Collectors from around the world are finding themselves enamored with French antique furniture. Often drawn in by a sense of history and beauty, collectors are having a fun time choosing among literally hundreds of collectibles on the Internet.

A few decades ago, the task of collecting such furniture was difficult due to geographical constraints. Today, the problem no longer exists.

Because of the boom of online trading, merchants of French furniture have placed their businesses online. Now you can easily browse through the online catalogs of merchants and order from the comfort of your home.

Furniture styles

French antique furniture is divided by the time period from the furniture come from. Extant French furniture comes from as far back as the Middle Ages (11th to the 15th century). There is also furniture from the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV (1661-1723 A.D.)

Transition period antiques are also being sold. Transition period antiques roughly come from the period 1755-1770 A.D. Then of course, we have the Restoration Period antiques during the reign of Charles X (1815-1830 A.D.)

Antiques are also being collected from the height of Western European conquests of the Pacific. This came after the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870 A.D.)

Antique

One of the more popular types of French antique furniture are antique chairs. Antique chairs often have a very soft architecture. Laid-back would be the proper term, as the chairs often share one common trait: soft, wavy lines.

While some of these chairs are solidly built, some have been upholstered with leather and filled with cotton. Some solidly built chairs have been upholstered with tapestries and half-filled with cotton.

Armoires

French antique furniture also includes armoires. Armoires are sometimes equipped with mirrors. Most of the available armoires in online stores come from between the 1900s to the late 90s. One can say that the designs are somewhat similar within this relatively short time period.

Other French furniture

Aside from cabinets, tables, armoires and chairs online merchants are also selling other antiques as well. Take for example antique fireplaces made of stone or marble. These heavy pieces will surely lend a regal air to your living room.

Vases (though not really furniture) are being sold, along with antique book holders. Vases can be placed in the dining area or the living room. Book holders can be added to personal spaces like bedrooms or small libraries.

Overall, antiques are enjoying a much-deserved revival today. Only time will tell whether this small thriving niche on the Internet will last for years to come. GP