Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.
Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.
Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.
The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.
Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$335Sale Price|47% Off
French, 18th Century, Hand Forged Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered. H:30cm W:18,5cm D:19cm
Iron
Antique Silver plated France church candle sticks 1850s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice pair of Silver Plated Church candle sticks .France 1850s Triangle shaped base . with Three saints Jesus Maria and Josef.. normal wear ...
Silver Plate
$619Sale Price|44% Off
Antique French 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder, Circa 1700-1750
Located in Buisson, FR
Very old and beautiful hand forged iron candleholder. Amazing period piece with a very pure and rustic design. Despite of its high age this candleholder is still very strong. France...
Iron
17th/18th Century French Gothic Style Wrought Iron Candlestick with Fleur-de-lys
Located in Buisson, FR
Hand-forged in France between circa 1680 and 1750, this monumental wrought iron candlestick is executed in a powerful Gothic style. The design features a striking triangular frame ho...
Iron
Early 20th French Faience of Desvres Candlestick, a Pair
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th pair of French Faience Candlestick with the Rouen Decor, from the faiencerie of Desvres, signed on bottom Mosanic. Note : one chip on the top. See last picture. Dimens...
Faience
18th/19th Century European Pewter Baluster Candlesticks - Set of 3
Located in Buisson, FR
A harmonious ensemble of three antique pewter baluster candlesticks, dating to the 18th and early 19th century, circa 1760–1820. Ranging in height from 17 cm to 23 cm, this hand-cast...
Pewter
$994Sale Price / set|25% Off
18th Century French Pewter Baluster Candlesticks - Collection of 5
Located in Buisson, FR
A robust, characterful, and organically assembled collection of five 18th-century French pewter candlesticks, dating to circa 1750–1780. These pieces beautifully channel the authenti...
Pewter
$994Sale Price / set|25% Off
18th Century French Pewter Baluster Candlesticks - Collection of 5
Located in Buisson, FR
A characterful, organically assembled collection of five 18th-century French pewter candlesticks, dating to circa 1750–1780. These pieces beautifully capture the rustic atmosphere of...
Pewter
Large Provincial Copper Church Candlestick, France, ca. 1900
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1900 / Candlestick / copper / Rustic / French Provincial This very large and tall, characterful candlestick from France, dating to around 1900, embodies the charming simpl...
Copper
$2,558Sale Price|43% Off
Large Hand Forged Iron Candleholder, Gothic Style, France, Circa 1650
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful hand forged Iron candleholder in Gothic style. Although the Gothic period was already over this style stayed popular for a long time in the French country side. Very beaut...
Iron
French H B Quimper Faience Ceramic Candlesticks, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of French hand-painted Faience pottery candlesticks made by HB Quimper. Decorated in their Soleil Yellow pattern with a floral edge. The candlesticks are each embellished with...
Ceramic, Faience
18th Century European Pewter Baluster Candlesticks - Set of 3
Located in Buisson, FR
A harmonious ensemble of three antique pewter baluster candlesticks, dating to the 18th century, circa 1750–1780. Ranging in height from 18 cm to 24.5 cm, this hand-cast metalware gr...
Pewter
$994Sale Price / set|25% Off
18th Century French Pewter Baluster Candlesticks - Collection of 5
Located in Buisson, FR
A stunning, organically assembled collection of five 18th-century French pewter candlesticks, dating to circa 1750–1780. These pieces beautifully evoke the rustic atmosphere of early...
Pewter
Pair of Monumental 19th Century French Wood Church Altar Candlesticks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Exceptional pair of monumental 19th century French church altar candlesticks, standing almost four feet tall and featuring beautifully carved barley twist columns with an impressive ...
Wood
French antique Candlestick in bronze, 16th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This rare candlestick, crafted in France during the 16th century, exemplifies early French bronze craftsmanship. Its octagonal base and gracefully curved stem reveal the transition f...
