I love the way that centuries ago the most mundane utilitarian objects were still so very beautiful and pleasing to the eye. Take for instance the subject of this blog post, the antique French barometer. A necessary instrument for keeping track of the weather was at the same time a gorgeous decorator piece. The French mindset was "Hey, if you must look at it on a daily basis, why not make it fabulous"! I tend to agree. Fast forward a couple of centuries and well....there are no words.
It is clear that craftsmen of the 17th -19th century were devoted to making barometers of the time in beautiful and intricate cases. Antique French style barometers in particular are extremely lovely with their elegantly ornamented cases. And they are highly sought after today by antique collectors. In fact, take a look decorating magazines, social media platforms, et cetera, and you will see just how popular decorating with these beautiful barometers has become.
Evangelista Torricelli is credited with inventing the first barometer in 1643. A physician and mathematician, Torricelli had moved to Florence to assist Galileo. While performing various experiments concerning the nature of air and vacuums, he uncovered the basic principal of the barometer and set in motion the use of mercury in the measurement of atmospheric pressure. Soon, his principles were accepted by scientists throughout the continent. Then in 1843, the French scientist Lucien Vidie invented the aneroid barometer, aneroid meaning without liquid.
So, there you have a bit of history of the barometer. Now let's get down to how to decorate with these beautiful antiques. I hope you will enjoy the images and take away an idea or two of how to make an antique French barometer the center of attention in your home.
Highly decorative, this French antique barometer would certainly enliven any wall beautifully. With its ability to foretell weather changes, the barometer became a common tool for mariners and the aristocracy who were the only ones that could afford them as mercury was incredibly expensive. Plus an elaborate case would only add to the price.
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1stdibs.com
The French barometers, like most everything made for royalty and rich aristocrats, were unique and of the highest quality imaginable.
Carolyne Roehm Interior
However, by the early 1800's many homes had a barometer hanging on the wall. They were trendy but most home owners had no idea what to do with them. High tech for the times!!
"Oh, the perfect wall accessory for a study, or library" you might say. And you would be WRONG. The antique French barometer can become a stunning focal point in every living area space you chose to display it!
Try "floating" a French barometer on a mirror. The dining room can be a great place to show off your treasure.
This style antique French barometer (and those in images above) are the aneroid kind. As you can see there is no mercury used.
We may not use them in the way they were intended, but the antique French barometer can absolutely be repurposed into a gorgeous work of art!
The fragile glass tube holding the mercury on this style barometer is usually mounted to pieces of wood. Then the cases around the French barometers are often heavily carved, ornamented, and gilded.
Another popular type of antique barometer, first produced in the late 17th century, is called the stick barometer. Those made in France are usually gilded and can be extraordinary. This is a style that I really admire. I prefer the French to the English stick barometer which featured natural wood cases.
via Pinterest
Because they often incorporate a dial and have a similar shape, the antique French barometer can be mistaken for a clock.
Sometimes they were sold as sets. For more information and images of the French cartel clocks visit my blog at
I recently found this antique French barometer at an estate sale. This one features a bronze case featuring a man holding a flag and a bird and is similar to a clock.
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Owning a French barometer in the early Georgian period was considered a basic necessity. Barometers appeared in the retail shops of clockmakers, instrument makers, and even cabinet makers.
Antique barometers as wall art can be warm and charming in a casually elegant French country interior.
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They are equally at home in a classically elegant Old World interior.
An antique French barometer will instantly add sense of history and elegance to any home.
Paolo Moschino Ltd
These gorgeous French gilt barometers pair extremely well with antique tapestries.
As you can see from this image of a Charles Faudree dining room, adding a French barometer to your wall décor collection will definitely enhance the space.
When reading a barometer, remember the following: falling pressure denotes stormy or rainy weather, rising pressure indicates a return of fair weather and steady pressure means there will most likely be no significant change. Since the late 17th century, barometers were marked with the following (or similar) indications, which remain accurate today: Very Dry, Settled Fair, Fair, Changeable, Rain, Much Rain, or Stormy (or a variation of these).
Use you antique French barometer as part of a charming vignette.
Angel Studio (@angelartlife) on Instagram
Here the antique barometer is used in a classic French bedroom. Why not! These lovely instruments will look stunning as well in today's French, vintage, or old world style bedroom.
via Pinterest
A French barometer is perfection when used with other old world antiques. Be sure to toss in some antique books......the two just seem right for each other!!
Via The French Tangerine
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These elegant barometers have enough presence to stand alone on a wall.
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Brian J McCarthy
An antique French barometer is 3D art that looks marvelous when used with other works of art like paintings.
Whether you purchase one or collect many antique barometers to form a nice display, they will give your space that Old World charm.
I think the gilded French barometers are beautiful when used in a tone on tone interior.
Lauren DeLoach Interiors
Especially a neutral French interior à la Provence.
Although they can be quite expensive, often times you can find these beautifully gilded French barometers at estate sales and auctions.
These beautiful antique barometers are certainly an asset to the Belgium, Swedish, and Nordic French style interiors.
Designer, Kara Childress
Even though you may not actually NEED a barometer, their form and craftsmanship make them a desirable objet d’art for decorating interiors.
What a fabulous antique barometer!!! I love how it is hung on the library shelves.
Carolyne Roehm
For centuries beautifully designed barometers have graced the walls of palaces, chateaus, and manor houses. Today they are still at home in the simplest, casually elegant French country interiors adding a sense of history and sophistication to any home
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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer
In the event that I have not credited the correct source of an image, please contact me at lisafarmerdesigns46@yahoo.com and I will be glad to correct it.
