Skip to main content

French Provincial Decorative Objects

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.

1
42
2
1
to
7
24
21
45
45
45
2,248
1,487
712
530
273
182
134
97
96
89
80
54
50
42
34
33
16
13
5
17
20
3
7
8
1
2
1
1
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
20
16
10
6
4
43
39
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Style: French Provincial
Color:  Black
A pair of cassolettes
Located in Washington, DC
A pair of cassolettes - carved wood and gilt - rare and very decorative
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

French Cast Iron Medici Vases Garden Planter Urn
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Beautiful cast iron Medici Vase/urn. Sourced in the south of France, this stunning vase has a beautiful cast Iron patina and an incredible voluminous shape. The Medici Vase shows som...
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

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.
Category

17th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

French Normandy Vindefontaine Kaolin Beverage Fountain, Mid 19th C.
By Ecole De Normandie
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A large and heavy Vindefontaine Beverage Fountain, Normandy, France, circa 1840 – 1850. Referred to as a fountain, this vessel was used for the storing and serving of water or wine....
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

19th Century French Green Glazed Terracotta Dairy Bowl or Tian
Located in Buisson, FR
Great piece of pottery from the Provence. Beautiful green color, France, circa 1850. Good but weathered condition.
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

French Provincial 19th Century Glazed Pottery Pouring Jug with Two Handles
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Provincial glazed pottery pouring jug from the 19th century, with single spout, two handles and great rustic character. Created in so...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Large French Ceramic Gresalle or Tian Bowls Bowl from Provence
Located in Rümmingen, BW
This very large Tian bowl was sourced in the south of France. This traditional French mixing bowl is a staple in the French kitchen and immediately ...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

French 18th-19th Century Black Marble Mortar
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare black marble (Belgium blue stone) mortar, France, circa 1750-1850. Great eyecatcher. Weathered but good condition.
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Iron Candelabra
Located in Washington, DC
A heavy cast iron three prong Candelabra
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

French 18th-19th Century Black Marble Mortar
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare black marble (Belgium blue stone) mortar, France, circa 1750-1850. Great eyecatcher. Weathered but good condition.
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Cobalt Blue Porcelain Egg Gold Gilt Hinged Lid Candle Trinket Box, 2 Pcs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cobalt Blue Porcelain Egg Gold Gilt hinged lid candle trinket box - 2 pcs. Item featurs a porcelain construction, gold gilt details, raised on feet, small hinged box...
Category

Late 20th Century French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

French 17/18th Century Hand Forged Iron 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 beautiful detailed with French Fleur de lyse...
Category

17th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

French Provincial Rattan Planter Chachepot
Located in Brescia, IT
Natural materials and Minimalist style, are the features of this square rattan basket, useful for planter or fire wood. Perfect in every kitchen or dining room We suggest indoor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Rattan

1960 French Provincial Hand-Turned Blue Ceramic Vase
Located in Rümmingen, BW
This Hand-crafted studio ceramic has been sourced in the south of France near the village Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie. This area of France is famous for its artisanal ceramic work. Smal...
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1960s Signed Vallauris Fréres Massier Woven Ceramic Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A woven ceramic bowl from Vallauris by Clement and Jerome Massier. Marked by les Fréres Massier on the bottom.
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Rare French Majolica Poodle Keller & Guerin Pitcher Saint Clement, Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Rare French Majolica black poodle signed Keller & Guerin Pitcher Saint Clement, Circa 1900. Measure: Height / 12 inches.    
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Wrought Brutalist Candleholders, 1930s/40s, France
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Super decorative. These two candleholders measure 61cm in height, 44.5cm in width and 20cm depth. The top diameter measures 11cm.
Category

1930s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

France Iron Wire Minimalist Vase and Planter Bowl
Located in Brescia, IT
France, iron wire Minimalist vase and planter bowl This is a contemporary and Minimalist vase for plants and flower. The insider bowl could contain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Pair of French Brass Candle Sticks
Located in Alton, GB
Stunning twin pair of french brass candelabra each consisting of three scrolled arms delicatley sitting on a shallow dome base. All arms entact...
Category

1820s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

20th Century Opalescent Glass Plate Entitled "Volutes Plate" by René Lalique
Located in London, GB
A striking early 20th Century Art Deco French clear glass plate decorated with a swirling bubbles pattern exhibiting excellent sky blue opalescent colour and fine hand chased detail, signed R Lalique France ‘Volutes’ Catalogue Number: 10-396 Signature identification: “R. Lalique France” stencilled in centre of base Date introduced: April 17, 1934 Dimensions: 27.5 cm Diam ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Diam: 27.5 cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition Circa: 1930 Materials: Clear and frosted Glass Book Ref: R.Lalique – Catalogue Raisonné by Felix Marcilhac Page No. 310 SKU: 6448 ABOUT Lalique Plumes Vase...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

18th Century Green Auvergne France Walnut Oil Jar Pot
Located in Milano, IT
18th Century Auvergne French Walnut Oil Jar.
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

