tête-à-tête - corbeille sofa - Sofa - Conversation sofa with tufted upholstery - Walnut - Grand Louis XV Sofa

Magnificent Large Louis XV-Style Tête-à-Tête Basket Work Sofa / Conversation Sofa

Title for Catawiki:
Magnificent Large Louis XV-Style Tête-à-Tête Corbeille Sofa – Walnut & Tufted Upholstery – 19th/20th Century

Description:

Origin & Style
An impressive and regal piece of furniture executed in the classic Louis XV style (Rococo Revival). The sofa is designed as a tête-à-tête or corbeille sofa: the armrests slope slightly inward, causing seated occupants to subtly turn towards one another. This design originally stems from the French salon culture and was specifically intended to encourage intimate and comfortable conversations.

Age & Materials
Dating: Late 19th / early 20th century (ca. 1890–1920).
Frame: Hand-stitched solid wood (walnut/mahogany) with richly detailed openwork carving of acanthus leaves, rocailles, and a striking grape cluster at the top of the uprights.
Upholstery: Tufted velvety velvet in a light cream tone, finished with copper decorative studs.

Features & Seating Comfort
With a length of 190 cm and a height of 110 cm, this is a very sturdy, heavy, and robust piece of exceptional quality. In contrast to many antique sofas that are often stiff and straight, this example has a fine, deep seat (62 cm) and a lightly curved back profile. As a result, the sofa offers surprisingly comfortable seating and a relaxed experience.

Use & Interior Advice
Because of its imposing presence, a sofa like this historically stood in a stately entrance hall, gentleman’s room, or spacious salon. Today it is a fantastic statement piece for a variety of interiors:
- Beautiful in a classic or eclectic residence.
- A stylish eye-catcher for a boutique hotel, exclusive showroom, lounge, or hospitality venue.

Dimensions:
Length: 190 cm
Height: 110 cm
Depth: 90 cm
Seat height: 50 cm
Seat depth: 62 cm

Important note about the photos (AI visualizations):
The last 4 photos in the gallery were generated with AI as inspiration. These images show how fantastically this sofa would look when reupholstered (for example in a striking peacock-, jaguar-, or modern velvet) and placed in a contemporary interior. This way you combine the authentic, heavy wood carving with an interior that meets all modern styling requirements.

Condition:
The wooden frame is in a very sturdy and good condition with characteristic signs of aging appropriate to its age. The current fabric shows light wear and patina (suitable for reupholstery or direct use for purists who prefer an original state).

Shipping & Transport:

Packaging: The sofa is professionally and meticulously packed with high-quality protective materials.

Transport: Transport occurs on a pallet, with the sofa secured upright on its side due to its generous dimensions.

Delivery: Delivery is via a specialized freight service. Please note: delivery is to the first door / on the street-level curb.

Important for the buyer: Because this is a large, heavy, and robust sofa, we strongly advise ensuring there is adequate assistance on-site to safely carry the piece indoors and position it.