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 is 1950s furniture called?

1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.

Were pearls popular in the 1950s?

Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What watches were popular in 1950s?

Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.

What was the clothing style in the 1950s?

The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.

What diamond cuts were popular in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.

How much was a Chanel bag in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.

What were the popular diamond cuts in the 1950s?

There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.

What is the 1950s furniture style called?

The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.

Which artist became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s?

Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.

1950s French Provincial

1950 Widdicomb Furniture

French Reconstruction

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Paintings

Materials

Wood

Expressive Modern Dog Portrait, Signed Mourry, France 1950s

$1,020

French Majolica Cheese Platter Tray Vallauris, 1950s

By Vallauris

Located in ASNIÈRES-SUR-SEINE, FR

Rare Vallauris cheese tray, with its cute mouse dome for butter. In good condition, with minor scratches on paint (see two last pictures).

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

French Majolica Cheese Platter Tray Vallauris, 1950s

$415

Elegant French 1950s Chandelier With Decorated Frame and Glass Drops

Located in London, GB

This unusual chandelier was made in France in the 1950s. It is made from gilt braonze and lovely

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Elegant French 1950s Chandelier With Decorated Frame and Glass Drops

$7,530

French Farmhouse table in oak from the 1950s

Located in LYON, FR

Maison Lecan presents this beautiful rectangular model with a sober and sturdy base, connected by a central stretcher. The oak top, with its warm and even tone, highlights the nobili...

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Farm Tables

Materials

Oak

French Farmhouse table in oak from the 1950s

$3,263

1950s Light-Gray Painted French Sculptors Stand

Located in Houston, TX

Circa 1950s light-gray painted French sculptor's stand. Adjustable 15.75 inch diameter top (raises

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Side Tables

Materials

Steel

1950s Light-Gray Painted French Sculptors Stand

$2,800

Solid pine table with its extension, France 1950s

Located in LYON, FR

Very pretty solid pine table from the 1950s, which goes from 2 meters to 250 cm in the blink of an

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Farm Tables

Materials

Pine

Solid pine table with its extension, France 1950s

$2,363 Sale Price

20% Off

French XXL table in solid walnut from the 1950s

Located in LYON, FR

Maison Lecan presents this superb XXL table in solid walnut from the 1950s, fully restored and

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Farm Tables

Materials

Walnut

French XXL table in solid walnut from the 1950s

$5,328

Mid Century French Wood Oval Side Table, 1950s

Located in BÉTERA, ES

proportions and a timeless French Provincial character. The piece stands on four finely tapered stiletto legs

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Side Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Mid Century French Wood Oval Side Table, 1950s

$1,613

1950s French Stoneware Pitcher – Handcrafted Studio Piece with Strong Character

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

1950s French Stoneware Pitcher – Handcrafted Studio Piece with Strong Character Description: This

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Pitchers

Materials

Stoneware

1950s French Stoneware Pitcher – Handcrafted Studio Piece with Strong Character

$320

1950s French Enamel Bistro Table French Bistro Table a great fun piece

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

1950s French Enamel Bistro Table French Bistro Table a great fun piece would work well in the

Category

Vintage 1950s French Provincial Industrial and Work Tables

Materials

Enamel

1950s French Enamel Bistro Table French Bistro Table a great fun piece

$1,645

French Wrought Iron Sofa Leather Cushions Mid Century Settee 1950s Vintage MCM

Located in London, GB

likely made around the 1950s in France, this impressively sized, very comfy and charmingly decorative

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Sofas

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Wrought Iron Sofa Leather Cushions Mid Century Settee 1950s Vintage MCM

$3,354

French Bedside Tables with Cabriole Legs, 1950s, Set of 2

Located in Miami, FL

A fine pair of French bedside end tables or nightstands - each Stand featuring a scalloped edge

Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Night Stands

Materials

Wood

French Bedside Tables with Cabriole Legs, 1950s, Set of 2

$3,350 / set

Large Wrought Iron Glass France Chandelier 1950s

Located in Den Haag, NL

shade gold lining. Three E27 large bulbs. France 1950s.

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large Wrought Iron Glass France Chandelier 1950s

$1,376 Sale Price

20% Off

A "sea snail" lamp - French folk art - 1950s

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A "sea snail" lamp in the style of French folk art, created in the 1950s, was often crafted using

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Table Lamps

Materials

Marble

A "sea snail" lamp - French folk art - 1950s

$1,186

French Bedside Tables with Cabriole Legs, 1950s, Set of 2

Located in Miami, FL

A fine pair of French bedside end tables or nightstands - each Stand featuring a scalloped edge

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Night Stands

Materials

Wood

French Bedside Tables with Cabriole Legs, 1950s, Set of 2

$2,790 / set

An oval ceramic dish by Robert Picault France Vallauris 1950s

By Robert Picault, Roger Capron

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

A magnificent oval ceramic dish by Robert Picault, adorned with a thistle motif, in perfect condition. Picault's personal pieces bear his full signature until 1962, while industrial ...

