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French Provincial Desks

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
French Empire Escritoire Chest Desk 1880 Mahogany
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Classic French Empire escritoire / desk Crafted from mahogany with ormolu fittings Great space saving piece as both a desk and a chest of drawers We ...
Category

1880s Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Mahogany

French Empire Escritoire Chest Desk 1880 Mahogany
French Empire Escritoire Chest Desk 1880 Mahogany

French Empire Escritoire Chest Desk 1880 Mahogany

French Walnut Slant Front Dest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very attractive late 18th century French Walnut slant front desk with geometric marquetry design on the lid. Gold tooled leather writing surface on the inside of the lid over two ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Walnut

French Walnut Slant Front Dest
French Walnut Slant Front Dest

French Walnut Slant Front Dest

Vintage French Regency Style Bureau Desk With HandPainted Floral Motif and chair
Located in Seattle, WA
This piece has original hardware on a single dovetailed drawer. Curved wood to the front two legs. Finished backing as shown. Chair with similar motif is included as a set. Vintage C...
Category

1970s Vintage French Provincial Desks

Materials

Wood

Vintage French Regency Style Bureau Desk With HandPainted Floral Motif and chair

Vintage French Regency Style Bureau Desk With HandPainted Floral Motif and chair

French Inlay Slant Front Writing Desk
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Early 20th C. Lady's Desk. Mahogany. Slant Lid Embellished With Mother-Of-Pearl And Colored Wood Inlay In Foliate Design. Curbside to NYC/Philly $300
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown French Provincial Desks

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany

French Inlay Slant Front Writing Desk
French Inlay Slant Front Writing Desk

French Inlay Slant Front Writing Desk

Vintage French Provincial Style Painted Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Painted Wood, Brass Handles
Category

1960s American Vintage French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Vintage French Provincial Style Painted Writing Desk

Vintage French Provincial Style Painted Writing Desk

Maddox French Provincial Louis XV Painted Secretary Desk With Mirrored Bookcase
By Maddox Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style bureau with drop front secretary desk and mirrored bookcase hutch top By Maddox Furniture USA, 1970s Cream lacquered walnut, with hand-...
Category

1970s American Vintage French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Maddox French Provincial Louis XV Painted Secretary Desk With Mirrored Bookcase
Maddox French Provincial Louis XV Painted Secretary Desk With Mirrored Bookcase

Maddox French Provincial Louis XV Painted Secretary Desk With Mirrored Bookcase

Antique Small Writing Desk on Cabriole Legs
Located in Sheridan, CO
Antique small writing desk on cabriole legs with original brass hardware. Desk features 7 drawers and pull out slide on the front. Dimensio...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Antique Small Writing Desk on Cabriole Legs
Antique Small Writing Desk on Cabriole Legs

Antique Small Writing Desk on Cabriole Legs

19th Century French Oak Desk Organizer
Located in High Point, NC
This authentic desk organizer was crafted from fine oak wood in 19th-century France. Adorned with delicately carved finials reminiscent of chess figures, it features a spacious compa...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Desk Organizer
19th Century French Oak Desk Organizer

19th Century French Oak Desk Organizer

Vintage French Country Provincial Style Shell Carved Blue Painted 2 Drawer Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Country Provincial Style Shell Carved Blue Painted 2 Drawer Desk. Item features 2 drawers, blue distressed painted finish, solid wood construction, carved and finish back...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Provincial Desks

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Vintage French Country Provincial Style Shell Carved Blue Painted 2 Drawer Desk
Vintage French Country Provincial Style Shell Carved Blue Painted 2 Drawer Desk

Vintage French Country Provincial Style Shell Carved Blue Painted 2 Drawer Desk

An antique French cherry documents or folio case having molded lid
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An antique French cherry documents or folio case having molded lid which retracts to open compartment.
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Desks

Materials

Wood, Cherry

An antique French cherry documents or folio case having molded lid
An antique French cherry documents or folio case having molded lid

An antique French cherry documents or folio case having molded lid

French Country Tiger Oak Writing Desk by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Southampton, NJ
French Country style desk with custom glass top by Henredon USA, Circa 1960s. Featuring impressive Tiger Oak grains finished on all sides, the desk boasts classic elegance suitable f...
Category

20th Century French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

French Country Tiger Oak Writing Desk by Henredon
French Country Tiger Oak Writing Desk by Henredon

