What are some French furniture styles?

Some popular French furniture styles of the 19th century include Directoire, Empire and Restoration. The Regency style popular from 1715 to 1730 is also well known. Many styles share their names with the monarchs who ruled during the period. Examples include the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of French furniture.

What is French furniture called?

French furniture is usually just called French furniture in English. In French, someone might say "les meubles français," which translates directly to "French furniture." However, there are names for furniture styles inspired by the furniture produced in France. French Provincial is the name for pieces made in or inspired by craftsmen from the Loire Valley or in Lyon. Furniture produced in this style often shows off scalloped carvings and curving cabriole legs. French royal furniture is the general term for furnishings made for the monarchs of France or inspired by these pieces. An example is Louis XVI furniture, which often includes clean lines and carved details such as scrolls and acanthus flourishes that were inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. Find a wide variety of French furniture on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my French furniture is provincial?

To know if your French furniture is provincial, examine its decorative flourishes. Provincial furniture often showed off a white painted finish with gold gilt accents. Many pieces feature carvings depicting mythological subjects or floral motifs. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted French provincial furniture.

What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?

In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.

1840 French Furniture

Portrait King Charles

Antique French Marble Table

French Porcelain Vases With Flowers

French Faience Platters

Petit Jacob

Choisy Le Roi

1849 Painting

Paris Porcelain Basket

Category

Antique 1840s French Louis XVI Vases

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century Ormolu Mounted Baccarat Crystal Celeste Blue Opaline Vases

$43,920 / set

Algerian Street Scene – Moors, Kabyles, and a Moorish Woman with Child, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

refined mid-19th-century French works illustrating traditional costumes and cultural types from around the

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Algerian Street Scene – Moors, Kabyles, and a Moorish Woman with Child, c.1845

$284

South African Costumes – Hottentots, Sudanese Women, and Chief Moussaou, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Romantic ethnographic art in France. The composition portrays a vivid and idealized view of African

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

South African Costumes – Hottentots, Sudanese Women, and Chief Moussaou, c.1845

$284

Polynesian and Maori Figures – Inhabitants of Nuku Hiva New Zealand Canoe 1845

Located in Langweer, NL

exemplifies the 19th-century French fascination with the peoples and landscapes of the Pacific, rendered here

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Polynesian and Maori Figures – Inhabitants of Nuku Hiva New Zealand Canoe 1845

$343

Greek Costumes – Athenians and Palicars of Selléide, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

-colored lithograph, titled “Grèce – Europe,” originates from the 19th-century French publication Le Monde

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Greek Costumes – Athenians and Palicars of Selléide, c.1845

$284

Dutch Regional Costumes – North Holland and Zuyderzee Figures, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Hollande,” originates from the mid-19th-century French

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Dutch Regional Costumes – North Holland and Zuyderzee Figures, c.1845

$284

Indian Costumes – Bramin Couple, Bayadères and Nabob in Palanquin, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Costumes des Principaux Peuples de l’Univers*, a distinguished French ethnographic series published in

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Indian Costumes – Bramin Couple, Bayadères and Nabob in Palanquin, c.1845

$284

Javanese Court Scene – Musician, Dancer, and Sultan’s Guard, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

the allure and exoticism of the Javanese world through the lens of 19th-century French Romanticism

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Javanese Court Scene – Musician, Dancer, and Sultan’s Guard, c.1845

$307

Allegory of Human Dispersion – Antique Lithograph, Le Monde en Estampes, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

allegorical frontispiece to the French publication Le Monde en Estampes: Types et Costumes des Principaux

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Allegory of Human Dispersion – Antique Lithograph, Le Monde en Estampes, c.1845

$248

Original 1841 Watercolor of Knight on Horseback by Rémy Eugène Julièn

Located in Langweer, NL

admired in 19th-century France. Behind the leading figure, ghostly outlines of other knights appear

