The Bergère Chair: Evolution of French Comfort and Elegance in Furniture Design

The bergère is a French armchair introduced during the reign of Louis XV, epitomizing the era’s shift towards comfort and elegance in furniture design. Unlike the more formal and rigid seating of previous periods, the bergère features upholstered panels filling the spaces between the arms and the seat, along with a loose, tailored cushion, offering a more relaxed seating experience (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d.).

Historical Context

In the early 18th century, French furniture design transitioned from the grandeur of Louis XIV’s Baroque style to the more intimate and ornate Rococo aesthetics of Louis XV’s reign. This period emphasized comfort and informality, creating furniture like the bergère, which was designed for lounging rather than formal seating. The bergère’s enclosed sides and plush cushioning made it a favoured choice in the salons of the French aristocracy, reflecting the period’s focus on personal comfort and the art of conversation (The Chair Institute, 2024).

Embed from Getty Images

Design Characteristics

Bergère chairs are distinguished by their fully upholstered armrests and back, with exposed wooden frames that are often intricately carved or gilded. The seat is typically deep and wide, accommodating the voluminous dresses of the time, and includes a separate, loose cushion for added comfort. The legs are usually short and cabriole-shaped, contributing to the chair’s overall elegance and stability (Wikipedia, 2023).

Variations and Evolution

Over time, the bergère evolved into several variations, each reflecting the changing tastes and functional needs of different periods:

• Bergère à la Reine: This style features a high, flat back with straight lines, embodying a more formal appearance.
• Bergère en Cabriolet: Characterized by a rounded back, offering a more intimate and enveloping seating experience.
• Bergère Marquise: This is a wider version designed to accommodate two people, emphasizing the social aspect of seating (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d.).

Influence on English Furniture

The popularity of the bergère extended beyond France, influencing English furniture design in the 1760s. English interpretations, sometimes called ‘burjairs,’ often retained the open-spaced arms typical of English armchairs, blending French comfort with British stylistic elements. This cross-cultural exchange highlights the bergère’s significant impact on European furniture design.

Design Principles in the Bergère

The bergère exemplifies several key design principles:

• Balance: The harmonious proportion between the upholstered sections and the exposed wooden frame creates visual stability.
• Contrast: The juxtaposition of soft fabrics against carved wood adds depth and interest.
• Emphasis: Ornate carvings and gilding draw attention to the craftsmanship and artistry of the piece.
• Proportion and Scale: The chair’s dimensions are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort while maintaining elegance.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, the bergère remains a symbol of classic elegance and comfort. Its timeless design inspires modern furniture, blending historical aesthetics with contemporary materials and fabrics. Incorporating a bergère into modern interiors can add a touch of sophistication and a connection to the rich history of furniture design.

Sources

The Chair Institute. (2024). The different types of bergère chairs and its history. Retrieved from Chair Institute

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (n.d.). Armchair (bergère) (one of a pair). Retrieved from The Met

Wikipedia. (2023). Bergère. Retrieved from Wikipedia

Wills, G. (1976). A concise encyclopedia of antiques. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co.