The Louis XV fauteuil is lighter, with more serpentine lines. It retains the flat back and cabriole legs of the Régence style. An important type of seating during the reign of Louis XV, new models of fauteuil were created. The flat-backed armchair (called à la Reine) was known as a fauteuil meublant (side chair), and was designed to be placed along a wall and considered as part of the interior decorations. The fauteuil cabriolet was invented during the reign of Louis XV and is a light fauteuil with a slightly coved and fiddle back. Its legs have S-curves and terminate in scrolled feet with a die, a roquillard (acanthus leaf), or a spiral.
The Louis XV fauteuil has mouldings and carvings of flowers or branches, and is made of wood painted in a light colour, waxed walnut, or lacquered or gilded beech. Noteworthy examples of Louis XV style seating are the more enveloping fauteuil bergère with its projecting wings and thick feather cushion, the wider marquise fauteuil that can accommodate two people, the fauteuil de bureau or de cabinet (study armchair), and the fauteuil de toilette (dressing or easy armchair). All three fauteuils share a characteristic form: a trapezoidal seat and semi-circular design with one leg placed front and centre to support the front rail, in perfect symmetry with the other three legs. These fauteuils are often covered with leather or caned.
