French Antique Furniture History Facts

Nothing compares with French art, food, wines and romance. This also applies to unique French interior decorating style. It’s amazing how French antique furniture can transform a room into a glamorous and opulent area. If you want to add some glamour and bring French history into your home, our advice to you is to decorate with one-of-a-kind French antique furniture pieces. What makes French antique furniture number one choice for many collectors, is the exquisite design and high quality. And above all, a rich history. Read few interesting French antique furniture history facts below.

• The French antique furniture designed in the Gothic period, reflected the needs of people at the time. Because of high crime rates, French people at the time were installing heavy tapestries on the walls and used simple yet large benches, stools and chests to ward off thieves.
• The antique furniture from the medieval years was made from heavy French oak. People also carved religious themes on the furniture, like the ones that can today be seen in cathedrals and churches all over Europe.
• The Renaissance period is mostly known for deeply carved antique furniture designs which reflected the Roman stability. The French craftsmen were making amazing buffets and cabinets that resembled the Roman and Greek coliseums and temples.
• During the reign of Louis XIII, the middle class became wealthier. As a result, the demand for luxurious furniture was significantly increased. It was in this period that people invented the new rustic interior decorating style. An example of that period is the well-known Os de Mouton chair. Such antique furniture piece can be found today in many well-known antique stores.
• Did you know that the French craftsmen started the production of luxurious antique furniture pieces during the reign of Louis XIV? The furniture from that period is known for its heavy carving, intricate marquetry and gold leaf decorations.
• If you like the French antique furniture with dragon and shells decorations, then you are a fan of the Regence period, the era when Louis XV took the throne. That’s probably the most popular French furniture style. You can easily recognize these pieces by their bowed and round shape. The chairs for example, were narrower and had deeper seats than the chairs made in the past.
• Sculptures of animals like dolphins and eagles were popular in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XVI. The chairs and tables from that period were made with ornately carved legs, trapezoidal seats and floral designs.