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.
$287Sale Price|50% Off
Antique French Yellow Glazed Terracotta Dairy Bowl, Provence, c. 1850
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered piece of pottery from the Provence. Great color and rare small size. France, circa 1850 Good but weathered condition.
Terracotta
19th Century French Pottery Conscience Jug
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th Century French green glazed pottery jug with ovoid form, short flared neck and looped handles. Beautiful rustic patina, minor glaze loss, chipped bottom. Known as a conscience...
Earthenware
Robert Picault Ceramic Saucepan, Vallauris France, Circa 1960
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This distinctive mid-20th-century ceramic saucepan was created by French ceramist Robert Picault in Vallauris around 1960. The rounded vessel is fitted with a generous sculptural han...
Enamel
Late 19th Century French Pottery Conscience Vallauris 11.75"high
By Vallauris
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th Century French Pottery, called a Conscience, was used to store olive oil. Green glazed in good condition with chip at the rim. Circa 1880-1900. Dimensions are 11.5"high ...
Terracotta
Majolica Plate by Sarreguemines, Faience 19th Century, France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Plate is a Majolica plate made in the Sarreguemines Manufacture. This glazed Faience, is in yellow and green color. It has been done in the 19th century.
Faience
19th Century French Glazed Terracotta Mixing Bowl, Rustic Country Pottery
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This authentic 19th-century French glazed terracotta mixing bowl is a wonderful example of traditional country pottery, prized today for its warm character and timeless decorative ap...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Terracotta
French Provincial Terracotta "Confit" Pot
Located in Middleburg, VA
19th Century French Provincial Terracotta "Confit" Pot With an Unusual Combination of Yellow and Green Dripped Glazes. Made in Provence circa 1870. Note restoration. 19th-century la...
Terracotta, Paint
French Set of Eleven Creil & Montereau Dessert Plates
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A sweet collection of eleven (11) antique dessert plates by Creil et Montereau, France, dating from the mid-to-late 19th century. The style is known as “Linotte”, that is a small typ...
Ceramic
French 18th Century Glazed Terracotta Oil Jar c. 1790
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An 18th-century terracotta oil or water jug with stunning greenish brown glaze. Hand-crafted in France circa 1790, this vessel has a circular opening on top with a thick, pinched li...
Stoneware
$380Sale Price|51% Off
19th Century, French Green/ Yellow Glazed Earthenware Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic piece of pottery from the Provence. Unique and rare glaze. Beautiful weathered. Chips and imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitarian ty...
Earthenware
French 18th Century Glazed Terracotta Oil Jar c. 1790
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An 18th-century terracotta oil or water jug with stunning yellowish brown glaze. Hand-crafted in France circa 1790, this vessel has a circular opening on top with a thick, pinched l...
Terracotta
Antique French Glazed Terracotta Water Spout Jug - Authentic Southern France
Located in London, GB
Antique French Glazed Terracotta Water Spout Jug - Authentic Southern France This rare antique French glazed terracotta water spout handle jug is a unique and authentic piece from ...
Clay
Poterie De Bavent French Pottery Covered Terrines with Under-Plates, Set of Four
By Bavent
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A marvelous set of four individual terrines from the Poterie de Bavent, Normadie, France circa 1900-1920. Potted and glazed by hand, each terrine includes a lid and under-plate – ...
Earthenware
Set of Ten Plates, Suzanne Ramié for Madoura, Vallauris c. 1950
By Madoura
Located in St Ouen, FR
Extremely rare set of ten plates with generous shape, fretworked sides and white glazes. Atelier Madoura is inseparable from the ceramic work of Pablo Picasso and its founder Suzann...
Ceramic
$345Sale Price|43% Off
Small 19th Century French Green Glazed Terracotta Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Lovely small authentic and rare piece of pottery from the Provence. Beautiful weathered and an amazing color. Imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitar...
Terracotta
French Vallauris Trompe l’Oeil Basket Weave Cheese Platter
By Vallauris
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A trompe l’oeil cheese platter by Faiences et Poteries Provençales, Vallauris, France, circa 1950s. Made by the Faiences et Poteries Provençales studio, a prominent producer of art...
Earthenware
$790Sale Price|41% Off
French Terracotta Water Cruche 'Orjol du Lauragais', Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and extremely rare piece of pottery with a spout in handle from the Provence called : Orjol du Lauragais. The fact that this jug has a multiple colour glazing makes i...
Terracotta
$404Sale Price|48% Off
Antique French Terracotta Water Cruche, Green, Circa 1850-1900
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic piece of pottery from the Provence. Unique and rare glaze. Beautiful weathered. Chips and imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitarian ty...
Terracotta
Rare French Pale Green Glazed Terracotta Pot with Antique Patina
Located in IT
This rare French pale green glazed terracotta pot is a beautiful vintage collectible with a unique, time-worn patina. The exterior features a delicate pale green glaze, while the int...
Pottery
Pillivuyt Mehun French Trompe l’Oeil Paté en Croûte Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Trompe l’Oeil Paté en Croûte Tureen attributed to Pillivuyt Mehun, France, circa 1900 Pâté en croûte is a French charcuterie delicacy featuring a sa...
