There is nothing quite like the perfect arm chair in a living space. And of course, since I’m partial to French style in general, I just adore a good French chair! Bergère chairs are versatile, classic, and comfortable (which not all armchairs are).
For those of you not familiar with it, a Bergère is a chair designed in the Louis XV style, with an upholstered back and arms, and fitted with a loose tailored seat cushion. These antique French chairs typically featured wood frames that were either gilded or painted and were upholstered with fine fabrics.
And to me, that is key! Today, these chairs are often upholstered in simple fabrics, like linen, ticking, or even burlap. And that’s what I love! As I’ve shared before, I love French style, but my take on it is a bit more casual. I love the juxtaposition of a gilded armchair covered in simple linen. Or gold mirrors in a room with distressed furniture and a seagrass rug.
The high/low mix is what really speaks to me. Without that bit of casualness thrown in, for me it can feel too fussy. But that mix of styles, the casual with the ornate, the rustic with the elegant, is the essence of casual chic style!
Mine is not an antique French chair, unfortunately, but I do love the simplicity of it. It doesn’t have the floral carvings on the wood frame that many have which makes it a little less formal. And it’s covered in a simple white linen.
I bought this one at a local resale store. I own a pair actually, but they are currently split up with the second one living in my master bedroom. It’s also spent time in the family room! This chair is so versatile it really can play anywhere.
The Always Perfect, Always Versatile, French Bergère Chair!
This one is gilded, and is one of my all-time favorite images! This is utterly timeless – you truly can’t tell if this photo is ten years or ten days old. Design by Renea Abbott via Veranda magazine.
Via Alice Lane Home.
All the furniture in this living room is French! Room by Pamela Pierce, photograph by Peter Vitale.
Beautiful living room with a pale version of a Bergère chair. By Loi Thai of Tone on Tone.
My friend Sonja’s beautiful house with a white French chair. You can find more of her inspirational home here.
And Where to Find Them!
When I was looking for mine, they weren’t nearly as easy to find as they are now! I purchased them at a local resale store, but frankly, had I been able to find ones as pretty (and reasonable!) as now, I most likely would have bought new!
Below you’ll find some of my favorite French chairs; in different finishes and styles and at different price points. I’m telling you you won’t believe some of these prices! You can also look for a genuine vintage or antique (which I almost always prefer) but sometimes there just isn’t time to shop for those. They can also be more expensive than the reproductions are.
Some good sites online for antique French chairs are Etsy, Ebay, and 1st Dibs. I’ve also known designer friends to find them in thrift shops or Goodwill stores. But if you’re in a hurry, don’t want used, or simply don’t love the “chase,” then one of these might just fill the bill!
- I love the size and slightly updated version of this one.
- The straight back of this chair creates a modern silhouette and I love the pale wood.
- Leave it to Pottery Barn to make one that feels fresh and classic at the same time!
- This is the essence of a classic French bergère at an amazing price.
- Love the unusual back and the nail head trim on this chair!
- The pretty striped fabric on this one keeps it interesting.
- And this charmer is perfect for a smaller space – love the rounded back!
- This classic French accent chair is a steal!
- Probably my favorite one of the bunch – I love the caning and the color!
Click and scroll to shop these plus a few more!
*please note some affiliate links have been included for your convenience*
I hope this has inspired you to shop for your own French chair! Let me know if there are any great ones out there that I missed!
Happy Friday!
Sheila
xo
And for even more French inspiration, check out some of these other posts below!
Ten Stunning Rustic French Country Chandeliers
The Best French Farmhouse Dining Tables – for LESS!
50+ Fabulous French Country Finds at Walmart!
Cheryl Ringland says
I love this style of chair as well! I’m always looking at consignment shops for them…never know what you will find. And eventually the ones I have I may reupholster, but I enjoy a casual slipcover in white or gray too. Love to hear others have the same appreciation. Thanks
Nicole says
Do these French chairs have to be in a light wood or can they be in a dark mahogany wood ?
Sheila says
No! They can absolutely be dark. My own (in the bedroom photo) is definitely dark wood. Hope that helps!
Sheila
Debbie says
I too love French style. I’ve been searching for a bergere chair with toile fabric but haven’t had any luck thus far, but I’ll continue the search. I appreciate your article which I hope will bring me closer to finding the perfect bergere chair.
kim says
Can a pair of bergere chairs be used if there are not any other French pieces in the home?
Sheila says
I absolutely think they can! Not only do I think you can mix styles, I think you should!!
