How do I know if my French furniture is provincial?

To know if your French furniture is provincial, examine its decorative flourishes. Provincial furniture often showed off a white painted finish with gold gilt accents. Many pieces feature carvings depicting mythological subjects or floral motifs. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted French provincial furniture.

What is 1950s furniture called?

1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.

Were pearls popular in the 1950s?

Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What watches were popular in 1950s?

Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.

What was the clothing style in the 1950s?

The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.

What diamond cuts were popular in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.

How much was a Chanel bag in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.

What were the popular diamond cuts in the 1950s?

There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.

What is the 1950s furniture style called?

The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.

Which artist became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s?

Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.

1950s French Provincial

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Vintage Midcentury Mediterranean Design Bamboo Square Side Table in the manner of Audoux Minet. Made in France, 1950's period. Bamboo constructed square side or coffee table finished...

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Side Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Rope

1950s-1960s French Provincial Pottery Jar, Côte d’Azur Artisan Workshop

$399

1950s-1960s French Provincial Pottery Jar, Côte d’Azur Artisan Workshop

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

1950s-1960s French Provincial Pottery Jar, Côte d’Azur Artisan Workshop This French pottery jar from the 1950s-1960s, crafted in an artisan workshop on the Côte d'Azur, embodies the...

Category

20th Century French French Provincial Garniture

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Nightstands, Circa 1950s

$2,495 / set

John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Nightstands, Circa 1950s

By John Widdicomb

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of French Rococo or French Provincial Louis XV style nightstands By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1950s Solid carved cherry wood, with original cream lacquered and gol...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Louis XV Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century French Wood Wine Cork Holder, Hotels de la France 1950's

$325 / item

Mid-Century French Wood Wine Cork Holder, Hotels de la France 1950's

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

As found near Paris, these two French Mid-Century wooden shadow boxes were designed to collect and display wine corks. We met and purchased many items, including two of these boxes, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Boxes

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paint

Drexel French Provincial Louis XV Cream Lacquered Nightstand, Circa 1950s

$1,495

Drexel French Provincial Louis XV Cream Lacquered Nightstand, Circa 1950s

By Drexel

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style one-drawer nightstand By Drexel USA, Circa 1950s Cream lacquered walnut, with gold gilt trim, and original brass hardware.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Louis XV Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Circa 1950's French Directoire Tables with Slate Tops

$4,000

Circa 1950's French Directoire Tables with Slate Tops

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Circa 1950's French Directoire Tables with Slate Tops Slate is in excellent condition

Category

20th Century French French Provincial Tables

Materials

Slate, Iron

Romweber Style French Provincial Louis XV Carved Fruitwood Wall Mirror, 1950s

$995

$10,737

Fluted Oak Sideboard, France, 1950s

By Guillerme et Chambron

Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija

J.A.D.A Galerie presents: A large French sideboard from the 1950s, built in solid oak in the manner of Guillerme et Chambron, whose workshop at Votre Maison had by then made the dee...

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Sideboards

Materials

Iron

French Toile Style Transfer Printed Porcelain Lamp - U.S.A. - Circa 1950's

$1,500

French Toile Style Transfer Printed Porcelain Lamp - U.S.A. - Circa 1950's

Located in Chatham, ON

French toile de jouy style transfer printed lamp - featuring a continuous pattern of flowers and birds on all four sides - green printed pattern on a white glazed ground - original p...

Category

Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

French Side Table in Ash, 1950s

$1,940

French Side Table in Ash, 1950s

Located in Almelo, NL

French Side Table in Ash, 1950s A charming and sculptural side table crafted in France during the 1950s.

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Side Tables

Materials

Ash

Recent Sales

1950s French Footstool in Scalamandré 'Polar Bear - Blue Frost' Mohair

Unavailable

H 10.5 in W 20.5 in D 15.5 in

1950s French Footstool in Scalamandré 'Polar Bear - Blue Frost' Mohair

By Scalamandre

Located in Richmond, VA

Listed is an absolutely stunning, 1950s French Provincial footstool. The piece has been newly reupholstered in Scalamandrés 'Polar Bear' mohair velvet in the 'Blue Frost' colorway fr...

