Louis XV Style Hardware & Bronzes
The elegance and grace of the Rocaille style
Embellish your furniture and interiors with our collection of Louis XV-style hardware and bronzes, faithful to the spirit of this refined era.
The Louis XV Style: The Elegance of Rocaille
The Louis XV style, also called Rocaille or French Rococo, was born in the 1720s and flourished until the end of the reign of Louis XV. This style breaks with the solemn grandeur of Louis XIV to prioritize elegance, lightness, and refinement.
The Louis XV style is distinguished by:
- Fluid curves and counter-curves, sinuous lines
- A calculated asymmetry that brings ornaments to life
- Motifs inspired by nature: shells, flowers, foliage, rockwork (rocaille)
- Curved shapes on furniture: bombé commodes, cabriole legs
- A refined use of gilded bronze on precious woods (rosewood, amaranth, kingwood)
Recognizing Louis XV Style Furniture
- Curved and sinuous shapes: curved lines, S-shaped cabriole legs
- Absence of straight lines: rounded corners, arched crosspieces
- Precious woods: rosewood, kingwood, amaranth, palisander
- Floral marquetry: bouquets of flowers, landscapes, geometric motifs
- Gilded bronze fittings: drops, keyhole escutcheons, sabots
- Characteristic legs: cabriole legs (doe feet), ending in bronze sabots
Recognizing Louis XV Style Bronzes
Louis XV style bronzes are distinguished by their lightness, grace, and finesse of execution. Each piece of hardware embraces the curves of the furniture and contributes to its elegance.
01. Rocaille Motifs
Asymmetrical shells, rockwork, scrolls, clasps
02. Botanic motifs
Stylized acanthus leaves, branches, palm leaves, naturalistic flowers, bouquets, garlands, foliage
03. Natural Elements
Shells, corals, rocks, rushing water
04. Figures
Female masks, cupids, faun heads
05. Curved Shapes
Scrolls, winding lines, asymmetrical cartouches
06. Finishes
Mercury gilding, Gold leaf gilding, Matte chased bronze, Burnished chased bronze, Two-tone gold
Our Collection of Louis XV 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 large selection dedicated to the Louis XV style for furniture, interior fitting, and architecture. Since 1970, we have been supplying cabinetmakers, antique dealers, decorators, and individuals passionate about antique furniture.
Louis XV Furniture Hardware
Give your Louis XV furniture the authenticity it deserves with our selection of antique hardware and style bronzes faithful to the Rocaille era.
Louis XV Corner Mounts & Drops
- Gilt bronze rocaille mounts
- Shell and scrollwork drops
- Floral corner mounts for bombé commodes
- Asymmetrical corner mounts
Louis XV Keyhole Escutcheons
- Asymmetrical shell escutcheons
- Gilt bronze floral decor escutcheons
- Rocaille escutcheons
- Violin-shaped escutcheons for commodes
Louis XV Handles & Pulls
- Fixed rocaille handles
- Scrollwork drop handles
- Gilt bronze decorated bail pulls
Louis XV Central Mounts
- Female figure mounts
- Gilt bronze foliate mounts
- Shell corner accents
- Apron mounts for bombé armoires
Louis XV Sabots & Rings
- Acanthus sabots for cabriole legs
- Gilt bronze scrollwork sabots
- Rocaille shell sabots
- Decorative caps for hoof feet
Louis XV Galleries & Moldings
- Floral motif moldings
- Desk edge trim (lingotières)
- Openwork rocaille galleries
- Gilt bronze foliate friezes
- Marble framing moldings
Louis XV Architectural & Interior Hardware
For your Louis XV style interior decoration projects and period building renovations, we offer a selection of adapted antique hardware.
- Louis XV door handles
- Push plates adorned with floral motifs and scrolls
- Cremone bolts and espagnolettes from the Rocaille era
- Louis XV style wall ornaments
- Decorative elements for woodwork, paneling, and fireplaces
Finishes for Your Louis XV Style Bronzes
All our period-style bronzes can be given a Louis XV 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 XV style projects
Bronze Reproduction
Our bronze artisans master both traditional and modern techniques to create faithful reproductions.
Bronze Restoration
Have your Louis XV style ornaments lost their luster? The Khephren workshop restores life to your pieces.
Custom Design
Have a specific project in mind? Our artisans can create custom-made pieces in the purest Louis XV style.
Frequently Asked Questions about Louis XV Style Hardware
Which finishes are authentic for Louis XV style bronzes?
Mercury gilding (or fire gilding) is the most authentic finish of the Louis XV period. It produces a bright and luminous gold, perfect for highlighting the curves of rocaille bronzes.
Chasing is particularly important in the Louis XV style: matte backgrounds contrast with burnished and polished relief, creating subtle 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 XV style bronzes.
Can a missing ornament on a Louis XV 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 XV style bronzes?
Restoring Louis XV 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 XV style bronzes made to measure?
Yes. Our custom design service guides you from conception to realization of personalized Louis XV 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 XV style furnishing and interior design projects.
How much does a Louis XV style hardware restoration cost?
The cost of restoring Louis XV 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 XV 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 XV selection: rocaille drops, shell keyhole escutcheons, floral handles, sabots for cabriole legs, foliate espagnolettes…
- 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 XV style hardware and bronzes internationally?
Yes, we provide delivery of Louis XV 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 codes and characteristic ornaments.
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