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!
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
Two vintage cotton tea-towels
Set of two vintage French tea towels made of white cotton with a waffle pattern. Add a touch of French style to your kitchen decor!
In good vintage condition - one is perfect with no stains or holes, the other has a small hole.
Approx. 54cm x 75cm. Classic French linens, bought in central France
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.
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!
Serving Dishes
Two vintage French 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 have also been 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 tableware
Vintage linen with monogram "PP" - small tablecloth or large tea towel
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.
Linens and tableware
Four large vintage white linen napkins
This beautiful set of four white matching vintage French linen napkins features a charming subtle damask pattern in the fabric weave.
Each over-sized cloth napkin is around 50cm square with a lovely heavy weight to the fabric. In excellent vintage condition with no holes. Freshly washed and ironed.
Bought in central France, these would make a stunning addition to your picnic or dining table.
Homewares
Vintage French brass candlestick
Charming vintage French brass candlestick with a classic design and elegant aged patina. Features a practical finger loop handle, lever to raise/lower the candle and wide drip tray, making it both decorative and functional.
Approx. 10cm high and 15cm across (including handle)
Perfect for cottagecore, French country, or antique-inspired interiors this elegant old candlestick adds warmth and old-world charm to any table, mantel, or shelf display.
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.
Linens and tableware
Old French tea towel made by Becquet
Vintage French tea towel made by renowned textile company Becquet with red, green and yellow stripes
The text woven into the stripes reads "BECQUET 59425 ARMENTIERES CEDEX", which corresponds to an old address for the French linens brand Becquet. Established in 1966, Becquet is a highly regarded French creator of quality household linen and Armentières, near Lille, has a reputation as a major textile and linen-weaving hub dating back to the Middle Ages.
Lovely soft fabric feels like linen, or linen blend. Approx 50cm x 60cm. In beautiful condition with no stains, marks or holes. This is charming old French tea-towel that's a bit different from the norm!
Linens and tableware
Vintage French linen tea towel with double red stripe
Beautiful old French linen tea-towel. Quality soft white fabric with a double red stripe along two edges. Bought in central France
Approx. 64cm by 55cm. Handy corner loop for hanging.
In lovely vintage condition. A couple of small holes as you might expect from a vintage item that's been used for years!
Ideal for everyday use or as a thoughtful gift for lovers of French vintage.
Vintage homewares
Antique French iron
Beautiful antique French cast iron clothes iron. This is a wonderful example of traditional French household ironwork and would make an excellent display piece for collectors of antique kitchen and domestic wares. Could be used as a charming door-stop or a book-end!
The iron has an ornate raised emblem with the initials MH, and then N6 near the base to denote it's size as No. 6. Approx. 17cm long and 10cm wide and weighs around 1.3kg (almost 3 pounds).
In lovely condition with no chips, dents or marks. A fantastic French antique collectible with plenty of rustic character. Perfect for a vintage French kitchen display, farmhouse interior, antique collection, or prop/styling.
Linens and tableware
Set of 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
Books
Antique French schoolbooks from the late 1800's
Three antique school textbooks from France covering French History and Literature, published in Paris in the late 19th century:
- Histoire de France published in 1875 - Temps Modernes (Modern Times)
-Histoire de la France published in 1876 - Histoire Moderne 1453 a 1789 - includes beautiful fold-out maps
- Littérature Française published in 1877
All three books show wear and tear to the cardboard covers but all the pages are intact. In great condition for 150 year old books!
Homewares
Vintage wicker basket with attached lid
Beautiful vintage round French wicker basket with a hinged/attached lid, with a wonderfully rustic, timeworn character. Handwoven in natural wicker with a lovely warm honey-brown patina. The circular shape and traditional woven construction make it a charming decorative and practical piece.
Perfect for country French, cottagecore or vintage interiors, you can use it for storage or as a unique decorative basket. It would look lovely in a French farmhouse, shepherd’s hut or garden room and it’s the perfect size for storing keys, wallets, etc. on a console table inside your front door!
Approx 23cm across and 6cm tall. In perfect condition despite its age. Bought in central France.
A gorgeous one-of-a-kind vintage French piece for anyone who loves traditional wicker and rustic interiors.
Musical Instruments
Vintage French horn, possibly a child's toy?
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
Vintage French check or tartan tablecloth
Vintage French tablecloth with a salmon pink, white and grey tartan pattern.
Lovely heavy fabric (feels like linen or linen/cotton blend) has a beautifully rustic feel.
Approx. 1.4 metres square - 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
Homewares
Vintage framed tapestry of a house and landscape
This vintage French framed tapestry depicts a charming house and landscape with trees and mountains, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colours despite it's age.
Approx. 32cm by 24cm, neatly mounted in a wooden frame but without glass. Bought in central France. In perfect condition with no marks or fading; this immaculate piece of needlework looks like it was just finished yesterday!
This medium-sized landscape tapestry is perfect for hanging on the wall and would bring a touch of handmade French charm to any room.
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
Framed French 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!
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!
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
Rare vintage French linen long bistro apron with pockets
Beautiful old French long bistro apron in crisp white linen with two pockets. Lovely scalloped bottom edge on the apron and on the top of the pockets. In immaculate vintage condition with no stains, marks, or holes.
Approx. 85cm wide and 75cm long. Perfect for Francophiles or anyone who wants to add a touch of traditional French cooking to their kitchen!
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.
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
Set of seven tea towels with embroidery and days of the week in French
A charming set of seven soft cotton tea towels, each beautifully embroidered with a little scene of people cooking, cleaning and going about their household chores, along with a different day of the week in French.
All seven days are included, Lundi through to Dimanche, making this a lovely and unusual complete set.
Soft cotton fabric with pretty yellow binding around the edges and handy hanging loop. Approx. 50cm x 30cm each in perfect as-new condition
They could be used as tea towels, kitchen cloths or even pretty napkins. A lovely touch of French charm for any kitchen, and would also make a thoughtful gift.
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 made by Ceranord St. Amand - Versailles pattern
Set of six vintage French porcelain plates – bowl plates approx. 23cm across. Simple yet stylish white plates 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.
