French Country Style Kitchen Tables and Chairs

Searching for the perfect kitchen table and chairs to bring French country charm into your home? With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow down your style. From rustic farmhouse to chic Parisian, French country decor encompasses a wide range of looks. The key is choosing pieces that will make your kitchen feel like an inviting French country cottage.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect French country kitchen table and chairs. We'll cover popular color schemes, materials, styles, and price points so you can create a cozy French kitchen that suits your personal taste.

The Origins of French Country Style

To understand French country style, it helps to know a bit about where it came from. French country decor draws inspiration from rural life in the French countryside. Picture charming pastoral landscapes with stone farmhouses, lush gardens, and rustic village life. This wholesome aesthetic of weathered woods, floral fabrics, and simple farmhouse furniture is the essence of French country style.

Specifically, French country style has roots in Provence, a region in southeastern France famous for its rolling lavender fields and olive groves. The relaxed charm and sunny colors of Provence translate beautifully into home decor. But French country style also takes cues from Normandy in northern France, with its apple orchards and cozy thatched cottages.

Key Characteristics of French Country Furniture

When it comes to French country kitchen tables and chairs, there are a few distinctive features that capture the style's rustic yet refined appeal:

• Weathered wood finishes: Kitchen tables and chairs often feature distressed paint or worn finishes to emulate well-loved antique furniture.
• Carved details: Elegant curves, carved legs, and ornate aprons bring visual interest.
• Light, neutral colors: Soothing whites, creams, and pale blues keep the look feeling casual and airy.
• Natural materials: Wood, wrought iron, marble, and woven textures like rush seat chairs add organic contrast.

By blending worn and polished elements, French country furniture achieves that coveted balance between rustic farmhouse appeal and chic Parisian sophistication. Keep these signature details in mind when selecting your kitchen table and chairs.

French Country vs. French Provincial Furniture

French country and French provincial styles are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences. French provincial furniture draws specifically from 18th-century French designs once popular with wealthy Parisian aristocracy.

Hallmarks of the French provincial look include:

• Elaborate shapes and ornate carvings
• Dark, formal wood tones like mahogany or cherry
• Presence of gold accents and hardware
• Upholstered chairs and settees

Meanwhile, French country furniture tends to be simpler and lighter. Unfussy shapes, pale wood finishes, and motifs inspired by rural life define the French country look. Both styles share a appreciation for quality craftsmanship and elegant lines. But French country has a more relaxed, casual appeal compared to formal French provincial pieces.

Choosing the Perfect French Country Kitchen Table

One of the most important pieces for pulling your kitchen together is the dining table. Luckily, French country lends itself to a variety of lovely table shapes and sizes to suit your space and style. Here are some popular options:

1. Round Pedestal Table

A classic round pedestal table instantly evokes French country charm. The generous circular shape encourages conversation when gathered for a meal. A pedestal base leaves legroom unobstructed. French country round tables look particularly striking in kitchens with arched doorways or curved walls.

2. Oval Farmhouse Table

The oval farmhouse table is another iconic French country silhouette. Oval tables feel warmer and more inviting than rigid rectangle shapes. An oval table with turned legs and an apron is the perfect spot for casual family meals. For a light and airy look, try a painted white oval table.

3. Rectangular Refectory Table

For those desiring a more formal French country dining space, a rectangular refectory-style table is a sophisticated choice. Extra long, with elegantly tapered legs, these tables take inspiration from monastery dining halls. A refectory table makes a dramatic statement in a generous kitchen.

4. Expandable Table

Short on square footage but still want a spacious table for entertaining? Consider an expandable table that can contract or expand to accommodate your needs. Look for a weathered wood expandable table with built-in extension leaves to seamlessly transition from an intimate table for two to a festive table for twelve.

5. Marble Bistro Table

For a charming French cafe vibe, try a petite marble bistro table with metal base. Bistro tables give you the cosy European brunch feel. Place two chairs and stools around your bistro table for a cozy breakfast nook. Top with a vase of wildflowers or vine tomatoes for an authentic touch.

Complementary Chair Styles

Finding the right chairs to surround your French country table is an exciting next step. Consider chairs that complement the table's shape and bring in some patina through fabric, wood tones, or metal finishing. Here are some chair styles that pair beautifully with French country tables:

Ladderback Chairs

The ladderback chair is a French country staple. Featuring a wooden slab back reminiscent of a ladder, these chairs add striking visual interest. For a timeworn look, paint the chair's frame and lightly distress the finish. Bring in color and texture with a woven or patterned fabric seat cushion.

Rush Seat Chairs

Rush seats have natural woven textures that wonderfully embody the organic spirit of French country decor. The interesting crisscross patterns contrast beautifully against worn wooden chair frames. For the full farmhouse look, hang some rush seat chairs around a reclaimed wood table.

Side and Arm Chairs

Every French country dining room needs a few side chairs and arm chairs for extra seating and visual diversity. Upholstered arm chairs make the space feel more gracious and inviting. For armless side chairs, look for rattan or curved wooden silhouettes to continue the casual, organic vibe.

Benches

Benches maximize seating while retaining the rustic style of French country decor. Look for beautifully carved wooden benches with distressed paint finishes. Place one bench on each side of a farmhouse table. Top with patterned throw pillows for eye-catching contrast against the wood.

More Tips for Designing Your French Country Dining Area

Beyond just the table and chairs, little decorating details can make your French country dining space feel complete. Use these tips to give your kitchen that cozy, vintage feel:

Mix Textures and Patterns

Layer in fabrics like linen, burlap, and lace for depth and contrast. Introduce striking patterns through dishware, seat cushions, and window treatments.

Incorporate Vintage Elements

Distressed wood surfaces, galvanized metal accents, chalkboard menus, and mismatched chairs and dishware embody the charm of French country decor. Don't be afraid to mix old and new.

Fresh Floral Arrangements

Capture the vibrant spirit of Provence with fresh-picked garden flowers and potted herb plants scattered around the kitchen. Sunflowers, lavender, roses, and olive branches make natural French country accents.

Wrought iron chandeliers, exposed Edison bulbs, and antique sconces enhance the vintage style of a French country dining space. Add candles in glass votives or hurricane lamps for a romantic glow.