Antique Furniture: French Cabinet Styles

There are quite a few antique furniture French cabinet styles for collectors to choose from. French antique furniture in general is one of the most sought after categories by serious and casual antiquers alike. When it comes to the word cabinet, many people think of those built in storage areas commonly found in today's kitchens and bathrooms. In an antique sense, cabinets were often freestanding pieces of furniture. The woods used to craft antique cabinets vary but often high quality hardwoods that were dark in color were used. Examples include oak and mahogany. In this article, you will learn more about various cabinetry styles popular in France through the ages.

Louis XV is a popular period for many collectors that spanned 1715 to 1774. During this time furniture featured light curves and rococo ornamentation, as well as gilding. A cabinet from this time period might be bombe style with glass doors, mirrored back and marble top. Thin curved legs and inlaid marquetry would also commonly be found. The Queen Anne time period was another well-known era for great furniture. During this time, lines were delicate and distinctly feminine. A cabinet made during this period might feature dark wood, delicate feet and a small amount of brass ornamentation.

The Renaissance was a period of time when furniture was very intricate and luxurious with lots of detailing. I recently saw a photo of a Renaissance era antique cabinet owned by John Paul Getty and was totally blown away by the incredible detailing. The cabinet was made from several materials including walnut, oak and iron. The carvings on the piece represented human figures as well as decorative scroll designs, and the inside was lined with silk and linen. The rumor was that Getty paid a low price for the piece and questioned its authenticity. The cabinet turned out to be authentic and is one of the most valuable of its type in the world.

Now, you may not be able to afford a cabinet like this, but there are plenty of antique furniture French cabinet choices from various time periods. You might also come across many reproductions in your quest, so keep your eyes open. Sometimes, you will be told the item is a reproduction. Other times, an unscrupulous seller may try to pass off a fake as the real thing. Educating yourself on how to tell the difference is the best thing you can do before purchasing anything, that is besides obtaining a professional appraisal.

 

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