French Antiques

Normally when we think of French antiques ourfirst thought is of that beautifully intricate carved furniture that is such a large part of the French heritage and legacy to the world. While there is no doubt that many people seek items of French furniture when decorating their homes, there are far more French antiques than furniture alone. Dishes, pottery, mirrors, chandeliers and porcelain are just some of the fine French pieces you can choose from when decorating your home or collecting antiques.

French Antiques: Dishes

French antiques also include dishes, which often have unique forms, such as fish shaped serving dishes and platters. Plates are often works of art in their own right as they were often painted with beautiful country or aquatic themes and are as artistic as they are useful. Anyone starting a collection of antique French plates can display them in place of paintings on their kitchen or dining room walls. Displaying antique French plates depicting roosters or flowers is a great way to decorate that country style kitchen or dining room and many times you can find such plates reasonably priced.

French Antiques: Pottery and Porcelain

There are many fine examples of antique French pottery and porcelain that can be found today and that are quite reasonably priced.

• The vases, lamps, tea sets and bowls are often beautifully made and well decorated with a variety of themes.
• The earthen French pottery is colourful and sturdy while the more delicate porcelain is simply exquisite.
• Both of these types of French antiques clearly show the French love of beautiful things and many also show the care the French people took of their most delicate and treasured possessions.

French Antiques: Paintings and Sculptures

Of course France is well known for its artists and this country has certainly had its share of fine painters and sculptors. Antique artwork is most treasured and those works by French painters and sculptors are often highly prized by collectors due to their fine details and beautiful use of colours, as well as the originality of many of their works.

Antique French Accessories

For those who have a room featuring French antiques finding the right accessories can make the entire room a work of art itself.

Luckily, there are many accessories available for completing the look of your antique French furniture including mirrors, chandeliers, coat hangers and even small boxes and vases that will look elegant on those antique stands.

You can even find beautiful antique candle scones that will make you anxiously wait for those stormy evenings when the electricity fails.

France has always been known for its artistry and its romance and French antiques convey both of these. From the largest pieces of furniture to the most delicate porcelain cup, the craftsmanship and artistic flair of these French craftsmen is combined with their love of beauty making many of these antiques not only great collector’s items but extremely romantic pieces to add to your home. Even those who may never have the opportunity to visit France can own a small part of what makes this country truly beautiful by investing in French antiques.

Find out more about Boningtons auctions of French antiques and furniture.