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.
Mid-Century French Wooden Bar Cart Trolley, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
This French style serving cart is a stunning piece of furniture that will add a touch of elegance to any room. The cart is equipped with four wheels, making it easy to move and place...
Wood
Mid-Century French Wooden Bar Cart Trolley, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
This French style serving cart is a stunning piece of furniture that will add a touch of elegance to any room. The cart is equipped with four wheels, making it easy to move and place...
Walnut
Mid-Century French Provincial Oak Drop-Leaf Three Tier Rolling Bar Cart
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid-Century French Provincial Oak Drop-Leaf Rolling Bar Cart in very good vintage condition. Measures 42"Wide open, 19.5" wide closed, 32" deep and stand 29" tall. Has a middle tie...
Glass, Oak
20th Century Mahogany Italian Burlwood Marquetry Bar Cart by Sorrento
Located in High Point, NC
A bar cart whose dark mahogany with marquetry inlay, drop-leaf tiers, wheels gives it real character at first glance. Originating in France during 20th Century, it shows the construc...
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Hand-Carved Oak Trolley Bar, 1920s
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20Th Century French Hand-Carved Oak Trolley Bar or Serving Table, 1920s.
Oak
$1,596Sale Price|51% Off
Ornate French Style Wrought Iron Patio/Garden Bar Cart Trolley W/Glass Shelves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique wrought iron bar cart trolley. Perfect for garden server cart. Painted ivory/white with interesting curves and details. Two large front iron wheels and two smaller steel whe...
Wrought Iron
French Serving or Bar Cart with Removeable Glass Tray Top, Two-Tier, on Wheels
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French serving cart with removeable glass tray top, two-tier, side drawer, easy to move on its wheels. Versatile serving table can be used as a sid...
Glass, Wood
1950-1959 France Bleached Oak Bleached Oak Bar Cart
Located in High Point, NC
Bleached oak bar cart in Bleached Oak. Finished in bleached oak, this bleached oak bar cart is distinguished by glass shelf, turned legs, casters, reflecting the french provincial se...
Oak
1940-1949 France Rich Walnut Brown Walnut Tea Trolley
Located in High Point, NC
Walnut tea trolley in Rich Walnut Brown. The rich walnut brown surface highlights two tiers, turned legs, casters, characteristic of France furniture making in the french provincial ...
Walnut
Early 20th Century Oak Barrel Bar Table, Round Tufted Seat, France
Located in High Point, NC
This piece presents as a piece, distinguished by dark aged wood, round tufted seat. It was made in France during Early 20th Century, a lineage that shows clearly in its detailing. It...
Oak
19th Century French Table Iron Bar Cart with Wheels and Two Mirror Tops
Located in Miami, FL
This charming and quirky 19th century painted wrought cast iron table is mounted on casters and equipped with two trays, a framed custom mirror...
Iron
$10,700
Antique Alter Table 'Bar'
Located in Washington, DC
A very interesting hand-painted antique alter table which would make a great bar. It’s made of pine and has the original paintwork which has som...
Wood
French Midcentury Rattan & Bamboo Boho Bar Cart, 1950s, France
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
French craftsmanship bamboo & rattan bar cart with beautiful details made in the 1950s, France. The two-tiered serving table is made of screwless bamboo tubes. The cart is in very go...
Bamboo
1970s Italian Bamboo Rattan Bohemian French Riviera Serving Bar Cart Cabinet
By Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern serving bar cart trolley featuring two round spiral levels and brss wheels. This charming piece is in the typical style of Franco Albini, A...
Brass
Circa 1960 Mahogany Wood Mid-Century Bar Cart On Casters With Tray
Located in High Point, NC
This table makes its impression through dark mahogany, block form. The piece dates to 1960s, sourced from France, and carries the hallmarks of period craftsmanship. Built in wood, it...
Mahogany
$1,000Sale Price|59% Off
Large French Three-Tier Serving Bar Cart Etagere Trolley
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Estate Scale Three Tier Trolley as a Serving Bar Cart Etagere, France circa 1960's This large vintage double handled cart with three glass shelves set upon casters offer generous sp...
