Welcome to Davlins Interiors information page.

Here you will be able to find out how to tell the French furniture designs from different periods in French history and choose your favourite.

History of French Furniture.

French furniture comprises both sophisticated furniture made in Paris for King, aristocrats and the rich bourgeoisie, French Provincial furniture made in provincial cities and towns such as Lyon retained cultural identities, there was also an artisan tradition making French Country furniture. The Parisian lifestyle eminates from their homes where furnishings, arts and decor span centuries, the distinctive look of periods and styles from french furniture history, here you will see the styles and periods you love.

Provincial Furniture.

Provincial furniture was made in provincial areas such as Blois and Orleans in the Loire Valley and at Lyon or Liege they followed slowly the exciting new furniture designs that had started in the luxury trades of Paris.

Louis XIII 1560-1643.

During Louis XIII reign the french middle classes became a lot wealthier and the growing demand for beautiful furniture led to many Italian craftsmen settling in France, many of these settlers did not live in Paris hence the French Country Furniture era began. Rustic pieces reflected Parisian styles but were made for a more relaxed country lifestyle, the most famous invention from this period is the Os-de-Mouton chair, the curved shape of the chair legs was based on the legs of a lamb, hence the name.

Louis XIV 1643-1715.

Louis XIV was the most celebrated King of France, he had built The Palace Of Versailles which stands as a testament to his love of the arts. The Louis XIV style is of exquisite luxury and opulence furniture is characterised by intricate merquetry, gold leaf and ornate carvings of lions and sea shells.

Regence 1715-1723.

This period in the history of france is named from a different era of Regency rule during this short time french craftsmen were not as strict as with the classical look of Louis XIV and looked further afield for inspiration. Regence style was inspired by flowers, sea shells and dragons from the Orient, shapes became bowed rounded (known as bombe today) chairs became narrower with deeper seats eg- Regence, Bergere and Chateau were born romantic pretty styles became popular throughout Europe.

Louis XV 1723-1774.

During Louis XV reign women became more powerful as a result furniture took on feminine characteristics such as hidden compartments and secret drawers.Louis XV furniture had heavy ornate carvings made even more lavish with the use of veneers, marquetry, laquers and hand painted items.

Louis XVI 1774-1792.

This period is known as Neo-Classicism it introduces geometric trims and oval medallions new feminine dainty writing desks with exquisite carved legs and chairs were designed with floral vases.

Directoire 1793-1804.

Directoire style reflects a much more subdued style of furniture less extravagant this is when grecian urns and Egyptian motifs emerged, furniture sometimes reflected carvings of sphinxes in the bronze detailing.

Empire 1804-1814.

In 1804 the Empire period Napoleon I, became Emperor of France the economy boomed and a new aristocracy was forming. Napoleons new Haute Bourgeois court was known for its' extravagance, gone were delicate carvings and round romantic shapes, bold and formal Empire style was defined by columns, pilasters and bronze elements. Dark woods such as mahogany and ebony were used with marble surfaces Napoleonic symbols such as the bee and a large N were used.

Charles X and Restoration 1814-1830.

Napoleons love of empire and conquest would eventually lead to his downfall in 1814, the wealthy noble class many who left France after the French Revolution returned and reinstated King Charles X, they also tried to recapture the comforts and beauty of their former lives. Furniture and decor became a softer version of the Empire style. Craftsmen used geometry of the period but added a touch of fantasy, musical instruments were carved into table legs, woods were lighter both in colour and density with delicate carved detailing of flowers, garlands and rosettes.

Louis Phillipe 1830-1848.

Up to now furniture was sold piece by piece as craftsmen embraced the industrial revolution increased production meant furniture sets were made for bedrooms (Armoires) and dining rooms (buffet style sideboards). This style combined the best designs from past years incorporating Renaissance, Gothic, Louis XIII and Louis XV periods. Mahogany and rosewoods were used, furniture was very functional which made it popluar with the bourgeois class.

French Country.

French country furniture does not refer to a period in french history but to a way of life, drawing from many periods particularly Louis XV, Louis XVI, Regence, Directoire and Louis Phillipe. French country furniture epitimises relaxed sophisicated living, designs are found in french country homes throughout Normandy, Provence and Bordeaux, farmhouse tables, chairs, sideboards and armoires. French country is mixing styles to suit comfort, warmth, luxury and a relaxed way of living but in fabulous style, for dining rooms: place oak dining tables with white painted chairs and dressers. For bedrooms: place armoires, carved beds, bedside tables and crisp white linen.

French Style.

To create a French style interior with a modern twist add french antique reproduction furniture in black, cream or white, ornate vintage style table lamps, chandeliers.

Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic is a form of interior design incorporating furniture and home accessories which are chosen with a distressed finish to give an authentic antique aged effect. Add floral and vintage soft furnishings, country cottage accessories for a relaxed but stylish home interior.

Shabby chic items are often painted with many layers then sanded in certain areas to show each layer of paint even a little of the original wood, Fabrics tend to be cotton and linen, linen being very popular inspired by antique French linens.

The most impressive shabby chic accessory has to be vintage style and antique style painted furniture which has become very sought after in recent years as a popular decorating trend, including very ornate French antique reproduction furniture.

Shabby chic is a soft, feminine, relaxed and romantic look alco known as cottage style very comfortable and inviting way of decorating your home, add fresh flowers anything embelished with roses, shabby chic has no paticular must do style so, create your own unique look, combine fabrics with checks, stripes and florals to achieve a warm and inviting look but keep the background colour neutral, creamy whites, soft greens and pale pinks.

Shabby chic is the perfect child friendly decor, if you are looking for decorating inspiration for a family friendly home then shabby chic is perfect, there is no better style to cope with the wear and tear of family life, browse around antique shops, second hand shops you are sure to find vintage lace tablecloths and quirky accessories to make your house a home.