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

Magnificent Large Louis XV-Style Tête-à-Tête Corbeille Bank / Conversation Sofa

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

Description:

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

Age & Materials
Dating: Late 19th / early 20th century (circa 1890–1920).
Frame: Hand-carved solid wood (walnut/mahogany) with richly detailed open-work carvings of acanthus leaves, rocailles and an striking grape cluster at the top of the crest.
Upholstery: Button-tufted velvety velvet fabric 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 furniture of excellent quality. Unlike many antique sofas that sit very stiff and upright, this example has a comfortable deep seat (62 cm) and a gently curved back, providing surprisingly ample comfort and a relaxed seat.

Application & Interior Advice
Due to its imposing presence, such a sofa traditionally stood in a stately entrance hall, study, or large drawing room. Today it is a fantastic statement piece for a variety of interiors:
- Magnificent in a classical or eclectic townhouse.
- 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 are AI-generated for inspiration. These images illustrate how fabulous this sofa would look reupholstered (for example in a striking peacock, jaguar, or modern velvet) and placed in a contemporary interior. This combines the authentic, heavy woodcarving with an interior that meets all modern styling requirements.

Condition:
The wooden frame is in very sturdy and good condition with characteristic signs of age appropriate to the piece. The current fabric shows light wear and patina (suitable for reupholstery or direct use by fans of the 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 kept upright on its side due to its generous dimensions.

Delivery: Delivery is carried out by a specialist freight service. Note: delivery is to the first door / on the curb at street level.

Important for the buyer: Because this is a large, heavy and robust sofa, we strongly advise arranging sufficient help on site to safely bring the piece indoors and position it.