In New France, furniture styles were inspired by those that were current in France. Their characteristic features - exuberant lines, harmonious proportions and the integration of decorative features with structure - were taken directly from French furniture.
Time and distance did, however, lead to changes that gave French Canadian furniture its own special character. The colony's craftsmen, unrestrained by rules established by trade guilds, could give free rein to their imagination. They adapted the forms of the major styles and created traditional motifs characteristic of New France. .
Most traditional French Canadian furniture made before 1750 reflects Louis XIII style. Straight lines, large surfaces, box fazades with multiple panels, lozenges, diamond motifs and turned wood are all characteristic of furniture from that period. This simple style influenced furniture design until the beginning of the 19th century. .
Louis XIV style was popular in France, especially between 1675 and 1700, but it never really caught on in the colony. Very few items of furniture reflect this style, which is distinguished by its imposing appearance, large size, ornateness, gilding and symmetry. .
Régence, the next style to be introduced, exaggerated natural forms and borrowed several features from previous styles. A few pieces of furniture made in New France between 1725 and 1760 were inspired by this style. .
