Authentic French designer furniture is unique and admired throughout the world. With its history spanning over a thousand years, it is no wonder that there are a number of different types of furniture made by French designers. Its styles are characterized by their durability, strength and style. They are also functional, which is important for a variety of reasons. Whether you are decorating a home or office, you will find a wide range of designs to suit your needs.
The Louis XV style is known for its curved wooden frames and gilded chairs. The motifs used in this style of furniture include the frog's legs on the chair legs and palmettes carved on the table legs and chair arms. This style is ideal for the interiors of modern Parisian apartments.
The Louis Philippe style is a less ambitious design. It was aimed at the new social class, which was created in the late 18th century and was more concerned with comfort and functionality. It incorporated more decorative techniques, such as mother of pearl inlay. It also became smaller. The settees and tables of this style were very comfortable, with a sloping top on a central support. It was also upholstered in off-white wool. It was made by artisans who were members of the renowned chairmaking dynasties.
The Rococo period began in 1720 and ended in 1755. During this time, furniture was made using curvy outlines and ornaments such as the cherub's wings. It was made from various materials including ivory, copper and cast iron. Inlay was also a popular detail. Many woods were used, including tulipwood, ebony and walnut.
In the early 1900s, a new style of French designer furniture called the Art Deco was developed. This style combined elements of both Art Nouveau and Modernism. It was a response to the battle between historicist and Neoclassical styles. The design of this style was oriented towards the luxury market, which led to the use of costly materials.
The French Provincial style of designer furniture was also popular in the mid-1700s. This style incorporated elements of classic French designer furniture, such as the gueridon and the settee. It was created by provincial makers in the Loire valley, Liege and Lyon. These artisans followed the designs of the best furniture artists in Paris.
The Second Empire of France, which followed the Napoleonic era, was an eclectic mix of styles, with Gothic revivals influencing the furnishings. The settee and the daybed (recamier) were both popular pieces. It was a common practice for designers to use a variety of materials to create a pattern on the case goods. This included the natural grain of the woods. It was also popular to use ivory and pewter in inlay.
In the post-Revolutionary period, furniture making began to decline. The crafts guilds were abolished and the government allowed freedom of production in all crafts. Despite this, there was not enough authority to force quality work. In the "free" districts of Paris, artisans were free to do their work.
