French bedroom furniture is a distinct style that many people value. How can we consider these furnishings and not think about history?

• It is nearly impossible.

Evolution and advancement of the lavish Franco-style
That nation’s ornate interior designs can be traced to the 1500s.

• There was already opulent decoration found in this furniture.
• This look was shaped by the Renaissance.

Designs included richly carved panels, legs and chair arms. This artistry was evident on all pieces including beds. One major artisan responsible for these carvings was Hugues Sambin.

By 1643 more refined graceful forms began to show. They started to use veneers instead of carving. Veneering led to the art of marquetry.

• The word comes from the French language and means inlaid work.
• In France this wood technique was used to create luxurious furniture.
• This elaborate approach is seen all through Versailles.

That was just one of the royal residencies of Louis XIV. His furniture designer was Andre Charles Boulle.

• This cabinet maker created the baroque style.
• In 1730 Paris initiated a change in fashion and decorative arts.
• The new mode was called Rococo.
• A balance shifted to a more comfortable size for people.
• Prior to this the scale was in proportion to the large rooms.
• French bedroom furniture was inlaid with intricate patterns.
• Rococo lasted through the rein of Louis XV.

Next was Neoclassicism which flourished through the French Revolution.

• The revolution was from 1789 to 1799.
• Neoclassicism lasted through the 1830s.

Then there was a Rococo revival. Modernism followed with a break from the past. Art Nouveau and Art Deco are relatively new decorative expressions.

• Individual pieces of French style bedroom furniture.

During this classic period one item was always in a bedroom in France.

• That was a commode.
• This was a low chest of drawers or a cabinet.
• The name actually means convenient or suitable.
• It comes from the Latin word commodus. The item itself might be made of walnut or fruitwoods.

They had marble tops and deep drawers. Wider than it was high, they often had legs shaped like toy tops.

• That was during the Rococo and neoclassical periods.

It is interesting to note that closet is actually a French word. Once again from Latin, clausum, meaning closed. Originally it referred to an undersized hidden away room.

Modern French bedroom furniture that is found today
Obviously that developed to mean an armoire or wardrobe. A wardrobe is still often an essential part of a set. It can be quite large with a hanging rack, shelves and drawers.

The French bed itself is known for a head board that is high.

• It is often ornate and may be covered in fabric.
• Foot boards are much lower than the head boards.

Sizing of the beds is a little different than American sizes.

• It can be described as being between a twin and double sized.
• It often measures 46 inches wide.

Today in America franco-style beds are available in standard sizes. They can be purchased in double or King size. Mattresses bought to fit these beds may be foam or sprung.

• Depending on square footage there will often be a seating area.
• That space may contain a Lille bedroom chair or sofa.
• French bedroom furniture is popular and makes a grand statement.