lantiques specilises in French antiques and Swedish antique furniture for everyday living, harmonising texture with style for period and contemporary settings.
Browsing the lantiques website, you will find an ever changing range of French antiques and Swedish antique furniture, or simply visit our showroom in Chichester, West Sussex.
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From our latest shipment, this antique coffee table in fruitwood.
Spring is a season that has an undeniable charm, evoking feelings of renewal and new beginnings. As the days grow longer and the weather milder, we begin to awake from those dim, cold days of winter. One of the most beloved symbols of this season and my personal favourite is
Painted furniture is now very much in vogue although the history of painted furniture dates back centuries. Charting the origins of paint adds some insight into the appeal of paint on wood with painted French and Swedish antique furniture leading the way in today’s interior design world. The earliest evidence of
The serpentine commode gets its name from the serpent snake, probably one of the oldest mythological symbols in history. The free, literal translation is creeping thing from the latin word serpens. The gentle curve found on the facade of the serpentine commode is what gives this now sought after piece
Creating that perfect French living space is having the ability to combine elements of French design, French lifestyle and culture with that ever important element of French antiques. The very often large living areas and high ceilings of French properties provide ample scope for creative minds to work magic in design and interiors terms.
Another key element of French interior design is incorporating natural elements, such as wood, stone, and plants. These materials can be combined into your space through furniture, countertops, flooring, or adding a careful selection of plants to any room
French interiors are also widely known for their use with vintage or French antique pieces. Flea markets have long since been known as a rich resource for French antiques. Many of these markets have been trading for decades if not centuries.French interiors often feature large windows, allowing for natural light to fill the room. Where less natural light is available, adding floor lamps, table lamps, or chandeliers will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Embracing imperfection is generally the key to achieving a relaxed interior. Combining styles and periods will help to achieve an uncontrived living space. Attention to the detail will achieve a pleasing result. Lantiques strives to offer French antiques and decorative accessories with timeless appeal. These are usually classic pieces that will continue to age gathering more character and interest as they do.
French antique furniture develops a particular type of patina. This quite possibly has to do with the types of wood generally used. Walnut and fruitwood are two of the main timbers used to craft French antique furniture. The rich colour, warmth and detailed grain structure that these two woods generate have made them the go to woods over the centuries. The depth of colour and richness of patina achieved after two centuries of use and wear is unmistakeable.
French antiques and their world wide appeal bring certain elegance and beauty to any space. Typically French antiques showcase exquisite considered craftsmanship with unique styles seen throughout the various periods of history.French antique furniture features refined design and a precise application of skilled craftsmanship. Each era can be identified by its distinct styles and design. From the opulent designs and creations from Louis XIV’s reign to the more graceful curves of Louis XV.
The differing types and styles of French antique furniture can be tracked, from the robust and opulent designs of Louis XIV to the neoclassical elegance of Louis XVI. Each piece has its own story to tell of a bygone era adding a touch of sophistication and history to your home.Investing in a French antique piece not only enhances your space with beauty and character, but also allows you to own a piece of history that can be treasured for generations to come.
French Flea markets have long since been known as a rich resource for French antiques. Many of these markets have been trading for decades if not centuries.French interiors often feature large windows, allowing for natural light to fill the room. Adding floor lamps, table lamps, or chandeliers will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Period or antique furniture used for various types of storage is very often referred to as case furniture. This generally indicates the furniture has drawers, doors or shelving. A bookcase, sideboard or dresser are perfect example of this type of furniture. Many of these items of furniture can be found in the French house. Used primarily for display, a glazed section often features in storage, case furniture pieces. Known as vitrines, these pieces of case furniture can be quite ornate in design as opposed to the more basic kitchen or dining room dresser.
The scale of many of these items of case furniture can be the main feature its appeal. A perfect example of this being the housekeepers cupboard or French armoire. Fashion and utility have always gone hand-in-hand in the design of case furniture elements. From intricate carved wood ornamentation to bronze embellishments. Case furniture or storage can be both decorative and purposeful. Elevated to a fashionable status, many of these pieces have become a staple for today’s interior designers and families looking to integrate the warmth of a piece of antique furniture with a contemporary deor.
French antiques and their world wide appeal bring a certain elegance and beauty to any space. Typically French antiques showcase exquisite considered craftsmanship with unique styles seen throughout the various periods of history.French antique furniture features refined design and a precise application of skilled craftsmanship. Each era can be identified by its distinct styles and design. From the opulent designs and creations from Louis XIV’s reign to the more graceful curves of Louis XV.
The Empire period emerged during the Napoleonic era drawing inspiration from Roman antiquity. Furniture from this period exudes a sense of power and grandeur, featuring columns and military motifs. Crafted more often than not in mahogany and featuring embellishments in brass and bronze. The imposing presence of an Empire commode, writing desk or cabinet is a testament to Napoleon’s vision of a unified France. The empire period and its designs and influences are also prominent in Swedish furniture from the Gustavian period. This style of French antique furniture blends particularly well with a more contemporary setting making it a go to style for those wanting to mix period with modern designs.
Louis XIV Furniture: Louis XIV was probably the most notorious of all the French monarchs. His exuberant lifestyle and obsessive fondness for excess and grandeur led to him to be known as the sun king. This would relate very much so in today’s vernacular as the bling king. Furniture from this period is not difficult to identify. Tell tale signs include intricately carved features very often gilded and bold opulent coloured fabrics such as velvet and brocade draped to great effect. Louis XIV was surrounded by sycophants reinforcing the kings own feelings of self-importance thereby elevating his already inflated ego.
