French Furniture Influenced From The Past
Sure, the French make some pretty nice wines and their cookery skills aren’t half bad either, but when it comes to their ornately decorated vintage furniture, few can compete. Here are a few facts:
- During the Gothic period, many a French home fell victim to burglary. Because of high crime rates, homeowners decided to thwart the burglars by installing heavy tapestries on the walls and used simple yet large benches, stools and chests to deter the thieves from carrying away their spoils – there were, after all, no such thing as a getaway car in those days.
- The antique furniture from the medieval years was made from French oak. People also carved religious themes on the furniture (perhaps in an attempt to dissuade the King from bringing home yet another mistress), much like the ones that can today be seen in cathedrals and churches all over Europe.
- 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.
- 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 Régence period, the era when Louis XV took the throne. That’s probably the most popular French furniture style. You can easily recognise these pieces by their bowed and round shape.
- 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.
