This period is marked by gilding and silvering of wood, and by the use of ornate stretchers in chairs, console tables and center tables. Richly colored upholstery and embroidery abound, and surfaces are heavily inlaid with mother of pearl, thin wood veneers, marble, brass and ivory. These inlays are called Boulle work . The Regence period is one of transition to a softer style. This period marked the debut of the cabriole leg , mainly used in sofas and chairs.
Stretchers disappear, and chests of drawers assume a more rounded shape.
Embellishment is reduced and concentrated on focal points rather than the entire surface. Ormolu mounts accentuate the curved lines. Ornamentation is free and asymmetrical, based on scroll-like natural patterns. A typical piece is the bomb chest. The straight line returns, with an interest in classical architecture.