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.
Antique French Cassis Quenot Match Holder With Striker
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in France, this colorful and classic red and white matchstick striker or "Pyrogène" dates from the early twentieth century. The ribbed base is used for striking matches that...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Dubonnet French Ceramic Match Striker
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Parisian café match striker and keeper. Made to advertise Dubonnet and the Grand Prix of 1900. In excellent condition.
Ceramic
Vintage English Wedgwood Majolica Match Holder With Striker
By Wedgewood
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressive colorful and classic matchstick striker also known as a pyrogen. The ribbed base is used for striking matches that are stored inside the top. Base reads Wedgwood. A wonder...
Majolica, Ceramic, Porcelain
Antique French FINE PRUNELLE LYON Match Holder With Striker
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in at a French market, this classic red and white matchstick striker or "Pyrogène" dates from the early twentieth Century. The ribbed center is used for striking matches tha...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Cassis Quenot French Ceramic Match Strikers - a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of Parisian café ceramic match strikers and holders. Decorated with a red line around the top and middle, with red and black writing on the base. Dimensions per match striker.
Ceramic
Antique French GRAMMONT Match Holder With Striker, Victor De Schreye
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in at a French market, this classic green and white matchstick striker or "Pyrogène" dates from the early twentieth Century. The paper center is used for striking matches th...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Champagne Cooler Ice Bucket with Side Handle, Copper and Brass
Located in Barcelona, ES
French copper and brass ice bucket or wine / champagne cooler with single handle This hand-hammered copper cauldron is heavily adorned by the hammer marks thorough and a brass ring w...
Metal, Brass, Copper
Antique French SUC Simon Match Holder With Striker
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in at a French market, this classic blue and white with black lettering matchstick striker or "Pyrogène" dates from the early twentieth Century. The ribbed center is used fo...
Ceramic, Porcelain
$450 / set
Blue and White French Toile Coasters
Located in New York, NY
A set of five (5) blue and white French Toile scene cocktail drinks coasters, circa late-20th century. A great set and a necessity for protecting...
Cork, Paper
Genuine Cut Crystal Stemmed Glasses Cristal d'Arques Taille France - Set of 5
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of five genuine cut lead crystal stemmed glasses. This set is from the 1980s and made in France. They are in the Tuileries no 7 pattern. Each glass features a cut crystal geometric pattern along the body of the glass. The glasses are mini-size and would be great for serving dessert wine or cordial. There are no markings on the bottom, however, they do come in the original box that they came in. They are vintage but do not show any signs of use. They look to have been stored away in a china cabinet! A fabulous find and a great addition to any bar or dining room. The box reads: cristal d'Arques taille verres a pied...
Crystal
Antique French CORDEVANT LAON Match Holder With Striker
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in at a French market, this classic blue and white with black lettering matchstick striker or "Pyrogène" dates from the early twentieth Century. The ribbed base is used for ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
1940's French Laurent Siret Grapewood Corkscrew
Located in Bradenton, FL
A French Laurent Siret direct pull corkscrew circa 1940. Made with a grapewood handle and steel worm, marked Laurent Siret and Rochfort sur Loire on the stem. Rochfort sur Loire is t...
Steel
Large French Copper Wine Champagne Bucket Cooler with Floral Engraved Design
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This vintage round champagne or wine cooler bucket features a floral engraved design and a charming finish. As seen throughout Europe this bucket will elevate any occasion. The natu...
Metal, Copper
Large French Copper Footed Wine Champagne Cooler Bucket
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A large vintage copper footed champagne bucket from the early part of the 20th Century. This French wine-champagne cooler has kept its old patina and elegance throughout the years. T...
Copper, Zinc
Antique French ST. RAPHAEL QUINQUINA Match Holder With Striker
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in at a French market, this classic blue and white matchstick striker or "Pyrogène" dates from the early twentieth Century. The ribbed center is used for striking matches th...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Antique French Brass Inlay Tantalus Box Cordial Decanter Set Liquor Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Brass Inlay Tantalus Box Cordial Decanter Set Liquor Cabinet. Item features beautiful inlay to top of the box. Set includes 4 decanters...
