A guide to French antique furniture

French furniture has a way of lifting a room — a little gilt, a graceful curve, a softly-faded paint finish, and suddenly everything feels more elegant. French decorative pieces are close to our heart, so here’s a short guide to the styles you’ll come across, and how to tell them apart.

Louis XV (rococo)

The most romantic of the French styles. Louis XV furniture is all about the curve — cabriole legs, serpentine fronts, floral marquetry and gilt-bronze (ormolu) mounts. There isn’t a straight line in sight. A Louis XV commode or bombé chest is the very picture of French elegance.

Louis XVI (neoclassical)

The pendulum swings back to order. Inspired by the rediscovery of ancient Rome, Louis XVI pieces are altogether straighter and calmer — tapered, fluted legs, symmetry, and restrained classical ornament. If Louis XV is a waltz, Louis XVI is a graceful bow.

Empire

The grand style of Napoleon’s France: bold, architectural and imperial, in dark mahogany with gilt mounts, columns, and classical motifs like laurel wreaths and sphinxes. A statement style for a room that can carry it.

Provincial and painted French pieces

Away from the palaces, French country furniture — the provincial style — has an easy, timeless charm: cherrywood farmhouse tables, curvaceous buffets, and pieces in gently worn, chalky paint. This is the relaxed, liveable side of French antiques, and it sits beautifully in a modern home.

Words worth knowing

• Ormolu — gilded bronze mounts, the jewellery of French furniture.
• Marquetry — decorative pictures and patterns made from inlaid veneers.
• Bombé — an outward-swelling, curved front.
• Fauteuil — an open-armed upholstered armchair.
• Commode — a low chest of drawers, often highly decorative.

French decorative furniture and mirrors are a mainstay of what we do — take a look atwhat’s in stock, or read aboutdecorating your home with antiques. And if you’re hunting for a particular French piece, tell us and we’ll keep an eye out.