Metal, Iron
20th Century Black Metal Bar Cart With Glass Top On Wheels
Located in High Point, NC
This mirror makes its impression through dark bronze/black metal. Dating to 20th Century and originating from France, it reflects the design sensibilities of its era. The metal const...
Metal
Early 20th Century Cherry Wood Serving Bar Cart with Removable Tray, 1940s
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Early 20Th Century Cherry Wood Serving Bar Cart with Removable Tray.
Cherry
1960s French Provincial Medium Oak Bar Cart with Wheels, Two-Tier
Located in High Point, NC
A bar cart whose medium oak, two-tier, castor wheels gives it real character at first glance. The piece dates to 1960s, sourced from France, and carries the hallmarks of period craft...
Oak
Mcm French Bagues Style Brass Rope Bar Cart On Wheels With Removable Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century French Bagues Style Brass Rope Bar Cart on Wheels with Removable Tray This Mid Century French Bagues Style Brass Rope Bar Cart combines eleg...
Brass
Vintage French Provincial Bar Cart, Metal and Glass, 20th Century
Located in High Point, NC
Resembling an elegant carriage, this original bar cart features a distinctive geometry shaped by the contrast of large and small wheels, supporting the two-tier structure. Both shelv...
Metal
Italian Design Mid-Century Bar Cart, 1950s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare 1950s Italian desgin serving bar cart. Made of beech wood equipped with two glass shelves and brass wheels for convenient movement. Perfect for serving drinks to your guests. Vi...
Glass, Beech
$480
H 21.8 in W 30 in D 16.5 in
Oak Two-Tier Rolling Bar Cart Danish Mid-Century Modern Serving Trolley 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A mobile two-tier design features turned spindles, scalloped aprons, and large wooden rear wheels. An integrated push handle ensures effortless movement. Mid-Century Modern 1970s sty...
Oak
Mid Century Gilt Faux Bamboo Three Tier Bar Cart
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous three tiered gilt faux bamboo bar cart from France. Glides effortlessly on its caster wheels. Shelves are 11 inches apart from each other. In excellent vintage condition wit...
Iron
$1,287
H 30.52 in W 26.58 in D 16.54 in
Space Age Vintage Bar Cart Serving Trolley Green Chromed Metal 1970s Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage bar cart or serving trolley from green formica plates and chromed metal frame 1970s. Throughout its foldable parts on eac...
Metal
Mid-20th Century Marquetry and Polished Brass Drinks Trolley
Located in London, by appointment only
Mid-20th century marquetry and polished brass drinks trolley, the upper tray with inlaid marquetry drop-leaves and pierced brass gallery, supported on lathe-turned solid brass legs, ...
Brass
$2,926
H 29.02 in W 15.75 in D 33.67 in
Aldo Tura 1950s Mid-Century Bar Cart, Trolley or Stand in Brown Italian Goatskin
By Aldo Tura
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Midcentury Modern vintage Italian 1950s bar cart, tea trolley or drinks stand by Aldo Tura, Milan. The brown colored and lacquered goatskin leather combined with gilded cast metal ha...
Metal
Midcentury Chrome Glass and Marble Bar Cart
Located in Houston, TX
A midcentury two-tiered chrome, glass, and marble bar cart on casters.
Marble, Chrome
Antique Art Deco Figured Walnut Serving Trolley 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a striking antique Art Deco three-tier figured walnut hostess trolley dating from the 1920s. The trolley is of decorative circular form and is fitted with castors. This is ...
Walnut
Art Deco Bar Cart, Trolley designed by Pander and Zn, 1920s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original Art Deco Bar Cart, Trolley solid wood with walnut veneer captures with its round shapes and a glass top designed by Pander and Zn, 1920s, Dutch design. The Trolley is in a g...
Metal
$2,484Sale Price|40% Off
H 36 in W 36 in D 21 in
Mid-Century Three-Tier Bar Serving Cart w/ Storage Cabinet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Blond three-tier Mid-century bar cart with an underneath storage cabinet. The cart features brass accents with four coaster wheels for easy travel from room to room. Reminiscent of t...
