Let’s talk about desks and Farmhouse French style. What do you put on yours? It occurred to me that I had 4 desks, and so I thought it would be fun to talk about all of them, what makes them Farmhouse French. The first one is a vanity/desk. This was a thrift store find and looked like this when I got it.
It’s a mid-century American piece, but has really lovely detail. It is definitely in a French style but made in the good ole USA. The vintage items, the busts, books and vase, give the desk an authentic feel.
You can see how I did the finish here. VANITY/DESK REDO
Now onto my main desk. This is the real deal, a very old antique desk from France. I grabbed this puppy at a French antique auction. It was not cheap. I was bidding against someone else who really wanted it.
But oh well, I do love it. I mean, look at that hand carving! It’s a bit small, but it works.
The desk chair is covered in a slipcover I made using drop cloth and a vintage grain sack. You can see how I did it HERE.
On my desk I have an assortment of old and new things. The books are vintage, along with the super-cool trophy and candelabra. It doesn’t usually look this neat. Right now there is a stack of stuff on my desk. I would dump it all in the trash, but I think there are a few bills in there.
I really wanted a painted desk, but this one is so lovely, that I won’t be painting it. I love it just the way it is, although a painted desk would have been pretty in here.
The third desk is a bit of an unknown for me. I think it is about 10 years old, but I am guesing. It was painted when I bought it. It is in a French style, and I am unsure where it was made. This is in my closet. the trophy holds some flowers and I have a sweet teacup there for my morning tea. Paired with a Louis XV chair, the look is very French to me.
Now onto my last desk. This last desk is at the farm. It is very, very old. I changed out the hardware because I didn’t like what was on it. I doubt it was original. I kept that hardware just in case, and added something I liked. This desk is not French, but is paired with a French mirror and a French chair. Of course you can mix it up and use a French this or that with something that is not French.
So I think the bottom line is if you want a French desk, it’s great to start with a desk that is actually French, however, it not necessary. You can give a desk a French look by using vintage items on top, candlesticks or a candelabra, pairing it with a French chair or even adding a French mirror above it.
Anita, each one of your French desks and their decor has that touch of elegance, love each one! Oh and your gorgeous desk you grabbed in France, be still my heart! It’s gorgeous!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Nancy
I love all of your desks, Anita…but I have to say that the one in your office is my favorite! the details are simply gorgeous! As always, i am loving our little group! Happy Sunday!…hugs…Debbie
Hi Anita
Love the desks, but particularly the painted ones – and number one the vanity /desk is gorgeous. I’m about to do a chalk paint class so this has given me the inspiration (courage) to paint a few bits of furniture around here!
Jane
Enjoyed this post. Although each desk is very different they are all lovely and of course, well accessorized by you.
These are all so gorgeous! I can’t wait to get some thrift store furniture and use your techniques to make them look amazing!
I like all your desks, but the 4th one is my favorite. I love dark wood with wall color and the white bead board. Very nice! Love, love, love!
Wonderful post, thanks for sharing your desks. My favorite, also is #4, I guess because I am more a farmhouse gal. Interesting, the #4 desk’s top is extended so much past the legs, most tables, and it looks like in its’ former life it was a work table in a kitchen, maybe a dough table. I could be wrong. I have a cabinet fetish, I seem to have a large number of old pie safes; and cabinets. You inspire us all with your articles, thank you.
They’re all beautiful, I love the work you did on the vanity…but my favorite is the pairing in your closet. The juxtaposition of the dark leather and softness of the flowers and desk is perfection….and the shelving in your office is beautiful too!
I love all of your amazing desks and the stories behind each one of them. I have one very similar to your vanity desk and I am trying to get up enough nerve to paint it. Seeing your lovely painted desks give me the inspiration to try! Have a wonderful week!
Love all your desks Anita- but that first one is so cute and perfectly charming with the paint.
Anita,
This was a great post. You did a great job of showing you always don’t need an expensive antique
to get the look. Thanks for sharing. Mary Ann