History of Country French Furniture

King Louis the XIV of France wanted France to become a style leader so he decided to renovate the Palace of Versailles during the 1600's. Louis XIV was known as the sun king because he was so popular in France.

His style revealed luxury and opulence.

 The furniture had intricate marquetry with heavy carving.

In 1804 Napoleon became Emperor of France when the economy was booming.  A New Aristocracy was forming with Napoleon leading the wealthy.  The Empire period began from 1804 to 1814.

Families were able to purchase furniture with wealth they accumulated.  Tea sets were apart of social gatherings with a lump of sugar for sweetness.  The Empire style was defined by architectural elements like columns and bronze work.  These pieces were made of heavy woods such as mahogany and ebony with dark finishes.


In 1814 Napoleon had too many military loses so they decided to restore the Monarchy.  The wealthy reinstated King Charles X.  The furniture became softer with lighter woods.  The art of marquetry returned with rosettes, garlands and flowers were carved into the wood.

In 1830 Louis Philippe became King of France from 1830 to 1848.  Craftsmen became apart of the industrial revolution and production increased of Country French Furniture.

Mahogany and rosewoods were the most common wood and marble tops made it functional.  It became popular in the bourgeois class.

French Country furniture doesn't refer to a period in French history but a way of life.  It draws upon the different influences of past.  The theme is relaxed sophisticated living.

Carved oak hutches displayed pottery and family dishes.

Fabric told a story with vivid colors.

Monet captured the beautiful countryside through his impressionistic paintings.