French antiques and furniture are highly coveted for their romantic, old-world style and grace. The rich upholstery complemented by ornate woodcarvings and regal designs are just some of the characteristics of the Parisian furniture style that was once produced for the French royalty. If you want to invoke the spirit of regality and elegance in your own home, you should consider decorating with French antiques and furniture. A significant number of French antique furniture styles date back to the 16th century. During this period of history, the reigning sovereign dictated the furniture style. As new monarchs came into power, new styles of furniture were created. The most important periods in the history of French furniture are the French Renaissance, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Regency, Louis XV, Louis XVI, Directory and French Empire. One of the things that makes French antique furniture so exquisite is the fact that the type of wood that was used is easily carved. In addition to the densely grained oaks that were native to the country, France's maritime industries brought back incredible equatorial woods, such as rosewood and mahogany. However, it was not just the wood that contributed to the furniture's splendor. Some of the glory is due to France's long tradition of craftsmanship. As far back as the 13th century, the Guilds of France had trained millions of skilled craftsmen who utilized centuries-old methods to produce sturdy furnishings with an artistic flair. The craftsmen had to endure an arduous, six-year apprenticeship before they were allowed to design on their own. French Country style has recently become quite popular. This rustic style is characterized by bright colors that contrast with rusted metal. Traditional French country style usually includes images of roosters, olives, sunflowers, grapes, lavender, and beetles. Any number of French antiques displaying any number of styles can be purchased for a wide range of prices. |