Porcelain
19th Century French Glazed Earthenware vase with twisted Handles Green Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An authentic 19th century French Vase This vase is full of character, handcrafted and glazed with 3 charming twisted handles. It would be beautiful with a bouquet of flowers or used...
Earthenware, Pottery
Antique French Provincial Tian Bowl – Light Yellow Glaze, Early 19th Century
Located in IT
This Antique French Provincial Tian bowl, dating back to the early 19th century and found in Provence, France, showcases a beautiful light yellow glaze with a time-worn patina. Tradi...
Terracotta
Vallauris French Treacle Glaze Terra Cotta Rustic Pottery Plates, S/4
By Vallauris
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of four pottery terra cotta dishes, Vallauris, France, circa 1930s- 1950s. A traditional rustic design in a rich Treacle glaze. Oven-proof. Perfect for adding some French P...
Earthenware
20th century French Terracotta Vinaigrier, or Vinegar Pot 12" high
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 20th century terracotta vinaigrier, or vinegar pot, from the Southwest of France with traditional yellow glaze. In good condition with nice patina. A few small chips to the glaze....
Terracotta
19th Century French Terracotta Planter, Green Glazed, Circa 1850
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century green glazed terracotta pottery jar or planter from the Southwest of France. Hole in bottom. Minor losses to glaze and chipped rim. A beautiful garden ornament, founta...
Terracotta
Early 20th Century French Terracotta Pottery 8"high
Located in Winter Park, FL
An earthenware pottery from the Southwest of France with traditional yellow, ochre glaze. Some chips and losses to glaze. These ordinary earthenware vessels were once used daily in t...
Terracotta
French Provincial Ceramic Lidded Jar, Wheel-Thrown, Blue Glaze, France
By Robert Deblander, Accolay Pottery, Daniel de Montmollin, Georges Jouve
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
This beautifully proportioned vessel features a softly rounded body and a stepped lid, entirely wheel-thrown and finished with a rich, subtly variegated glaze. The surface displays ...
Ceramic
19th Century French Pottery 13.75" High
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French earthenware pottery yellow glazed on the inside. Some chips and losses to glaze. These ordinary handmade earthenware vessels were once used daily in the French...
Terracotta
Digoin Sarreguemines Majolica Tableware, Trivet, Coasters & Knife Rests Set / 15
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A French trivet, coaster, and knife rest set from Digoin Sarreguemines, France, circa 1950s. A green majolica glaze on a basket weave mold, a large s...
Earthenware
$498Sale Price|46% Off
19th Century French Yellow Glazed Terracotta Jug or Water Cruche, 'Orjol'
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and extremely rare piece of pottery with a spout in handle from the Provence called : Orjol du Lauragais. Beautiful weathered yellow glaze. Imperfections help authent...
Terracotta
French Provencal Stoneware Mini Pitcher Creamer Pottery
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a French provencal stoneware mini pitcher creamer pottery with ochre color. Unique shape, beautiful decorative. Stamped with letter "C" underneath. Dimension...
Stoneware
French Biot Pottery Pitcher and Cruet Set, Glazed Terracotta, 1950s
By Biot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French Biot Pottery green glazed terracotta pitcher and cruet set. Cruet with cork stopper. Each in good condition with minor loss to glaze. Circa 1950s...
Terracotta
19th Century French Yellow Glazed Terracotta Water Jug
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This charming French terracotta water jug dates from the 19th century and beautifully illustrates the rustic pottery traditions of southern France. Hand-thrown in earthenware and fin...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Terracotta
French Provincial 19th Century Pottery Cooking Pot with Partial Green Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Provincial spheroidal pottery cooking pot from the 19th century with green glazed accents, molded handle and tripod base. Created in Southern France during the 19th century,...
Pottery
Large French Vintage Stoneware Confit Crock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French Provincial 20th century off-white glazed stoneware double handled crock or storage jar. This large vessel would bring farmhouse authenticity to the modern kitchen by its rust...
Stoneware
19th century yellow glazed confit jar in terracotta, made in France
Located in Lyon, FR
Very nice old confit pot or jar with two handles, made in the south of France in the 19th century. Terracotta with yellow enamel, beautifully contrasting with the natural orange tone...
Enamel
19th Century French Provincial Terracotta "Confit" Pot
Located in Middleburg, VA
19th Century French Provincial Terracotta "Confit" Pot With an Unusual Combination of Yellow and Green Dripped Glazes. Made in Provence circa 1870. Note restoration. 19th-century la...
Terracotta, Paint
Small 19th Century Yellow Glazed French Ceramic Confit Jar #2
Located in Munich, DE
Beautiful small confit jar with its characteristic yellow glaze. Confit jars were used primarily in the South of France for the preservation of meats such as duck or goose for dishes such as cassoulet or foie gras...
Terracotta
Late 20th Century French Pottery Conscience Vallauris 12"high
By Vallauris
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 20th Century French Pottery from Vallauris called a Conscience was used to store olive oil. Green glazed in good condition with micro chip at the rim. Circa 1960. Dimensions a...
