Even back in the 18th and 19th century, a French provincial farm table was considered very versatile. Typically found in a modest French country farmhouse (hence its name), the farm table was custom built and reflected the region in which it was made.  A French farm table can have curvy saber legs, a shaped apron and often a deep drawer in either or both ends of the table – as shown at left in this French Louis XV style mahogany farm table.

Another classic farm table shown at right has straight legs, a plain apron, one small drawer, and a breadboard that extends from one end.  The breadboard shows even more versatility, as you can serve from it or provide additional seating.

Foxglove

Antiques & Galleries

Parlez-vous Français?

Come see our new dealer!

NEW CONTAINER arriving mid June.

Bureau Plat

[byoo r-oh] / (plăt) /

-noun
French

mahogany writing desk/bureau plat

The bureau (French for office) plat (French for flat) first made its introduction into French society at the beginning of the 17^th century as a flat table, or desk, with a series of drawers directly below the surface – hence, the French called it a bureau plat. Considered a modern day writing table, a bureau plat was the perfect place for the aristocracy to ink their correspondence. Some versions of the bureau plat have a division in one of its drawers for the inkwell, the blotter and the sand or powder tray.  During Louis XV’s reign, famous “ébénistes” or cabinetmakers such as Riesener and Josef created elaborate bureau plats with exaggerated cabriole legs, leafage and sea scrolls. By Louis XVI’s reign, a kneehole type was used and had a tier of drawers of each side and a single drawer in the center.

It is also worth mentioning the bureau à gradin, which is a writing table that has additional drawers above the surface.