The Periods of French Antique Furniture

The easiest way to discuss and classify French antiques is by the period in which they were produced. Between 1700 and 1900 there were eight significant periods. Each one of these are a bit different as styles and designs evolved through the years.

Regence
The Regence period in France lasted from 1715-1723, only eight years. Though the period wasn't long, it introduced a very new form of furniture making. Carpenters expanded from the heavy designs of previous periods and began to produce lighter furniture, both in stain and in weight. Foliage and mythological themes were often depicted in intricate carvings on the furniture.

Louis XV
From 1723-1774 the French were in the Louis XV period of history. Antiques from this period are easily identifiable because of the feminine lines and ornate carvings. This period continued to develop the rococo style that was famous in the Regence period. More comfortable Bergere chairs were introduced at this time, along with other pieces of more comfortable furniture.

Louis XVI
Lasting only 18 years between 1774 and 1792 the Louis XVI period brought back straight lines and more classical styles in furniture. Moldings took a back seat for more straightforward carvings, and instead of having rounded edges, most furniture returned to sharp edges. A fascination with the Oriental countries led to japanning on some expensive pieces of furniture.

Directoire
Lasting a bit over a decade, from 1793 to 1804 furniture from the Directoire period is a bit plainer than in previous periods. The revolution happening in France led to the incorporation of war like emblems like wreathes, along with the re-emergence of Grecian and Etruscian embellishments.

Empire
1804-1814 marked the Empire, or Napoleonic, stage in French furniture. The furniture of this period is unusually large but lacks the bright gold and colors of previous periods. This furniture is sometimes called somber, though the architectural designs were far from boring. Stemming from the invasion of Egypt, Egyptian motif began to creep into furniture designs, with sphinxes and the like.

Restoration
The Restoration/Charles period of furniture from 1814-1830 brought a more whimsical form of furniture to France. The nobles were returning to power and the opulence of that event is reflected in furniture of the period. Lighter woods were used and inlays became popular.

Louis Philippe
1830-1848 brought yet more change to French antique furniture. The biggest innovation of this period was the transition from selling individual pieces of furniture to selling sets of furniture. Bedroom, dining, and parlor sets with similar pieces were all very popular.

Second Empire
From 1848 to 1870 French furniture became an eclectic mix of styles from the past 500 years. Painted wood returned, and lighter woods were used. During this period it was popular to order reproductions from previous periods.

For more information about the different periods in French antique furniture, check out Hedley Shumpers.com.