French Vintage Homewares
How to buy from Pretty Old Home
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Please feel free to contact us if you'd like more photos of anything on the site. Items can be collected in-person from south-west London or we're happy to quote on postage costs and mail across this city, country, or across the world!
Homewares
Small vintage trinket box - hand-carved and painted Normandy souvenir
Hand-carved vintage French wooden trinket box with a painting on the lid of an old house and “Normandie”. Sticker on the bottom attributing the box to S. Kolesnikoff Bois Deco. Handwritten date on base “9 juin 54”.
Sergei/Stepan Kolesnikoff was a Russian émigré artist active in France during the 1920s and 1930s who founded a workshop specialising in handcrafted, hand-painted, and carved wooden objects and decorative folk-art pieces signed "S. Kolesnikoff".
Small hinged box approx. 13cm long, 9cm wide and 6cm high. Chip to the corner of the painting on the lid but otherwise it’s in lovely vintage condition.
Perfect for lovers of French vintage, and a great house-warming gift for anyone who’s buying a house in Normandy!
Storage tins
Vintage storage tin for "Pastilles au Miel"
Lovely French vintage round storage tin for "Pastilles Au Miel" (honey pastilles) Approx. 9cm wide and 3cm tall. Illustrations of bees and a beehive on a honeycomb background.
In excellent condition with no rust on the exterior. A few small spots of rust on the interior. Lid pops on and off easily.
A lovely collectors item!
Linens and tableware
Vintage cotton tea towel with a 1971 calendar
Lovely vintage French tea towel from 1971, with a calendar and gorgeous retro “Langage des Fleurs” (the language of flowers) design. Features pretty illustrated flowers including poppy, lilac, forget-me-not and iris, with their traditional meanings when given.
Approx. 45cm x 60 cm and made from 100% cotton and machine washable. In beautiful condition with no stains, holes or marks. Bought in central France.
Could be used as a tea towel, displayed as vintage kitchen décor, or framed as a decorative textile. A lovely little piece of French vintage charm!
Linens and tableware
Five small vintage embroidered napkins
Beautiful set of five small vintage French cotton napkins, featuring hand-embroidered details or either a man or a woman. A charming example of traditional French household linen. Perfect for a vintage or country-style table setting, afternoon tea, a French-inspired kitchen, or simply for collectors of antique and vintage textiles.
Set of 5 napkins (could also be used as handkerchiefs). Approx 25cm square. Soft cream cotton fabric
They have the lovely character you would expect from vintage pieces. A gorgeous set with plenty of French vintage charm; ideal for adding an elegant, nostalgic touch to your picnic or dining table.
Linens and tableware
Vintage small tablecloth with PP monogram
Beautiful vintage French linen square; use either as a small tablecloth or large tea towel.
White linen with pink checkerboard stripes and embroidered edging. In great condition with no stains or holes.
Monogram "PP" in charming embroidery in one corner. Approximately 65cm square (2 feet square). Freshly laundered and ironed.
Serving Dishes
Two vintage small ceramic serving bowls
Two small French vintage serving bowls with handles. Each one has an image of a vintage car and a touch of humour in French.
Approx. 10cm across and 15cm long including the handle. Great little serving dishes - could be used for nuts, olives, tapas! Small spout on the side so they could also be used for raclette.
One has an image of a Rolls Royce 1903 and "Un papillon sur le pare-brise n'est pas toujours signe de printemps" (A butterfly on the windscreens isn't always a sign of spring). The other has an image of a 1905 Buick and "Prends-toi le temps.... et pas la vie" (Take your time.... not your life)
Linens and homewares
Old baguette bag - white cotton reusable bag with handles
A lovely old-fashioned French baguette bag with handles, made from white cotton and featuring a charming illustration of a French village. Printed with the phrase “L’artisan, un savoir-faire de qualité” (The artisan, quality craftsmanship), celebrating the quality of independent artisans and a nod to buying your bread from a traditional boulangerie rather than a supermarket!
Approx. 70cm long x 24cm wide. Big enough for several baguettes, or a couple of baguettes with croissants tucked in too!
Lovely as-new condition, with no stains, holes, marks or noticeable signs of use. Perfect for anyone who loves French style, vintage-inspired textiles, boulangeries, bread bags or sustainable shopping.
