By Andrew Hallinan

The look of French country furniture is one that is sought after by both decorators and homeowners. French country evokes the beauty as well as simplicity of the rural countryside of Provence, as well as the sturdy reliability of French peasant life. The result is a style of furniture that is effortlessly beautiful and able to stand the test of tome.

The French country hutch is a key tradition in this style. A hutch is most commonly used as a dining room piece. Hutches are excellent for:

Displaying dishes, glassware, etc.

Storage of dining room linens and hollowware

Keeping collectibles safe and free from dust

French country hutches can be wired for lighting to beautify and highlight your collectibles and serving dishes during dinner or cocktail parties.

French country hutches are available in a number of woods and finishes. Look for fine woods, avoiding particle boards or cheap veneers. Typical wood choices for hutches are solid oak, cherry, maple, and hickory, chosen for their sturdiness and warmth. French hutches may be stained, painted, and, in addition, distressed. Distressed looks are typical of French Country furniture. Distressing is accomplished by marring the furniture or causing wear on selected areas. This is done with chains, hammers, or blunt instruments that can bring about the desired effects without actually cutting the wood, which may cause splintering or sharp edges that can lead to unwanted levels of damage. Sanding is also a technique used in furniture distressing. This may take place before or after staining, depending on the finished look you desire. Milk paint or other light paints are one of the features of the French country look. The painted surface can be distressed as well, allowing for the underlying surface to show through.

French country hutches are now seen throughout the home. After the dining room, the living room is probably the next most popular place for a French country hutch. Here, the piece can provide alternative storage in its deep drawers and cabinets for DVDs, games, electronic accessories and other necessities of modern family life. The great thing about using a hutch in the family room is that it adds form as well as functionality. Many people have a need for storage in the family areas of their home, but the typical storage available are based solely on practicality, i.e. plastic DVD towers, etc. These pieces detract from the rooms aesthetic, while French country furniture provides an opportunity to meet your needs without sacrificing style.

Hutches may even be used in unconventional parts of your home such as bedrooms and enclosed porches. Think about storage ideas and creating centerpieces for your rooms. A large, high-ceilinged bedroom is sought after by many, but such a large space can look sterile. Using a large French country hutch in the room is a way to immediately make the surroundings both cozy and warm. Enclosed porches are often used as an extension of the dining area, requiring additional dish, flatware, and glassware storage that is used for outdoor living and can be another excellent space for a hutch. A French country hutch is a versatile, convenient, and timeless investment for your home.

About the Author: Click here to learn more about

French country furniture

. Andrew Hallinan is the owner of

Tampa Search Engine Optimization

company, and is Tampa Bay’s leading Search Marketing Specialist.

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