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 Coolie Glass Frill Brass Wall Kitchen Task Light Sconce
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique French Coolie Milk Glass Wall Light – L An early French glass coolie light. The conical milk glass shade has been hand spun from opaque glass. The light has an aged brass ga...
Brass
Antique French Coolie Glass Frill Holophane Brass Wall Kitchen Task Light Sconce
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique Reclaimed Glass Holophane Wall Light – G An original bell shaped frilly glass prismatic light shade originally from an old chapel. The light has retained its original brass ...
Brass
Antique French Coolie Glass Frill Brass Wall Kitchen Task Light Sconce
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique French Coolie Glass Frill Wall Light – B An early French glass frill coolie light. The shade is hand made from opaque glass with a clear pleated rim. The shade has been moun...
Brass
Antique French Coolie Glass Frill Brass Wall Task Kitchen Light
Located in Stockbridge, GB
An early French glass frill coolie light. The shade is hand made from opaque glass with a clear pleated rim. The light has an aged brass gallery and wall fitting. Great as a task lig...
Brass
Antique French Coolie Milk Glass Brass Wall Kitchen Task Lamp Light
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique French Coolie Glass Wall Light – G An early French glass coolie light. The conical milk glass shade has been hand spun from opaque glass. The light has an aged brass gallery...
Brass
Antique French Coolie Glass Frill Brass Wall Task Kitchen Light Lamp
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique French Coolie Glass Wall Light – H An early French glass coolie light. The conical milk glass shade has been hand spun from opaque glass. The light has an aged brass gallery...
Brass
Pair 1930’s Bagues One Light Bird Sconces Silver Leaf
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930’s French one light sconces in silver finish and newly rewired for the US.
Metal
French Bagues Style Bird Sconces with 1 Light Gold Leaf, Banci Firenze
By Maison Baguès, Banci Firenze
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1920's French Bagues style gilt metal and crystal birds sconces with 1 light, probably Banci Firenze
Crystal, Metal
French Maison Baguès Green Colored Leaves Floral Crystal Prisms Bows Sconces
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights each, sitting in crystal bobeches with crystal beads. These will arrive rewired with certified US UL sockets for the USA or appropriate sockets for your country. A ...
Crystal
French Bagues Style Gold Leaf Two Lights Birds Sconces
Located in New York, NY
French Bagues style gilt metal and crystal birds and body two lights sconces
Crystal, Metal
French Bagues Style Bird Sconces with 1 Light Silver Leaf, Banci Firenze
By Maison Baguès, Banci Firenze
Located in New York, NY
French Bagues style silver leaf metal and crystal birds sconces with 1 light, probably Banci Firenze
Crystal, Metal
French Bagues Style Gilt Metal 3 Lights Sconces with Crystal Birds
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French Bagues Style gilt metal 3 lights sconces with crystal birds design
Metal
1930's French Bronze and Crystal Sconces with One Light
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1930's French bronze hand design sconces with crystal backplate, one light
Crystal, Bronze
$3,800 / set
1930s French Silvered Metal and Crystal Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of silvered metal one light sconces with glass leaves and body
Crystal, Metal, Silver Leaf
1930's French Bagues Gilt Metal Sconces with Crystal Leaves
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French Bagues sconces with glass leaves design.
Metal
$3,800 / item
1930's French Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French etched mirror and bronze sconces
Bronze
$7,800 / set
Vintage French Three Light Bagues Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of vintage gilt metal 3 lights sconces with crystal leaves and flowers
Crystal, Metal
French Bagues Style Crystal Bird Large Sconces with 3 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930s French gilt metal sconces with parrot's design and glass leaves. With 3 lights
Crystal, Metal
Set of Four Verdigris Green and Copper Wall-Mounted Lanterns
Located in Chireno, TX
Set of four verdigris green and copper wall-mounted lantern sconces circa 1930-1949. Sold together as a set of four priced $8,800 for the set.