Category

20th Century French Provincial Footstools

Materials

Mohair, Wood

1950s French Footstool in Scalamandré 'Polar Bear - Blue Frost' Mohair

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 20.87 in Dm 6.5 in

Pair of American 1950s Figure Lamps by L&F Moreau in the French Style

By Louis & François Moreau

Located in Uppingham, Rutland

Good decorative pair of painted and gilded spelter lamps by L&F Moreau of the USA for the "collection Francais" circa 1950s. A boy and girl both holding reading books, standing on a...

Category

Vintage 1950s Central American French Provincial Table Lamps

Materials

Spelter

Majolica Sarreguemines Fish Service, 1950s, set of 3

Unavailable

Sold

H 22.45 in W 24.02 in D 14.97 in

France Provincial Nightstands 1950s

By Michel-Léonard Béguine

Located in Den Haag, NL

Two very nice France provincial nightstands. Two drawers each. Comes with glass plates. Good quality pieces.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Renaissance Revival Night Stands

Materials

Wood

John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Highboy Dresser, 1950s

Sold

Sold

H 33.5 in W 72 in D 20.5 in

John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Triple Dresser or Credenza, 1950s

By John Widdicomb

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous French Rococo or French Provincial Louis XV style nine-drawer dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, 1950s Solid carved cherry wood, with original cream lacquered a...

Category

Vintage 1950s American French Provincial Dressers

Materials

Brass

Sold

H 33 in W 67 in D 21 in

John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Maple Dresser or Credenza, Circa 1950s

By John Widdicomb

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous French Country Louis XV style nine-drawer dresser or credenza By John Widdicomb USA, Circa 1950s Solid maple, with original brass hardware and gold painted trim. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Dressers

Materials

Brass

John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Nightstands, Circa 1950s

Sold

Sold

H 71.25 in W 36 in D 16 in

French Provincial Louis XV Lacquered Secretary Desk With Bookcase, 1950s

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top In the manner of Baker Furniture By Jasper Cabinet Co.

Category

Vintage 1950s American Louis XV Bookcases

Materials

Brass

1950's French Farmhouse Dining Chairs With Stamped Numbers

Sold

H 22.835 in W 16.535 in D 18.504 in

1950's French Farmhouse Dining Chairs With Stamped Numbers

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950's French Farmhouse Dining Chairs With Stamped Numbers. Made by Luterma, the process of steam bending beech to create elegant chairs was discovered and developed first by Thonet,...

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Beech

Sold

$3,295

$2,995 / set

H 22.5 in W 22 in D 26 in

Weiman Rockwood Collection Neo-Classical Crossbanded Walnut Tiered Side Tables

By Weiman

Located in Germantown, MD

For your consisderation is this pair of Weiman " The Rockwood " Collection Crossbanded Walnut Single drawer Tiered Side Tables. Measure 22" in width, 26" in depth and 22.5" in height.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Side Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Painted Chest on Stand

$3,288

H 62.6 in W 44.89 in D 25.2 in

19th Century French Painted Chest on Stand

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Attractive yet practical 19th Century French painted chest on stand. This elegant piece has plenty of storage in its various working drawers that are decorated with its original bras...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood, Paint

Rare Pair Baker Furniture Queen Anne Walnut Burl Vitrine Display Accent Tables

$4,200Sale Price|30% Off

H 26.5 in W 30.5 in D 20 in

Rare Pair Baker Furniture Queen Anne Walnut Burl Vitrine Display Accent Tables

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

This exceedingly rare pair of vitrine-style accent tables by Baker Furniture represents a masterclass in American cabinet making. Expertly constructed from finely grained walnut with...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Queen Anne Side Tables

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Pair of 1940s Two-Tier Mahogany End Tables with Extensible Nesting Top

$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 28 in W 21.25 in D 21.25 in

Pair of 1940s Two-Tier Mahogany End Tables with Extensible Nesting Top

By Kittinger

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of elegantly understated and restored mahogany two-tiered end tables attributed to Kittinger Furniture Buffalo NY. Scalloped aprons to all sides and both tiers, four gallery cor...