Category

Antique 1840s French Paintings

Materials

Paper

Original 1841 Watercolor of Knight on Horseback by Rémy Eugène Julièn

$1,053

German Regional Costumes – Bavarian and Saxon Figures, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

accompanying text by Élisabeth Müller. The series is a significant mid-19th-century French work portraying the

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

German Regional Costumes – Bavarian and Saxon Figures, c.1845

$284

Chinese Costumes – Mandarin, Tartar Lady and Musicians, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

de l’Univers*, a beautifully illustrated French work published in Paris circa 1845–1850 by Amédée

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Chinese Costumes – Mandarin, Tartar Lady and Musicians, c.1845

$284

Swedish and Norwegian Costumes – Peasants, Laplanders and Reindeer, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

, whose atelier was among the most accomplished lithographic studios in 19th-century France. Accompanied

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Swedish and Norwegian Costumes – Peasants, Laplanders and Reindeer, c.1845

$284

Swiss and Tyrolean Costumes – Fiancés of Fribourg and Tyrolean Figures, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Alpine communities—an idealized vision of pastoral life much admired in mid-19th-century France. The

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Swiss and Tyrolean Costumes – Fiancés of Fribourg and Tyrolean Figures, c.1845

$284

Italian Regional Costumes – Peasants of Rome and Abruzzo, Femme d’Ischia, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

detailed hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Italie,” comes from the celebrated French series Le

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Italian Regional Costumes – Peasants of Rome and Abruzzo, Femme d’Ischia, c.1845

$284

Spanish Dancers and Regional Costumes – Gitano and Valencian Figures, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Espagne,” originates from the mid-19th-century French series Le Monde

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Spanish Dancers and Regional Costumes – Gitano and Valencian Figures, c.1845

$284

Persian and Armenian Figures – Asia Minor and Khorasan Costumes, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

diversity of Persian life as imagined through mid-19th-century French eyes, balancing ethnographic

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Persian and Armenian Figures – Asia Minor and Khorasan Costumes, c.1845

$260

Mexican Street Scene – Ranchero, Cavalier, and Poblana Women, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

artistic and technical standards of mid-19th-century French ethnographic illustration, capturing the

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Mexican Street Scene – Ranchero, Cavalier, and Poblana Women, c.1845

$284

Russian and Finnish Costumes – Peasants and Nobility of St. Petersburg, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

en Estampes*, this print reflects France’s deep curiosity about the customs and peoples of the vast

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Russian and Finnish Costumes – Peasants and Nobility of St. Petersburg, c.1845

$284

Chevau-Léger Français, Napoleonic Guard Cavalry Officer on Horseback, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

hand-colored print depicts a Chevau-Léger Français, a light cavalryman of the French Imperial Guard

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Chevau-Léger Français, Napoleonic Guard Cavalry Officer on Horseback, 1843

$520

Pair of Oratory Vases in Paris Porcelain

Located in Paris, FR

Pair of oratory vases of the Louis-Philippe period in Paris porcelain with golden highlights and polychrome decoration in reserves of Elegantes representing two young women in a fore...

Category

Antique 1840s French Louis Philippe Vases

Materials

Gold

Pair of Oratory Vases in Paris Porcelain

$2,699 / set

Antique Hand Carved Bowl, Peasant Couple, Napoleon III., 1840s-1850s

Located in Greven, DE

Unique antique hand carved bowl made of wood. France, mid 19th century. The small bowl was used

Category

Antique 1840s French Napoleon III Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand Carved Bowl, Peasant Couple, Napoleon III., 1840s-1850s

$686

Officier de Chasseurs à Cheval, Garde Impériale – Napoleonic Cavalry Print 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

with plume, and ornate horse furniture all reflect the distinctive style of this celebrated regiment

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Officier de Chasseurs à Cheval, Garde Impériale – Napoleonic Cavalry Print 1843

$520

British and Scottish Costumes – Officers, Guards, and Sailors, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Title: British and Scottish Costumes – Officers, Guards, and Sailors, c.1845 Description: This fine hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Angleterre,” comes from *Le Monde en Es...

