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.
$479Sale Price|54% Off
French, 17/ 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Very old and beautiful hand forged iron candleholder. France, circa 1650-1750. Weathered.
Iron
$661Sale Price|44% Off
Antique French 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder, Circa 1700-1750
Located in Buisson, FR
Very old and beautiful hand forged iron candleholder. Amazing period piece with a very pure and rustic design. Despite of its high age this candleholder is still very strong. France...
Iron
Antique Silver plated France church candle sticks 1850s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice pair of Silver Plated Church candle sticks .France 1850s Triangle shaped base . with Three saints Jesus Maria and Josef.. normal wear ...
Silver Plate
$698Sale Price / set|51% Off
Collection of 18th-19th Century French Pewter Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing collection of five pewter candlesticks. They are all different and unique, France, circa 1750-1850. Weathered, dented and small losses but these imperfections help authentica...
Pewter
$698Sale Price|41% Off
French, 18th Century, Large Hand Forged Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Large wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered. H:45cm W:19cm D:18cm .More photo's are available on request.
Iron
$3,340Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Pair of 17th Century Hand-Forged Iron Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful pair of 17th century hand forged iron candleholders, France, circa 1650. Weathered with great patine more photo's available on request.
Iron
$358Sale Price|47% Off
French, 18th Century, Hand Forged Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered. H:30cm W:18,5cm D:19cm
Iron
French H B Quimper Faience Ceramic Candlesticks, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of French hand-painted Faience pottery candlesticks made by HB Quimper. Decorated in their Soleil Yellow pattern with a floral edge. The candlesticks are each embellished with...
Ceramic, Faience
Handmade Olive Branch Candle Holder from Provence
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this Olive Branch Candle Holder is a testament to the exquisite artisanship of Provence, France. Each piece, handmade, embodies the seren...
Metal
$2,732Sale Price|43% Off
Large French 17th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful hand forged Iron candleholder in Gothic style. Although the Gothic period was already over this style stayed popular for a long time in the French country side. Very beaut...
Iron
$1,184Sale Price|48% Off
French 17/18th Century Hand Forged Iron Gothic Style Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful hand forged Iron candleholder in Gothic style. Although the Gothic period was already over this style stayed popular for a long time in the French country side. Very beaut...
Iron
$698Sale Price / set|51% Off
Collection of 18th-19th Century French Pewter Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing collection of five pewter candlesticks. They are all different and unique, France, circa 1750-1850. Weathered, dented and small losses but these imperfections help authentica...
Pewter
$419Sale Price / set|50% Off
Collection of 18th-19th Century French Pewter Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing collection of three pewter candlesticks. They are all different and unique. France, circa 1750-1850. Weathered, dented and small losses but these imperfections help authentic...
Pewter
$419Sale Price / set|50% Off
Collection of 18th-19th Century French Pewter Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing collection of three pewter candlesticks. They are all different and unique. France, circa 1750-1850. Weathered, dented and small losses but these imperfections help authentic...
Pewter
$334Sale Price|49% Off
Wrought Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder, 18th Century, Normandie, France
Located in Buisson, FR
Wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered.
Iron
Robert Picault (1919–2000) Chamberstick, Vallauris, France, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Delightful hand-thrown ceramic chamberstick by Robert Picault, featuring his signature turquoise, brown, and white palette. The circular base and loop handle are decorated with Picau...
Ceramic
$698Sale Price / set|51% Off
Collection of 18th-19th Century French Pewter Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing collection of five pewter candlesticks. They are all different and unique, France, circa 1750-1850. Weathered, dented and small losses but these imperfections help authenti...
Pewter
Antique Hand Painted French Carved Giltwood & Floral Candlesticks - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of antique French hand painted carved wood candlesticks. Each is hand painted and depicts spray of flowers on a blue and gold background. Felt bottoms are in good shape.
Wood
French Baroque Style Grey Painted Alter Candle Pillar Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Carved alter stand with fantastic paint and patina. Could be used with a pillar candle atop or just as is. Wonderful addition on a table or mantle in any formal or informal home seek...
Cement
19th Century French Pair of Antique Pinewood Candle Holders
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French pair of early 19th Century candle holders on tripod base, carved out of Pinewood with acanthus leaf décor. Original polychrome silver gold patina, in good condition...
Metal
Large Provincial Copper Church Candlestick, France, ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1900 / Candlestick / copper / Rustic / French Provincial This very large and tall, characterful candlestick from France, dating to around 1900, embodies the charming simpl...
Copper
Large French Copper Candlestick with Bold Geometric Details
Located in Middleburg, VA
A superb example of late 18th-century French provincial metalwork! This large copper candlestick exudes sculptural presence and timeworn beauty. Hand-forged in Provence around 1780, ...
Metal, Copper, Tin
Early 20th French Faience of Desvres Candlestick, a Pair
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th pair of French Faience Candlestick with the Rouen Decor, from the faiencerie of Desvres, signed on bottom Mosanic. Note : one chip on the top. See last picture. Dimen...
Faience
Two 19th Century French Provincial Turned Beech Wood Candlesticks
Located in Middleburg, VA
A charming pair of 19th-century French Provincial candlesticks, turned from solid beech wood with a beautifully weathered whitewashed finish. Crafted in France circa 1860, these rust...
Beech
Pair of Sculptural Ceramic Candle Sticks
Located in Millbrook, NY
Pair of Pale Terracotta Handmade Sculptural Candleholders from South America. These candlesticks are hand built with a rustic yet modern sensibility. The rounded shaped footings give...
