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French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

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.

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Style: French Provincial
Provincial Green-Painted Slant-Front Desk with Secret Compartment
Located in New York, NY
A provincial green-painted slant-front desk, Northern Europe or France, early to mid-19th century, featuring gently curved cabriole legs and a lightly serpentine lower apron that len...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Baker Furniture French Louis XV Pink Lacquered Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Pink lacquered cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 50.5"W x 23.5...
Category

1960s American Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

18th Century Spanish Walnut Writing Table
Located in Houston, TX
18th century Spanish walnut writing table with substantial solid single plank top over three drawers on splayed supports. Suitable for use as console or desk.
Category

Late 18th Century Spanish Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

French Cafe Table or Bistro Table with Cast Iron Base and Carrera Marble Top
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic and versatile French marble top cafe table or writing desk with a black iron base. The tabletop marble is a luxurious Carrara white with gray veining marble - and whether us...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble, Iron

French Country Style Leather Top Writing Desk
By Meldan Furniture
Located in Southampton, NJ
French Country Walnut writing desk with three dovetail drawers & partners styling in the faux drawers to the back side. Handcrafted in the 1950's by Meldan furniture; Hyde Park, Mass...
Category

Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Rustic 19th Century Country French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming and rustic late 18th century country French provincial writing table or desk hand-crafted from fruitwood. Made in the South of France this table features a whimsical style f...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

French 19th Century Marquetry Inlay Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This captivating French desk from the 19th century is illustrated with a border of highly detailed marquetry of contrasting mahogany to stand out from the walnut & fruitwood construc...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood, Mahogany, Walnut

Paul Sormani Style Antique French Louis XV Kingwood Executive Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding antique French Louis XV style bombay form executive desk or bureau plat desk In the manner of Paul Sormani France, Circa Early 20th Century Kingwood and burl wood, ...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

"Brenne" Bean-shaped Burl Wood Coffee Table by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
We are excited to introduce an extension of our ever-popular Brenne desk design. The Brenne coffee table brings a touch of historical influence with a contemporary twist to your livi...
Category

2010s Vietnamese French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Burl

French 19th Century Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A petite mahogany and leather-top writing desk from France, circa 1840, ready to inspire you daily with its many unique features both decorative and functional. The writing surface i...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

French Provincial Oak Table with Two Drawers, France, 19th Century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 19th Century / Table / oak / Rustic / France Provincial A charming example of 19th-century French Provincial craftsmanship, this rustic oak table embodies the warmth and si...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Writing Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Carved cherry wood, with original brass hardware. Measures: 46"W x 23"D x 30"H. ...
Category

1960s American Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Louis XV Marquetry Writing Table
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful marquetry writing table features a lovely brass banded serpentine top, bronze mounts, and one large drawer. The floral marquetry work is detailed and balanced. The wri...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Black Ebonized Wood “Architect Desk” Table with drawer, France
Located in Miami, FL
Ebonized wood “architect desk” table, France, 19th century. On four tapered legs with a central knot stands the table, one drawers on the skirt, some boards on the sides and a slopin...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

French Foldable Dining or Writing Table, Beech and Chestnut, circa 1970
Located in Labrit, Landes
Little chestnut dining table. The two end are foldable and the little width of this table is 32.28 in. (82 cm) The table top was made circa 1970. It was laid on a beech base dating...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Beech, Chestnut

Early 20th Century French Desk Carved Table with Three Drawers, 1930s
Located in Miami, FL
This is an elegant piece with timeless beauty. The dimensions, proportions, the wavy edge and the slender legs are valuable elements.
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

19th Century French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive size 19th century French provincial writing table or desk. The table is constructed from fruitwood with a warm patina and lovely wood grain patterns. Fronted by a single s...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Vintage French Provincial 1970 s Sligh Lowry Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Pasadena, TX
A beautiful writing desk with a leather top. Dimensions: Length: 56" Width: 28" Height: 30"
Category

20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Bodart French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Wood Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Jacques Bodart USA, Circa 1960s Cherry wood, with gold embossed leather top, and original brass hardware and ormolu...
Category

1960s American Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Hand-Painted Floral Writing Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful and unique writing desk is rustic yet utilitarian, and would work well as either a decorative piece or as a genuine work space in an apartment, office, or bedroom. Pla...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French 19th Century Walnut Two Sided Louis XV Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic provincial French writing desk from the 19th century that could also serve as a beautiful walnut side table, dressing table / vanity or console . Note the intricately carved ...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century, French Walnut Leather Top Writing Table W/ Bronze Hardware
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Late 18th century hand carved French provincial desk. The desk is carved in walnut and is extremely heavy and sturdy after all the year's of use. The finish has developed a beautiful...
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Fruitwood Work Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
With its scalloped apron and cabriole legs, this table is has a more dynamic appearance than an ordinary work table, but its single side drawer and pull-out breadboard slide say othe...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

