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 Oakwood Set of 3 Nesting Tables Turned Legs, Stacking Tables, France
Located in Miami, FL
French antique oakwood set of three nesting tables, stacking tables with turned legs from the 1950s. Size of each table: 15.5 D x 23.5 L x 21 inches H. 13.0 D x 18.25 L x 17.5 inc...
Oak
Circa 1960 Red Set Of Three Brass & Glass Nesting Tables
Located in High Point, NC
This piece presents as a table, distinguished by dark walnut, turned tapered. Originating in France during 1960s, it shows the construction techniques typical of the time. Its brass ...
Brass
Circa 1970 Bleached Wood Set Of Three Oak Nesting Tables
Located in High Point, NC
This piece carries genuine presence, its natural bleached oak, turned blocks immediately setting the tone for the piece. Dating to 1970s and originating from France, it reflects the ...
Oak
1970-1979 France Weathered Honey Oak Set Of Nesting Tables
Located in High Point, NC
Set of nesting tables in Weathered Honey Oak. The weathered honey oak surface highlights turned legs, graduated three-piece set, characteristic of France furniture making in the fren...
Iron
Nest of 3 Brass and Marble Topped Tables This is a very attractive set
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Nest of 3 Brass and Marble Topped Tables This is a very attractive set, the tables a have decorative brass frame with cabriole legs and the brass surrounds the white Onyx marble top...
Brass
Antique French Provincial Bamboo Console Table, Dark Brown Wood, 1880s
Located in High Point, NC
This console/side table makes its impression through dark brown wood, shaped top, turned leg. The piece dates to 1880s, sourced from France, and carries the hallmarks of period craft...
Bamboo
Circa 1970 Metal Set Of Two Brass Nesting Tables With Glass Top
Located in High Point, NC
This nesting tables carries genuine presence, its glass tops, brass frame immediately setting the tone for the piece. The piece dates to 1970s, sourced from France, and carries the h...
Metal
French Nesting Tables Walnut Vintage
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Glass, Walnut
20th Century Nest of 3 Giltwood and Carved Side Tables with Cabriole Shaped Legs
Located in Miami, FL
This stylish nest of 3 giltwood side tables feature slender cabriole shaped legs and handmade green paintings. Measures: Depth 14.17in, width 21.65in, height 22.83in Depth 12.59i...
Wood
20th Century Nest of 3 Marquetry Side Tables with Cabriole Shaped Legs
Located in Miami, FL
This stylish nest of 3 marquetry side tables feature slender cabriole shaped legs and bronze finish.
Wood
French Provincial Drop-Leaf Nesting Table, Dark Walnut, 20th Century
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a drop-leaf table, its dark walnut, oval top the first thing to catch the eye. It was made in France during 20th Century, a lineage that shows clearly in its detailing. Its w...
Walnut
19th Century French Nest of 4 Floral Painted Tables
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Decorative Late 19th-Century French Nest of Four Occasional Tables A charming and decorative late 19th-century nest of four French occasional tables of lovely quality, dating from...
Wood
Vintage Nest of Three French Empire Flamed Hardwood Side End Lamp Wine Tables
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three French Empire tables which have flamed mahogany tops protected by glass inserts and finished with gilt brass mounts A...
Hardwood
French Walnut Parquetry & Floral Inlay Nest of Four Tables
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A good quality nest of four stacking early 20th-century French walnut occasional tables, each with rectangular parquetry and floral marquetry inlay walnut tops. The nest consists of ...
Walnut
$2,995 / set
H 21.25 in W 20 in D 14 in
Set Brass French Maison Bagues Style Faux Bamboo Form Chinoiserie Nesting Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Elevate your interior décor with this exquisite set of three French Maison Baguès style nesting tables, featuring an elegant brass faux bamboo frame paired with richly decorated Chin...
Brass
French Provincial Console Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A French Provincial Neo Classic antiqued wood console table, with two frieze drawers and two further tiers between square tapering supports. ...
Wood
$1,404 / set
H 19.49 in W 21.66 in D 13.78 in
Set of Three Hand-Crafted Nesting Tables in Travertine, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Set of Three Hand-Crafted Nesting Tables in Travertine, 1970s Beautiful set of three elegant nesting tables of three different sizes in order to be put one below the other. Hand-Cra...
Travertine
$1,800 / set
H 22 in W 22 in D 20 in
Semi-Circle Bamboo & Cane Nesting Tables / Stacking Tables Handcrafted, Set of 3
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Bohemian style semi-circle bent bamboo & handwoven cane top set of 3 nesting tables or stacking tables. Each occasional table has a hand braided cane Top Border. ...
Bamboo, Cane
Henredon Set of Three Nesting Tables
By Henredon
Located in Highland, IN
A handsome and nicely detailed set of three tables by Henredon. The large table is 20"h X 24"w X 15"d The two small tables are 18"h X 11"w X 11"d
Wood
Bamboo Nesting Tables
Located in Asheville, NC
Late 20th century, Tommy Bahama style set of three nesting tables fit inside each other. Wrought iron bases, attached burnt bamboo tray tops.