Wood
Dubonnet French Ceramic Match Strikers - a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of Parisian café ceramic match strikers. Made to advertise Dubonnet and the Grand Prix of 1900. Dimensions per match striker.
Ceramic
Tray & Serving Utensils, 20th Century Brass and Wood Serving Pieces
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Kitchen tools or utensils made of brass, 20th century Tray and saucepan fork palette and serving pot Polychrome wooden tray with floral motifs (40x30 cm.). Four serving utens...
Brass
French Ceramic Iron Look Goblet Cups, a Pair Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Dimensions: Goblet 1: 3.5" diameter 6" tall Goblet 2: 4.25" diameter 5.5" tall.
Concrete
Antique French Tole Wine Holder
Located in Bradenton, FL
Antique French tole wine bottle holder. Background color is a deep red with painted on grapes, leaves, and French tavern scenes. Caddy has a large han...
Metal
$1,424Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.13 in Dm 3.38 in
Asprey, London, Antique Cut Glass & Silver Match Striker
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome English Edwardian match strike made from clear glass, hand cut in an attractive bark-effect topped with a solid sterling silver mount...
Sterling Silver
Antique Silver Plated Bottle Holder or Coaster with Lion Head Mounts
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique bottle coaster is unsigned, but presumed to have originate from England and date to approximately 1920 and done in a Victorian style. This bottle coaster is composed of silver plate over copper with figural lion head mounted...
Silver Plate
Blue and White French Toile Coasters
Located in New York, NY
A set of five (5) blue and white French Toile scene cocktail drinks coasters, circa late-20th century. A great set and a necessity for protecting...
Cork, Paper
Wedgwood Majolica Tray, circa 1907
By Wedgewood
Located in High Point, NC
Wedgwood green Majolica tray in the form of a leaf and basket design with a handle. Impressed mark on the back.
Porcelain
Art Deco Silver Plate Cocktail Shaker by CGF Lyon, France
By Creations CGF
Located in Atlanta, GA
Silversmith CGF, Lyon, France, designed this lovely Art Deco silver plate cylindrical cocktail or Martini shaker. The three-sectioned cocktail shaker has a removable cap and filter s...
Metal, Silver Plate
$599
H 11.5 in W 4 in D 6 in
Antique Edwardian Silver Plated Wine Bottle Holder or Pourer with Acorn Finial
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated wine bottle pourer not clearly signed, but presumed to have been made in England in circa 1910 in the period Edwardian st...
Metal
Wedgwood Green & Brown Tortoiseshell Glazed English Majolica Match Striker
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Wedgwood Majolica earthenware pottery match holder and striker, Staffordshire, England – circa 1869. For the hearth, kitchen or bedside, the holder is ribbed for lighting strike...
Earthenware
English Sheffield Silver Plated Barware Wine Bottle Holder
Located in Tarry Town, NY
English Sheffield silver plated tableware / barware wine bottle holder with exterior design details. The piece is in great condition, minor wear. Maker's mark undersigned. The bottle...
Silver Plate, Copper
Asprey, London, Red Silver Mounted Match Strike, 1913
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning match striker made from clear glass and decorated with spun red ribs and cut. The mounted match holder is made from solid English sterling silver fully hallmarked for Birm...
Sterling Silver
$4,475
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 20 in
1960s Mid-Century Modern Three-Tier Bar Cart on Castors in Book-Matched Walnut
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern bar cart was realized in the United States circa 1960. Sitting on aluminum castors, it features a rectilinear form consisting of two right angled har...
Walnut
Large French Copper Footed Wine Champagne Cooler Bucket
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A large vintage copper footed champagne bucket from the early part of the 20th Century. This French wine-champagne cooler has kept its old patina and elegance throughout the years. T...
