HISTORY OF FRENCH FURNITURE
For all those people out there who, just like me, feel passionate about French furniture, here is an interesting summary of French furniture history. This may help you choose the perfect French furniture item! Have a read and enjoy it!
1300 -1500 - Medieval Style
Furniture from this period is often described as “Gothic”. This is an obscure period dominated by rectangular shaped furniture, heavily carved, and made of solid oak.
1500 -1610 - Renaissance Style
During this period, furniture is still heavily carved, with the introduction of pillars and columns framing the furniture pieces. This period includes the Reign of Henri III (1547 – 1559).
1610 - 1643 - Louis XIII Style
During the reign of Louis XIII, craftsmen started the use of turned wood to form legs, stretchers and decorative columns, as well as mouldings, especially in diamond shaped patterns. The period saw the introduction of the French armoire, which took over from general chests of drawers.
1643-1715 - Louis XIV Style - BAROQUE
Louis XIV – “le Roi Soleil” – ruled from 1643 to 1715, the longest reign of any European monarch. Also known as ‘Le Grand Monarque’, he declared himself the Church and the State.
The reign of the French king Louis XIV commences what I would call the start of 'elegant' furniture design in France. French furniture became more refined in design, less bulky, with a lot more emphasis on flowing, symmetrical design. Louis XIV saw the birth of Baroque style. The Versailles Palace was decorated in a strong, dramatic and exuberant style echoing the king’s strong leadership in a period of war and colonial empire building. The French classical Baroque style was grand and impressive, a symbol of the king’s power.
1715-1723 - Regency Style
When Louis XIV died in 1715, his five year old great-grandson, whose parents and brother had passed away, became Louis XV. As he was too young to take the throne, his uncle Philippe, the Duke of Orleans, was appointed Regent until the king attained legal majority in 1723. The transitional period between the opulent baroque period and the less formal rococo era of Louis XV became known as French Regence (or Regency).
The Regency style is very much a transitory period in which pieces from the Louis XIV period were transformed by the use of bronze fittings rather than reinvented. This period refined Louis XIV designs to be more practical and comfortable for every day use. The Duke of Orleans introduced an era of lighter, more graceful French furniture. The beginnings of the Louis XV style start here, with the flowing curves, scallop shell and acanthus leaf we associate with the Louis XV Rococo style becoming prominent.
1723-1774 – Louis XV Style - ROCOCO
Regarded by many as the Golden Age of French furniture, Louis XV’s reign was a time of peace and prosperity, and soon became one of the greatest periods in French furniture design: Rococo style. It was frivolous and decadent, just like the King Louis XV and his official mistress Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, also known as Madame de Pompadour. The Parisian aristocracy embraced new furniture items, such as the chaise longue and the “bergere chair”. Frames were usually gilded or painted. The rococo style featured love, music and nature-inspired motifs and themes, including shells, waves, birds, foliage, vines, flowers, seaweed, rocks and serpents, along with nymphs and cherubs, plus farming motifs like corn and wheat. Ribbons with streamers and hearts were also fashionable.
Towards the end of the Louis XV period, French furniture became perhaps too decadently rococo, with curves everywhere, no symmetry and lavish decoration.
1774-1789 – Louis XVI Style – NEO-CLASSICAL
Rococo began to be considered frivolous and a classical revival was inspired by the discovery of Pompeii in 1748 – the resulting style became known as neo-classicism or the classical revival. Designers also looked back to the more architectural French furniture of the Louis XIV period.
Curves were replaced with crisp, clean straight lines, but with fabulously carved detail running the length of the piece. Corners of tables and cabinets were square instead of rounded, legs were straight. Commodes and bookcases took on more angular forms.
Oak was used widely for solid carvings and carcasses, walnut, ash and burled walnut was used for seating. Mahogany also became popular during this period and can be used both as a carcass wood for painted pieces and as a veneer. Ebony and satinwood was also often used during this period. Gilded wood became popular again, and was used for ceremonial chairs and mirrors.
Bows, sashes, garlands and floral bouquets were popular adornments.
1789-1804 – Directoire Style
This style of French furniture takes its name from one of the elected groups that held office after the French Revolution in 1789. Monarchy officially ended in 1789 and in 1793 Louis XVI was executed by guillotine.
Directoire style was mainly a continuation of the Louis XVI, although designs became simplified and austere. It represented a break away from the lavish royal styles of the past. Geometric patterns were less extravagant and classical Greek themes became popular ornamental designs, with the sphynx, and Greek style tureens and medallions used. Painted furniture continued to be popular, often with highlighted features, and was generally constructed in beech.
1804-1815 – Empire Style
In 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor, ending years of political instability. The Empire period dawned. The economy was booming and a new “haute bourgeoisie” and aristocracy was forming.