Clay, Terracotta
Pair of 19th Century Copper Candleholders
Located in Casteren, NL
Pair of firm 19th century copper candleholders. Originates Nothern France, dating circa 1850.
Copper
$1,123 / set
H 11.5 in Dm 8.3 in
Rare & Sturdy Pair of Brutalist Forged Wrought Iron Candlesticks / Candleholders
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and very strong pair of timeless candle sticks. If you are looking for beautiful Arts & Crafts antiques to grace your living space then this hand-crafted and timeless pair c...
Wrought Iron
Candleholders Italian Tall Rococo Period 18th Century, Italy
Located in New York, NY
A pair of candleholders made during the Rococo period in Italy. Decorated with carvings and hand painted in silvery gold color and light coral red.
Wood
Hand-forged Swedish Iron Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Swedish wrought iron candelabra from the 1940. Hand-forged with a spiral base and four curved arms, this piece blends Scandinavian Modern elegance with a raw, Brutalist edge. Both ...
Iron
$1,166 / set
H 4.73 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in
Pair of Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks from the late 18th or early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Pair of Gustavian Pewter Candlesticks from the late 18th or early 19th Century. Period Gustavian design. Wear consistent with age and use
Pewter
$728Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 15.36 in W 8.27 in D 4.53 in
Large Wrought Iron Spanish Colonial Iron Candelabra Pair, Circa 1970s
Located in Valencia, VC
Striking Pair of Large Hand-Forged Spanish Colonial Iron Candelabra, Circa 1970s A magnificent pair of large hand-forged black iron candelabra, inspired...
Iron, Wrought Iron
17th Century French Bronze Candlestick
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Very sweet little French bronze candlestick dating from the 17th century. Measures: 15.5 cm high 8 x 8 cm base. Free shipping.
Bronze
$900 / set
H 5.32 in W 4.34 in D 4.34 in
Pair of Antique Candlesticks, Silver Plate, Decorative, Candle Holder, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pair of candlesticks. An English, silver plated decorative candle holder, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Appealing late Victorian pair with fi...
Silver Plate
18th Century French Louis XIV Bronze Candlesticks or Candleholders
Located in Houston, TX
18th century French Louis XIV Bronze candlesticks or candleholders. Beautifully detailed rare pair of French Louis XIV bronze candleholde...
Bronze
$1,800Sale Price|47% Off
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 5.91 in
Scandinavian Late 17th Century Baroque Angel Candleholder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Late 17th Century Baroque Angel Candlestick, Scandinavian Amazing carved wood and polychrome candleholder.
Wood
$3,971
H 54 in W 13 in D 13 in
Early 18th Century Portuguese Carved Giltwood Church Torchère, Candleholder
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Tall early 18th century Portuguese gilt oak church torchère with deep foliate carvings on a tripod base. This torchère can easily be converted into a ...
Giltwood
18th century gilt wood altar candle stick pair
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
authentic age patina, worm holes to wood, created at a time where only one decorated side was suitable. French or Italian, mid 19th century, showing their age and charm. A stately pa...
Other
19th Century pair of wrought iron "Rat de cave" candleholders
Located in Diest, BE
A rare and exquisite pair of rat de cave candlesticks, hand-forged in wrought iron with wooden details, originating from Normandy, France, 19th century. Expertly crafted by hand, the...
Wrought Iron
Collection of 18th-19th Century French Pewter Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing collection of five pewter candlesticks. They are all different and unique, France, circa 1750-1850. Weathered, dented and small losses but these imperfections help authentica...
Pewter
French, 18th Century, Hand Forged Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered. H:22cm W:14cm D:16cm
Iron
Brass Push Up Candlesticks, French, 19th C.
Located in Ross, CA
Brass push up candlesticks made in France in the 19th century. The pushup feature is fully functional, the set is matching and well rounded at the base with no dents.
Brass
French 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Very old and beautiful hand forged iron candleholder. Amazing period piece with a very pure and rustic design. Despite of its high age this candleholder is still very strong. France...
Iron
French, 18th Century, Hand Forged Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered. H:24cm W:13cm D:12cm
Iron
Sold
H 31 in W 10 in D 10 in
2 Maitland Smith French Marble & Bronze Candlesticks Candelabras Candle Holders
Located in Dayton, OH
A large pair of Maitland Smith candlesticks, circa last quarter 20th century. Features French styling with exceptional craftmanship. Each candle holder is made from bronze with a seven light candelabra along the top over a central Grecian column with tessellated marble, foliate and acanthus motif. The candle stick is mounted on tripod with downswept legs over a layer tri-form plinth vase...
Marble, Bronze
Handmade Olive Branch with Roots Candle Holder from Provence
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this Olive Branch with Roots Candle Holder is a testament to the exquisite artisanship of Provence, France. Measuring 8 inches in length ...
Metal
Handmade Olive Branch Candle Holder from Provence
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this Olive Branch Double Candle Holder is a testament to the exquisite artisanship of Provence, France. Each piece, handmade, embodies th...
Metal
19th Century French Giltwood Candlestick
Located in High Point, NC
This wooden candle holder was made in France. An ancient tradition of necessity and pleasure: providing light, emitting heat, pleasant fragrances, and keeping time– the little flame ...
Giltwood
19th Century French Giltwood Candlestick
Located in High Point, NC
This wooden candle holder was made in France. An ancient tradition of necessity and pleasure: providing light, emitting heat, pleasant fragrances, and keeping time– the little flame ...
Giltwood