The popularity of French furniture is steadily growing throughout Europe. Many people pride themselves on their French furniture collections. The joy of collecting these pieces is the flair with which the French design their products from dresses to perfumes. The French people have an amazing way of producing items with style and taste like no other country. While some with deep pockets focus on purchasing the genuine article usually through auctions and estate sales the majority are happy to purchase reproductions for their French furniture collections. To maintain accuracy when purchasing reproductions it is important to know what to look for, as there are many inaccurate representations of French furniture available for sale.

Style
Throughout French history there have been several different styles of furniture. French furniture collections can be composed of one particular style such as Rococo or a combination of several styles. Regardless of style, good reproductions should be sturdy and made of strong materials such as mahogany. In addition they should accurately reflect the period they represent. For example, country French furniture collections contain pieces that were popular in the French countryside farmhouses and manors. Many have scrollwork, carved flowers and foliage. An accurate reproduction will have this lovely detail as well as marks of age known as distressing. The new pieces are actually made to look old with wear.

Purchase
Careful shopping is a necessity when trying to add to a French furniture collection. For those shopping online it is best to search for smaller companies that pride themselves in accurate reproductions. Many of the large furniture companies have to mass-produce their product and this cuts down on the ability to remain authentic to the respective style period.

Display
The beauty of a French furniture collection is its versatility. Many pieces can be used throughout the home including the bedroom, living room, solarium or dining room. These pieces are also interchangeable and can be moved throughout the house. French furniture can also be mixed and matched with other furniture styles from Dutch Colonial to Contemporary.