Category

Vintage 1940s American End Tables

Materials

Brass

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STUNNING ViNTAGE GEORGE SMITH MADE FOR LIBERTY'S LONDON KILIM THREE SEAT SOFA

$10,961Sale Price|20% Off

H 34.65 in W 71.66 in D 39.38 in

STUNNING ViNTAGE GEORGE SMITH MADE FOR LIBERTY'S LONDON KILIM THREE SEAT SOFA

By George Smith

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original George Smith three seat sofa with the period Kilim upholstery and feather filled cush...

Category

20th Century English Kilim Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

$4,900 / item

H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Materials

Linen, Velvet

Pair of Jacobean Style Side Tables

$3,560 / set

H 24 in W 14 in D 22 in

Pair of Jacobean Style Side Tables

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Jacobean style rectangular one-drawer side table with an ogee top edge, in our distressed rustic country wood tone with natural highlights, with a hand-rubbed satin finish with a b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Jacobean End Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

$4,554 / set

$1,480

H 70.87 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Decorative Coat Stand in Solid Pine, Danish Mid Century Modern, 1970s

By Rainer Daumiller

Located in Odense, DK

An intriguing sculptural coat stand with plenty of space for your jackets etc, all made in solid pine. Crafted by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1970s. This simple and decorative des...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Pine

Pair of Mid-Century Blond Four Drawer Chests with Round Brass Hardware

$3,250 / set

H 32.88 in W 30.75 in D 18.38 in

Pair of Mid-Century Blond Four Drawer Chests with Round Brass Hardware

By Brown Saltman, Paul Frankl

Located in St. Louis, MO

Nice pair of Mid-Century Modern bleached mahogany four drawer bachelors chests with round brass disc hardware on concave base. These would also make great nightstands or bedside ches...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

$4,200

H 37 in W 65 in D 26 in

Fine Vintage Baker Mahogany Sideboard

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Beautiful construction with a shaped bow front case. Three frieze drawers, the center one with felt lined flatware insert (lacking a key), side doors, and double middle doors, all wi...

Category

20th Century Regency Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Cherry Slant Front Desk

$1,295

H 45 in W 38 in D 20 in

Cherry Slant Front Desk

Located in East Aurora, NY

A nice early 19th century Cherry slant front desk probably Pennsylvania or Virginia. Nicely dovetailed case resting on tall bracket feet. The interior surface is fitted with severa...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Cherry

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1950s French Provincial For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic 1950s French provincial available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and oak, every 1950s French provincial was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a 1950s French provincial — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A 1950s French provincial is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Louis XV, Hollywood Regency and Empire styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made 1950s French provincial over the years, but those crafted by Drexel, John Widdicomb and Michel Caugant are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a 1950s French Provincial?

A 1950s French provincial can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,463, while the lowest priced sells for $120 and the highest can go for as much as $14,500.

A Close Look at French-provincial Furniture

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Questions About 1950s French Provincial

How do I know if my French furniture is provincial?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To know if your French furniture is provincial, examine its decorative flourishes. Provincial furniture often showed off a white painted finish with gold gilt accents. Many pieces feature carvings depicting mythological subjects or floral motifs. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted French provincial furniture.
What is 1950s furniture called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.
Were pearls popular in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What watches were popular in 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
What was the clothing style in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.
What diamond cuts were popular in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
How much was a Chanel bag in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.
What were the popular diamond cuts in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
What is the 1950s furniture style called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.
Which artist became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.