French Country Furniture and its Origin

French Country Furniture exemplifies relaxed yet sophisticated living, referring to a lifestyle rather than a specific period in French history. The style is a mix of antiques drawing from different periods, but mainly from the 18th century when country french furniture design was strongly influenced by the courts of Versailles and the three king Louis'.

Let's take a brief look at the various furniture designs during the reign of the three kings between 1643 and 1789 to give an overview of the style.

During the reign of Louis the XIV (1643-1715), known as the Baroque period, the court of Versailles started setting the style for all Europe, and France's golden age of culture and enlightment was born. Furniture was very masculine, often large, elaborately carved, gilded and decorated.

Following was Louis XV (1715-1774), known today as the Rococo period. Furniture and interiors were influenced by Louis' mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Salons were softened with fabrics and rounded furniture as it became fashionable to recline rather than sit bolt upright in a chair. Wood and paneling was lightened with gold embellishments which reflected in mirrors and chandeliers.

Soft pastels were much loved by the beautiful mistress, including damasks and velvets, along with curvy furniture made for comfort, as hospitality and entertaining was of supreme importance to her.

The Rococo period is the most popular today due to its easy style and charm, translating well into modern day interiors.

The last reigning king of pre-revolutionary France was Louis XVI (1774-1789). Known today known as the Neoclassical period, furniture from this era is very symmetrical with scaled proportions and geometrical trims. Styles were also influenced by the popularity of Greco-Roman antiquities due to the discovery of the ancient city of Pompei.

The roosters and farm animals, whimsical motifs and functional French country furniture with rough finishes, date back to the more primitive time of King Louis XIII and the peasant farmers in Provence and rural France. Life for them was far simpler and more difficult compared to their affluent countrymen up north closer to the capital of Paris. When France's Golden Age arrived in the 18th century, the rural peasant farmer's lifestyle remained relatively unchanged, even after the revolution in 1789.

During France's golden era the country towns up north thrived on the commerce of the local industries, resulting in a new up-and-coming wealthier middle class.

It was therefore inevitable that chateau style living would eventually filter down to the middle class - it was here where the pared down furniture of the country would meet the fine embellishments of the chateau.

When furniture seen in Paris was copied by local craftsmen in the rural Provinces of France, mainly Normandy and Bordeaux, a unique and honest country style developed.

Country French furniture was more practical, pared down and less ornate, but still had tremendous style and flair. The ladder back dining room chair is a good example. Although simple in design with its rush seating, it still has a certain air of elegance about it.

The surrounding forests supplied ample timber for artisans who were apprenticed for 6-8 years, resulting in skilled craftsmanship and quality French Country furniture being produced. Included were ladder back chairs, large farm tables, sideboards, carved oak hutches and armoires.

Furniture from woods like beech, walnut, fruit tree and oak were either left natural, in comparison to the highly polished imported mahogany pieces of Paris, or completed in a soft satin finish. Other pieces were either painted in soft pastel colors with stencil motives, limed or color washed.

Designed to fit into the country home, from seating to storage, French country furniture is timeless and just as popular today as it was in the past. Today classic pieces are still being produced by skilled craftsmen in France using the same techniques passed down from generations before.

Many French Country furniture pieces are quite versatile and can be used for various functions in the home. Think of the iconic French Armoire, which can be used in any room from the bedroom, to kitchen and living room.

In the French country home furniture is chosen with care and never looks as though it has just been placed there, for lack of a better place. The French know how to arrange furniture, giving the impression it's been standing there forever serving its particular function.

Their antique furniture pieces are always functional and used in a relaxed way. Mixing heirloom antiques with new furniture is what they do best, and there is no barrier between the two. Groupings are purposely mismatched as not to define any particular period or style.

The magic of French Country lies in the mixing and matching and this is what makes the style so appealing and versatile. Because all antiques are functional, used in a relaxed manner and blended in with new pieces, the style does not feel 'antique' like some traditional styles do, allowing one to create a modern twist as well as a traditional look.

Today one can find good French Country reproduction furniture, which may not have the history, but will still give just as much pleasure.

You can take a look at some fine examples here as seen in the image below.

Or scroll through the collection of antiques and reproduction furniture resources page for online stores where you can browse for some ideas.

Creating the Look with French Country Furniture:

Number one on the list is definitely an Armoire - this spells French Country furniture more than any other piece.
Simplistic furniture with good lines and curvy, or sensuous legs. Don't go too ornate though.
Mix old and new.
Lightly distressed furniture gives a 'gently worn with time' look.
Keep a sense of harmony and scale.

Tip:

It's easier to mix and match with a neutral palette. Use French Country painted furniture in soft chalky colors or color washed. This way you could still include other pieces in their natural wood state and introduce more color with accessories. This is where the 'feel' of French Country comes in to play more than rules.
If painting furniture to create a French Country look, don't paint in a glossy finish but rather a matt sheen or eggshell finish.

You may also be interested in the origin of:

French country accessories
French country fabrics
French country walls and floors
French country colors

You may also want to see how to use Country French furniture in the Kitchen, Living Room and Bedroom.