Ceramics
French salt and pepper shakers and a small mustard pot
Add a touch of rustic French vintage charm to your dining table or picnic setup with this lovely matching set of ceramic condiment pots. The set includes: Sel (salt) shaker, Poivre (pepper) shaker, Moutard (mustard) pot with lid
Beautifully made in warm beige and brown ceramics, each piece has its French name printed on the side. The salt and pepper shakers have a plastic bung in the base for easy refilling.
Each one measures approximately 8cm tall x 7cm across. In lovely as-new condition. They look as though they’ve never been used.
A gorgeous little set for anyone who loves French country style, rustic ceramics or vintage-inspired kitchenware. Perfect for everyday dining, entertaining or adding a charming touch to a picnic rug.
Crockery
Fine Limoges porcelain espresso mugs
Two fine porcelain coffee or espresso mugs from the vintage "Décor Carrosses" (Carriages) collection produced by the Fabrique Royale de Limoges in France, a highly regarded name in French porcelain.
Each one has a detailed illustration of historic horse-drawn carriages with 1770 and 1771 in a banner underneath. Approx. 5cm tall and 5cm wide with a gold stamp on the base "Fabrique Royale Limoges". Just the cups, no saucers.
Beautiful quality thin porcelain in lovely as-new condition with no cracks, stains or chips. A lovely touch of French history for your morning coffee!
Ceramics
Vintage plate with a Perigord truffle hunter and his pig
Vintage collectible French ceramic plate featuring "Le Chercheur de Truffes", a truffle hunter and his pig from the Perigord region of France. Would make a lovely addition to a vintage French kitchen, country-style display, collector of rare ceramics, or lover of the Perigord region and/or truffles!
The reverse is marked Limcolor, a French ceramic and porcelain decorator/distributor known for vintage tableware and decorative pieces like cheese platters and plates. Green shield Limcolor stamp alongside the region it was produced, Gien.
Square plate measures approx. 19cm across and in lovely vintage condition with no chips, marks or cracks.
A particularly charming piece for anyone who loves French porcelain, vintage plates, French food, truffles, or truffle hunting!
Linens and tableware
Six vintage embroidered cotton napkins
Beautiful set of six vintage French cotton napkins, featuring delicate hand-embroidered floral details in soft pink and blue. A charming example of traditional French household linens, with a pretty, romantic feel. Perfect for a vintage or country-style table setting, afternoon tea, a French-inspired kitchen, or simply for collectors of antique and vintage textiles.
Set of six napkins (could also be used as handkerchiefs). Approx. 40cm square. Embroidered floral motif. Crisp white cotton fabric
They have the lovely character you would expect from vintage pieces. A gorgeous set with plenty of French vintage charm; ideal for adding an elegant, nostalgic touch to your picnic or dining table.
Kitchenware and storage
Old round metal storage canister from Fauchon in Paris
A charming vintage round metal canister from Fauchon, the famous French luxury food store in Paris. The tin shows a detailed illustration of the Place de la Madeleine with classic Parisian architecture and the iconic Fauchon storefront. Light blue background and lid with a golden interior.
23cm tall and 9cm across. Interior is in great condition with no rust or marks. Some rust on the bottom exterior edge. Sticker on the bottom shows the contents (long gone!) had a best-before date of 31-08-97.
Perfect for storing tea, coffee, biscuits, or other kitchen essentials, adding French flair to your kitchen counter, or for simply displaying as a collectible tin for lovers of Parisian, French interiors and vintage tins. A lovely piece of vintage French advertising and packaging with plenty of Parisian charm.
Vintage homewares
Antique French iron
Beautiful antique black French cast-iron clothes iron, dating from the late 1800's or early 1900's.
Traditional French household ironwork that would make an excellent display piece for collectors of antique kitchen and domestic wares. Perfect for use as a rustic door-stop or a book-end! Approx. 15cm long and 9cm wide and weighs just under 1kg (around 2 pounds). The iron has a flat base and a crest on the other side. Original cast iron handle.
In lovely condition. A fantastic French antique collectible with plenty of rustic character. Perfect for a vintage French kitchen display, farmhouse interior, antique collection, or prop/styling.
Homewares
Rare building-shaped metal storage tin from Hediard in Paris
Vintage metal storage canister from Hédiard, the famous French luxury food store, founded in Paris in 1854. Decorated on all four sides and the lid to depict the company's iconic building in Place de la Madelaine, showcasing Parisian architecture with roof-top windows, apartment balconies, and red banners.
