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.
$620Sale Price|20% Off
Orleans Silverplate on Felt Tray Service for 8
Located in Malibu, CA
International Deep Silver Flatware in the Orleans Pattern by International Silver. The set included a drawer tray in brown felt. The set is i...
Silver Plate
19th Century Christofle Coffee Spoons, Set of 8
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Antique coffee spoons made by Christofle in the second half of the 19th century. The pattern is unique. Each spoon is stamped Christofle and the...
Silver Plate
French Silver Plate Lamb Bone Handle Holder
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Wonderful French Antique Silver Plated Lamb Bone Holder. Great addition to any cook's kitchen
Silver Plate
French Silver Plate Bottle Holder, circa 1920
Located in Austin, TX
French silver plate bottle holder, circa 1920.
Metal
French Silverplate Cut Crystal Centerpiece Pair W/ Bowls Art Nouveau Women #5053
Located in Big Bend, WI
Outstanding antique figural French silverplate pair of centerpieces with cut crystal bowls, the bases surrounded by figural Art Nouveau partially nu...
Silver Plate
$1,150
H 1.75 in W 19.75 in D 12.5 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Silver-Plated Serving Tray with Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1880, this refined antique silver-plated serving tray showcases the elegant symmetry and ornamental vocabulary of the Louis XVI style. The rectangular board i...
Silver Plate
W & S Blackinton Co. Large Silverplate Punch Bowl, Cups, Ladle, Tray
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large footed punch bowl with lion head ring pulls and relief grapes and leaves around the scalloped rim. The punch bowl is accompanied by a round matching tray with smooth center, engraved acanthus leaves and cartouches. They are accompanied by 12 handled footed cups and a compatible ladle. Marked on verso for W & S Blackinton. Dimensions: Punch bowl - 14" W, 15 1/4" with side handles, 11 1/4" H Cups - 3 1/4" W x 3" to top of handle Ladle - 13 1/4" L x 5 1/4" W Tray - 19" W x 1 1/4" H Condition: minor tarnish, friction scratches to interior bottom of the punch bowl and tray...
Silver Plate
Silver Plate Floral Leaf Candle Stick Holder, Four Candles
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Silver plated four candle stick with leave design on circular based. Includes four tapers or four flower trumpets with metals nibs (1/2 in diameter)
Silver Plate
$4,631 / set
H 11.82 in W 13.78 in D 15.75 in
French Gilded Flatware Called "Bien Aimée" 180 Pieces Chambly Mid 20th
By CHAMBLY
Located in Paris, FR
Typical French style the Rocaille matches so well with all fine porcelain, setting a romantic table with gold color fatware is making any party enjoyable, joyful. This set is all gil...
Silver Plate
19th Century French Christofle Silver Plated Repoussé Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate a bar, dining table, or coffee service with this elegant antique French silver plated serving tray by Christofle, crafted circa 1870. Of generous rectangular form with softly...
Silver Plate
$196Sale Price|20% Off
H 1 in W 15.5 in D 11.5 in
Vintage Wallace baroque rectangular silverplated tray
Located in Birmingham, AL
Vintage Silverplated baroque rectangular serving Tray, Floral Flowers on Edge. Etched in the middle, very elegant.marked at the back Wallace, heavily plated. it will add class to any...
Silver Plate
$675 / set
H 6 in W 4.12 in D 4.12 in
Rare Old English Silverplate & Cut Crystal Golf Motif Novelty Breakfast Cruet
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Rare old English silverplate golf motif novelty breakfast cruet. The set includes an open salt cellar with spoon, a mustard pot with spoon and a pepper pot. Please note the use of go...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$2,450 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
Vintage by 1847 Rogers Silverplate Flatware Set for 8 Service 81 Pieces Grapes
Located in Big Bend, WI
Vintage by 1847 Rogers silver plate flatware set, 81 pieces. This highly collectable pattern features a grape motif. This set includes: 8...
Sterling Silver
19th Century English Tableware Tea/Coffee Service
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Early 19th century English Sheffield silver plate tableware five pieces tea/coffee service. The coffee/tea features intricate exterior floral details and paw. The set include a tall ...
Silver Plate
$1,323 / set
H 7.88 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Set of Art Deco Silver-plated Flatware mode MIRA By LUC LANEL for CHRISTOFLE
Located in Roma, IT
I am offering for sale a lot of "MIRA" model cutlery, designed by LUC LANEL and produced since the 1930s by the historic French brand Christofle. Purchased from us in Rome, we think...