Copper, Zinc
Cassis Quenot French Ceramic Match Striker
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Parisian café ceramic match striker and holder. Decorated with a red line around the top and middle, with red and black writing on the base.
Ceramic
Antique French DUBONNET Match Holder With Striker
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in at a French market, this classic green and white matchstick striker or "Pyrogène" dates from the early twentieth Century. The ribbed center is used for striking matches t...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Large French Oval Copper Wine Champagne Bucket Cooler with Handles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This vintage champagne or wine cooler bucket with handles features a charming brass finish. As seen throughout Europe this hand-cast bucket will elevate any occasion. The natural pa...
Metal, Copper
Sold
H 7 in W 21.25 in D 15.75 in
Large French Oval Copper Wine Champagne Bucket Cooler with Iron Bases
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This vintage champagne or wine cooler bucket with handles features a charming copper finish. As seen throughout Europe this hand-cast bucket will elevate any occasion. The natural pa...
Metal, Copper, Iron
Antique French Royer Hutin Match Holder With Striker
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in France, this colorful and classic blue and white matchstick striker or "Pyrogène" dates from the early twentieth century. The ribbed base is used for striking matches tha...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Large French Footed Wine Champagne Bucket Silver Plate
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A large vintage silver plated, footed champagne bucket from Mid 20th Century. This French wine-champagne cooler with impressive large round handles, has kept its old patina and elega...
Silver Plate
Large French Brass Footed Wine Champagne Bucket
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A large vintage brass footed champagne bucket from the early part of the 20th Century. This French wine-champagne cooler is decorated with grapes and grape leaves and has kept its ol...
Brass
French Limoges Trinket Travel Suitcase Box Paris London New York
By Limoges
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Charming Limoges Porcelain Trinket Box in the shape of a suitcase. This piece features hand painted labels of cities Paris, London and New York. The interior of the box is marked Lim...
Brass
Christofle Bottle Opener, Original Box, French, c. 1975
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Silver plated bottle opener commemorating the founder of the famous French silver company ; Charles Christofle (1805-1863). Comes in the original box.
Silver Plate
Vintage French Maison Veuve Amiot Saumur Ice Bucket Cooler
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An aluminum 1950s champagne ice bucket cooler Maison Veuve Amiot Saumur manufactured in France. Great mid-century French Vintage Maison Veuve Amiot Champagne Bucket. Vintage French h...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Engraved Pewter Wine Coaster Un Diner Sans Vin Est Comme Un Jour Sans Soleil
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Engraved Pewter Wine Coaster "Un Diner Sans Vin Est Comme Un Jour Sans Soleil". I just love the inspirational message in French that details the rim of this plate. Metal Pewter Wine Coaster, a Dinner without Wine is Like a Day without Sunshine, Wilton Armetale, Made in USA. Collectible pewter plate vintage...
Pewter
1950s French Brass Corkscrew with Wooden Base
Located in High Point, NC
Originating from 1950s France, this sophisticated corkscrew showcases a richly polished base crafted from high-quality wood, supporting a brass body complemented by a comfortable woo...
Brass
VEUVE CLICQUOT Black and Orange French Champagne Cooler Bucket "Le Noir"
By Veuve Clicquot, Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Rare Black and orange VEUVE CLICQUOT French Champagne Cooler Bucket "Le Noir". Introducing the rare and chic "Le Noir" Veuve Clicquot French Champagne Cooler Bucket, a vintage gem from the 1980s crafted by LVMH Group in France. This limited edition black and orange aluminum ice bucket showcases loop handles, the iconic Veuve Clicquot logo on both sides, and a bold champagne advertising emblem. A vintage French champagne ice bucket for Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne, Reims, France. The aluminum metal wine chiller and cooler has been revisited in enameled black and features ring handles and the bold champagne advertising logo on the front and back. This vintage Veuve Clicquot Champagne...
Metal, Aluminum