Hédiard stopped trading in 2020, so these building-shaped tins have become popular collectibles. This specific tin design dates back to the late 20th century and usually contained cookies or tea blends.
Approx. 13cm tall, 12cm across, and 8cm deep. Silver interior and bottom edge are in great condition with no rust or marks. Lid comes off completely and is not hinged.
Perfect for storing tea, coffee, biscuits, or other kitchen essentials, adding French flair to your kitchen counter, or for simply displaying as a collectible tin for lovers of Parisian, French interiors and vintage tins.
Linens and tableware
Five vintage napkins with hand-embroidery and crochet
Beautiful set of five vintage French cotton napkins, featuring delicate hand-embroidered floral details in soft blue, green and yellow, finished with decorative crochet lace edging.
A charming example of traditional French household linens, with a pretty, romantic feel. Perfect for a vintage or country-style table setting, afternoon tea, a French-inspired kitchen, or simply for collectors of antique and vintage textiles.
- Set of 5 napkins (could also be used as handkerchiefs)
- Approx 40cm square
- Embroidered floral motif
- Decorative crochet lace trim
- Soft cream cotton fabric
Linens and tableware
Six Provençal style napkins, 45cm square
Beautiful set of six large vintage French napkins with yellow and blue cotton fabric decorated with cicadas, olive branches and acorns in the traditional style typical of Provence. Perfect for a vintage or country-style table setting, afternoon tea, a French-inspired kitchen, or simply for collectors of Provençal textiles.
Approx 45cm square. Typical Provençal blue and yellow colour scheme in fabric that feels like cotton so it's soft and easy to care for. In lovely condition: no stains marks or holes
A charming addition to a kitchen, dining room, picnic or country-style table, with a lovely French vintage feel.
Crockery
Five side plates showing different French cheeses
A charming set of five old French side plates featuring colourful illustrations of people enjoying France’s famous cheeses. Cheeses depicted are Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Munster and Reblochon.
Rounded square shape - 20cm across. No makers mark on the plates. These charming plates are perfect for collectors, entertaining, or display.
In beautiful as-new condition with no cracks, chips or marks. Price is for all five plates. The perfect gift for Francophiles or cheese lovers!
Linens and Tableware
Large round tablecloth with images of fruit
Beautiful large round tablecloth by Françoise Saget, featuring a lovely vintage-inspired French fruit design. The soft beige fabric is decorated with illustrations of fruit, each labelled in French: pêche, abricot, prune, groseille (peach, apricot, plum and redcurrant).
- Classic French countryside style
- Soft beige with colourful fruit illustrations
- 50% cotton / 50% polyester – soft and easy to care for
- 180cm diameter (approx. 6 feet)
- Lovely condition: no stains, marks or holes
A charming addition to a kitchen, dining room or country-style table, with a lovely French vintage feel. Françoise Saget is known for its traditional French home textiles, making this a particularly pretty piece for anyone who loves French interiors.
Linens and tableware
Framed cross stitch sampler with alphabet and "Claude"
Beautiful French vintage cross-stitch sampler from 1987. Ready to hang and add some instant retro charm to your home!
Personalised at the top with the name "Claude" then with a red alphabet in the centre (the Z isn't quite complete, but this adds to the handmade charm!), with images of a harp, scales, hourglass, an ink quill, and a fruit basket at the bottom along with the date, 1987. Professionally framed in a black wooden frame with gold inner trim and protective glass.
Approx. 21cm x 29cm and in excellent vintage condition with the embroidery is still clean and bright. The frame has slight wear at the corners but is in great condition for its age. Bought in central France.
Perfect for a vintage nursery look, cottagecore home decor, or as a unique personalised gift for a "Claude" in your life!
Musical Instruments
Vintage French horn
This old French horn could have been either used during the hunting season, or it could have been a child's toy. Either way, it's a charming vintage instrument that still works!
Approx. 30cm long, made from metal, probably brass, with a string binding on part of it to form a handle. The horn end is slightly loose, but otherwise it's in great condition for it's age.
A charming piece of French history!
Linens and tableware
Rectangular striped tablecloth with monogram
Beautiful rectangular French vintage white cotton (or cotton blend) tablecloth with stripes and monogram. Can be used on a round, square or rectangular table.