Bronze
French Baroque Style Grey Painted Alter Candle Pillar Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Carved alter stand with fantastic paint and patina. Could be used with a pillar candle atop or just as is. Wonderful addition on a table or mantle in any formal or informal home seek...
Cement
Antique French candlestick in bronze, ca. 1890
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This refined candlestick was crafted in France around 1890, a period when bronze craftsmanship reached a high level of artistry in both domestic and ecclesiastical design. The piece ...
Bronze
French Provincial beautiful aged cast iron Candlesticks, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful, aged cast iron candlesticks from France, 1930s. Two solid iron bases decorated with floral and nature motifs. Perfect for atmospherically illuminating long summer evenings...
Iron
Robert Picault (1919–2000) Chamberstick, Vallauris, France, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Delightful hand-thrown ceramic chamberstick by Robert Picault, featuring his signature turquoise, brown, and white palette. The circular base and loop handle are decorated with Picau...
Ceramic
Large French Copper Candlestick with Bold Geometric Details
Located in Middleburg, VA
A superb example of late 18th-century French provincial metalwork! This large copper candlestick exudes sculptural presence and timeworn beauty. Hand-forged in Provence around 1780, ...
Metal, Copper, Tin
Pair of Sculptural Ceramic Candle Sticks
Located in Millbrook, NY
Pair of Pale Terracotta Handmade Sculptural Candleholders from South America. These candlesticks are hand built with a rustic yet modern sensibility. The rounded shaped footings give...
Clay, Terracotta
Candleholders Italian Tall Rococo Period 18th Century, Italy
Located in New York, NY
A pair of candleholders made during the Rococo period in Italy. Decorated with carvings and hand painted in silvery gold color and light coral red.
Wood
French 17th Century Candlestick
Located in Round Top, TX
A very beautiful 17th century Bougeoire - Candlestick from the South of France. Beautifully crafted from hand forged iron. Terrific patina. A perfect table top accessory.
Iron
Adjustable Iron Hand Forged Candlestick
Located in Water Mill, NY
Hand Forged Adjustable Iron Candlestick
Pair Of 18th Century Italian Candlesticks
Located in Ongar, GB
A lovely pair of 18th century Italian candlesticks made from carved wood. With layers of beautiful polychrome paint and traces of original gold gilding. Please contact us for a wor...
Wood
18th Century French Louis XIV Bronze Candlesticks or Candleholders
Located in Houston, TX
18th century French Louis XIV Bronze candlesticks or candleholders. Beautifully detailed rare pair of French Louis XIV bronze candleholde...
Bronze
$3,717
H 54 in W 13 in D 13 in
Early 18th Century Portuguese Carved Giltwood Church Torchère, Candleholder
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Tall early 18th century Portuguese gilt oak church torchère with deep foliate carvings on a tripod base. This torchère can easily be converted into a ...
Giltwood
Sticks Candle Holder by Campana Brothers
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Milan, IT
An abstract interpretation of crossed twigs, this candle holder poetically evokes the powerful dynamism of fire, with its three brass elements. Two diagonal pieces cross to support t...
Brass
$909
H 23.23 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Pair of Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Floor Candleholders with Leaf Motif, Sweden
Located in Hammarö, SE
A charming pair of handcrafted wrought iron floor candleholders, made in Sweden during the 1970s. Each candleholder features an elegant floral composition with individually forged le...
Metal
French 19th Century Wrought Iron Candleholder
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Tall five branch, wrought iron candelabra with tripod base. Floral and foliate motif. Twisted iron centre rod. Beautifully made. Very elegant.
$460Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6.875 in Dm 3.5 in
Pair Weighted Sterling Silver Fluted Candle Sticks/Holders
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-958 Pair fluted weighted sterling silver candle sticks Marked sterling on bottom with makers name.
Sterling Silver
18th Century Wrought Iron Candle Holder
Located in Allerum, SE
18th century Swedish folk art wrought iron Candle Holder. ca 1780 Sweden.
