Louis XV changed houses from mere display to be comfortable and homely
Summary
- Europe in general in the 18th century had houses meant to show off wealth rather than be comfortable to live in.
- Louis XV changed Versailles to be a comfortable place to live, for which we have to thank him.
Details
- He changed chairs to padded sofas, public privies to private ones. He installed indoor plumbing and flush toilets.
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Louis XV* of France was just such a person. Going into the 18th century in France, and Europe in general, homes were decorated to show off one’s wealth and possessions. They weren’t private sanctuaries, but rather public displays of status. By the mid-18th century the home as a public space had changed. Homes became designed for comfort and intimacy. We went from straight-backed wooden chairs to padded sofas, and public privies to private flush toilets.4 It was incredible, and now most of us couldn’t conceive of going back. Thus, we all owe a small debt to Louis XV for embracing the desire to have a comfortable home.
Part of the change to seeing the home as a private space was a result of larger social changes that were occurring. The upper classes were moving around less due to more stable political situations. Technological advancement was booming, leading to a new look at things like indoor plumbing and central heating. And, perhaps most importantly, the Enlightenment was developing, placing emphasis on individual liberty and the sharing of knowledge and ideas. One of the products of these changes was the French royalty no longer wanted to be uncomfortable at the palace.
During his reign, Louis XV transformed Versailles from an uncomfortable and public space to a place that reflected the desire of individuals to live in a place they could also enjoy. He created almost a parallel palace of interior rooms where he, his family, and close confidantes could exist outside of the public eye. He replaced wooden footstools with legions of sofas and armchairs and made it perfectly acceptable for intimate acquaintances to sit in the presence of the king. In his private rooms he was just Louis. He installed indoor plumbing and flush toilets in their own private rooms. For the first time guests at Versailles didn’t have to relieve themselves in the hallways. Bedrooms were no longer places where anyone could wander through. Rooms were smaller and had specific functions. In short, Louis XV put in place many aspects of the modern home.