Crisp white vintage tablecloth with red, blue and yellow stripes and an embroidered monogram of the initials LV in the centre. Feels like cotton or a cotton linen blend fabric.
Approx. 140cm wide and 155cm long. Lovely condition: no stains, marks or holes. Classic French countryside style
A charming addition to a kitchen, dining room, picnic or country-style table, with a lovely French vintage feel.
Homewares
Vintage wooden tray with chromo photo image of Lourdes
Vintage wooden tray with a chromo photo image of Lourdes in France on the base, adding a touch of vintage French style to your home décor.
Approx. 15cm wide and 42cm long including handles. Made from wood with a glass cover to the image, this charming old tray could be used to store and serve items or could be hung on the wall for decoration.
Photo image shows the Vue Générale (general view) of Lourdes with the Basilica and the Pic de Jer Funicular.
Probably dating from the 1950's, in excellent condition for its age with no nicks or marks.
Linens and tableware
White cotton tablecloth with French folk dancers on border
Old French tablecloth with a vibrant border of French folk dancers and flowers. Lovely lightweight woven fabric (probably cotton) has a beautifully rustic feel.
Rectangular - approx. 125cm by 145cm - can be used on a square or a round table. Bought in central France.
In beautiful vintage condition with no holes or marks. A timeless retro touch of France for your dining table or for summer picnics
Crockery
Set of six vintage cheese plates showing different French regions and cheeses
A charming set of six vintage French side plates featuring a colourful illustrations of France’s famous regions and their traditional cheeses.
Regions depicted are Normandie, Alsace, Languedoc, Dauphiné, Auvergne and Berry with the images showing the classic housing style for that area, along with some of their famous cheeses. Crafted by famous Bavarian porcelain manufacturer, Winterling, these decorative plates combine continental elegance with culinary heritage, making them perfect for collectors, entertaining, or display.
In beautiful condition with no cracks, chips or marks. Price is for all six plates. The perfect gift for Francophiles or cheese lovers!
Home Decor
Genuine antique French postal calendar cover from 1916 in a wooden frame
A charming piece of French postal history dating from 1916. This is an original antique calendar cover from the French P.T.T. (Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones). These calendars were mass-produced annually and sold directly by French postal carriers.
This is a full 1916 calendar, including the Saint’s days, eclipses and seasons, alongside a beautiful period illustration of a woman sitting on a beach beneath the pine trees, titled “Sous les Pins” (“Under the Pine Trees”).
This is the original calendar cover only, rather than the complete calendar, and has been framed to preserve and display it. It comes in a simple wooden frame with glass and is ready to hang. In absolutely beautiful condition for its age.
Crockery
Set of five vintage side plates - Digoin Sarreguemines
Beautiful set of 5 vintage side plates made by Digoin Sarreguemines, France, dating from around the 1940s–1950s.
Featuring a delicate floral design with a wild white rose (Églantine), pink rose and dark burgundy leaves. The plates have a lovely embossed scale border finished with a delicate gold rim.
Each plate is approx. 18cm across and hallmarked “Digoin Sarreguemines France” on the base.
Lovely vintage condition overall, with signs of age consistent with their history. One plate has a small chip to the rim and another has a chip underneath the rim. These are reflected in the price.
Perfect for a vintage French-inspired table setting, display or collection. Price is for all five plates.
Linens and tableware
Genuine antique French postal calendar cover from 1928 in a wooden frame
A charming piece of French postal history dating from 1928. This is an original antique calendar cover from the French P.T.T. (Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones). These calendars were mass-produced annually and sold directly by French postal carriers.
This is a full 1928 calendar, including the Saint’s days and seasons, alongside a beautiful period illustration of two women waiting for another woman arriving in her car, titled “Ma Nouvelle Auto” (“My New Car”).
This is the original calendar cover only, rather than the complete calendar, and has been framed to preserve and display it. It comes in a simple wooden frame with glass and is ready to hang. In absolutely beautiful condition for its age.
Home Decor
Beautiful vintage hand-stitched blue flower embroidery
A lovely piece of French vintage needlework, featuring large blue flowers and leafy stems, possibly gentian (Gentiane), hand-stitched onto a natural beige cotton or linen background.
