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French Provincial Desk Sets

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

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.

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Style: French Provincial
Art Deco Faience Hb Quimper Bookends, a Pair
Art Deco Faience Hb Quimper Bookends, a Pair

Art Deco Faience Hb Quimper Bookends, a Pair

Located in Winter Park, FL

A good pair of Art Deco Faience bookends form HB Quimper, in good condition, very colorful. Dimensions are 7.5" long by 4.5" and 7" high. Each. Note, one small lost of glazing on the...

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Early 20th Century European French Provincial Desk Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Onyx "Ormolu Cassolettes"
Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Onyx "Ormolu Cassolettes"

Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Onyx "Ormolu Cassolettes"

Located in London, GB

"Ormolu Cassolettes" A highly attractive pair of late 19th Century gilt bronze and onyx cassolettes. The onyx cassolette pots raised on gilt bronze tripod decorated with raised faces and acorns exhibiting excellent hand finished detail ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: 25.5 cm Width: 10 cm Depth: 10 cm Condition: Excellent Condition Circa: 1890 Materials: Bronze & Onyx SKU: 9167 ABOUT Ormolu is the gilding technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and for objects finished in this way.The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of mercuric nitrate is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze; followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item is then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury vaporizes and the gold remains, adhering to the metal object...

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Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desk Sets

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Turn of the Century French Patinated Ecritoire with Display Glass Top
Turn of the Century French Patinated Ecritoire with Display Glass Top

Turn of the Century French Patinated Ecritoire with Display Glass Top

Located in High Point, NC

A patinated ecritoire produced during the turn of the century in France, this desk organizer is as functional as remarkable. Featuring a slant-top case crowned by a unique glass disp...

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Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Desk Sets

Materials

Glass, Wood

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Mid-Century Modern Desk, Beech & Walnut with Yellow Glass Top, 1950s
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French Faience Plate Henriot Quimper, circa 1930
French Faience Plate Henriot Quimper, circa 1930

French Faience Plate Henriot Quimper, circa 1930

By Henriot Quimper

Located in Austin, TX

A French large faience plate with a farmer in the costume with flowers signed Henriot Quimper, circa 1950. Colorful yellow border and blue lines. Measure: 9.5 diameter.

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English Writing Table or Desk of Patinated Oak with Embossed Leather Top
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French Faience Plate Henriot Quimper, circa 1930
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Previously Available Items
1800s French Antique Patinated Ecritoire
1800s French Antique Patinated Ecritoire

1800s French Antique Patinated Ecritoire

Sold

H 11.6 in W 27.4 in D 17.5 in

1800s French Antique Patinated Ecritoire

Located in High Point, NC

This antique ecritoire was crafted in France, circa 1800. A heavily distressed wooden ecritoire, this desk organizer flaunts a spacious case with an elegant slant top and a striking craquelure finish. Closed by a discreet lock, this one-of-a-kind antique will...

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19th Century French Sterling and Enamel Dresser Set
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French Provincial desk sets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial desk sets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desk sets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial desk sets made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desk sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $625 and tops out at $1,395 while the average work can sell for $850.