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French Provincial Benches

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

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.

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Style: French Provincial
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
18th Century Pine Long Benches
Located in Billingshurst, GB
A pair of 18th century long pine benches. Good seat size and all sturdy. Good colour and patina.  
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique French Provincial Benches

Materials

Pine

18th Century Pine Long Benches
18th Century Pine Long Benches

18th Century Pine Long Benches

Antique Period French Provincial Carved Walnut Bench Coffer Late 18th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Late 18th Century French Provincial Carved Walnut Coffer Bench, having a hinged rectangular top, above a carved paneled walnut front, and rising on a molded base. Hardwood constructi...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique French Provincial Benches

Materials

Walnut

Antique Period French Provincial Carved Walnut Bench Coffer Late 18th Century
Antique Period French Provincial Carved Walnut Bench Coffer Late 18th Century

Antique Period French Provincial Carved Walnut Bench Coffer Late 18th Century

18th Century Chest or Coffer Carved Oak, End of Bed French Provincial
Located in Labrit, Landes
Coffer or chest French 18th century carved oak French Provincial Country House Very decorative and full of character Decorated with geometrical motifs This chest has the ideal si...
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Benches

Materials

Oak

18th Century Chest or Coffer Carved Oak, End of Bed French Provincial
18th Century Chest or Coffer Carved Oak, End of Bed French Provincial

18th Century Chest or Coffer Carved Oak, End of Bed French Provincial

Bench, Pair 18th Century, French, Vernacular, Provincial, Elm, Trestle
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Single plank tops, lovely shaped ends on trestle feet. Exceptional original color and patina.   
Category

1780s European Antique French Provincial Benches

Materials

Elm

Bench, Pair 18th Century, French, Vernacular, Provincial, Elm, Trestle
Bench, Pair 18th Century, French, Vernacular, Provincial, Elm, Trestle

Bench, Pair 18th Century, French, Vernacular, Provincial, Elm, Trestle

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H 38.19 in W 89.77 in D 20.87 in
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Located in Dallas, TX
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18th Century Provencal Rush Seat Hearth Stool, France
18th Century Provencal Rush Seat Hearth Stool, France

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Located in Dallas, TX
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18th Century Country French Stripped Trunk
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H 23 in W 55 in D 23 in
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Located in Winter Park, FL
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Located in Houston, TX
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H 15 in W 36.5 in L 15 in
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Located in Dallas, TX
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19th Century Brittany Country Hand Carved French Hall Bench
19th Century Brittany Country Hand Carved French Hall Bench

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H 45 in W 62 in D 19 in
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Located in Essex, MA
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French Carved Walnut Bench
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French Carved Walnut Bench

H 20 in W 42.75 in D 18.75 in
French Provincial Fruitwood Bench, 18th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
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French Provincial Fruitwood Bench, 18th Century
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H 35 in W 73 in D 26 in

French Provincial benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial benches for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include Guillerme et Chambron, and John Hall. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $8,950 while the average work can sell for $2,190.

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