A Little Bit of History
France, renowned for its timeless elegance and sophistication, has established itself as a leading force in the realms of furniture design, style, and innovation. French furniture has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages, continuing to inspire and grace homes in the 21st century. Often synonymous with the lavish royal grandeur of the French monarchy, the term "French style furniture" evokes the opulence of the 17th and 18th centuries. These furniture styles evolved dramatically, spanning from the intricate Gothic influences of the medieval period to the refined elegance of the Directoire style, which flourished between 1795 and 1799.
French furniture design embraced a variety of influential styles throughout history. This includes the Renaissance period, marked by the arrival of Louis XIII furniture, and the Baroque era, which flourished under the reign of King Louis XIV. The Rococo era, renowned for its ornate beauty, emerged during King Louis XV's reign, followed by the Style Transition, when furniture and interiors began to undergo significant transformations. The Neoclassical period, exemplified by Louis XVI furniture, was defined by a return to the classical aesthetics of ancient Greece and Rome. These design movements evolved alongside the societal, political, and cultural changes that shaped France. Today, the enduring influence of Baroque and Rococo styles continues to impact contemporary interiors, particularly in Europe, where these opulent aesthetics remain highly popular.
French Wardrobes & Armoires
According to Stylish, the word "Armoire stems from the late-12th century old French word armarie, that originated from the Latin word armarium, or a place to store things". That being said, French wardrobes and armoires are iconic elements of French-style interiors, serving as timeless statement pieces. These French wardrobes & armoires are often cherished family heirlooms, passed down through generations, meticulously repaired and restored over the decades. Having witnessed history, they’ve endured wars, family milestones, and the passage of time. As a substantial, freestanding piece of furniture, a French wardrobe commands attention and requires ample space, often perfectly suited to period properties. Whether displayed in a master bedroom or guest room, it stands as a striking symbol of French elegance and craftsmanship - truly a showstopper in any home.
Take, for instance, our Amour 2-Door Mirror-Fronted French Armoire, the most beautiful French wardrobe for your bedroom or dressing room. Featuring elegant cabriole legs, influenced by the era of the iconic "chaise longue", and exquisite detailing hand-carved from solid mahogany and then hand painted in a fawn grey with ivory accents, it embodies the timeless charm of classic French furniture, making it the perfect wardrobe to elevate your space.
French Beds
What is a French bed? The term 'French bed' carries a rich history and artistic influence that sets it apart. Throughout the Renaissance, France and its rulers left an indelible mark on the arts, design, and furniture styles, including the iconic French beds. With each successive ruler, a unique style motif emerged, distinguishing their reign and shaping the era's aesthetics. Louis XIV’s focus was opulence and excess.
The furniture in his Palais de Versailles was grand, bold, and lavishly decorated in gold details and rich fabrics such as velvet and silk. Our carefully designed Palais Royal Avenue Linen Upholstered French Bed has taken inspiration from the most decadent castles in the eighteenth century. The combination of deeply buttoned upholstery in a rich and exuberant cream, paired with the opulence of the gold carved framework would certainly have made King Louis XV proud!
French Dressers
During the Rococo era, women rose to greater prominence at court, significantly shaping the style and ambiance of the period. Known for its feminine and romantic aesthetic, Rococo was the era that birthed iconic designs such as the "chaise longue" and the elegant "cabriole legs," which can be seen on our Palais de Versailles Gold Gilt French Dresser, featured above. Amid this cultural shift, French dressers and decorative vanities became increasingly popular, often incorporating secret drawers and hidden compartments, blending beauty with practicality.
Our Palais de Versailles Gold Gilt French Dresser, looks like it comes straight from the Palais de Versailles, and reminds us of the plush opulence of 17th and 18th Century France. It has intricate carvings, rattan detailing and ornate crests on the top of each of the three mirrors. There are three drawers and the two side mirrors that pivot so you can position them to get the perfect angle to primp and preen to your hearts content, the perfect French furniture item you need in your Boudoir.
French Sofas
In modern interiors, the Rococo Revival trend is making a notable comeback. As highlighted in Country & Town House, Pinterest experts predicted many design trends for 2025, but it was the Rococo Revival that seemed to lag behind - until now. As winter fades, this exquisitely ornate and frilly aesthetic is poised to finally make its grand entrance into the world of interiors. Following this trend, is our Palais de Versailles Damask Sofa, which is the epitome of this bygone era of grandeur and extravagance; hand-carved French cabriole legs, antique gilding and exquisite damask silk lend themselves to this stylishly regal piece. These French sofas are classic French furniture pieces are undeniably striking additions to any French-style bedroom set, infusing your home with a sense of regal elegance.
French Bedside Cabinets
French bedside cabinets are a testament to the timeless versatility of design, offering a wide array of styles to suit any interior. From the luxurious Baroque-inspired elegance of our Palais Royal 2-Drawer French Bedside Cabinet to the understated charm of the Gustavian style, exemplified by our Gustavian Dark French Bedside Cabinet, there’s a piece to match every aesthetic.
Recently, earthy tones and rich dark woods have seen a resurgence, alongside a renewed interest in Gustavian furniture. Originating as a Swedish interpretation of French neoclassical style, Gustavian furniture gained prominence after King Gustav III’s visit to Versailles in 1771, where he was so enchanted by French design that he sought to bring a taste of Paris to Stockholm, creating what we now know as the ‘Paris of the North.’ With the growing popularity of both dark woods and Gustavian influences, this French bedside cabinet is a classic French furniture piece to have in your home, effortlessly blending these two elements, and offering a piece that is both timeless and contemporary. To learn more about Gustavian furniture, click here.
Your Perfect French Furniture Piece
French furniture offers a wide array of pieces in various styles, each representing different decades of the French furniture timeline. Timeless, classic, and versatile, French furniture can easily enhance any room in your home - feel free to move these beautiful pieces around to bring style and elegance to every corner. Consider adding accent lighting to highlight the intricate details of your French furniture, such as its embroidery or carvings. Whether you favour the ornate charm of the Rococo era, the refined simplicity of Gustavian design, or the understated elegance of the Neoclassical period, we offer a vast selection of styles to suit your preferences. Explore our French furniture collection to find the perfect pieces for your home.