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

British and Scottish Costumes – Officers, Guards, and Sailors, c.1845

$284

Brazilian Market Scene – Poultry Seller and Maize Vendor, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Brazilian Market Scene – Poultry Seller and Maize Vendor, c.1845 This lively hand-colored lithograph, titled “Amérique du Sud – Brésil,” is from Le Monde en Estampes: Types et Costu...

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Brazilian Market Scene – Poultry Seller and Maize Vendor, c.1845

$284

Shipwreck Scene in Melanesia – Islanders Salvaging Wreckage, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Shipwreck Scene in Melanesia – Islanders Salvaging Wreckage, c.1845 This powerful hand-colored lithograph, titled “Océanie – Mélanésie,” is taken from Le Monde en Estampes: Types et...

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Shipwreck Scene in Melanesia – Islanders Salvaging Wreckage, c.1845

$260

Egyptian Street Scene – Fellahs, Soldiers, and Snake Charmers, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Title: Egyptian Street Scene – Fellahs, Soldiers, and Snake Charmers, c.1845 Description: This remarkable hand-colored lithograph, titled “Afrique – Égypte,” comes from Le Monde en ...

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Egyptian Street Scene – Fellahs, Soldiers, and Snake Charmers, c.1845

$284

Native American Camp Scene – Trapper and Buffalo Hunters, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Title: Native American Camp Scene – Trapper and Buffalo Hunters, c.1845 Description: This finely hand-colored lithograph, titled “Amérique du Nord – États-Unis,” originates from Le ...

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Native American Camp Scene – Trapper and Buffalo Hunters, c.1845

$307

Moldavian and Circassian Costumes – Peoples of the Danubian Provinces, c.1845

Located in Langweer, NL

Title: Moldavian and Circassian Costumes – Peoples of the Danubian Provinces, c.1845 Description: This exquisite hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Pr[ovinces] Danubiennes Ci...

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Moldavian and Circassian Costumes – Peoples of the Danubian Provinces, c.1845

$284

Republican General His Guide 1795, Napoleonic Era Military Uniform Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

turbulent years of the French Revolutionary Wars that directly preceded the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Republican General His Guide 1795, Napoleonic Era Military Uniform Print, 1843

$284

Napoleonic General of Division on Horseback, Bellangé, Military Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

Napoleonic General of Division on Horseback, Bellangé, French Military Print 1843 This finely hand

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleonic General of Division on Horseback, Bellangé, Military Print, 1843

$319

Hussar Cavalryman on Horseback, Napoleonic Military Print. Published in 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

Hussar Cavalryman on Horseback, Napoleonic Military Print, France 1809 This hand-coloured 19th

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Hussar Cavalryman on Horseback, Napoleonic Military Print. Published in 1843

$402

Garde d’Honneur, Imperial Guard Soldier, Hand-Colored Military Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

the detailed equipment and horse furniture reflect contemporary military regulations. The composition

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Garde d’Honneur, Imperial Guard Soldier, Hand-Colored Military Print, 1843

$284

Invalides Veteran of the Imperial Guard, Hand-Colored Military Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

hand-colored military print depicts an elderly veteran of the French Imperial Guard, titled “Invalides

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Invalides Veteran of the Imperial Guard, Hand-Colored Military Print, 1843

$201

Infanterie de Ligne 1808, Grenadier and Voltigeur, Napoleonic Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

-century engraving depicts two soldiers of the French line infantry in 1808, shown as a Grenadier and a

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Infanterie de Ligne 1808, Grenadier and Voltigeur, Napoleonic Print, 1843

$284

Napoleonic Gendarme d’Élite, Imperial Guard Cavalry, Hand-Coloured Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

horse equipment emphasize the exceptional status of this unit within the French military hierarchy. The

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleonic Gendarme d’Élite, Imperial Guard Cavalry, Hand-Coloured Print, 1843

$390

Napoleon Bonaparte Imperial Guard Cavalry Prints by Horace Vernet, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