19th Century French Provincial Writing Desk from Avignon Shabby Chic or Country
Located in IT
This authentic 19th-century French Provincial writing desk from Avignon features a beautifully time-worn grey/green patina, offering ver...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Baker French Provincial Cherry Wood Inlaid Console Table Writing Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Baker French Provincial Cherry Wood In...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Custom Farmhouse Style Writing Desk with Pencil Drawer by Dos Gallos Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom farm house style writing desk with pencil drawer. Can be made in any size and finish. As shown here in a light walnut with light to medi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut, Oak

Early 20th Century French Walnut Venner Desk, 1940s
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20th Century French walnut veneer and marquetry dressing table with wooden drawers and bronze handles. The floral marquetry work is detailed and balanced.
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Large french writing table from the 1940s in solid oak
Located in LYON, FR
Large and beautiful solid oak table from the 1940s with spindle legs, used as a desk or display unit, entirely restored in our workshop and offered here in a satin varnished version ...
Category

1940s French Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Diminutive Country French Provincial Fruitwood Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late 19th century country French provincial style diminutive writing table or desk crafted from fruitwood. The desk features a case decorated on all sides with a whimsical carved bra...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

French Provincial Louis XV Cream Lacquered Maple Top Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk USA, Late 20th Century Cream lacquered maple, with natural maple top and original painted brass hardware. Measures: 51"W x...
Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Small Black Leather Top One Drawer Cabriole Carved Leg Chestnut Desk Console
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Small Black Leather Top One Drawer Cabriole Carved Leg Chestnut Desk Console Writing Table MINT!
Category

20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Chestnut

Amy Howard Collection Antique French Provincial Decorated 3 Drawer Writing Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Amy Howard Collection Antique French Provincial Paint Decorated 3 Drawer Writing Desk The Amy Howard Collection is a high end, couture line of furniture that was created over twenty...
Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

18th Century French Provincial Black Painted “Mazarin” Pedestal Desk
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PROVINCIAL EIGHT-LEGGED "MAZARIN" PEDESTAL DESK IN BLACK PAINT France, circa last quarter of the 18th century Item # 403ZLJ18Q An absolutely stunning eight-legged "Mazarin" pedestal...
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique French Provincial Leather Top Painted Kneehole Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Dynamic 19th century kneehole desk with a brown tooled leather top over a three piece pedestal base with nine drawers and two pullout trays...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

French Provincial Writing Desk 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century painted French Provincial style desk. The desk stands on four cabriole legs that end in rams head feet. The piece is beautifully painted in a worn. Faded finish. T...
Category

1930s French Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid-Century Bamboo, Wood and Rattan Writing Table Desk with Chair, Italy 1970s
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern bamboo and wicker desk with side bookshelf and the matching chairs. This charming piece is in the typical style of Audoux and Minet where ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900
Located in LYON, FR
Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900 Maison Lecan presents this charming cherry wood table dating from the early 20th century. With its compact size and clean lines, it f...
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

19th Century French Wooden Desk
Located in High Point, NC
The commanding presence of this 19th-century French desk is attributed to its square pedestal structure. The ensemble of six drawers is perched upon two sturdy legs, which also doubl...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Louis XV White Painted Provincial Bureau Plat Desk with Six Drawers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant French Louis XV White Painted Provincial Table or Desk with Six Drawers - could sit in the middle of a room, as this lovely classic French piece has three working drawers on ...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

French Provincial Louis XV Style Paint Decorated Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Elegant and spacious French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk with two drawers and white antiqued distressed ivory body, natural walnut top and ebony brown painted writing surfa...
Category

20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

1800s Antique French Empire Style, Mahogany, Gilt, Secretaire a Abattant, Desk!!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous 1800s Antique French Empire Style, Mahogany, Gilt, Secretaire a Abattant, Desk!! Antique secretaire a abattant, desk, French Empire style, mahogany, gilt, 1800s, 19th century! This stunning French Empire style marble-top mahogany fall-front desk, 19th century, projecting frieze drawer, with gilt metal crossed sword pulls, turned column supports flanking the fall-front panel, opening to gilt embossed leather writing surface, mirrored interior gallery, over dual cabinet doors, opening to reveal three drawers, above lower apron drawer, approximately 56.5" height 37.25" width, 17" depth. Dominated by Greco-Roman models, the Empire style - spare, noble, massive - had a studied dignity consistent with Napoleonic majesty. The characteristic furniture types were a bit stiff but imposing: their flat surfaces and sharp corners, together with their lack of moldings, produced an effect of grandeur that was not without beauty as per Timothy Corrigan The Empire style was deliberately propagandistic, and embraced what was most monumental in ancient art as suitable analogies to the new French Empire. Napoleon imposed a tyrannical centralization on artistic production, decreeing that it would be subject to control from Paris and overseen by the architects Percier and Fontaine...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Antique French Writing Desk, 1800s Solid Oak with Cabriole Legs Elegant Patina
Located in Firenze, IT
Elegant 1800s French provincial writing desk in solid oak with cabriole legs and rich patina, a timeless antique that blends beauty, history, and functionality. This exquisite French...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Iron