Terracotta
French 19th Century Haute-Savoie Pottery Tian Bowl
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large glazed ceramic tian or matefaim baking dish from Haute-Savoie, in the French Alps. The interior of the wide vessel is glazed a dark orange with a mesmerizing yellow spiral de...
Ceramic
$834Sale Price|20% Off
French Provincial green glazed ceramic Jar from the south of France Biot
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous green glazed ceramic jar from the south of France near Biot With a beautiful lead sulfide glaze, it achieves various shades of green and shadows on the surface of the jug....
Ceramic
19th Century French Yellow Glazed Terracotta Gargoulette Water Jug
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming 19th-century French terracotta gargoulette, traditionally used for keeping drinking water naturally cool during the warm summer months. Probably produced in southern Franc...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Terracotta
$404Sale Price|50% Off
19th Century, French Green Glazed Terracotta Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic piece of pottery from the Provence. Unique and rare glaze. Beautiful weathered. Chips and imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitarian ty...
Terracotta
Set of 3 French Provincial 19th Century Stoneware Pottery Water Jugs with Patina
Located in IT
This charming set of three French Provincial stoneware pottery water jugs dates back to the 19th century and showcases a stunning time-worn patina. Each jug is uniquely crafted, refl...
Pottery
$462Sale Price|33% Off
Antique French Terracotta Water Cruche, Green Glazed, Circa 1850, Rare
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and rare piece of pottery with a spout in handle from the Provence. Beautiful weathered and an amazing color. Imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it ...
Terracotta
Set of Three Yellow French Provincial Confit Pots, Early 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This delightful set of three authentic and rare French confit pots dates from the 19th century and beautifully represents the rustic pottery traditions of Southwest France. Hand-thro...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Terracotta
$380Sale Price|43% Off
Rare Antique Glazed Ceramic Water Cruche, France Circa 1850-1900
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and rare piece of pottery from the Provence. Beautiful weathered and an amazing color. Imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was an utilitarian type...
Ceramic
$345Sale Price|45% Off
19th Century French Green Glazed Earthenware Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and rare piece of pottery from the Provence. Beautiful weathered and an amazing color. Imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitarian type...
Earthenware
Antique 18th Century French Ceramic Pitcher, Brown Glaze, Gorgeous Patina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique pitcher vase France 18th century Brown glaze with a stunning patina from age.
Ceramic
18th Century French Pottery Walnut Oil Jug from Périgord
Located in Winter Park, FL
An 18th Century French Glazed terracotta walnut oil jug from the Perigord region in Southwestern France. Rich, rustic, dark olive green to brown lead glaze with beautiful natural var...
Terracotta
$298Sale Price|43% Off
Antique French Provencal Glazed Earthenware Jug, Circa 1850-1900
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and rare piece of pottery from the Provence. Beautiful weathered and an amazing color. Imperfections help authenticate this cruche as it was an utilitarian type piece...
Earthenware
Glazed earthenware jar, France, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Glazed terracotta pot, France, 1960s, with rustic and authentic charm. This piece has a well-balanced, rounded shape, enhanced by two functional side handles. Its slightly crackled c...
Pottery
1970s French Glazed Pottery Jar Yellow &Natural Terracotta French Provencial
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1970s French Glazed Pottery Jar, Yellow Ochre & Natural Terracotta – French Provincial Style Description: This charming small pottery jar, crafted in France in the 1970s, is a perfe...
Earthenware, Pottery
Vallauris Ocher earthenware olive pot France 1970 Yellow Color
By Vallauris
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Vallauris Ocher earthenware olive pot France 1970 Yellow Color.
Earthenware
French Vallauris Flower Vase Glazed Earthenware Knife Rests, a set of ten
By Vallauris
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Atelier Cérenne à Vallauris in France, a set of ten, rustic pottery flower holding knife rests, circa 1940-1950. Glazed in the popular majolica colors found in the South o...
Earthenware
$498Sale Price|51% Off
French 19th Century Green / Yellow Glazed Terracotta Jug or Water Cruche 'Orjol'
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and extremely rare piece of pottery with a spout in handle from the Provence called : Orjol du Lauragais. The fact that this jug has double colour glazing makes it ev...
Terracotta
Cornflower Blue Covered Pot, circa 1900, Handmade, Unique
Located in Vista, CA
Blue covered pot, circa 1900.
Terracotta
French Provincial 1850s Green Glazed Hors d'Œuvres Dish with Scalloped Edges
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Provincial green glazed pottery Hors d'Œuvres dish from the mid 19th century, with scalloped edges and orange accents. Created in Provence during the reign of Emperor Napolé...
Pottery
Robert Picault Ceramic Creamer, Vallauris France, circa 1960
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming French glazed ceramic creamer designed by Robert Picault and made in Vallauris, on the French Riviera, circa 1960. The piece displays the artist’s instantly recognizable g...
Enamel
Pillivuyt Mehun French Trompe l’Oeil Paté en Croûte Tureen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Trompe l’Oeil Paté en Croûte Tureen attributed to Pillivuyt Mehun, France, circa 1900 Pâté en croûte is a French charcuterie delicacy featuring a sa...
Porcelain