Empire furniture is typically sombre and architectural. Bold symmetrical designs replaced ornate carvings and rounded romantic shapes. Designs were often defined by architectural elements such as columns and pilasters. Mahogany, rosewood and ebony were used, and marble tops were popular.
Classic Empire furniture pieces have bold, protruding circular columns either side of the piece of furniture, from beds, armoires, night stands, tables, they all carry this feature through, often adorned with bronze circular cartouches.
1815-1830 – Restoration Style and Charles X
Napoleon’s love of empire and conquest led to his downfall. He abdicated in 1814 following heavy military losses and defeat. The French restored the monarchy, reinstating Charles X. The royalty and aristocracy wanted to return to their previous luxurious Royal lifestyle. This marked a return to delicate, rounded forms, and fine decoration in furniture. At the same time the middle class was on the rise, reflecting growing prosperity and providing an increasing demand for furniture. The massive forms and geometric styling of Empire furniture continued, but the harsh contours became softer and a playful touch was added.
1830-1848 – Louis-Philippe Style
By 1830 Charles X "had fallen from favor and was overthrown during three days of fighting known as Les Trois Glorieuses". Louis Phillipe, Duke of Orleans, became France’s new leader. He managed both royalists to his right and radicals to the left, while sympathising with the bourgeois class. Until now furniture had been sold piece by piece. The Industrial Revolution brought new production processes, and craftsmen began to make furniture sets for the bedroom and dining room.
Although the period 'ends' in 1848, the form of the style continues into the Second Empire, and much of the furniture from that period is often referred to as being Louis-Philippe in style. "Lits bateaux" continue to develop and form the shape we now commonly refer to as “sleigh beds”. Many pieces take on a rounded shape as machine tools become widespread and allow easy and speedy execution of that shape, thus explaining why these pieces are more widely available and more affordable. Mirrors are developed, and the classic 'rounded corner' design becomes popular, and continues to be used for many years.
1848-1870 – Second Empire Style
This refers to the period in which Louis Napoleon, Bonaparte’s nephew, declared himself emperor as Napoleon III. Second Empire was very much a continuation of the Louis-Philippe style, but later in the period the influences of the Renaissance, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles become prevalent: An eclectic mix of styles were inspired by the past 500 years.
There was a move away from skilled handmade pieces to furniture created by mechanical process. French furniture was mass produced and affordable. Styles and processes from other countries were more accessible too.
1870-early 1900's
A continuation of the diverse range of styles from the Second Empire, this period typifies the French Belle Epoque, with large quantities of elaborate furniture being produced to satisfy the demand of this wealthy period in French history.
From around 1890 to 1920 the Art Nouveau movement was expressed in a range of art forms from furniture, architecture and interior design to posters, textiles, pottery and glass. This style was named after “La Maison de l’Art Nouveau”, a shop opened in Paris in 1896 by art dealer Siegfried Bing. Motifs were taken from sources as varied as Japanese prints and Gothic architecture creating thus a highly decorative style with fantastical elements. Art Nouveau was also used for interior design, Maxim’s Restaurant in Paris being the best example. Tiffany lamps illustrate Art Nouveau’s ornate flowing lines.
Sadly the French Belle Epoque came to an abrupt end with the outbreak of World War I.
Art Deco
Art Deco simplified the elaborate Nouveau style. Although the movement started around 1910, the term Art Deco was only used in 1925 at the Paris design exhibition. Shapes were elegant and sophisticated, featuring bold geometric designs. Interior designers experimented with exotic woods and new finishes and materials including metals, mother-of-pearl, ivory, wrought iron, unusual wood veneers, lacquers and plastics. Inspiration was taken from geometric forms, as well as motifs from ancient Egypt and the Empire and Louis XVI periods. As products became more mass-produced, the style became more geometrical and linear. The US took over from France as the spiritual centre of the movement. Art Deco declined in the 1930’s with the Second World War, but has enjoyed a revival since the 1960s.
Country French
Country French furniture style doesn’t refer to a historical period, but to a way of life. It draws from many eras, and represents relaxed country living. Designs are found in the country homes of Normandy and Provence. Large farm tables with ladder back chairs are typical of Country style.
We hope that this will help to inform and enhance your shopping experience with Ivory Pearl Interiors. With this article we try to cover the main characteristics of each period, but it’s important to understand that there was much overlapping of styles. French furniture designs changed and filtered through to the regions, sometimes not arriving until 50 years later. And although Paris was the epicenter of each style, the provinces had their own styles too, such as the Alsace style, characterised by ornately painted furniture.
1300 -1500 - Medieval Style
Furniture from this period is often described as “Gothic”. This is an obscure period dominated by rectangular shaped furniture, heavily carved, and made of solid oak.