Maitland Smith French Provincial Louis XV Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk By Maitland Smith Philippines, Circa 1980s Carved mahogany, with original brass hardware and embossed leather top. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

French Provincial Louis XV Cream Lacquered Maple Top Writing Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style writing desk USA, Late 20th Century Cream lacquered maple, with natural maple top and original painted brass hardware. Measures: 51"W x...
Category

Late 20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Secretary Desk by Drexel Heritage, Floral Motifs, French Provincial, Cabinet
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Secretary Desk By Drexel Heritage "Brittany Collection" USA, circa 1970s Floral Motifs, French Provincial, Cabinet, Walnut, c. 1970s Secretary Desk, Floral Motifs Measurements: 57....
Category

1970s American Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

18th Century Country French Child s Desk
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 18th century Country French child size desk, made of solid cherry. Beautifully crafted with turned legs and carved stretcher with center finial. Candle stand on the right, att...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

French Marquetry Bronze Ormolu Mounted Center or Desk Table
Located in Miami, FL
Wonderful French marquetry and bronze ormolu-mounted table that you can use like a desk, console, center table.
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

1960s Italian Dal Vera Bamboo Rattan Brass French Riviera Organic Writing Desk
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern writing table or desk in bamboo and wicker rattan with 2 side drawers with typical brass handles from renowned Dal Vera manufacturer. The o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century French Walnut Venner Desk, 1940s
Located in Miami, FL
20th Century French walnut veneer and marquetry dressing table with wooden drawers crest and bronze handles.
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Roll-Up Secretary, 1890s
Located in Miami, FL
Unique French roll-up secretary/desk in the transition style from around 1890 Wood and bronze. Writing surface and compartments can be pulled out under closure. Cut-out frame drawer...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Walnut Leather Secretary Desk
Located in Miami, FL
The early 20th century French secretaire was made of walnut. Called secretaire en abbatant by the French, in reference to the sloping-front drop-down desk surface, this particular e...
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Louis XV French Oak Writing Table with Scalloped Shaped Top
Located in Dallas, TX
An 18th century French country Louis XV style writing table-end table. This lovely oak table features a scalloped shaped top, one drawer and cabriole legs.
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Large French Boulle Inlay Partners Desk Writing Table Desks
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a wonderful, sumptuos Boulle style partners desk. The piece is very distinctive and the amount of craftmanship that has gone into making this piece is astounding. The...
Category

1980s Vintage French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Solid walnut desk, popular art, France, Savoie, circa 1900
Located in LYON, FR
Unique piece, desk made by a Savoyard craftsman around 1900. Unique with its natural tree trunk base and its small shelves which give it incredible charm. Its waxed solid walnut top ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

French Provincial Fruitwood and Tooled Leather Writing Table, 18th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
French Provincial Fruitwood and Tooled Leather Writing Table, 18th Century
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

French small antique desk in oak and pine, late 19th century
Located in LYON, FR
Maison Lecan presents this small antique desk in oak and pine, dating from the late 19th century. Its rectangular top rests on an apron delicately carved with floral and foliate mot...
Category

1820s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Elegant Wooden Bureau
Located in Milano, IT
Rare solid wood desk dating from the early 1700s, fine French manufacture. The bureau is very imposing and majestic and that is what makes its elegance. The shape is rectangular, t...
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Elegant Wooden Bureau
Antique Elegant Wooden Bureau
$8,578 Sale Price
20% Off
French Empire Faux Marble Legs Leather Top Sconces Bureau Desk with Organizer
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Exotic wood faux marble column shape legs French Empire bureau leather top desk with brass sconces. Medium size desk suitable as a console or entry desk or ...
Category

20th Century American French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

1800s French Antique Patinated Ecritoire
Located in High Point, NC
This antique ecritoire was crafted in 19th century France. A heavily distressed wooden ecritoire, this desk organizer flaunts a spacious case with an elegant slant top and a subtle c...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Boulle Desk .
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Boulle Desk from 1880
Category

1870s French Antique French Provincial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Boulle Desk .
Boulle Desk .
$8,339 / item

French Provincial desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Camard, Dal Vera, and Dos Gallos Studio. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $675 and tops out at $30,579 while the average work can sell for $3,051.

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