French Provincial Furniture: Classic Elegance for Modern Interiors
Buying into the French dream of a charming, country house situated in bucolic surroundings seems like an idyllic scenario. However, if upping sticks and jetting off to a countryside corner of Provence isn’t on the cards, the next best thing could be adorning your home with furniture that will recreate a refined country style throughout your spaces.
The Charm of French Country Style
Cherry wood buffet in 18th century French Provincial style. Sold for $6,500 AUD via Leonard Joel (December 2023).
The hallmarks of French Provincial furniture lie in its rustic yet elegant look. Although it was originally envisioned for rural abodes, it’s a style of decoration that can work seamlessly when paired with contemporary, urban interiors, with a number of versatile and timeless styles. Developing its decorative flair in the 17th century, it emerged in the provinces of France, with pieces made for everyday use that would tie in with a country lifestyle. Craftspeople living in rural areas took inspiration at the time from visits to the opulent Royal Court at Versailles, and returned home to create their own pared-down interpretations of the regal designs.
Louis XVI Giltwood Furniture Set. Sold for €825,500 EUR via Sotheby’s (May 2023).
Incorporating the French country style you desire into your home should be easy once you can spot its key characteristics. French provincial pieces were fashioned out of locally sourced materials – namely wood, which included oak, walnut, cherry and mahogany. Distressed finishes were the name of the game for a rustic feel, as well as calming shades of paintwork, including beige, white, ivory, and duck egg blue.
The main pieces associated with the style are tall, ornate wardrobes, hardwood buffets or sideboards, tables with cabriole legs that curve outwards and inwards, and ‘fauteuils’ – upholstered, open-sided armchairs. Sophisticated carvings are often a feature, along with scalloped edges and countryside motifs: usually delicate decoration in the form of wheat, flowers or foliage. Antique pieces were made to last even after years of wear and tear, owing to their high level of craftsmanship, with handmade, interlinking dovetail joints which were extremely strong.
From the Chateau to the Cottage
French provincial furniture has gone through a number of style evolutions. Here are some of the key eras to consider, and qualities that will help you recognise and identify their differing features:
Louis XV Style (c. 18th century)
Louis XV Mahogany Console. Sold for $91,500 USD via Bonhams 2 (November 2010).
The soft and flowing curves characteristic of French provincial furniture really came into their own during Louis XV’s reign. Rococo style was starting to find its feet in France in the early 18th century, born out of the work of craftspeople and designers as a way to rebel against what was seen as the remnants of a straight-laced, Classical era. Designs were showy and theatrical, with asymmetrical, gilded patterns.
Cabriole legs were teamed with scroll feet with a curled or spiraled end, and intricate details began to blossom as a technique, with skilled artisans intertwining themes of nature, including leaves, flowers, vines and shells, with pastel shades and light finishes.
Louis XVI Mahogany Writing Desk. Sold for $905,000 USD via Christie’s (December 2014).
Louis XVI Style (c. late 18th century)
During this period a revival of Neoclassicism was underway, inspired by Greek and Roman styles and their meticulous approach to symmetry, and contrary to the more ostentatious, rule-breaking era of Louis XV. French Provincial style became all about clean, simple lines and geometric forms, rather than the curves of its predecessors. The emphasis was on achieving balance and proportion, and fluted legs started to become commonplace as an interpretation of Ancient Greek columns.
Keen to pay homage to classical motifs present in Greek and Roman art, interiors and architecture, furniture designers added oak and laurel wreaths, rosettes and urns to their pieces, used lighter woods and also often decorated with brass or bronze hardware. This was complemented with handcrafted upholstery in elegant, pared-back shades.
Directoire-Style Bouillotte Lamp. Sold for $2,100 USD via Stair (February 2022).
Directoire Style (c. late 18th century)
From 1795 onwards, France was fraught with political and social upheaval, with a population searching for social justice in the face of corruption and economic hardship – the result being the historic French Revolution, and the rise of Napoleon. These times of uncertainty brought about a restraint within provincial design, and decor became less of a priority, surpassed by functionality and a need for durability.
There were still Neoclassical influences in the furniture produced, particularly within the nature-inspired motifs, but pieces were definitely more restrained, using local, more inexpensive woods such as walnut or elm. There was also less carving and ornamentation, and a focus on straight lines and flat surfaces. There were a few interesting new designs: the bouillotte lamp with multiple candle arms and a shade, and the elegant and slender daybed.
French Empire Candelabra. Sold for $30,000 USD via Freeman’s (October 2014).
Empire Style (c. early 19th century)
Furniture design came into its golden age once more in France when Napoleon became emperor in 1804. There was a jubilant feel to both society and design, and spurred on by a healthy economy, a new bourgeoisie was emerging – wealthy members of society who wanted the best materials and embellishments adorning their home.
Gilded and opulent, the furniture of the time became all about flamboyance, although still designed in an elegant way. Symbols of amour, such as swans and bows and arrows, became popular motifs, as did Egyptian themes after Napoleon returned from a military campaign there. Sphinxes, lotus blossoms and scarabs began to appear on furniture pieces, and claw feet and curved table legs made their return.
Farmhouse Chic (c. 20th century)
French Country Style Chairs. Sold for $1,500 USD via Charleston Estate Auctions (April 2024).
Perhaps the most versatile of all French Provincial styles, Farmhouse Chic is a timeless look with a popularity that endures today. Less ornate and honing in on a cozy yet elegant feel, there are an array of styles to choose from, but whitewashed and weathered wood, distressed finishes and a soft color palette – including light blues, grays and greens – are a central design theme.
Look out for linen, cotton and rattan upholstery, all designed to enhance that natural-looking, relaxed meets rustic feel. Although there is a distinctive look to Farmhouse Chic pieces, there is also a joy to be found in their unique decorative elements. Vintage hardware is often employed to give pieces their own quirky edge, in the form of charmingly designed bronze knobs and nature-influenced handles.
Where and How Can I Find Authentic French Provincial Furniture for my Home or Collection?
Becoming familiar with the abundance of French Provincial furniture styles available is best achieved through visiting antique shops, getting acquainted with specialist dealers and also browsing the array of options available online. Search online marketplaces to figure out which auction houses regularly sell French country styles and stay up-to-date with antiques fairs and shows. It’s always worth considering a professional appraisal so you can guarantee authenticity – reputable auction houses and antiques dealers will sometimes offer this free of charge.
Cheryl Caira is a freelance journalist and editor from Scotland, based in London. She regularly puts her wanderlust experiences into writing, tying in her love of arts & culture, food & drink, and other curiosities.
