Decorating a Bedroom in French Victorian

Research and study 19th century antiques before you buy. Authentic antique French bedroom furnishings from the 19th century command high prices. Outfitting a bedroom with these highly desirable objects requires a substantial budget. Attend Christie's, Sotheby's, Skinner's and other reputable auctions. Consult with an independent antiques specialist before purchasing any fine antique. A circa 1815 mahogany bed sold for $5,000 by Sotheby's in May 2010 looks like a bargain compared with other prices quoted for authentic 19th century furniture. Another example of a "massive 19th century bed" in the Gothic style quotes a $10,000 first bid.

Know 19th century French furniture styles. "Ebenistes"--19th century and Victorian era furniture craftsmen in France--incorporated the styles of prior periods and often mixed genres and centuries in their creations. In this way, French cabinetmakers and furniture craftsmen were like the English Chippendale. Antique bedroom furniture from 19th century France often adopted style elements of other periods and centuries. Like English and American Victorian period furniture, much 19th century bedroom furniture was large and grand. French furniture with provenance is valuable and difficult to find. Provenance establishes prior ownership of the furniture. Most "French antique style" furniture pieces, some imported from France, have no provenance and may or may not have been crafted in the 19th century. "Style" usually means the piece was made after the period.

Purchase design elements of the period you prefer. Many 18th century beds were only slightly larger than our twin-sized beds. With the 19th century, beds became larger. Louis XVI and Directoire beds were usually crafted from solid walnut and beech, or combined with cane, and often painted. Louis XVI bears a resemblance to the third historical division of English Gothic design in the rectilinear style. Ribbons, entwined flowers, pine cones, coins, scrolls, acanthus and fluted columns or legs reflect classical Greece and Rome. Reproduction furniture in these styles finds its way to antique stores, so purchase unprovenanced items with care.

Finding authentic provenanced antiques at a fraction of their value requires expansive knowledge of the subject and lots of money to purchase items often still in France. Purchasing French antique furniture in your preferred style may make you smile. If you like old furniture and the design elements matter more than provenance, plan a trip to France or shop online. European secondhand and consignment stores sell many beautiful 19th century style bedroom furnishings at a fraction of their U.S. cost. For example, a bedroom armoire and end tables in the Louis XV style in France, courtesy of Troc.com, sells for a mere 199 euros (as of 2010), export taxes included.

Designing a 19th century French bedroom is all about details. Add authentic gilded wood frames purchased from Paris street vendors for, as of 2010, less than $10 each. Similarly, gorgeous authentic French antique leather books, often about religious and spiritual subjects, cost little and lend cache to your bedroom.