French Provincial Furniture Styles
When it comes to furniture styles, the French have made a health contribution. French provincial furniture styles are certainly a big part of this.
French Provincial Furniture Styles
A French provincial home can best be described as a very formal French farmhouse. It has the country feel but with much more of an ornate look to it. It originated in the 1600s but has taken on a whole new look since then. The furniture has always been very aesthetic, but it has evolved to appeal to all French decorating styles of a home.
In general, French provincial furniture styles are very cozy, rustic, and warm, while carrying the elegance and opulent look that you don’t find in the French country look, although they have many of the same traits. The colors are rich, dark, and use many of the same hues such as the rustic reds, bronze, grassy greens, and gold. French provincial furniture is more regal but comfortable, using the different patterns in the furniture to show sophistication and comfort. You can also mix and match the different types of wood and metal to get true French provincial furniture styles. That is part of the charm when you have pieces that don’t match exactly.
The main component to the French provincial furniture is the attention to detail in every piece. Embellished tables, tiny double drawer pulls, ornate carvings on the headboard, and simple but elegant desks are just a few of the pieces that can put together this look. Adding wrought iron or anything characteristic of the 17th or 18th century is considered to be authentic French provincial furniture.
Another facet that makes French provincial furniture pieces unlike any others are their durability and sturdiness. They are very forgiving pieces of furniture, usually made of the best quality wood, such as local timbers of oak, beech, and walnut, and the thickest of fabrics. Most of the authentic pieces come from Normandy and Bordeaux, where the furniture is highly regarded because of the unique carvings.
Buffets, armoires, and large kitchen tables are very popular in French provincial furniture styles. The reproduction market for these types of furniture is huge because of the popularity. The prices for the authentic furniture have risen greatly in recent years which lead to many more reproductions being put out. Reproductions can be similar in look but not always in quality. If you want excellent material and carvings you will still need to spend a good deal of money to acquire the piece of your choice, but for this wonderful look, it is well worth it.