1500 -1610 - Renaissance Style
During this period, furniture is still heavily carved, with the introduction of pillars and columns framing the furniture pieces. This period includes the Reign of Henri III (1547 – 1559).
1610 - 1643 - Louis XIII Style
During the reign of Louis XIII, craftsmen started the use of turned wood to form legs, stretchers and decorative columns, as well as mouldings, especially in diamond shaped patterns. The period saw the introduction of the French armoire, which took over from general chests of drawers.
1643-1715 - Louis XIV Style - BAROQUE
Louis XIV – “le Roi Soleil” – ruled from 1643 to 1715, the longest reign of any European monarch. Also known as ‘Le Grand Monarque’, he declared himself the Church and the State.
The reign of the French king Louis XIV commences what I would call the start of 'elegant' furniture design in France. French furniture became more refined in design, less bulky, with a lot more emphasis on flowing, symmetrical design. Louis XIV saw the birth of Baroque style. The Versailles Palace was decorated in a strong, dramatic and exuberant style echoing the king’s strong leadership in a period of war and colonial empire building. The French classical Baroque style was grand and impressive, a symbol of the king’s power.
1715-1723 - Regency Style
When Louis XIV died in 1715, his five year old great-grandson, whose parents and brother had passed away, became Louis XV. As he was too young to take the throne, his uncle Philippe, the Duke of Orleans, was appointed Regent until the king attained legal majority in 1723. The transitional period between the opulent baroque period and the less formal rococo era of Louis XV became known as French Regence (or Regency).
The Regency style is very much a transitory period in which pieces from the Louis XIV period were transformed by the use of bronze fittings rather than reinvented. This period refined Louis XIV designs to be more practical and comfortable for every day use. The Duke of Orleans introduced an era of lighter, more graceful French furniture. The beginnings of the Louis XV style start here, with the flowing curves, scallop shell and acanthus leaf we associate with the Louis XV Rococo style becoming prominent.
1723-1774 – Louis XV Style - ROCOCO
Regarded by many as the Golden Age of French furniture, Louis XV’s reign was a time of peace and prosperity, and soon became one of the greatest periods in French furniture design: Rococo style. It was frivolous and decadent, just like the King Louis XV and his official mistress Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, also known as Madame de Pompadour. The Parisian aristocracy embraced new furniture items, such as the chaise longue and the “bergere chair”. Frames were usually gilded or painted. The rococo style featured love, music and nature-inspired motifs and themes, including shells, waves, birds, foliage, vines, flowers, seaweed, rocks and serpents, along with nymphs and cherubs, plus farming motifs like corn and wheat. Ribbons with streamers and hearts were also fashionable.
Towards the end of the Louis XV period, French furniture became perhaps too decadently rococo, with curves everywhere, no symmetry and lavish decoration.
1774-1789 – Louis XVI Style – NEO-CLASSICAL
Rococo began to be considered frivolous and a classical revival was inspired by the discovery of Pompeii in 1748 – the resulting style became known as neo-classicism or the classical revival. Designers also looked back to the more architectural French furniture of the Louis XIV period.
Curves were replaced with crisp, clean straight lines, but with fabulously carved detail running the length of the piece. Corners of tables and cabinets were square instead of rounded, legs were straight. Commodes and bookcases took on more angular forms.
Oak was used widely for solid carvings and carcasses, walnut, ash and burled walnut was used for seating. Mahogany also became popular during this period and can be used both as a carcass wood for painted pieces and as a veneer. Ebony and satinwood was also often used during this period. Gilded wood became popular again, and was used for ceremonial chairs and mirrors.
Bows, sashes, garlands and floral bouquets were popular adornments.
1789-1804 – Directoire Style
This style of French furniture takes its name from one of the elected groups that held office after the French Revolution in 1789. Monarchy officially ended in 1789 and in 1793 Louis XVI was executed by guillotine.
Directoire style was mainly a continuation of the Louis XVI, although designs became simplified and austere. It represented a break away from the lavish royal styles of the past. Geometric patterns were less extravagant and classical Greek themes became popular ornamental designs, with the sphynx, and Greek style tureens and medallions used. Painted furniture continued to be popular, often with highlighted features, and was generally constructed in beech.
1804-1815 – Empire Style
In 1804 Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself emperor, ending years of political instability. The Empire period dawned. The economy was booming and a new “haute bourgeoisie” and aristocracy was forming.
Empire furniture is typically sombre and architectural. Bold symmetrical designs replaced ornate carvings and rounded romantic shapes. Designs were often defined by architectural elements such as columns and pilasters. Mahogany, rosewood and ebony were used, and marble tops were popular.