French Country Tiger Oak Writing Desk by Henredon

Painted French Provincial Ivory and Green circa 1920s Secretary/ Desk
Located in Essex, MA
In an all-over ivory paint with a wonderful light green interior throughout this beautiful turn of the century, a French provincial secretary...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown French Provincial Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Painted French Provincial Ivory and Green circa 1920s Secretary/ Desk
Painted French Provincial Ivory and Green circa 1920s Secretary/ Desk

Painted French Provincial Ivory and Green circa 1920s Secretary/ Desk

Bronze Mounted Louis XV French Style Kingwood Writing Desk Bureau Plat
By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in Long Branch, NJ
​Bronze Mounted Louis XV French Style Kingwood Writing Desk Bureau Plat Dimensions : 69" Wide X 38" Deep X 31" Tall. This gorgeous desk was mad...
Category

Late 20th Century French French Provincial Desks

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Mounted Louis XV French Style Kingwood Writing Desk Bureau Plat
Bronze Mounted Louis XV French Style Kingwood Writing Desk Bureau Plat

Bronze Mounted Louis XV French Style Kingwood Writing Desk Bureau Plat

19th Century French Wooden Desk Organizer
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden desk organizer created in 19th century France. Ornate, tidy, and presenting a collected sense of purpose, this desk organizer makes a perfect addition to a work surface. A t...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Wooden Desk Organizer
19th Century French Wooden Desk Organizer

19th Century French Wooden Desk Organizer

19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 19th century country French provincial diminutive writing table or desk carved from walnut. The top and frieze have a gracefully curved serpentine shape with a small storage...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk
19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk

19th Century Country French Provincial Walnut Writing Table Desk

19th Century French Oak Podium
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden desk made in 19th century, France. This tall desk has been carefully bleached so as to enhance its natural oak surface and highlight the elaborate c...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Oak Podium
19th Century French Oak Podium

19th Century French Oak Podium

Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Desk and Chair
By Beacon Hill
Located in Pasadena, TX
Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Desk and Chair 20th century style desk by established company Beacon Hill. Five drawers with nickel pulls and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Provincial Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Desk and Chair
Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Desk and Chair

Beacon Hill Collection Federal Style Desk and Chair

French Provincial Walnut Desk / Commode with Drop Down Front
Located in Essex, MA
A stunning French solid walnut commode with a fold-down secretary desk housed in its top drawer. The secretary is decorated with satinwood inlays throughout. The two drawer fronts have elegant brass pulls and decorative escutcheons. The top drawer/desk front...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

French Provincial Walnut Desk / Commode with Drop Down Front
French Provincial Walnut Desk / Commode with Drop Down Front

French Provincial Walnut Desk / Commode with Drop Down Front

Baker Furniture French Provincial Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Carved walnut, with original brass har...
Category

1960s American Vintage French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture French Provincial Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Baker Furniture French Provincial Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

Baker Furniture French Provincial Walnut Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch

19th Century French Wooden Desk
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden desk from 19th century France. The lower portion of this exquisitely crafted desk is composed of four symmetrical sliding drawers, in addition to...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Wooden Desk
19th Century French Wooden Desk

19th Century French Wooden Desk

Heredon Country French Carved Walnut Lighted China Cabinet Breakfront with Desk
By Henredon
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary. This is a superbly crafted Henredon Country French breakfront...
Category

Early 2000s American French Provincial Desks

Materials

Walnut

Heredon Country French Carved Walnut Lighted China Cabinet Breakfront with Desk
Heredon Country French Carved Walnut Lighted China Cabinet Breakfront with Desk

Heredon Country French Carved Walnut Lighted China Cabinet Breakfront with Desk

Secretary Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1920, After Renovation
Located in Chorzów, PL
Secretary desk, Northern Europe, circa 1920 Very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height: 101 cm, width: 94 cm, depth: 52 cm.
Category

1920s Scandinavian Vintage French Provincial Desks

Materials

Walnut

Secretary Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1920, After Renovation
Secretary Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1920, After Renovation

Secretary Desk, Northern Europe, circa 1920, After Renovation

Antique Petite Secrétaire
Located in Malibu, CA
This petite secrétaire is perfect for small spaces. Small drawers with original hardware and multiple shelves are perfect to hold writing paper, note...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Petite Secrétaire
Antique Petite Secrétaire

Antique Petite Secrétaire

Classic Antique French Cherry Desk with Breadboard Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Classic Antique Provincial French writing table with breadboard top. Plank top two drawer desk featuring scalloped knee hole and apron with two drawers with brass pulls on simple c...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Cherry, Wood

Classic Antique French Cherry Desk with Breadboard Top
Classic Antique French Cherry Desk with Breadboard Top

