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
French Style Painted Floral Tole Lamps W/ Linen Pleated Shades Like New - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of French style painted tole floral lamps. They are unmarked reproductions. They include the taupe pleated linen shade. They are in working order.
Metal
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 Glass Swan Neck Frill Brass Wall Task Kitchen Light Lamp
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique French Coolie Milk Glass Kitchen Task Wall Light – Swan Neck – Frilly An early French milk glass coolie light. The shade is hand made from opaque glass. The antique shade ha...
Brass
Antique French Coolie Milk Glass Brass Pendant Kitchen Task Lamp Light
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique French Coolie Milk Glass Frill Pendant Light – A An early French glass coolie pendant light. The conical milk glass shade has been hand spun from opaque glass with a clear f...
Brass
$877Sale Price / set|41% Off
Collection of 19th Century French Glass Weaver Oil Lamps
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare collection of three hand blown glass weaver oil lamps from the South of France, France, circa 1800-1900 Very good condition. Copper wick holders of recent date. Measures: H:21-2...
Blown Glass
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
$582Sale Price|44% Off
French, 18th/ 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare metal lantern with lovely wooden handle, France, circa 1750- 1850. Unique period piece Weathered, small losses H:33cm W:16,5cm D:10cm
Metal
Pair Mid-Century Modern Marble-Glazed Ceramic Ginger Jar Style Table Lamps
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of vintage mid-century modern marble-glazed ceramic ginger jar style table lamps. The lamps feature a rich, swirling luster glaze with a marble-like design. One lamp has a g...
Ceramic
$382Sale Price|59% Off
French, 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare small folk art lantern, France, circa 1800-1850. Beautiful weathered. measurements: H:23,5/33 cm W:10,5 cm D:11 cm
Metal
Bleached Wood and Iron Chandelier
Located in Chireno, TX
Bleached oak and iron chandelier, newly-created from antique and later elements. Hand-carved and turned 19th century wooden body with six thin wirey iron arms. Bleached cool, dry lig...
Steel, Iron
Luna Rattan Pendant Chandelier, XL, Hand-Woven Rattan, UK Design, 70cm
Located in Christchurch, GB
Our Luna Rattan Pendant shade (XL) is available in 2 sizes and 2 colours. The natural rattan fits in effortlessly with almost any style of decor. This ceiling light/lampshade has an...
Rattan
$418Sale Price|48% Off
Rare Antique French Folk Art Lantern, Metal, Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful and very rare folk art lantern, France, circa 1800-1850. Beautiful weathered. Glass is old but to my opinion of later date.
Metal
Antique Iron Lantern with Blown Glass, France, Circa 1750-1800
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful and rare iron lantern with an amazing blown glass window, France, circa 1750-1800. Weathered H:37cm W:16cm D:20cm
Iron
French Vintage Tôle Painted Floral Chandelier
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French vintage tôle chandelier, circa 1950, the metal carefully forged and wrought into romantic vines of blooming flowers painted in hues of green, pink, and gold. The petite fixtur...
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
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
$865Sale Price / set|42% Off
Set of Antique Hand Blown Glass Weaver Oil Lamps, France, Circa 1800-1900
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare collection of three hand blown glass weaver oil lamps from the South of France, France, circa 1800-1900 Very good condition. Copper wick holders of recent date. Measures:H:22-26...
Blown Glass
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
1940 French Crystal Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
1940’s French crystals chandelier with 8 interior lights
Crystal, Bronze
French Bagues Style Bird Sconces with 1 Light Silver Leaf, Banci Firenze
By Banci Firenze, Maison Baguès
Located in New York, NY
French Bagues style silver leaf metal and crystal birds sconces with 1 light, probably Banci Firenze
Crystal, Metal
1930's French Gilt Metal and Crystal Chandelier with 12 lights
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French gilt metal with crystal flowers and hangings chandelier, 12 lights
Crystal, Metal
$406Sale Price|48% Off
French, Late 19th Century early 20th century, Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Really lovely metal lantern in a form I haven't seen before. France, circa 1890-1920. Weathered H:33cm W:19,5cm D:16cm
Iron
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
$3,800 / item
1930's French Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French etched mirror and bronze sconces
Bronze
French Louis XVI Style Chandelier Restored Crystal Drops Brass Antique Vintage
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant chandelier in the French Louis XVI style has been fully restored and combines classical aesthetics with modern functionality. The frame is made of brass and features a ...
Crystal, Brass
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
Six-Arm Italian Chandelier
Located in Chireno, TX
Six-arm Italian chandelier, hand-carved and turned from fruitwood, Graceful wirey iron arms. Topped by a reticulated gilt tole repousse crown. Newly-wired for use within the USA. Eac...
Iron
Pair 1930's Large French Silver Leafed 3 Lights Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French silver leafed sconces with three light and cut glass body
Metal
Paul Ferrante Two Tier French Country Chandelier
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Paul Ferrante Two Tier French Country Chandelier.