Wrought Iron
Antique Wrought Iron Torchere from Italy, 18th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This stately 18th century torchere from Italy has a pyramid shape at the top which has been hand-hammered and is removable (see photos). It holds...
Wrought Iron
$2,700 / set
H 17 in W 3.25 in D 3.25 in
Vintage French Brutalist Candle Holders, Hand Forged Iron, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage French pair of handsome brutalist iron candleholders hand forged and hammered with their original painted finish. These elegant and simple pair of candle sticks have perfec...
Metal, Wrought Iron
18th Century Folk Art Wood and Wrought Iron Candleholder
Located in Copenhagen, K
Adjustable wrought iron and wood candle holder with wood base and snipe nail.
Iron
Antique French Pinewood Candle Holders with Acanthus Décor, Circa 1840
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French pair of early 19th Century candle holders on tripod base, carved out of Pinewood with acanthus leaf décor. Original polychrome silver gold patina, in good condition...
Metal
Handmade Olive Branch Candle Holder from Provence
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this Olive Branch Candle Holder is a testament to the exquisite artisanship of Provence, France. Each piece, handmade, embodies the seren...
Metal
French Forged Iron Candleholder, 18th Century
Located in Warminster, GB
A forged iron candlestick of serpentine form. French, 18C. Stock ref. #3309 In good patinated order. H: 24 x W: 16 x D: 12 cm H: 9.4 x W: 6.3 x D: 4.7 "
Iron
19th Century French Pair of Candlesticks
Located in New Orleans, LA
This elegant pair of 19th-century French candlesticks is crafted from wood and features a tall, sculptural silhouette with a beautifully aged patina. Showcasing classic French crafts...
Wood
Sold
H 9.06 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
19th Century Wrought Iron "Rat de Cave" Candleholders, Normandy, set of 7
Located in Diest, BE
A rare and superb set of 7 rat de cave candleholders, hand-forged in wrought iron with wooden elements, Normandy, France, 18th century. Crafted by hand, featuring the traditional spi...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 8.08 in W 5.12 in D 4.34 in
Wrought Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder, 18th Century, Normandie, France
Located in Buisson, FR
Wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered.
Iron
18th century gilt wood altar candle stick pair
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
authentic age patina, worm holes to wood, created at a time where only one decorated side was suitable. French or Italian, mid 19th century, showing their age and charm. A stately pa...
Other
19th Century pair of wrought iron "Rat de cave" candleholders
Located in Diest, BE
A rare and exquisite pair of rat de cave candlesticks, hand-forged in wrought iron with wooden details, originating from Normandy, France, 19th century. Expertly crafted by hand, the...
Wrought Iron
French, 17/ 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Very old and beautiful hand forged iron candleholder. France, circa 1650-1750. Weathered.
Iron
Antique Hand Painted French Carved Giltwood & Floral Candlesticks - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of antique French hand painted carved wood candlesticks. Each is hand painted and depicts spray of flowers on a blue and gold background. Felt bottoms are in good shape.
Wood
Collection of 18th-19th Century French Pewter Candleholders
Located in Buisson, FR
Amazing collection of five pewter candlesticks. They are all different and unique, France, circa 1750-1850. Weathered, dented and small losses but these imperfections help authentica...
Pewter
French, 18th Century, Hand Forged Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered. H:22cm W:14cm D:16cm
Iron
Brass Push Up Candlesticks, French, 19th C.
Located in Ross, CA
Brass push up candlesticks made in France in the 19th century. The pushup feature is fully functional, the set is matching and well rounded at the base with no dents.
Brass
French 18th Century Hand Forged Iron Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Very old and beautiful hand forged iron candleholder. Amazing period piece with a very pure and rustic design. Despite of its high age this candleholder is still very strong. France...
Iron
French, 18th Century, Hand Forged Iron Rat De Cave Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wrought iron rat de cave candleholder, Normandie, France, 18th century. Weathered. H:24cm W:13cm D:12cm
Iron