Copper, Iron
Pair of French Provincial Wooden Wall Lamps / Sconces, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Pair of French Provincial Wooden Wall Lamps / Sconces, 1960s We have two pairs; here you can bid on one of them. The other pair is also listed here and can be purchased separately. ...
Metal
1930's French Bagues Gilt Metal 2 Lights Sconces with Crystal Birds
Located in New York, NY
a pair of circa 1930's French Bagues sconces with bird's design and glass leaves 2 lights
Metal
A Pair of French Brass Carriage Lamps, Wall Lanterns
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of French Brass Carriage Lamps, Wall Lanterns An original Pair of 8 sided French Carriage lights made in brass and now wired for electricity, otherwise unrestored and origina...
Brass
1940’s French Gilt Metal and Crystal Bird Sconces with 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1940’s French Bagues gilt metal and crystal bird sconces with glass leaves
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Wired Wall Sconces
Located in Pearland, TX
Classic French gilt bronze wall sconces, newly rewired and ready to hang.
Bronze
Pair of Hand-Carved Bleached Walnut Single-Arm Sconces
Located in Chireno, TX
Pair of hand-carved bleached walnut single-arm sconces circa 1930-1954, France. Newly-wired for use within the USA. Each sconce accommodates a candelabra-size bulb. Six total sconces...
Walnut
19th Century French Hand-Carved Painted Wood Sconce
Located in Sofia, BG
This antique Provincial style hand-carved and painted wood sconce has two wrought iron armatures wired electrically for bulbs. The design is a layering of fruit and leaves and the wo...
Wood
$8,800 / set
French Bagues Style 3 Light Sconces, Vase Design
Located in New York, NY
A pair of French gilt metal Bagues style sconces with 3 lights
Crystal, Metal
French Maison Bagues Style Crystal Flower Mirror Sconces Murano Glass Prisms OLD
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights each, sitting in crystal bobeches dripping with crystals. These will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for every other coun...
Crystal, Bronze
$16,000 / set
1930’s French Bagues Large Gilt Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1930’s French Bagues gilt metal and crystals sconces with crystal flowers and vase, 2 lights
Crystal, Metal
$2,900 / set
1920's French Single Light Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
1920's French small silver plated one light sconces with etched mirror backplate
Silver Plate, Bronze
French Maison Baguès Style Colored Leaves Floral Crystal Prisms Bows Sconces
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 2 lights each, sitting in crystal bobeches dripping with vintage crystal prisms. These will arrive rewired with certified US UL sockets for the USA or appropriate sockets for...
Crystal
$3,800 / set
1940 Silver Plated French Sunburst Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1940’s French silver plated sunburst shape sconces with two lights
Bronze
French Bagues Silver Leaf Two Lights Birds Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1930's French Bagues silver leaf metal, crystal birds and body two lights sconces
Crystal, Metal
Maison Bagues Style Beaded Murano Pink Opaline Drops Sconces Rare c 1920
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing an impressive 3 lights each, sitting in rare crystal cups. These will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for every other country and ...
Crystal
Large Pair of Maison Baguès Wall Sconces With Parrot, Urns & 3 Lights
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning pair of large Maison Baguès wall sconces with their iconic parrot and urn design. This set have 3 torches per light, we also have pairs with 2 bulb holders. Please...
Crystal, Metal
$8,800 / set
1930's French Bagues Silver Leaf Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French silvered leaf metal sconces with glass birds design
Metal, Silver Plate
1930's French Bagues Silvered Metal 5 Lights Sconces with Crystals
Located in New York, NY
A pair circa 1930's French Bagues silvered metal 5 lights sconces with glass leaves design
Crystal, Metal
1930's Large French Bagues Silver Leaf Sconces with Double Birds and 5 Lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French large silver leaf sconces with double bird's design, 5 lights
Metal, Bronze
Vintage Regency Swag Light Sconce - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
These magnificent vintage wall sconces are a masterful celebration of French Regency elegance and Neoclassical drama. Expertly cast in solid brass with a warm gilded finish, each fix...
