French Country Furniture
Country French furniture 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 court of Versailles and the three king Louis'.
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 became more feminine and influenced by Louis' mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Soft pastels were much loved by the beautiful mistress, including damasks and velvets, along with curvy furniture made for comfort, as hospitality and entertaining were supreme 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). 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 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. French Country furniture was more practical, pared down and less ornate, but still had tremendous style and flair. Even the ladder back dining room chair, simple in design with its rush seating, still has an elegance about it. The surrounding forests supplied ample timber for artisans who were apprenticed for 6-8 years, resulting in skilled craftsmanship and quality pieces 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. Take a look at a few authentic French armoires like the fine pieces seen below at oldplank.com Antique Furniture
Designed to fit into the country home, from seating to storage and often used in any room, French country furniture is timeless, with some pieces still being made today. Think of the typically French Armoire, which can be used in any room from bedroom, to kitchen, to living room. French Country furniture is chosen with care in the French country home and never looks as though it’s just been placed there, for lack of a better place. The French know how to arrange furniture giving the impression it's been there forever, serving a particular function. Their antique French Country furniture is always functional and used in a relaxed way. Mixing heirloom antiques with new furniture is what they do best, and there will be no barrier between the two. Groupings will purposely be mismatched as not to define any particular period or style. Personal note: The magic of French Country lies in the mixing and matching and this is why I find it so appealing. Because all antiques are functional and used in a relaxed manner, blending in with new pieces, the style does not feel ‘antique’ like some traditional styles do. 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 which I found on Amazon.
Country French furniture is a casual style with a subtle crossover - where the beauty and simplicity of rustic France meets the refined living of the French chateau.
French country accessories
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