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

An oval ceramic dish by Robert Picault France Vallauris 1950s

$598 Sale Price

20% Off

Mid-Century French Wooden Bar Cart Trolley, 1950s

Located in Miami, FL

This French style serving cart is a stunning piece of furniture that will add a touch of elegance

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century French Wooden Bar Cart Trolley, 1950s

$2,285

Mid-Century French Wooden Bar Cart Trolley, 1950s

Located in Miami, FL

This French style serving cart is a stunning piece of furniture that will add a touch of elegance

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century French Wooden Bar Cart Trolley, 1950s

$2,290

French Bedside Tables with Cabriole Legs, 1950s, Set of 2

Located in Miami, FL

A fine pair of French bedside end tables or nightstands - each Stand featuring a scalloped edge

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Night Stands

Materials

Wood

French Bedside Tables with Cabriole Legs, 1950s, Set of 2

$3,360 / set

Large ceramic serving dish, France 1950s Salins les Bains

Located in Herentals, BE

Large serving dish in pink glazed ceramic with salmon motif in relief. The dish was made in France

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Large ceramic serving dish, France 1950s Salins les Bains

$214

1950s French Blue and White Floral Cast Iron Planter

Located in High Point, NC

A cast iron planter from France, circa 1950. Recalling the French countryside of a bygone era, cast

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Iron

1950s French Blue and White Floral Cast Iron Planter

$795

Large 1950s french workshop cabinet in solid pine with 24 drawers

Located in LYON, FR

Maison Lecan presents this spectacular 24-drawer cabinet from the 1950s, crafted in solid pine

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Credenzas

Materials

Pine

Large 1950s french workshop cabinet in solid pine with 24 drawers

$5,743

Marcel GASCOIN, two Oak shelves, post ware design, France circa 1950s

By Marcel Gascoin

Located in leucate, FR

A pair of solid oak shelves with invisible fixing. Created by French architect and decorator Marcel

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Marcel GASCOIN, two Oak shelves, post ware design, France circa 1950s

$4,379 / set

A pair of leather and oak armchairs from France, 1950s.

Located in Almelo, NL

A pair of leather and oak armchairs from France, 1940s. This pair of sizable mid-century armchairs

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

A pair of leather and oak armchairs from France, 1950s.

$4,230 / set

Vintage French Provincial Vanity Tilting Mirror HandPainted Floral Oval tabletop

Located in Seattle, WA

This mirror likely dates to the 1950s-1970s, a time when French Provincial furniture was highly

Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Glass

Vintage French Provincial Vanity Tilting Mirror HandPainted Floral Oval tabletop

$595

XXL french 6-legged table with a new top and 1950s base

Located in LYON, FR

rests on an authentic pine base from the 1950s, featuring legs that visually lighten the structure while

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Farm Tables

Materials

Pine

XXL french 6-legged table with a new top and 1950s base

$3,548

Ceramic iron plant holder by Gabriel Fourmaintraux, Desvres France 1950s

By Gabriel Emile Fourmaintraux

Located in STRASBOURG, FR

Plant stand circa 1950 in wrought iron, tiles with stylized rooster design by Gabriel Fourmaintraux

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Ceramics

Materials

Wrought Iron

Ceramic iron plant holder by Gabriel Fourmaintraux, Desvres France 1950s

$400 Sale Price

20% Off

A ceramic wall plaque Helene Ugo - Michel Barbier Vallauris France 1950s

By Helène Ugo, Roger Capron, Vallauris

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

, France, created around 1957. Decorated by Michel Barbier, it features an abstract, Cubist-inspired design

Category

Vintage 1950s French Provincial Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

A ceramic wall plaque Helene Ugo - Michel Barbier Vallauris France 1950s

$778 Sale Price

40% Off

20th Century French Nightstands with One Drawer, 1950s, Set of 2

Located in Miami, FL

20th century pair of French nightstands with one drawer and wood hardware Recently restored.

