The French bergere brings elegance and comfort together in a timeless French design.

Before the eighteenth century chairs were often rigid, upright in appearance with straight backs and designed to bestow an air of status upon the sitter. During the reign of Louis XV, however, chairs in grand homes started to fall into either of two categories: sieges meublants, formal chairs which were often permanently positioned along the walls as part of the décor and sieges courants, portable lighter chairs that could be moved around the house. Bergeres fit into this latter category. They are lightweight chairs that the eighteenth century nobility could easily move to where the conversation was taking place in the home or offer to guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only was the bergere easy to move, it was oversized and overstuffed making it of superior comfort for the sitter. Often the elbow rests are padded, the seat cushion is loose but tailored, the back is upholstered and the wooden frame of the chair, originally in beech or walnut, was is left exposed.

Bergeres usually have cabriole legs that end in scroll feet. The frame often displays beautiful curves and lines, which are carved with floral ornaments or twists and curves. The timber frame can be left untreated, or it can be painted or gilded.

The French bergere is a truly classic chair. It will probably never go out of fashion. It is superior in comfort and it’s design and appeal is timeless. Originally bergeres were upholstered in silk, but nowadays many different types of fabric are used. This means that it can be dressed up or down depending on the room, which you wish to put it in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bergeres are exquisite pieces of furniture that bring elegance and softness to any interior. They’re simply wonderful to look at and great to relax in. You can even get them with a matching ottoman that allows you to put your feet up and fully enjoy the comfort that the timeless bergere offers.