Wednesday 1 June 2011

French Country Style Furniture

French country style furniture was traditionally used for a purpose, and not as a mere decoration. This style originated from the south of France, in a place called Provence. French country style furniture can be used to decorate your house with a style that is characterized by tasteful simplicity.

French Country Style Furniture

French country style furniture is essentially made without any adornments, using natural components, such as various types of wood and stone. Mostly, the painted furniture pieces are designed in natural colors, such as honey-brown, natural pine, light green and white. Subtle pattern detailing add an element of exquisiteness to the French country furniture. Normally, the furniture comprises wrought-iron doors, carved motifs, curved chair backs and beautiful cabinet lines. The carvings and patterns on the furniture are detailed with wheat, flowers and fruit which heighten the ambiance reflecting the spirit of the countryside.

Keeping its roots in mind, modern French country style furniture has limited adornments and uses natural colored paints.

Kitchen Furniture

The table is the most essential part of a French country kitchen. In the olden days, the farm workers would dine together in the kitchen. To accommodate the farm workers, the table used to be large enough to set six to twelve people together.

The French country style kitchen furniture, thus includes dining tables that are mostly simple in design. The top plank and the legs of the table are usually made of thick pine wood; while the platform base is left unadorned. Chairs are ordinarily made of wood, with caned seats. Cushions with provencal prints may be added as a finishing touch to the chairs. To accommodate more number of people, the tables may come along with benches. These are used as a part of the seating arrangement, along with the chairs.

To give a modern touch to your kitchen, you can include a carved, wooden cabinet, to hold your silverware, china or linen. However, in the olden days, French country style furniture did not include closets or cabinets. To help bring food to the table, a wooden cart with wheels, would serve the purpose for a modern kitchen. It can blend well with the country theme of the kitchen decor and can, also, serve as a sideboard.

Bedroom Furniture

A French country style bedroom generally has a tough bed with posts at the four corners. An armoire, which can be used as a closet, is part of this style. Most armoires are made of pine wood. Modern day homes can use it to keep a TV or a small fold-away computer station. It can also be used to keep beautiful, colored linens and towels.

Upholstery

Minimal pieces of upholstery are used. Ordinarily, the sofas, chairs and the large benches have carved wooden frames and legs with colorful upholstered seats, arms and backs. The colors of a French country style furniture manifests the sun, sea and flowers. The commonly used colors are pale purple, goldenrod, deep rust and purplish blue.

French country style antique furniture, is found both in the US and Europe at auctions and estate sales. Modern pieces of the furniture may lack the historical effect and lovely appeal of the older pieces, but the harmonious quality still remains. This furniture is crafted, both for durability and style. Nowadays, there are skilled craftsmen who use solid hardwood to ensure that the beauty of the furniture is retained. If you wish to add the French country style furnishing in your bedroom, living room or kitchen, you will find a comfortable and affordable piece in most stores. However, sufficient care should be taken, while adding a new piece of furniture. Make sure that it complements the overall style and maintains the archaic elegance.

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