Napoleon’s reign. Horace Vernet was the foremost French military painter of the 19th century and a direct

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleon Bonaparte Imperial Guard Cavalry Prints by Horace Vernet, 1843

$520 / set

Artillerie à Cheval, Imperial Guard Cavalry, Napoleonic Military Print 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

figure. The balance between clarity and atmosphere reflects the mature style associated with French

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Artillerie à Cheval, Imperial Guard Cavalry, Napoleonic Military Print 1843

$378

Imperial Guard Tirailleur and Voltigeur, Napoleonic Military Print, c1843

Located in Langweer, NL

illustration is after Horace Vernet, the most influential French military artist of his time and a leading

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Imperial Guard Tirailleur and Voltigeur, Napoleonic Military Print, c1843

$260

Train of Artillery and Foot Artillery, Napoleonic Military Print, Published 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

designs by Horace Vernet. Vernet was the leading French military artist of the 19th century and was

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Train of Artillery and Foot Artillery, Napoleonic Military Print, Published 1843

$272

Napoleon I Dragoon of the Imperial Guard on Horseback, Military Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

Napoleon I Dragoon of the Imperial Guard on Horseback, French Military Print This original 19th

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleon I Dragoon of the Imperial Guard on Horseback, Military Print, 1843

$402

Chasseur à Cheval, Napoleonic Light Cavalry, Hand-Colored Military Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

Title: Chasseur à Cheval, French Light Cavalry, Napoleonic Wars, 1812 – Bellangé, 1843 Description

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Chasseur à Cheval, Napoleonic Light Cavalry, Hand-Colored Military Print, 1843

$319

Imperial Guard Foot Artillery and Train, Napoleonic Military Print - 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

military artist of 19th-century France, celebrated for his authoritative depictions of Napoleonic campaigns

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Imperial Guard Foot Artillery and Train, Napoleonic Military Print - 1843

$343

Napoleonic Carabinier 1805, Imperial Guard Heavy Cavalry Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

-coloured 19th-century engraving depicts a Carabinier of the French heavy cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleonic Carabinier 1805, Imperial Guard Heavy Cavalry Print, 1843

$299

Napoleonic Mameluck of the Imperial Guard, hand-colored military print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

of Ottoman and French military traditions that defined this elite corps. The Mamelukes of the

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleonic Mameluck of the Imperial Guard, hand-colored military print, 1843

$520

Napoleonic Swiss Grenadier, Régiments Suisses 1812 – Imperial Guard Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

hand-colored military print depicts a grenadier of the Swiss regiments in French Imperial service

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleonic Swiss Grenadier, Régiments Suisses 1812 – Imperial Guard Print, 1843

$272

Napoleon I Imperial Guard Grenadier Drum Major and Line Infantry Drummer c1843

Located in Langweer, NL

surged across France and Europe. The Drum Major of the Imperial Guard is shown in full ceremonial

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleon I Imperial Guard Grenadier Drum Major and Line Infantry Drummer c1843

$295

Dutch Grenadier, Imperial Guard of Napoleon – 3rd Dutch Regiment, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

troops were formally absorbed into the French Imperial Army. Select Dutch units were elevated to the

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Dutch Grenadier, Imperial Guard of Napoleon – 3rd Dutch Regiment, 1843

$402

Napoleon Bonaparte, Allegorical Equestrian Monument – After Horace Vernet, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

foremost visual chronicler of Napoleonic history and one of the most influential French artists of the 19th

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleon Bonaparte, Allegorical Equestrian Monument – After Horace Vernet, 1843

$390

Chevau-Léger Lancer, Imperial Guard, Napoleonic Cavalry Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

history, cavalry imagery, and French military art. It also works exceptionally well as part of a matched

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Chevau-Léger Lancer, Imperial Guard, Napoleonic Cavalry Print, 1843

$402

Carabinier, Napoleonic Imperial Guard cavalry, hand-colored print, Paris 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

finely executed hand-colored print depicts a Carabinier of the French Imperial Guard cavalry, dated in