The Louis XV period has long since been known for its graceful and elegant designs. This period was a refreshing departure from the ornate designs of the Louis XIV period. Furniture from this period features smooth lines, gentle curvaceous motifs. To embellish the furniture, gilt bronze mounts were often used elevating a piece to an even higher level of elegance. Classic pieces of furniture of this period include commodes, sofas, bergere chairs and intricate marquetry cabinets.
During the Louis XV period, the focus was very much on passion, romance, and women. This is very often portrayed in modern films and literature. Louis XV married Marie Leszczyńska in 1725, a Polish princess, who during their marriage went on to bear ten children, six of whom survived into adulthood. As was the norm of French nobility, the King had several mistresses. Possibly the most notable being Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry. Louis extensively redesigned the interiors at the Versailles Palace in to accommodate the ever changing needs of the royal court. This created smaller, more intimate salons to house individuals of the royal court.
Below is a helpful glossary of terms to help with some of the language and jargon often used to describe antique furniture and decorative antiques and the skills, materials and methods of construction associated with these pieces. Needless to say, this list is not exhaustive due to the vast area of knowledge that is constantly evolving in this field.
Alabaster A fine-grained stone that is usually gray or white in color and is slightly translucent. Often used in sculptures and vases.
Antique According to United States Customs an antique is a work of art, piece of furniture, or any decorative object that is at least one hundred years old.
Armoire A tall cabinet that is used as a wardrobe.
Art Deco Popular design style during the 1920’s and 1930’s characterized by simple geometric patterns.
Art Nouveau French word meaning “new art”. A design style of the late 19th century that was inspired by plant and animal forms in nature.
Aubusson A woven tapestry manufactured in Aubusson, France. Aubusson fabrics are of high quality, and are of great value
Baccarat The Baccarat firm was started in 1764. In 1841 Francois-Eugene de Fontenay discovered that the addition of Nickel Oxide in the glass manufacturing process produced perfectly clear glass
Bergere An armchair that is either caned or upholstered from the arm to the seat.
Beurdeley, Alfred (1847-1919) His company was known for producing the finest quality of furniture.
Beurdeley exhibited at the 1878 Paris and 1883 Amsterdam International Exhibitions. He was awarded the gold medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889
Bevel The angle or edge that one surface makes with another when they are cut at a slant.
Biscuit Also referred as bisque, is pottery or porcelain that has been fired once and is unglazed.
Blackamoor Dark-skinned figure dressed in a colorful costume. First created in Venice these figures were carved and used as a support for tables and candleholders (torchieres).
Boulle,
Andre Charles Late 17th/ Early 18th century cabinet maker who introduced the technique of using tortoiseshell and yellow or white metal as a type of marquery in furniture.
Candelabra A branched candlestick, or lamp with several lights.
Cardossi, V. Born in Florence in 1861, Vittorio Caradossi is known for his sculptures in marble. He exhibited in Paris at the 1900 Exposition Universelle and in 1909 at the Salon des Artistes.
Carpeaux, Jean-Baptiste (1827-1875) Considered one of the greatest masters of 19th century French sculpture. He is best known for three masterpieces; La Danse from the Opera of Paris, the decoration on the Flore pavillion at the Louvre, and La Fontaine des quatre parties du monde on the Avenue of the Observatory.
Carrier-Belleusse,
Albert Ernest (1824-1887) His works were made out of terra cotta, plaster, marble and bronze, often adding porcelain and ivory. Known for his quality of work making busts, small groups, statuettes, and portraits of contemporary or historical people
Cartel Clock Also referred to as a hanging wall clock.
Cheval Mirror A full length standing mirror.
Chenets Ornamental pieces placed in front of a fireplace.
Chinoiserie French word that indicates a style of art or decoration reflecting oriental designs or motifs.
Chippendale, Thomas Renowned 18th century English cabinet maker. Gothic, Chinese and French rococo styles influenced his work.
Cloisonné Style and technique used to apply enamel on metal objects.
Commode French term to describe a low chest of draws. Since 19th century a commode is generally considered a bedroom piece.
Console A table that can be attached to a wall having two front legs or may be free standing against the wall.
Coramandel A very hard wood found on the south east coast of India. The French often carved decorative oriental scenes into this wood.
Cressent, Charles (1685-1768) 18th century cabinet maker who is best known for the bronze sculpture decorations he added to his pieces of furniture.
Cressent is also considered “The Cabinet Maker” whose work is most representative of the Regence style.
Dasson, Henry (1825-1896) Important furniture maker using the very finest ormolu mounts with high quality mercurial gilding. Specialized in copies of eighteenth century models, manly in the Louis XVI style. Exhibited Louis XV, XVI pieces of his own modified eighteenth century design at the 1878 Paris Exhibition. Dasson closed down his business in 1894.
Debut, Marcel (1865-1933) Began exhibiting Bronze and Biscuit figures in 1883
Durand Made ‘ebeniste du roi’ in 1839 and exhibited at Industrial Products Exhibitions in 1834,1839, and 1844, as well as the Paris Exhibition of 1855.
Ebeniste French term meaning “cabinet maker”.
Empire Style A style first introduced during the reign of Napoleon in the early 19th century and greatly influenced by Egyptian Art.
Enamel A colored glaze of decorate metal inlayed to a ceramic surface. Enamel fuses with porcelain under a low fire and as it cools becomes hard and permanent .
Erard Considered one of France’s finest piano works company.