Wood
Mid-Century Wooden Bar Cart
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Danish bar cart with plastic covered brass decorations. Top tray has sun related discoloration which appears to be a charming addition to a Classic Mid-Century design.
Wood
Rustic Wrought Iron Garden Trolley Cart
Located in North York, ON
Bring industrial chic with a touch of French elegance to your garden or patio with this newly crafted trolley cart. Featuring a beautiful weathered wrought iron finish and ornate det...
Metal, Wrought Iron
1950-1959 France Weathered Honey Oak Oak Tea Trolley
Located in High Point, NC
Oak tea trolley in Weathered Honey Oak. The weathered honey oak surface highlights two tiers, brass casters, turned legs, characteristic of France furniture making in the french prov...
Oak
Sold
H 32.7 in W 24.6 in D 24.6 in
French Provincial Bar Cart, Brass & Glass, Dark Bronze Frame, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a bar cart, its dark bronze/black metal frame, glass tiers, wheels the first thing to catch the eye. It was made in France during 1960s, a lineage that shows clearly in its d...
Brass
Circa 1960 Mahogany Wood Mid-Century Bar Cart On Casters With Tray
Located in High Point, NC
This table makes its impression through dark mahogany, block form. The piece dates to 1960s, sourced from France, and carries the hallmarks of period craftsmanship. Built in wood, it...
Mahogany
20th Century Black Metal Bar Cart With Glass Top On Wheels
Located in High Point, NC
This mirror makes its impression through dark bronze/black metal. Dating to 20th Century and originating from France, it reflects the design sensibilities of its era. The metal const...
Metal
Sold
H 32.7 in W 24.6 in D 24.6 in
French Provincial Bar Cart, Brass & Glass, Dark Bronze Frame, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a bar cart, its dark bronze/black metal frame, glass tiers, wheels the first thing to catch the eye. It was made in France during 1960s, a lineage that shows clearly in its d...
Brass
1960s French Provincial Medium Oak Bar Cart with Wheels, Two-Tier
Located in High Point, NC
A bar cart whose medium oak, two-tier, castor wheels gives it real character at first glance. The piece dates to 1960s, sourced from France, and carries the hallmarks of period craft...
Oak
Sold
H 26 in W 15.7 in D 15.7 in
Early 20th Century French Provincial Oak Barrel Bar Table, Tufted Seat
Located in High Point, NC
This piece presents as a piece, distinguished by dark aged wood, round tufted seat. It was made in France during Early 20th Century, a lineage that shows clearly in its detailing. It...
Oak
Sold
H 29.6 in W 30.8 in D 29.3 in
20th Century Mahogany Italian Burlwood Marquetry Bar Cart by Sorrento
Located in High Point, NC
A bar cart whose dark mahogany with marquetry inlay, drop-leaf tiers, wheels gives it real character at first glance. Originating in France during 20th Century, it shows the construc...
Mahogany
19th Century Painted French Oval Shaped Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century French serpentine shaped oval painted center table. The top stands on four cabriole legs that are attached by a center stretcher that meets at a finial in the middle. Th...
Wood
Vintage Drexel Walnut Veneer Two Tier Bar Cart
By Drexel
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic vintage walnut veneer two tier bar cart having 2 tiers and lovely scalloped bottoms and stunning pattern to the grain. By Drexel and called "Tourinelle" design. On casters.
Walnut
Sold
H 3.15 in W 15.75 in D 17.33 in
1960s Italian Bamboo Rattan Brass Bohemian French Riviera Serving Cocktail Tray
By Franca Helg, Antonio Piva and Franco Albini, Vittorio Bonacina, Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern serving cocktail bar tray with polished brass rim. Made of rattan and bamboo, this charming piece is in the typical style where the organic...
Brass
French Provincial Brass and Glass Bar Cart
Located in High Point, NC
A metal bar cart created in 20th century France. With tastefully rounded brass tubes and sumptuously spindled legs, this speedy little bar cart offers both a practical and playful co...
Metal