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

20th Century French Nightstands with One Drawer, 1950s, Set of 2

$2,350 / set

Pair of 1950s French Brass Cache-Pots – Lion Head Ornaments Ring Handles

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Pair of 1950s French Brass Cache-Pots – Lion Head Ornaments & Ring Handles Description: This

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Brass

Pair of 1950s French Brass Cache-Pots – Lion Head Ornaments Ring Handles

$712 / set

Rare Mid-Century Alpine Solid Wood Modular Bookcase - France - circa 1950s

By Charlotte Perriand

Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR

craftsmanship and artisanal joinery. Dating from the 1950s, this piece blends rustic authenticity with

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Rare Mid-Century Alpine Solid Wood Modular Bookcase - France - circa 1950s

$4,248

Pair of Mid-Century Ceramic Platters, Sainte Radegonde, France, 1950s

By Sainte Radegonde

Located in New York, NY

A striking pair of ceramic platters from the renowned Sainte-Radegonde workshop, France, dating to

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Mid-Century Ceramic Platters, Sainte Radegonde, France, 1950s

$1,600 / set

Mid-Century Sainte Radegonde Vase with Ribbon Detailing, France, 1950s

Located in New York, NY

A striking ceramic vase from the renowned Sainte-Radegonde workshop, dating from the 1950s. The

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Sainte Radegonde Vase with Ribbon Detailing, France, 1950s

$850

Wood Turned Bobbin Low Rush Chair in the style of Charles Dudouyt, France, 1950s

By Charles Dudouyt

Located in Zaandam, NL

Stunning rush low chair often named in the style of Charles Dudouyt with lovely sphere or ball feet and two lovely large acorn finials at the top of the backrest. This gorgeous littl...

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Wood Turned Bobbin Low Rush Chair in the style of Charles Dudouyt, France, 1950s

$708

Vintage 1950s French Coat Rack, Light Wood with Faux Bamboo Design Cottage Style

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Vintage 1950s French Coat Rack, Light Wood with Faux Bamboo Design, Cottage Style Description

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Vintage 1950s French Coat Rack, Light Wood with Faux Bamboo Design Cottage Style

$534

Handmade Oak Stool, 1950s Belgium

Located in Balen, BE

This beautifully crafted handmade stool, made in Belgium in the 1950s, is a fine example of a

Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian French Provincial Stools

Materials

Oak

Handmade Oak Stool, 1950s Belgium

$350

Jean Picart Le Doux, huge ceramic dish, Sant-Vicens workshop, France 1950s

By Jean Picart Le Doux

Located in leucate, FR

Huge ceramic dish from the Sant-Vicens pottery workshops in Perpignan (south of France). Drawing

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Jean Picart Le Doux, huge ceramic dish, Sant-Vicens workshop, France 1950s

$3,441

Vintage Coconut Wood and brass Marquetry Ice Bucket, France, 1950s

Located in Rümmingen, BW

bucket was crafted in France during the 1950s and showcases a unique combination of natural materials and

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Bowls

Materials

Brass

Vintage Coconut Wood and brass Marquetry Ice Bucket, France, 1950s

$261

Cheese Tray in Ceramic France 1950s Blue Color signed Birds Decorative Patterns

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

This cheese tray or platter is from France. It has been made in the 1970s. Blue Color. Model

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Platters and Serveware

Materials

Ceramic

Cheese Tray in Ceramic France 1950s Blue Color signed Birds Decorative Patterns

$320

1950s Wood and Woven Wicker Chair in Gio Ponti Style from Paris, France

By Gio Ponti

Located in IT

This 1950s wood and woven wicker chair, crafted in the style of renowned designer Gio Ponti, exudes

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Wood

1950s Wood and Woven Wicker Chair in Gio Ponti Style from Paris, France

$900

Mid-Century French Walnut Side Table with One Drawer and Hidden Door, 1950s

Located in Miami, FL

Walnut side table from the 50s, very useful for a living room with a drawer and a Hidden door.

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century French Walnut Side Table with One Drawer and Hidden Door, 1950s

$2,200

Adrien Audoux Frida Minet design horse collar rope mirror, France 1950s

By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet

Located in leucate, FR

. Good condition. france 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Wall Mirrors

Materials

Rope, Mirror

Adrien Audoux Frida Minet design horse collar rope mirror, France 1950s

$1,305

Mid-Century French Walnut Side Table with One Drawer and Double Door, 1950s

Located in Miami, FL

Walnut side table from the 50s, very useful for a living room with a drawer and a double door.