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Carabinier, Napoleonic Imperial Guard cavalry, hand-colored print, Paris 1843

$343

Napoleonic Imperial Guard Chasseurs à Pied Summer Uniform Print c.1843

Located in Langweer, NL

French core of Napoleon’s Guard and stands as a quintessential image of Imperial military prestige

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Napoleonic Imperial Guard Chasseurs à Pied Summer Uniform Print c.1843

$295

Legion Polonaise Infantry, Polish Uniform Print from the Napoleon I Era, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

-quality French military publications of the mid-19th century. The figures are animated and expressive

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Legion Polonaise Infantry, Polish Uniform Print from the Napoleon I Era, 1843

$213

Pupilles of the Imperial Guard, Napoleonic Military Uniform Print, Paris 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

historically evocative, this sheet is particularly appealing to collectors of Napoleonic history, French

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Pupilles of the Imperial Guard, Napoleonic Military Uniform Print, Paris 1843

$260

Polish Chevau-Légers Musicians, Imperial Guard, Napoleonic Uniforms 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

Napoleonic Marines, Garde Impériale, French Military Uniform Print, 1843 This finely hand-colored

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Polish Chevau-Légers Musicians, Imperial Guard, Napoleonic Uniforms 1843

$378

Polish Chevau-Léger of the Imperial Guard, Napoleonic Cavalry Print, 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

. Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: After Hippolyte Bellangé, France, published c. 1840s

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Polish Chevau-Léger of the Imperial Guard, Napoleonic Cavalry Print, 1843

$307

Chevau-Légers Lanciers, Imperial Guard Cavalry, Napoleon, Handcolored in 1843

Located in Langweer, NL

. Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: After Hippolyte Bellangé, France, published c. 1840s

Category

Antique 1840s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Chevau-Légers Lanciers, Imperial Guard Cavalry, Napoleon, Handcolored in 1843

$520

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1840 French Furniture For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal piece of 1840 French furniture for your home. Frequently made of wood, metal and stone, every item from our selection of 1840 French furniture was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the choice in our collection of 1840 French furniture you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each object in our assortment of 1840 French furniture bearing Neoclassical, Empire or Louis XVI hallmarks is very popular. A well-made option in this array of 1840 French furniture has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Royal Manufacture of Aubusson, Antoine Roux and Baccarat are consistently popular.

How Much is a 1840 French Furniture?

Prices for a piece of 1840 French furniture start at $69 and top out at $50,000 with the average selling for $4,245.

Questions About 1840 French Furniture

What are some French furniture styles?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Some popular French furniture styles of the 19th century include Directoire, Empire and Restoration. The Regency style popular from 1715 to 1730 is also well known. Many styles share their names with the monarchs who ruled during the period. Examples include the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of French furniture.
What is French furniture called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
French furniture is usually just called French furniture in English. In French, someone might say "les meubles français," which translates directly to "French furniture." However, there are names for furniture styles inspired by the furniture produced in France. French Provincial is the name for pieces made in or inspired by craftsmen from the Loire Valley or in Lyon. Furniture produced in this style often shows off scalloped carvings and curving cabriole legs. French royal furniture is the general term for furnishings made for the monarchs of France or inspired by these pieces. An example is Louis XVI furniture, which often includes clean lines and carved details such as scrolls and acanthus flourishes that were inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. Find a wide variety of French furniture on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my French furniture is provincial?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To know if your French furniture is provincial, examine its decorative flourishes. Provincial furniture often showed off a white painted finish with gold gilt accents. Many pieces feature carvings depicting mythological subjects or floral motifs. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted French provincial furniture.
What was the term in French furniture for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
In French, the term for a writing desk that often featured a drop-down writing surface is secretaire. This type of desk is called a secretary desk in English. Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments, which are called pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers, are revealed. On 1stDibs, shop antique secretary desks from some of the world's top sellers.