The embroidery has been signed in the bottom corner by its maker — the name appears to read “J Febeau”. It’s beautifully presented in a red metal frame with protective glass, so it’s ready to hang and add instant retro charm to your home.
Perfect for a cottage, country, retro or vintage-inspired interior, or as a unique gift for anyone who loves French antiques, embroidery and traditional crafts.
Crockery
Four vintage side plates or dessert plates
Add a touch of French wit to your table with this set of four dessert plates from Sarreguemines, one of France’s most celebrated faience manufacturers.
These white and brown ceramic plates feature detailed illustrations of “Les Vocations” (Jobs) with captions in French, capturing the spirit of 19th century French life.
Approx. 19cm (7.5 inches). In very good antique condition: light wear consistent with age; no cracks chips, or repairs.
A rare collectible set with personality that’s ideal for display or use. Whether you're a collector of Sarreguemines, a Francophile, or someone who appreciates antique ceramics, this set is sure to charm.
Linens and tableware
Rectangular tablecloth with embroidered monogram
Gorgeous vintage French tablecloth in a lovely soft pale peach shade, featuring a beautifully embroidered monogram of the initials BD. Made from a lovely heavy fabric (feels like linen), with delicate white and green striped edging adding to its timeless French country charm.
Rectangular - approx. 160cm x 200cm (63 x 79 inches). Soft pale peach with white and green stripes.
Perfect for a dining table, garden lunch, picnic, or anyone who loves authentic vintage French linens and timeless country style. A lovely piece with plenty of character and charm.
Home decor
Beautiful vintage hand-stitched Bluebird embroidery
Beautiful vintage Royal Paris hand-stitched needlepoint or cross-stitch wall art featuring a vibrant blue and orange songbird, probably a Bluebird, perched among red flowers. Professionally framed in a black wooden frame so it’s ready to hang and add instant retro charm to your home.
Approx. 23cm x 29cm, bought in central France. Expertly embroidered with tight, uniform stitching and in excellent vintage condition. The textile colours remain bright and vivid with no visible staining or sun fading.
Perfect for a cottage, country, retro or vintage-inspired interior, or as a unique gift for anyone who loves French antiques, embroidery and traditional crafts.
Linens and tableware
Seven vintage linen napkins with monogram LL
This beautiful set of seven matching vintage French linen damask napkins features embroidered monograms LL and unique fringed edges. Lovely subtle damask pattern in the fabric weave.
Each napkin is around 35 cm square (including the fringe). In excellent condition with no stains, marks, or holes. Freshly washed and ironed. Bought in central France these would make a stunning addition to your dining table
Metalware
Vintage blue enamel French house number - #137
Vintage blue enamel French house number for number 137. White number on a blue background with two holes for screws
Approx 15cm by 10cm (6 by 4 inches). Slight chip on the number 1 but otherwise in excellent condition.
This is an authentic old French house number bought in central France
Crockery
Rare French porcelain plates from Ceranord St. Amand
Set of six vintage French porcelain plates – bowl plates approx. 23cm across. Simple yet stylish white plates in the Versailles pattern with a gold leaf design and stripe on the rim. Manufactured by Ceranord St. Amand in the north of France, these probably date from the 1930’s or 1940’s as the factory closed in 1952.
In beautiful condition with no cracks or chips. One of the plates has some crazing but the others are in immaculate condition. These plates are a gorgeous, rare collection of early 20th century French porcelain.
Ceramics and Storage
Set of five vintage storage canisters with lids
A classic set of five vintage French ceramic kitchen storage containers with matching lids, probably dating from the 1930's or 1940's. Lovely cream ceramic canisters with art deco lettering and flowers on the front of each one.
This fabulous set of antique rectangular canisters features a beautiful floral design with all five geometric lids still intact. The set has a typically French country kitchen style, very decorative and practical.
The pots are for Sucre, Café, Thé, Epices and Poivre (sugar, coffee, tea, spices and pepper). The pots are unmarked with no makers mark. In overall excellent used condition with signs of wear commensurate with age, including some crazing on the sugar canister. One chip on the foot of the pepper container but otherwise they're free of chips and cracks and are a lovely decorative set.
Ranging in size from the sugar container which is 20cm tall x 13cm wide to the pepper container which is 10cm x 7cm.
These vintage sets with five canisters still together and with their lids intact are becoming increasingly rare and hard to find!