It could be said with very little doubt that French furniture, or at least French inspired furniture, has one of the best reputations for style than any other type in the world.

Although it would be hard , and too a little silly , to cast the whole history of French furniture into one category; there are of course historical designs and styles which stand out amongst the fodder; inspiring designers and furniture makers even to the present day.

Breaking down the barriers a little further, there are three main historical categories of French furniture:

  • Provincial furniture
  • Parisian furniture
  • French royal furniture

Though all three types have had significant influence on the world, with many fashions, trends and influences spawning from the country, it was of course the Renaissance period that gave birth to the beginnings of what we now know as "French furniture."

Interestingly all of this began when the Kingdom of France invaded Italy in 1494 during the Italian War of 1494-1498. Once within the borders of Italy, the French began to consume Italian paintings, furniture and the creative art of their Northern Italian counterparts.

Although the invaders were later forced to retreat, the influence of what they discovered in Italy would forever remain in the culture of France.

It wasn’t until the reign of Louis XIV however, that the tradition of French royal furniture really began to blossom. This occurred after the purchase of Manufacture royale des Gobelins in 1662, where furniture, tapestry and art would be manufactured under the watchful eye of Jean-Baptiste Colbert.

All styles of Royal furniture from 1662 through to 1710, would therefore fall within the reigns of Louis XIV - XVII and it would be during this era that simple items and modifications of everyday furniture would take place. For example, it was during this time when tables were designed for more than just one use; both the writing and gaming table came into fruition during this epoch.

Other notable attributes can also be linked to this era, including legs featuring beautifully carved claws and drawers being designed with heavy brass pulls; items that if we look carefully can be found all around us.

During the time of the Louis XV French furniture would find itself undergoing a change, with curved lines and asymmetry forming the rule in surface ornaments along with foliage, flowers and blossoms becoming popular decoration.

Exotic woods including Cheery wood also became popular during this time, along with the aspiration for secrecy; chairs, tables and chests all enjoyed secretive hiding spaces for a society which flirted with the temptation of mystery.

By 1754 through to 1793 with a little break in 1774, the period known as the neo classical style of furniture found itself in the mainstream of society. This was heavily brought about after the City of Pompeii was excavated; both capturing and captivating the imaginations of the French population with Roman columns, shields and straight legged furniture coming to the forefront of popular culture.

By the time of the French Revolution however, as expected, furniture designs became all the more simplified, with a few Egyptian elements being found in what was left of the large estates in the French countryside.

Despite the French monarchy being displaced by the revolution, giving rise to the First Republic and the House of Bonaparte, it is without doubt that their influence on furniture has continued to influence furniture to today.

In light of French Royal Furniture we also have a wide range of Louis French Solid Mahogany Bedroom Furniture, Louis French Ivory Painted Bedroom Furniture and Louis Silver Leaf Bedroom Furniture, all of which are beautifully inspired by the influential furniture of the French royal family.