Paris, the city of love, art, and fashion, is also a haven for exquisite furniture. Whether you’re searching for a statement piece for your home or simply seeking inspiration, these Parisian furniture galleries will leave you breathless.
Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Flair: Moissonnier
Imagine a fusion of Marie Antoinette’s elegance and the vibrant hues of Pierre Hermé’s macarons. This is the essence of Moissonnier, a Parisian institution established in 1885. They specialize in crafting timeless 18th-century furniture, but with a modern twist. Expect to be mesmerized by emerald, raspberry, lemon yellow, and mandarin orange dressers, armchairs, and sideboards. Moissonnier breathes new life into classic designs, customizing wing chairs, tables, and buffets with modern patinas and a kaleidoscope of colors.
French Provincial Grandeur: Mis en Demeure
Step into the world of grand French family homes with Mis en Demeure. They are experts in 18th-century French provincial furniture, showcasing elegant club armchairs, stylish dressers, gilt chandeliers, lamps, porcelain, carpets, and antique engravings. They can even help you fill your chateau with custom-made bookcases, desks, tables, and dining room sets fit for a royal gathering.
Design & Lifestyle: Sentou
Sentou, a name synonymous with design and lifestyle in Paris, traces its roots back to the 1940s when Robert Sentou introduced unique design objects like Japanese lamps and the iconic spiral staircases by Roger Tallon. Today, Sentou offers a curated selection of furnishings and designer collections across various categories – lighting, textiles, tableware, and decorative items. With three locations in Paris, we recommend their Marais location for a truly captivating experience.
Royal Gardens: Jardins du Roi Soleil
Inspired by the decorative arts of Chateau de Versailles, Jardins du Roi Soleil (“Gardens of the Sun King”) specializes in garden furniture. They are, in fact, the official supplier to the Palace of Versailles. Picture solid oak benches, hand-made cast-iron vases, trellis lanterns, and planters. Their pièce de résistance is a patented version of the orange tree box planter designed by André Le Notre in 1670, used by Louis XIV to adorn his gardens at Versailles. As expected, everything here is crafted in France.
Mid-Century Masterpieces: Galerie Patrick Seguin
Nestled in the Bastille quartier, Galerie Patrick Seguin is both an art gallery and an exhibition space showcasing the best of mid-century French furniture and objets. Here, you can admire the works of design icons like Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, and Jean Royère. Patrick Seguin, himself a renowned French designer, has curated exhibitions at the Centre Pompidou, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Museum of Modern Art (NYC), and the Venice Biennale.
From Flea Market to High-End Gallery: Alexandre Biaggi
Alexandre Biaggi, born in Corsica, developed a fascination for antiques from his father’s collection. After a law degree and a diploma in auctioneer studies, he honed his skills at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market. In 1996, he established his own shop, specializing in French 19th- and 20th-century furniture. He is also the exclusive dealer of contemporary designers Herve vander Straeten and Nicolas Aubagnac. Today, you can explore his Saint Germain studio, showcasing a stunning collection of high-end lighting, mirrors, tables, chairs, and fine arts.
Modern Glamour: Galerie May
Everything at Galerie May, from tables and chairs to shelves, lamps, and mirrors, pays tribute to the decorative arts of the 20th and 21st centuries. This chic and quirky gallery, owned by artist Maylis Queyrat and interior designer Charles Tassin, offers furnishings with a 1940s-1970s revival glamour. Beyond interior design projects, Galerie May also creates furniture using traditional techniques and materials like lacquer and ceramic, resulting in minimalist pieces with exquisite details and finishes.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship: Gilles Nouailhac (Closed)
While no longer in operation, Gilles Nouailhac was a renowned specialist in traditional furniture. We fondly remember their Louis XV Gondole three-seat sofa, a testament to their exquisite craftsmanship. All of Nouailhac’s luxury pieces, from dining tables and armchairs to ottomans and sofas, were hand-sculpted and upholstered using traditional French methods and the finest fabrics. They also offered castle-worthy 18th-century reproductions, perfect for outfitting your chateau.
Conclusion
From the vibrant hues of Moissonnier to the timeless elegance of Mis en Demeure, these Parisian furniture galleries offer a unique window into the world of design and craftsmanship. Whether you’re seeking a statement piece for your home or simply inspiration, these galleries are sure to leave you breathless. So, plan your trip to Paris and discover your own piece de résistance.