Wood
1930's Large Silver Plated Flush Mount With Opaline Glass
Located in New York, NY
A large silver plated or gilt bronze light fixtures with Opaline glass inset. Available gold finish 2 items, silver plated 2 items
Silver Plate, Bronze
Mid-Century French Table Lamp in Olive Wood with Original Shade, 1950s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An elegant French table lamp from the 1950s, crafted from a beautifully sculptural piece of olive wood. The base follows the natural curves of the branch, mounted on a solid olive wo...
Wood
$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
Hand-Forged Custom Iron "Mercer" Chandelier with Nine Lights
Located in Houston, TX
This hand-forged Iron chandelier is a classic reproduction light of our design. The three arms have three lights each for a total of nine candelabra sockets. Height is to the top of ...
Iron
Elegant French-Italian Crystal Chandelier Louis XVI Style Antique Restored
Located in Berlin, DE
This elegant chandelier has been meticulously and lovingly restored in our Berlin workshop. All the electrical components have been replaced to meet modern standards, while preservi...
Crystal, Metal
$1,148Sale Price|48% Off
French 17/18th Century Hand Forged Iron Gothic Style 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 beaut...
Iron
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
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
$5,960 / item
French Country Lantern - Copper Bronze
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Country Lantern, This hexagonal lantern has a fluted lotus roof, fleur de lis reticulated panel sides, glass sides and door with three li...
Copper
$3,400 / set
Pair of 1930's French Gilt Bronze Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A pair of circa 1930's French gilt bronze sconces from Parisian Hotel
Bronze
$5,960 / item
French Country Lantern - Verdigris Finish
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Country Lantern, This hexagonal lantern has a fluted lotus roof, fleur de lis reticulated panel sides, glass sides and door with three li...
Copper
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
$794Sale Price|54% Off
French, Early 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare metal lantern, France, circa 1800- 1850. Weathered and some old repairs. Glass of later date.
Metal
French Gilt Metal and Crystal Bird Sconces with 2 Lights
Located in New York, NY
pair of Bagues style gilt metal and crystal bird sconces with glass leaves
Crystal, Bronze
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
French Faux Bois Chandelier
Located in Houston, TX
French Faux Bois Chandelier. Offered is an unusual French cement faux bois five light chandelier. This chandelier was originally made to hold cand...
Concrete
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
Large Hand-Carved Silver Gilt Chandelier
Located in Chireno, TX
Large hand-carved silver gilt chandelier with eight arms. Circa 1930-1959 French chandelier, hand-carved in wood in a nice, generous scale. Original silvered finish with some losses ...
Brass
1940's Paul Hanson Urn Shaped Crystal Table Lamps - Pair
Located in New York, NY
pair of circa 1940's Paul Hanson crystal urn shaped table lamps
Crystal
Antique Hexagonal Glass Paneled Domed Copper Lantern
Located in Chireno, TX
Antique hexagonal glass paneled domed copper lantern. Newly wired with 3-light candelabra-size drop cluster, chain and a canopy. Beautiful natural pa...
Copper, 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
French Provincial Gilt Brass Bouillotte Lamp With Stenciled Black Tole Shade
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial solid gilt brass bouillotte lamp with stenciled black tole shade USA, Mid-20th Century Measures: 13"W x 13"D x 26"H Very good vintage condition. Lamp ...
Metal, Brass
Italian Tole Porcelain Flowers Roses Gilt Metal Big Size c 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing 5 lights, sitting in gilt metal. Big multi color brown, black and yellow fall leaves throughout. Adorning hand made porcelain flowers in all shapes and sizes. Huge rose as...
Porcelain
20th Century French Wrought Iron Chandeliers
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a pair of 20th-century French wrought iron chandeliers, showcasing elegant craftsmanship with their intricate scrollwork and candle-style lights. Each chandelier is designed ...
Wrought Iron
Vintage French Empire Style Small Bronze Urn Form Boudoir Vanity Table Lamp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Empire Style Small Bronze Urn Form Boudoir Vanity Table Lamp. Circa early 20th Century. Measurements: 17.5" H x 4" W x 4" D.
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
Antique French Sevres Style Turquoise Porcelain Mantel Vase Urn Lamp 42"
Located in Dayton, OH
A very large antique French Sevres style turquoise trophy vase urn lamp. Made of porcelain featuring a Neoclassical motif with reticulated gilt brass base and painted garden / veran...
Porcelain
$577Sale Price / set|50% Off
Couple of 19th Century French Glass Weaver Oil Lamps
Located in Buisson, FR
Rare couple of hand blown glass weaver oil lamps from the South of France, France, circa 1800-1900 Very good condition. Copper wick holders of recent date. H:5-7cm W:6-11cm D:5-7cm
Blown Glass