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

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

Title for Catawiki:
Magnificent Grand 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 rendered 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 the seated to subtly turn toward each other. This design originally stems from French salon culture and was specifically intended to foster intimate and comfortable conversations.

Age & Materials
Dating: Late 19th / early 20th century (ca. 1890–1920).
Frame: Hand-stitched solid wood (walnut/macassar) with richly detailed openwork carving of acanthus leaves, rocailles, and a striking grape cluster at the top of the rail.
Upholstery: Button-tufted plush velvet fabric in a light cream tone, finished with copper decorative nails.
Features & Seating Comfort
With a length of 190 cm and a height of 110 cm, this is a very sturdy, substantial piece of high quality. Unlike many antique sofas that sit stiffly and upright, this example has a comfortable deep seat (62 cm) and a gently curved back profile. As a result, it offers surprisingly generous comfort and a relaxed sit.

Application & Interior Advice
Due to its imposing presence, a sofa like this traditionally stood in a stately entrance hall, library, or spacious drawing room. Today it makes a fantastic statement piece for a range of interiors:
- Beautiful in a classical or eclectic townhouse
- A stylish focal point for a boutique hotel, exclusive showroom, lounge, or hospitality setting

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

Important note about the photos (AI visuals):
The last 4 photos in the gallery are AI-generated for inspiration. These images show how spectacular this sofa would look reupholstered (for example with a bold peacock, jaguar, or modern velvet fabric) and placed in a contemporary interior. This is how you combine the authentic heavy woodcarving with an interior that meets all modern styling standards.

Condition:
The wooden frame is in very sturdy and good condition with characteristic age-related markings appropriate to its age. The current fabric shows light wear and patina (suitable for reupholstery or direct use for lovers of the original state).

Shipping & Transport:

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

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

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

Important for the buyer: Because this is a large, heavy, and robust sofa, we strongly advise ensuring sufficient assistance on site to safely carry it indoors and set it up.