Brass
French Bagues Style Silver Plated and Crystal Bird Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A French Bagues style crystal bird and silver plated metal sconces with 2 lights. Available 4 pairs, price per pair
Crystal, Silver Plate
Pair of French Provincial Wooden Wall Lamps / Sconces, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Pair of French Provincial Wooden Wall Lamps / Sconces, 1960s We have two pairs; here you can bid on one of them. The other pair is also listed here and can be purchased separately. ...
Metal
1920s French Bagues Silver Leaf Sconces with Rock Crystals
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1920’s silvered leafed metal sconces with rock crystal hangings
Rock Crystal
Stoneware Artist Made Rooftile Wall Lamp, France 1960's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage One of a Kind Stoneware Artist Made Rooftile Wall Lamp. Made in France, 1960's period. Signed on the rooftile: Castelnaudry - Guiraud. Made with a heavy Fer Forge lamp holder...
Wrought Iron
$3,800 / set
1930’s French Gilt Bronze Arm Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930’s one light gilt bronze Arlecine Arm sconces
Bronze
$4,200 / set
1940's French Sunburst Double Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920's French gilt bronze sunburst double light sconces.
Bronze
Set of Four French Provincial Wooden Wall Lamps / Sconces, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The each lamp comes with 1 x E27 / E26 Edison screw fit bulb holder, is wired and in working condition. It runs both on 110/230 Volt. Delivery without bulb. Light bulbs are not incl...
Metal
Pair 1930’s French Gilt Bronze Double Light Sconces with Arm
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930’s French gilt bronze sconces with arm holding double lights
Bronze
$3,400 / set
Elegant Vintage French-Style Crystal Wall Sconce
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add timeless charm and sophistication to your space with this exquisite vintage French wall sconce pair .Featuring ornate brass detailing, three graceful candle-style arms, and delic...
Crystal, Bronze
Set of 3 French Provincial Wall Candle Sconces Lights
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Decorative Metal Candle Wall Sconces from France. Impressive set of three candle sconces that accomodate a single candle in each. This set of three in a neutral color is aestheticall...
Metal
1930’s Venetian Etched Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Venetian etched mirrored backplate sconces
Mirror
1930's French Silver Plated Arm Sconces with One Light
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French silver plated hand design sconces with one light
Bronze
$4,800 / set
Vintage Silver Leaves French Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A set of 4 1940s style silver leaf sconces with crystal body , original finish.
Metal
$4,800 / set
1930’s French Gilt Metal Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930’s gilt metal double light sconces with floral design by Bagues from Iranian princess state in NYC
Metal
Monumental Pair Of Antique French Patinated Metal Sconces
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental Pair Of Antique French Patinated Metal Sconces. This amazing pair of French country patinated metal sconces, possibly bronze can be used as candl...
Bronze, Iron
$4,800 / set
1920s Caldwell Etched Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s Caldwell etched mirrored backplate sconces with two lights
Bronze
$2,300 / set
Vintage 1920 Etched Carved Mirror Sconces
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Originally made for candles, elegantly etched and carved mirror back sconces with blown glass original arms and cups, electrified.
Glass, Mirror
$1,147Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Provincial Pair Wrought Iron Wall Lights
Located in Brescia, IT
This French pair of wrought iron wall lights, has a double bulbs each. This elegant pair of wall lights is a contemporary production and it has an aged finish to look antique. It ca...
Iron
Pair of French Provincial Bronze Wall Sconces with Leaf Ornaments
Located in Middleburg, VA
A graceful pair of 19th-century French Provincial wall sconces, made in Paris circa 1860. Originally designed for gas lighting and later converted to electric, these sconces feature ...
Metal, Bronze
$3,800 / set
1920s Starburst Double Light Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1920’s gilt bronze double lights sunburst backplate sconces
Bronze
1960's Schoenbeck Rivendell Beaded Crystals White Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1960's white body with beaded crystals sconces with interior lights
Metal