Sheila
Hélène Fagan says
The only thing I would keep in mind is to try and keep the same “leg” for all the chairs in one room. For example, the straight up and down as in 2, 6 and 9 represent the Louis XVI style while the others with the curved leg are more remeniscent of Louis XV. The sofa may be other, as long as it’s a basic, non specific leg, it should blend in fine.
Kim says
Sheila,
Thank you so much for this post. I absolutely love Bergere chairs. I plan on having at least two of them when I move into my home in the country.
Rose says
Oh my gosh, this is a great post! I love number 9 the best though all are pretty. Thank you again! Your chair in white is beautiful ! I love looking at these pictures and wonder where they purchase all their wonderful decor. That picture over the fireplace is really fitting. That mirror !
Donna Butler says
These chairs are so classic, and a definite favorite! I’ve always loved them and love the inspiring examples here too – thanks for the inspiration!
Lara says
Hi there:
I love bergère chairs also. But you are using the wrong accent over the ‘e’ in your spelling of ‘bergère’. You have used l’accent aigu (example: marché), which emphasizes the ‘e’ sound so that you say it separately. The correct accent is l’accent grave (example: après), which indicates that the e sound is integrated into a word, rather than emphasized. Bergère is the correct way to spell it.
The two accents denote different sounds also, but I will leave that for you to discover.
Sheila says
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for letting me know! I feel so badly I had spelled it wrong – I did check before I posted it but I realize now the source I used was wrong, haha! But I’m so glad you told me and they’re all fixed 😉
Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to comment!
Sheila
kimberly Ann boyer says
I love them all! Thank you SO much for posting such great information on Bergere chairs! I have had two in my living room for years and I’ve recovered them a few times. Right now they have a Ralph Lauren floral print on them but everything is going so neutral, I may have to change them up. Finding a good upholsterer is sometimes a challenge. My bergere chairs have always been my favorite chairs in the house. I want to buy more after reading your article. Thank you Sheila! ❤️
Sheila says
Aww I’m so glad to hear that Kimberly! They are absolutely a true classic and good for you for recovering them and not just buying something new!! I agree finding an upholsterer is sometimes hard, especially at a good price. I’ve found them but then when I need them again they seem to be retired or out of business! I guess I don’t re-upholster enough!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Margaret says
I too like the Bergere chair . I have four of them. My favorite is the leather one with the ottoman. If I dribble a chocolate covered cheery on it it cleans up in a hurry lol. My kind of chair.
Sheila says
haha! I love that! 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Sheila
Norma Rolader says
Gorgeous and it looks so comfy and thank you for sharing
Sheila says
Thanks so much Norma!
Sheila
Shirley @Housepitality Designs says
Love, love Bergere chairs chairs…I love the one shown in Loi’s image and I have the #3 chair in my living room!
Sheila says
Yay! Aren’t they the BEST?!! So perfect and classic – they seriously never go out of style! And they look good with everything, I even love them in modern rooms.
And I love #3! I’m tempted to get more:)
Sheila
xo
Mike Hall says
Hi Sheila,
do you know if #3 can be found anywhere? I clicked and got a dead link.
Sheila says
Hi and thanks for your interest! That one was Soft Surroundings and they don’t sell it anymore, sorry!
Thanks for stopping by!
Carol says
I don’t have one yet, but the lusting after has begun. Thanks for the info.
Sheila says
Oh yes, me too! I want another/different one!! You’re so welcome!
and thank you for stopping by!
Sheila
Susan @ Under the Butternut Tree says
I love a good Bergere. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on being a featured blogger on Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage.
Sheila says
Thank you so much Susan!
And many thanks for stopping by the blog and taking the time to comment – I so appreciate it!
Sheila
xo
Angelina Pob says
Love Bergeres! Have several pairs… the antique ones are a little cuter( I think it is because they are smaller?) but the new ones are much more comfy! Thank you for sharing these pretty pics!!
Sheila says
I agree! Of course, anything antique is cuter (except maybe men!;))
Thanks much Angelina – and Happy Weekend!
Sheila
xo
Carol ("Mimi") says
Bergere chairs always lend an air of excellence in any room. And, they look like they would be really comfortable to sit in. Yours is very pretty in white linen. It looks great in the room.
Carol (“Mimi”) from Home with Mimi
Sheila says
Thanks so much Carol! I do love them too – especially because they are stylish and comfortable!
Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. I so appreciate it!
Sheila
xo