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century French Walnut Side Table with One Drawer and Double Door, 1950s

$2,490

Rare " Anchor " Rope Wall Sconces by Adrien Audoux Frida Minnet, France, 1950s

By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet

Located in leucate, FR

by the renowned French design duo Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet in the 1950s, this sconce perfectly

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Hemp, Rope

Rare " Anchor " Rope Wall Sconces by Adrien Audoux Frida Minnet, France, 1950s

$5,043

French Tole and Glass Polychrome Pastel Flower Cage Pendant Light, 1950s

Located in Barntrup, DE

French Tole and glass polychrome pastel flower cage pendant light, circa the 1950s. Adorable cage

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

French Tole and Glass Polychrome Pastel Flower Cage Pendant Light, 1950s

$1,895

Georges GOUZY earthenware vase, fish design and polychrome enamel, France 1950s

Located in leucate, FR

, owner of the Art Gallery, in the Provençal village of Bormes-les-Mimosas (France), he exhibited his

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Vases

Materials

Enamel

Georges GOUZY earthenware vase, fish design and polychrome enamel, France 1950s

$2,112

Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack made in Leather and Brass, 1950s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Thick stitched leather.

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Leather

Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack made in Leather and Brass, 1950s

$2,907

Jacques Poussine huge ceramic lamp. Unique work. Sant Vicens France circa 1950s

By Jacques Poussine

Located in leucate, FR

. France circa 1950. About Jacques Poussine: Jacques Poussine (1923–1985) was a French ceramist renowned

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Jacques Poussine huge ceramic lamp. Unique work. Sant Vicens France circa 1950s

$4,141

Vintage Pine Shop Counter, 1950s, Restored Top

Located in LYON, FR

Vintage Pine Shop Counter, 1950s, Restored Top Description: An authentic trade piece with

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Credenzas

Materials

Pine

Vintage Pine Shop Counter, 1950s, Restored Top

$2,954

1950s Italian Braided Ceramic Decorative Bowl

By Fratelli Fanciullacci

Located in Copenhagen, DK

consistent with age. Italy, 1950s.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian French Provincial Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

1950s Italian Braided Ceramic Decorative Bowl

$427 Sale Price

20% Off

1950s Painted Green and Carved Silver Gilt Venetian Bench

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a 1950s painted green and silver gilt Venetian bench. It is a wonderful transitional piece

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian French Provincial Benches

Materials

Upholstery, Poplar

1950s Painted Green and Carved Silver Gilt Venetian Bench

$1,895

Set of 14 Rattan Coffee Tables, 1950s

Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR

Year: 1950 Country of Manufacture: France Style: French Product Code: LA-1357220 Dimensions: Width 65

Category

20th Century French French Provincial Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass

Set of 14 Rattan Coffee Tables, 1950s

$5,262 / set

Set of 4 Beautifully Shaped Old Wooden Stools, 1950s

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Set of 4 beautifully shaped old wooden stools, 1950s The original black color makes the stools

Category

Vintage 1950s European French Provincial Stools

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 Beautifully Shaped Old Wooden Stools, 1950s

$2,848 / set

Set of Yellow Chairs by Pierre Guariche, 1950s

Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR

edition. Evoking the timeless elegance of French design from the 1950s, these chairs embody both classic

Category

20th Century French French Provincial Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of Yellow Chairs by Pierre Guariche, 1950s

$2,724 / set

1950s pine farmhouse bench with spindle legs

Located in LYON, FR

1950s pine farmhouse bench with spindle legs A beautiful pine farmhouse bench with spindle legs

Category

Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Benches

Materials

Pine

1950s pine farmhouse bench with spindle legs

$819

Ceramic Soliflore, Ksotanda, Vallauris, 1950s

Located in PARIS, FR

signature Ksotanda Vallauris on the base. French work, circa 1950. Excellent condition. DV4815

Category

Mid-20th Century European French Provincial Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Soliflore, Ksotanda, Vallauris, 1950s

$676

Ceramic Lamp Vintage 1950s

Located in Paris, FR

Large ceramic lamp 1950s New lampshade and electrical system. Foot H44 x L22 x P11 cm - with

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Lamp Vintage 1950s

$700

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1950s French Provincial For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic 1950s French provincial available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and oak, every 1950s French provincial was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a 1950s French provincial — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A 1950s French provincial is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Louis XV, Hollywood Regency and Empire styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made 1950s French provincial over the years, but those crafted by Drexel, John Widdicomb and Michel Caugant are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a 1950s French Provincial?

A 1950s French provincial can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,463, while the lowest priced sells for $120 and the highest can go for as much as $14,500.

A Close Look at French-provincial Furniture

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Questions About 1950s French Provincial

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 is 1950s furniture called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.
Were pearls popular in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What watches were popular in 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
What was the clothing style in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.
What diamond cuts were popular in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
How much was a Chanel bag in the 1950s?
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1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.
What were the popular diamond cuts in the 1950s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
What is the 1950s furniture style called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.
Which artist became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.