When we build a home of our dreams we also beautify it with matching furniture. People have different taste in the styles of furniture; some like modern, some antique and some other prefer a classy look. When you think about sophistication and a touch of royalty then French furniture is the answer. These are the classiest furniture built for kings, aristocrats and rich people. The demand for such furnishings has increased with each passing year. People who love to sophistication love to decorate their houses in these kinds of furnishings.
Kinds of French Furniture
We can broadly categorize the French furniture in three categories.
- Parisian furniture
The mainstream design of French furniture which was found in the metropolitan culture of France was called Parisian furniture. This style of furnishing had its origin from Spain, Sweden and Russian. The demand for such furniture was highest during the classic period of French cultural history in the late seventeen century and it ended with the Second World War.
- Provincial furniture
These styles of furniture were built in areas that were not in France politically but fell within the cultural province of the country. The furniture built in provincial centers of Orleans, Blois, Liege and Lyon had some innovations in the traditional designs and was huge demand for luxury trades.
- French royal furniture
The French royal furniture received its importance when Louis XIV started the manufacturing of the royale des Gobelins. Many talented craftsmen were employed to create beautiful pieces of furnishings for the palace and create furniture pieces as gift to ambassadors. The use of silver and other precious metals were done during this period.
After the Second World War the manufacturing of furniture in France increased into international front. It has now become an important part of international world of designs.
History of French furniture
The journey of French furniture stared in Middle Ages where it was limited to rich people house and it ended up in people’s home after going through different changes of styles and designs.
- Middle Ages or Medieval Period (10th – 15th century)
During this time life was difficult for people. The furniture was huge and simple with hand carvings made of oak.
- Renaissance (1515-60)
The furniture during this period was inspired from Roman and Greek antiques that were unearthed. The craftsmen started making ornamental designs that gave birth to the classiness of French furniture.
- Louis XII (1560 -1643)
This period had influence of the north in them. Graceful rustic work with spiral and bead patterns and trestle legs were the main feature of this period. French country furniture era began during this time.
- Louis XIV (1643-1715)
This was the period of art and luxury. Heavy carvings with intricate designs on gold were the characteristics of the furnishings in this era.
- Regence (1715-23)
The style in this time was pretty and romantic. The carvings were mainly of flowers, shells and dragons. Canning and marble accents were introduced. This style is still prevails by antique lovers.
- Louis XV (1723-74)
More lavish ornamentation of furniture using extravagant wood veneers were prominent in this period.
- Louis XVI (1774-92)
In this style the feminine portion became strong with more floral patterns banded by geometrical trims.
- Directoire (1792-1804)
In this style the monarchy style subdued with less extravagant patterns and no marquetry. Egyptian motifs were introduced here.
- Empire (1804-14)
Heavy wood furniture with formal bold architectural designs was the style of Empire era. Marble tops with column and bronze work were popular.
- Restoration (1814-30)
This was the softer version of Empire style where ornamental designs came back and woods were lighter in lighter shades.
- Louis Phillipe (1830-48)
Mahogany and rosewood furniture in simple straight line designs were the feature of this style.
- Second Empire (1848-70)
In this style elements were taken from all the previous styles and the furniture industry became more mechanized.
This blog help you to understand everything about French Furniture. If you still want to know more then visit us and get additional information.
.png)