19th Century French Copper Pot with Lid
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French copper pot with lid. Beautiful 19th century French Provincial copper cooking pot with original lid. This French piece has not b...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Ceramic Pitcher, Midcentury French
Located in Labrit, Landes
French little pitcher Good condition with characterful patina Shipping: L12 / P 11/ H 14.5 cm 0.6 kg.  
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

1900s French Plaster Sculpture
Located in High Point, NC
A black plaster sculpture produced in France, circa early 1900s. A proto-modern plaster sculpture mounted on the wall, looking down and away, like Donatello’s David...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Plaster

Vintage French Terracotta Vase
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
A beautiful composition of color and texture, this pot is an ideal centerpiece and accent for the home, garden, patio, conservatory. With unlimited functions, this pot is aesthetical...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Antique French Monumental Wrought Iron Wall Sconce with Leaves Design, 7 Bulbs
Located in Plainview, NY
A majestic early 20th century wrought iron wall scone finely hand carved and featuring hanging leaves. The sconce holds 7 candelabra bulbs and ...
Category

1920s European Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Iron Candleholder Deer Christmas Gift or Decoration Midcentury
Located in Labrit, Landes
Deer iron candlestick French circa 1960 Christmas decoration Also ideal for a decoration on hunting or forest Holds 5 candles of all kinds Good vintage condition For shipping: ...
Category

1960s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Antique Basket Tray with Painted Parrot
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handmade tray or basket with a faux bamboo border, two handles and a folksy parrot painted over a herringbone weave.
Category

20th Century Italian French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Large French Majolica Bird and Snake Jardinière, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large French 19th century Majolica jardinière in a shape of wood box decorated with leaves, on the front a bird with his nest, a snake looking on the nest with eggs...
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience, Pottery

Faux Bois Trough
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Faux Bois was at its height during the Art Nouveau era in France between the 19th and 20th century. Now reimagined for a contemporary audience, this hand sculpted trough features cla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Copper Cauldron Centerpiece Bowl / Wine Cooler / Planter
Located in Barcelona, ES
French copper cauldron with iron folding handle with rings. Early 20th century. Originally designed for cooking. It has a nice construction. The vessel is made of hand-hammered cop...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron

Collections of Empty Old Bottles in Terracotta
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Collections of empty old bottles in terracotta.
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Majolica Clog with Flowers Edouard Gilles, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica clog with pink flowers signed Edouard Gilles, circa 1880.
Category

1880s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

19th Majolica Parrot Tobacco Jar Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica tobacco jar with a parrot Onnaing, circa 1880.   
Category

1880s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

French Neck Leather Magazine Holder in the Style of Jacques Adnet, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
French neck leather magazine holder in the style of Jacques Adnet, 1960s Thick stitched leather with a very nice patina and signs of wear and tear that comes with time.
Category

1950s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

French Copper and Iron Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
Charming French Antique copper lantern with metal base. The lantern, without glass, has a wonderful aged patina with some verdigris. Would look great with a large candle in it or cou...
Category

19th Century English Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Copper

French Majolica Palissy Monkey Vase, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Palissy monkey vase, circa 1880. Dressed monkey with a bottle sitting on a basket.
Category

1880s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of French Wirework Raisin Dryers
Located in Richmond, VA
Pair of French wirework raisin dryers from the 20th century. Untouched and in totally original condition. No longer needed to dehydrate grapes, this pair would be fantastic as a livi...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Wire

18th Century Iron Pestle and Mortar
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An 18th century iron pestle and mortar. Exceptional weight.
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Grande Maison HB Quimper French Faïence Breton Figural Knife Rests, Set of Eight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A scarce set of eight Porte Couteau, or knife rests, each signed HB Quimper, Grande Maison, de la Hubaudière or the HB factory. “H” for Hubaudière, the f...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

19th Century Majolica Rooster Massier Jardiniere
Located in Austin, TX
Lovely colorful Majolica rooster jardiniere laying on a pink and brown wall attributed to Jerome Massier, circa 1890. Reference / Page 98 " Barbotine...
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Pair of Louis Philippe French Bronze Candelabra with Snuffers
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Pair of 19th century Louis Philippe French bronze candelabra with snuffers A tall and impressive pair of 19th century French bronze candelabra, the candelabra are set on triangula...
Category

1880s Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Antique Brass Candelabra Converted into a Table Lamp
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Late 19th century French antique brass candelabra converted into a table lamp. Three candleholders in brass, nice hammered designs. Candle h...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Terracotta Amphora Olive Jar
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century French Terracotta Amphora olive jar. French provincial double handle amphora vessel with green glaze from the 19th century. The terracotta jug features a green glazed...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Midcentury French Vallarius Provincial Marine Blue Ceramic Vase, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Midcentury French Provincial marine blue ceramic vase. The bulbous shape adorned with a terracotta stripe through the center and white flowers. Provenance from the French commune of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

French Provincial decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Limoges, Bavent, Fives-Lille, and Alfred Corneau. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $51 and tops out at $125,000 while the average work can sell for $778.

Recently Viewed

View All