Classic Antique French Cherry Desk with Breadboard Top

French Country Blue Secretaire/Desk with Wire Shelving and Pull out Lap Desk
Located in Essex, MA
French country/ provincial hand-painted desk with wire fronted book shelves, drawer, and pull-out desk which opens to 18 inches. The desk is painted in a lovely French blue and crea...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Desks

Materials

Wire

French Country Blue Secretaire/Desk with Wire Shelving and Pull out Lap Desk
French Country Blue Secretaire/Desk with Wire Shelving and Pull out Lap Desk

French Country Blue Secretaire/Desk with Wire Shelving and Pull out Lap Desk

Antique French Provincial Leather Top Painted Kneehole Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dynamic 19th century kneehole desk with a brown tooled leather top over a three piece pedestal base with nine drawers and two pullout trays retaining the original yellow and blue pai...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

Antique French Provincial Leather Top Painted Kneehole Desk
Antique French Provincial Leather Top Painted Kneehole Desk

Antique French Provincial Leather Top Painted Kneehole Desk

French Provencial Writing Desk by Sligh Furniture
By Sligh Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
French Provencial writing desk by Sligh Furniture Vintage leather top half moon desk by Sligh. Walnut and tooled black leather top. Five drawers with...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American French Provincial Desks

Materials

Walnut

French Provencial Writing Desk by Sligh Furniture
French Provencial Writing Desk by Sligh Furniture

French Provencial Writing Desk by Sligh Furniture

19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive size 19th century French provincial writing table or desk. The table is constructed from fruitwood with a warm patina and lovely wood grain patterns. Fronted by a single s...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk
19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk

19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk

French Provincial Secretary Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French provincial secretary desk with an angled arched cornice above two paneled doors enclosing adjustable shelves, the midsection ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese French Provincial Desks

Materials

Wood

French Provincial Secretary Desk
French Provincial Secretary Desk

French Provincial Secretary Desk

Thomasville French Provincial Louis XV Oak Writing Desk with Bookcase Hutch Top
By Thomasville
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk with bookcase hutch top By Thomasville USA, Circa 1980s Carved solid oak,...
Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Thomasville French Provincial Louis XV Oak Writing Desk with Bookcase Hutch Top
Thomasville French Provincial Louis XV Oak Writing Desk with Bookcase Hutch Top

Thomasville French Provincial Louis XV Oak Writing Desk with Bookcase Hutch Top

Early 20th Century Art Deco French Colonial Rosewood Desk
Located in Pasadena, CA
A French Colonial rosewood desk of distinctive and graceful design. 1930s with one pencil drawer.
Category

1920s Vietnamese Vintage French Provincial Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Early 20th Century Art Deco French Colonial Rosewood Desk
Early 20th Century Art Deco French Colonial Rosewood Desk

Early 20th Century Art Deco French Colonial Rosewood Desk

Boulle Desk .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Boulle Desk from 1880
Category

1870s French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Oak

Boulle Desk .
Boulle Desk .

Boulle Desk .

French Empire Revival Burr Walnut Kidney Desk Bronze Sphinx Mounts and Malachite
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare French Empire Revival style burr walnut with bronze mounts and Malachite pillars kidney desk This is a rare desk and that’s for s...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Desks

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Revival Burr Walnut Kidney Desk Bronze Sphinx Mounts and Malachite
French Empire Revival Burr Walnut Kidney Desk Bronze Sphinx Mounts and Malachite

French Empire Revival Burr Walnut Kidney Desk Bronze Sphinx Mounts and Malachite

Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Carved Walnut Secretary Desk, 1960s
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase hutch top By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Carved walnut, with original b...
Category

1960s American Vintage French Provincial Desks

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Carved Walnut Secretary Desk, 1960s
Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Carved Walnut Secretary Desk, 1960s

Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Carved Walnut Secretary Desk, 1960s

Antique French Renaissance DESK Barley Twist Carved Oak Office Library
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique French Renaissance DESK Barley Twist Carved Oak Office Library. Direct from France, a superb antique French oak desk with exquisite Renaissance style and opulent, ornate car...
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Desks

Materials

Oak

Antique French Renaissance DESK Barley Twist Carved Oak Office Library
Antique French Renaissance DESK Barley Twist Carved Oak Office Library

Antique French Renaissance DESK Barley Twist Carved Oak Office Library

French Provincial desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial desks 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 desks, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Henredon, Beacon Hill, and Sligh Furniture. 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 desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $795 and tops out at $12,953 while the average work can sell for $2,995.

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