Wrought Iron
Pierre Chapo Inspired Oak Nesting Tables, Set of 3
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three graduated oak nesting tables in the manner of Pierre Chapo. Each table features a thick solid oak top with softly rounded edges and four chunky, slightly splayed legs. T...
Oak
$285 / set
H 15 in Dm 13.5 in
Boho Bamboo Rattan Staggered Nesting Stacking Tables or Plant Stands, Set of 3
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Charming set of staggered size side tables or plant stands. Table dimensions small to large: 13.5”dia 15”h 11.5”dia 14”h 9”dia 12”h
Bamboo
$561 / set
H 15.36 in W 17.33 in D 19.69 in
1960s Czechoslovak Mid-Century Solid Oak Nesting Tables, Set of Three
Located in Praha, CZ
A sculptural set of three Mid-Century Modern nesting tables, produced in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s and crafted entirely from solid oak. Each table features a distinctive softly...
Oak
$3,850 / set
H 22 in W 24.5 in D 14.5 in
Vintage 1970's Italian Greek Key Nesting Tables Set of Three, Brass and Glass
Located in North Miami, FL
These set of 3 vintage Italian Greek key nesting tables are polished brass with original mirrored bronze glass tops. They were made in Italy. The G...
Brass
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
Pierre Vandel Set of Three Nesting Tables, France, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Pierre Vandel set of three nesting tables, France, circa 1970. Very good vintage condition commensurate of age. Dimensions: D 40.5 x W 32 x H 29 cm D 40.5 x W 40.5 x H 33.5 cm D 40....
Aluminum
Sold
H 278.9 in W 21.5 in D 15.6 in
Antique French Provincial Bamboo Console Table, Dark Brown Wood, 1880s
Located in High Point, NC
This console/side table makes its impression through dark brown wood, shaped top, turned leg. The piece dates to 1880s, sourced from France, and carries the hallmarks of period craft...
Bamboo
Sold
H 16.1 in W 19.7 in D 15.6 in
French Provincial Nesting Tables, Black Lacquered Wood, 1970s, France
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a nesting tables, its black lacquered tops, turned wood legs the first thing to catch the eye. It was made in France during 1970s, a lineage that shows clearly in its detaili...
Wood
Circa 1960 Red Set Of Three Brass & Glass Nesting Tables
Located in High Point, NC
This piece presents as a table, distinguished by dark walnut, turned tapered. Originating in France during 1960s, it shows the construction techniques typical of the time. Its brass ...
Brass
Circa 1970 Bleached Wood Set Of Three Oak Nesting Tables
Located in High Point, NC
This piece carries genuine presence, its natural bleached oak, turned blocks immediately setting the tone for the piece. Dating to 1970s and originating from France, it reflects the ...
Oak
Sold
H 16.1 in W 19.7 in D 15.6 in
French Provincial Nesting Tables, Black Lacquered Wood, 1970s, France
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a nesting tables, its black lacquered tops, turned wood legs the first thing to catch the eye. It was made in France during 1970s, a lineage that shows clearly in its detaili...
Wood
Circa 1970 Metal Set Of Two Brass Nesting Tables With Glass Top
Located in High Point, NC
This nesting tables carries genuine presence, its glass tops, brass frame immediately setting the tone for the piece. The piece dates to 1970s, sourced from France, and carries the h...
Metal
French Provincial Drop-Leaf Table, Dark Walnut, Antique, 20th Century
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a drop-leaf table, its dark walnut, oval top the first thing to catch the eye. It was made in France during 20th Century, a lineage that shows clearly in its detailing. Its w...
Walnut
French Rouge Marble Nesting Tables End Tables
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Set of Two French Rouge Marble Nesting Tables, France, circa 1940s. They are a versatile size and can be used as end or side tables, or as nightstands. The larger table measu...
Marble, Brass
Sold
H 26.5 in W 24 in D 21.5 in
SET 4 Antique French Drop Leaf Nesting TABLE BARLEY TWIST Folding End Carved Oak
Located in Choudrant, LA
SET 4 Antique French Drop Leaf Nesting TABLE BARLEY TWIST Folding End Carved Oak. Direct from France, a fabulous set of antique French barley twist folding/nesting tables! The set includes FOUR separate and complete tables, all solid oak with impressive details! The largest table has stunning barley twist legs on all sides and a carved band around the serpentine beveled edges of the top. Other features include beaded trim to the apron and slatted sides – a bit of “Arts & Crafts” style! Underneath the large table top there are wooden runners that hold the three smaller drop leaf tables when they are 'nested' together. The three drop leaf folding tables...
Oak
20th Century French Brass Nesting Tables, Set of Three
Located in High Point, NC
The graceful silhouette of this trio of vintage brass nesting tables makes an elegant impression. Built in France in the 20th century, a rectangular tabletop of tinted glass is clasp...
Brass
20th Century French Brass Nesting Tables, Set of Three
Located in High Point, NC
The graceful silhouette of this trio of vintage brass nesting tables makes an elegant impression. Built in France in the 20th century, a rectangular tabletop of tinted glass is clasp...
Brass
20th Century French Brass Nesting Tables, Set of Three
Located in High Point, NC
The graceful silhouette of this trio of vintage brass nesting tables makes an elegant impression. Built in France in the 20th century, a r...
Brass