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.
Farmhouse and French Provincial style ceramic table lamps, France, 1970s
By Hispania CH, Paolo Traversi, Bassano, Cerámicas BONDIA, Capo Di Monte
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Handmade ceramic table lamps from La Côte d’Azur, France, 1970s. Each piece is formed by a molded ceramic base with off white and pink crackled glazed finish, and a brass structure. ...
Metal, Brass
Antique French Alabaster Plafonnier Brass Ceiling Light Pendant, C.1920
Located in London, GB
A neatly proportioned French alabaster plafonnier pendant light, c.1920. Off-white coloured alabaster, smaller in diameter but very heavy duty for its size. Supported by a delicatel...
Alabaster, Brass
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
$412Sale 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
Antique French Holophane Frill Glass Brass Wall Task Kitchen Light Lamp
By Holophane
Located in Stockbridge, GB
Antique Glass Holophane Wall Light – E A vintage bell shaped glass prismatic light shade which looks great both lit and unlit. The light has retained its original brass gallery and ...
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 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
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
$890Sale 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 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
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
$167Sale Price|50% Off
Hubert Olivier Ceramic Table Lamp, Bordeaux Glaze, France, Circa 1980
Located in London, England
Large lamp designed by Hubert Olivier, made of ceramic, from the ochres of Provence, varying from Bordeaux with the shade of wine. Its dimensions are imposing, with a height of 55 cm...
Enamel
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 Banci Firenze, Maison Baguès
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 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
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 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 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
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
$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 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 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
$3,800 / item
1930's French Mirror Sconces
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1930's French etched mirror and bronze sconces
Bronze
$424Sale 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
$1,335Sale Price|29% Off
French Wrought Iron Crown Game Hanger Chandelier c1900
Located in Trensacq, FR
French Wrought Iron Crown Game Hanger Chandelier c1900 Hand-crafted provincial French wrought iron four 'faux' candlelight chandelier with four 'naive' animal silhouettes (stag, deer, dog, cow) and four game hooks...
Wrought Iron, Tôle
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
$20,984Sale Price / item|25% Off
Wreat Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier Crystal and Antique Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Introducing a stunning Brass Basket Empire Sac a Pearl Chandelier, an exquisite piece adorned with captivating crystals, reminiscent of the classical style of the Empire era. This is...
Crystal, Brass
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
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
$532Sale Price|44% Off
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 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
$436Sale Price|54% Off
Large French, 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Lovely large iron lantern, France, circa 1880-1900 . Very special type of lantern without a door. You can open the lantern by sliding the glass upwards. Weathered. H:51cm W:20,5cm
Iron
Pair of Vintage Rattan Bamboo Table Lamps Pencil Reed, 1970s
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant pair of vintage bedside table lamps features beautifully hand-wrapped pencil reed rattan over a rounded metal base, resting on polished brass bases. The natural material...
Fabric, Cane, Rattan, Reed
Antique Italian Glass Paneled Lantern
Located in Chireno, TX
Antique Italian glass paneled lantern circa 1900-1910. Cast brass with soft, natural green-verdigris patina. Newly wired with 3 drop cluster, chain...
Brass, Iron
$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
A "sea snail" lamp - French folk art - 1950s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A "sea snail" lamp in the style of French folk art, created in the 1950s, was often crafted using large sea shells as a central element. "Sea shell" lamps were popular during this p...
Marble
Scandinavian Handmade Mid-Century Modern Wood Table Lamp, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely lamp from the 1960s. Very impressive. Very nice condition. Socket e27. Dimmable. Fully functional. Works with 220V and 110V. Wiring is suitable f...
Metal
$807Sale Price|47% Off
French, 18th/ 19th Century Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare metal lantern, France, circa 1750- 1850. Weathered, small losses and some old repairs. Lantern can be opened on one side. Glass of later date. H:40,5cm W:26,5cm D:12cm
Metal
$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
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
$2,989
Brass 12-Arm Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
A French style 12-arm brass chandelier with cast leaves and floral decoration. Diameter: 58 cm. Height fixture: 65 cm Total height with chain: 80 cm.
Brass
French Counter Weight Chandelier Lustre Glass Ceiling Pendant, circa 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
Ceiling pendant lamp in glass and opaline early 20th century. French counter weight chandelier. White glass diffuser and porcelain weight for adjust...
Glass, Opaline Glass
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
$591Sale 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
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
French Iron and Tole Glass-Paneled Lantern
Located in Chireno, TX
French iron and tole glass-paneled lantern circa 1870-1899. Unwired. Two lanterns are available but sold individually priced $3,800 each (see last image and...
Brass, Iron, Tin
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
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
Italian 1950s Decorative Ship Chandelier With Crystal Beads & Four Lights
Located in London, GB
This very decorative chandelier was hand made in Italy in the 1950s. It has beautiful beaded detail to create the hull, rigging and sails, with an interesting crow's nest at the top of the mast - which is covered in tiny beads...
Crystal, Metal
$388Sale 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
Claude Morin, Signed Blown Glass Table Lamp, France, circa 1970
By Claude Morin
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An exceptional and rare table lamp by renowned French glass artist Claude Morin, created circa 1970. The sculptural base, hand-blown in a sumptuous deep violet glass with luminous de...
Blown Glass
$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
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
1940's Grape Design Glass Lantern
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1940's glass lantern with grape design and three interior lights
Glass
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
$878Sale 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
Fine & Important Iron Chandelier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Important Iron Chandelier. The main circle ornated with shields issuing five shaped arms and upright lights, supported by six twisted chains. France, circa 1920. 12 lights. D...
Iron