The Louis XIV fauteuil became a ceremonial armchair: it represented the rigid hierarchy of the ranks and titles of the aristocracy. These armchairs are richly carved and covered with gold leaf, silk, and fringes. They are impressively large and have a tall back that is inclined backwards. However, the chairs are not particularly high, making them more comfortable and more suitable for relaxation than conversation.
They retain the base, the mutton-bone stretchers and armrests, while gradually evolving towards a design using arm supports. A new type of Louis XIV fauteuil emerged: the confessional fauteuil. It has padded arm supports and a back with two projecting wings. The back of the seat is concave and covered with a down-filled cushion.