Metal, Silver Plate
Tiffany & Co. Antique Silverplate Gravy Boat With Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique silverplate gravy boat with tray featuring gadroon borders and shell feet to boat By Tiffany & Co. (each piece signed to the underside) England, Circa 1930s Mea...
Silver Plate
$98Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 0.75 in W 7.25 in D 1 in
Vintage Silverplated Salad/Luncheon Forks/SETS OF 10
Located in Sheffield, MA
The 30 vintage silverplated salad/luncheon forks are stamped "International Silver Co." The tines are sharp for easy piercing. There is an undeciph...
Silver Plate
Christofle Knife Rests, Set of 6, c. 1900
By Alfenide, Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Set of six knife rests made by Christofle in the late 19th century. Stamped Alfenide, a brand of Christofle since 1888.
Silver Plate
Sold
H 8.25 in W 1.75 in D 1.25 in
Antique Christofle Spoons Forks & Cake / Pie Server in Japonais Pattern-13 Piece
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Christofle antique flatware set of six spoons and six forks as well as one vintage pie /cake server included. The spoons and forks were made in Fran...
Silver Plate
French Silverplated Knives by Christofle -Set of 5
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
.Vintage knives made by Christofle in France in the middle of the 20th century. The handles are silver plated, the blades are Alfenide, an alloy of silv...
Silver Plate
Christofle Demitasse Spoons in Vendome Pattern in Box- Set of 12
By Christofle
Located in Ross, CA
Set of twelve vintage silver plated demitasse spoons in the Vendome pattern, made in France by Christofle. Each spoon has a shell on the end of each spoon, top and bottom. The stamp...
Silver Plate
Antique Silver Plated Lid
Located in High Point, NC
This silver-plated serving cloche was made in Europe in the 1900s. Gracefully decorated with a sculpted handle, a little finial crowning this tabletop m...
Silver Plate
Ornate Flatware Set in Original Hardwood Box, Service /8
By Community
Located in Malibu, CA
An unused set of vintage flatware with no signs of wear, complete in a lovely, felt lined hardwood chest. Set of silver plate by Community Silver in White Orchid pattern, circa 1965....
Silver Plate
20th Century French Silver-Plated Ice Bucket
Located in High Point, NC
This vintage ice bucket evokes the glamorous parties of yesteryear. From before the era of refrigeration, this was an essential appliance for every party or quiet evening refreshment. Made in France in the 20th century, this bucket was likely used to chill sparkling wines and ciders. Its story is told by the silver plate — worn over the years to form a nostalgic patina, giving the piece a glimmer clouded with the reflection of the buoyant gatherings it has seen. The beautiful aged finish complements the vintage shape...
Silver Plate
20th Century French Silver-Plated Ice Bucket
Located in High Point, NC
This vintage ice bucket evokes the glamorous parties of yesteryear. From before the era of refrigeration, this was an essential appliance for every party or quiet evening refreshment. Made in France in the 20th century, this bucket was likely used to chill sparkling wines and ciders. Its story is told by the silver plate — worn over the years to form a nostalgic patina, giving the piece a glimmer clouded with the reflection of the buoyant gatherings it has seen. The beautiful aged finish complements the vintage shape...
Silver Plate
Ornate Flatware Complete Service for 12; and 6 additional place settings
Located in Malibu, CA
This stunning set is in near perfect condition, deep silver flatware in the Orleans Pattern by International Silver. Includes hardwood box, linen in pristine brown felt. Set includes...
Silver Plate
1900s European Silver Plated Tray
Located in High Point, NC
A silver plated serving tray from France, circa 1900. An elegant round shape in rich silver; a raised rim creates a natural frame for the food being served, tinted with wear to revea...
Silver Plate
1920s French Silver Plated Tray
Located in High Point, NC
A silver plated serving tray from France, circa 1920. An elegant round shape in rich silver; a braided rim creates a natural frame for the food being served. This enchanting vintage ...
Silver Plate
1920s French Silver Plated Tray
Located in High Point, NC
A silver plated serving tray from France circa 1920. An elegant round shape in rich silver; a raised rim creates a natural frame for the food being served, emblazoned with the diner’...
Silver Plate