular texture.
Chasing plays a major role in the final look: the matte chased parts contrast with the burnished and polished areas, creating remarkable light effects. Today, 24-carat gold leaf gilding allows for a faithful reproduction of these effects. Our workshop masters these different techniques to restore or reproduce your Louis XIV style bronzes.
Can a missing ornament on a Louis XIV piece of furniture be replaced?
Yes, there are two options available to you to replace a missing ornament:
- Find an equivalent model among our 2,500 references in store
- Have the piece reproduced identically from an existing model or plan
Our team will advise you on the solution best suited to your furniture and your budget. Come and visit us with your piece or send us photos for an initial opinion.
How to restore tarnished Louis XIV style bronzes?
Restoring Louis XIV style bronzes involves several steps:
- Delicate cleaning to remove grime without damaging the gilding
- Assessment of the original gilding and chasing condition
- Partial or complete regilding if necessary
- Re-chasing to revive details
- Patination to harmonize restored parts
- Protection with a suitable wax or varnish
Warning: Never use household cleaning products on antique gilded bronzes. You risk permanently removing the original gilding. Entrust this work to our specialized workshop.
Is it possible to have Louis XIV style bronzes made to measure?
Yes. Our custom design service guides you from conception to realization of personalized Louis XIV style hardware and bronzes:
- Study of your plans, sketches, or existing models
- Advice on the appropriate casting technique
- Artisanal manufacturing
- Hand chasing of details
- Application of the desired gilding or patina
We regularly work with cabinetmakers, interior designers, and architects on Louis XIV style furnishing and interior design projects.
How much does a Louis XIV style hardware restoration cost?
The cost of restoring Louis XIV style bronzes varies according to several factors:
- The initial condition of the pieces (worn gilding, gaps, oxidation)
- The number of pieces to be treated
- The desired surface treatment (complete or partial regilding)
- The complexity of the ornaments and their chasing
Contact us for a free quote. We evaluate each project individually.
Where to buy Louis XIV style hardware and bronzes in France?
The Khephren boutique in Saint-Ouen (93) offers more than 2,500 references of period hardware and bronzes, including a large Louis XIV selection: mascaron keyhole escutcheons, figural espagnolettes, acanthus leaf drops, claw sabots, mounts for Boulle furniture…
- Address: 41 rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen (Antiques District, Saint-Ouen Flea Market)
- Phone: +33 1 40 11 35 78 / +33 6 21 53 12 79
- Email: khephren.bronzes@outlook.com
You can visit us during opening hours or contact us by phone and email for remote orders.
Do you ship Louis XIV style hardware and bronzes internationally?
Yes, we provide delivery of Louis XIV style hardware and bronzes:
- Metropolitan France: secure shipping
- Europe: Belgium, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy…
- International: United States, Canada, Middle East…
We regularly work with antique dealers, cabinetmakers, and interior designers abroad. Shipping costs are calculated based on weight and destination. Contact us for a quote including secure packaging and delivery.
Discover Our Other Styles
Our expertise covers all styles of French furniture. Each era has its own distinctive codes and ornamentation.
Contact us
Our team is at your disposal to provide you with all the information you need to carry out your furnishing and layout projects.
- Address: 41 rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen
- Phone: +33 (0)1 40 11 35 78
- Email : khephren.bronzes@outlook.com