Country French Style Furniture

From LoveToKnow Interior Design
Country French style furniture, unlike its Parisian counterpart, reflects the practical provincial lifestyle. Traditionally, outside of the major cities, French furniture was used for a purpose, not merely as decoration. Furniture was made of the elements and woods at hand, such as pine and stone, with little adornment. Modern French country furniture pays tribute to these roots in its simple lines, limited adornments, and natural-colored stains and paint.

Country French Style Furniture in the Kitchen

The centerpiece of any French country kitchen is the table. Originally made to accommodate the farm workers who would dine together in the farmhouse's kitchen, a traditional French country-style dining table seats from six to twelve persons. French country tables are generally of simple design, usually a thick wooden (made often made of pine) plank atop straight legs or unadorned platforms. Chairs are usually made of wood with caned seats, sometimes topped with cushions made of colorful Provencal prints. Benches may also be used to accompany the table.

Other kitchen furniture might include a carved wooden cabinet for china, linens, and silverware. (Remember, French farmhouses generally did not have any cabinets or closets.) A wheeled, wooden cart might also be added, useful for bringing food to the table or to act as a sideboard.

Bedroom Furniture

French country bedroom furniture, again, relies of the basics. A sturdy four-poster bed is required as is a large (usually pine) armorire, to be used as a closet. Small bedside tables can also be added. In modern houses (with lots of closet space), the armorire can function as a TV/entertainment center or even a small, fold-away computer station. Another interesting use for a French country armoire is in a hall outside the bedrooms and bath, filled with plush, colorful towels and linens.

Upholstered Furniture

French country-style uses upholstered pieces sparingly. Often the chairs, settees, and sofas have carved wooden frames and legs with colorful upholstered seats, arms, and backs. Upholstery fabrics and colors reflect the sun, sea, and fields of flowers found in the south of France. Lavender, goldenrod, deep rust, and azure blue are commonly used.

The Design is in the Details

Subtle design details add interest to French country furniture. Commonly-used elements are wrought-iron door and drawer hardware, curved chairbacks and cabinet lines, and carved raised motifs, depicting such things as wheat, flowers, and fruit -- the bounty of the countryside.

Most country French style furniture is stained a natural color, such as honey brown or light natural pine. Some painted pieces, particularly in light green hues and white are also frequently found.

Where to Buy Country French Style Furniture

Authentic French country furniture can be found in antique stores, both in the US and in Europe, at auctions and estate sales, and via online French country furniture sites, such as Pierre Deux. Previously owned French country pieces are also frequently offered on eBay and similar Internet auction sites.

Modern versions of French Country classics can be found from a variety of US manufacturers. For example, Ethan Allen has a new French country line, featuring armories, large kitchen and dining tables, caned chairs, and romantic four-poster beds. New pieces may lack the history and charm of older pieces, but the quality is consistent and the prices are often less expensive.



 


Comments

I like !!!!!!

-- Contributed by: Gessi Harrell

I like !!!!!!

-- Contributed by: Gessi Harrell

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