Classic Empire furniture pieces have bold, protruding circular columns either side of the piece of furniture, from beds, armoires, night stands, tables, they all carry this feature through, often adorned with bronze circular cartouches.
1815-1830 – Restoration Style and Charles X
Napoleon’s love of empire and conquest led to his downfall. He abdicated in 1814 following heavy military losses and defeat. The French restored the monarchy, reinstating Charles X. The royalty and aristocracy wanted to return to their previous luxurious Royal lifestyle. This marked a return to delicate, rounded forms, and fine decoration in furniture. At the same time the middle class was on the rise, reflecting growing prosperity and providing an increasing demand for furniture. The massive forms and geometric styling of Empire furniture continued, but the harsh contours became softer and a playful touch was added.
1830-1848 – Louis-Philippe Style
By 1830 Charles X "had fallen from favor and was overthrown during three days of fighting known as Les Trois Glorieuses". Louis Phillipe, Duke of Orleans, became France’s new leader. He managed both royalists to his right and radicals to the left, while sympathising with the bourgeois class. Until now furniture had been sold piece by piece. The Industrial Revolution brought new production processes, and craftsmen began to make furniture sets for the bedroom and dining room.
Although the period 'ends' in 1848, the form of the style continues into the Second Empire, and much of the furniture from that period is often referred to as being Louis-Philippe in style. "Lits bateaux" continue to develop and form the shape we now commonly refer to as “sleigh beds”. Many pieces take on a rounded shape as machine tools become widespread and allow easy and speedy execution of that shape, thus explaining why these pieces are more widely available and more affordable. Mirrors are developed, and the classic 'rounded corner' design becomes popular, and continues to be used for many years.
1848-1870 – Second Empire Style
This refers to the period in which Louis Napoleon, Bonaparte’s nephew, declared himself emperor as Napoleon III. Second Empire was very much a continuation of the Louis-Philippe style, but later in the period the influences of the Renaissance, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles become prevalent: An eclectic mix of styles were inspired by the past 500 years.
There was a move away from skilled handmade pieces to furniture created by mechanical process. French furniture was mass produced and affordable. Styles and processes from other countries were more accessible too.
1870-early 1900's
A continuation of the diverse range of styles from the Second Empire, this period typifies the French Belle Epoque, with large quantities of elaborate furniture being produced to satisfy the demand of this wealthy period in French history.
From around 1890 to 1920 the Art Nouveau movement was expressed in a range of art forms from furniture, architecture and interior design to posters, textiles, pottery and glass. This style was named after “La Maison de l’Art Nouveau”, a shop opened in Paris in 1896 by art dealer Siegfried Bing. Motifs were taken from sources as varied as Japanese prints and Gothic architecture creating thus a highly decorative style with fantastical elements. Art Nouveau was also used for interior design, Maxim’s Restaurant in Paris being the best example. Tiffany lamps illustrate Art Nouveau’s ornate flowing lines.
Sadly the French Belle Epoque came to an abrupt end with the outbreak of World War I.
Art Deco
Art Deco simplified the elaborate Nouveau style. Although the movement started around 1910, the term Art Deco was only used in 1925 at the Paris design exhibition. Shapes were elegant and sophisticated, featuring bold geometric designs. Interior designers experimented with exotic woods and new finishes and materials including metals, mother-of-pearl, ivory, wrought iron, unusual wood veneers, lacquers and plastics. Inspiration was taken from geometric forms, as well as motifs from ancient Egypt and the Empire and Louis XVI periods. As products became more mass-produced, the style became more geometrical and linear. The US took over from France as the spiritual centre of the movement. Art Deco declined in the 1930’s with the Second World War, but has enjoyed a revival since the 1960s.
Country French
Country French furniture style doesn’t refer to a historical period, but to a way of life. It draws from many eras, and represents relaxed country living. Designs are found in the country homes of Normandy and Provence. Large farm tables with ladder back chairs are typical of Country style.
We hope that this will help to inform and enhance your shopping experience with Ivory Pearl Interiors. With this article we try to cover the main characteristics of each period, but it’s important to understand that there was much overlapping of styles. French furniture designs changed and filtered through to the regions, sometimes not arriving until 50 years later. And although Paris was the epicenter of each style, the provinces had their own styles too, such as the Alsace style, characterised by ornately painted furniture.
Labels: French furniture
posted by The Ivory Pearl Team at
07:58
3 Comments:
A smart and eclectic mix of different French styles of French Armoire will turn your house into a stylish and comfortable home.
Nice blog. i appreciste it.
Congratulations, on your eloquent presentation of French style!
One can rarely see high quality content, particularly on specialised topics, offered for free. I particularly liked the aboundance of info about French furniture; clearly one of the dominating elements of French decor, over the span of centuries.
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